Virgin Trains approved to launch Channel Tunnel rival to Eurostar

Virgin Trains has been granted regulatory approval to launch international passenger services through the Channel Tunnel, setting the stage for direct competition with long-standing operator Eurostar from 2030. The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) announced on August 17, 2026, that it has authorized Virgin to operate up to 20 daily return services between London St Pancras and Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. The access agreement is scheduled to begin on October 1, 2030, and run until the end of 2040.

The decision marks a significant milestone in Virgin Trains' effort to break Eurostar's monopoly on passenger rail services through the tunnel, which has operated since it opened in 1994. However, the approval is not a final green light. Virgin must still secure access to rail networks in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, and obtain necessary safety certifications from the UK's ORR and relevant European Union authorities. The company also needs to procure a fleet of trains for the new routes. Officials noted that this work must be completed before the planned 2030 launch.

"This is an important next step in bringing competition and growth to the market for international rail...