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It has been over 20 years since the Eurostar revolutionized travel between London and mainland Europe.
While France, Belgium, and the Netherlands have enjoyed direct connections for years, a fourth country is finally being added to the mix.
Soon enough, travelers will be able to board trains in Great Britain and go all the way to Germany without ever changing seats.
Both Eurostar and Deutsche Bahn (DB), Germany’s national railway operator, have committed to establishing a direct, high-speed service between the two nations.
While Berlin and Munich are still a bit too far for a direct link, two other major German cities have been shortlisted as the new destinations.
The New Route: London to Cologne and Frankfurt
This month, Eurostar and DB signed a Memorandum of Understanding to introduce direct, long-distance passenger services between the United Kingdom and select German cities.
Specifically, the new route will service Cologne and Frankfurt.
The new high-speed connection will change the game for rail travelers:
- London to Cologne: Approx. 4 hours
- London to Frankfurt: Just over 5 hours
- Transfers: None (Direct Service)
Currently, passengers boarding in London must take the Eurostar to Paris, Brussels, or Amsterdam. Once there, they have to navigate a station transfer and switch to an SNCF or Deutsche Bahn train to reach Germany.
This direct service eliminates that hassle entirely.
It promises to make travel more affordable by removing the need for multiple bookings and complex layovers. Traveling from London to Cologne will soon be as easy as hopping over the border to France.
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London to Frankfurt: Just over 5 hours.
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The New ‘Celestia’ Fleet
The routes are expected to utilize Eurostar’s upcoming ‘Celestia’ fleet.
This double-decker, high-speed beauty is a massive upgrade for the rail line. It boasts 20% more passenger capacity and up to 50% in energy savings, making it one of the greenest ways to travel across Europe.
When Will Service Start?
While the excitement is high, this is a long-term infrastructure project. Unless the timeline is accelerated, the trains are expected to hit the tracks by May 2031.
However, appetite for rail expansion out of London is at an all-time high.
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) recently greenlit Virgin Trains’ access to the Temple Mills International depot, signaling a new wave of international services across the English Channel.
Eurostar CEO Gwendoline Cazenave stated that the company is “thrilled” to work with DB. The London-Germany link is expected to power Eurostar’s growth toward their goal of servicing 30 million passengers.
Even UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has weighed in, suggesting this will put Britain “at the heart of a better-connected Europe” while boosting tourism and trade.
The Destinations: Why Visit?
Once the line launches, you’ll have direct access to two of Germany’s most dynamic cities.
Cologne
One of the largest cities in Western Germany, Cologne is a sprawling metropolis set along the Rhine River. It is best known for its reconstructed Altstadt (Old Town), dotted with colorful medieval-style buildings and cobbled lanes.
The city’s main attraction is the soaring Dom. This dark-brick Gothic cathedral survived hundreds of Allied bombs during World War II. Its twin spires are visible from everywhere in town, and visitors can climb the South Tower for incredible panoramic views.
Frankfurt am Main
Often dismissed as merely a business hub, Frankfurt is an equally exciting destination.
It may not have the half-timbered aesthetic of rural Germany, but it is undoubtedly the country’s most vibrant metropolis. It features a skyscraper-lined waterfront and innovative districts buzzing with energy.
Not to be missed:
- Römerberg: The Old Town Square flanked by restored medieval townhouses.
- The Cathedral: Famous for its Gothic spire.
- Mainufer: A stunning riverside promenade backed by cafés and green spaces.
Vinicius Costa
Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.
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