Virgin moves closer to launching Eurostar rival in 2030

Virgin Trains has been granted regulatory approval for track access to operate cross-Channel rail services beginning in 2030. The British rail regulator’s decision authorizes the company to run up to 20 daily return services between London and continental Europe.

This development marks a significant step toward establishing a direct competitor to Eurostar, which currently holds a monopoly on high-speed rail travel through the Channel Tunnel. The move introduces the prospect of increased competition and service frequency on the international route.