Virgin has released the first image of its planned high-speed train for Channel Tunnel services, announcing intentions to operate 20 daily return journeys between London, Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam from 2030. The company expects to add nearly 7.5 million seats annually on the route and create up to 1,000 jobs, entering a market currently served only by Eurostar.
The agreement with Alstom, the French rail group, will see Virgin take delivery of 12 Avelia Stream trainsets capable of speeds up to 300km/h. These trains will have interiors customized for the cross-Channel route, though Virgin hasn’t yet revealed specific details. Alstom will maintain the fleet under a 30-year contract. The trains will carry a black and red livery, as shown in the first computer-generated images released by the company.
Virgin has secured the use of the Temple Mills International depot in east London for train maintenance, following an agreement with Eurostar. The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) approved Virgin’s depot access application on 30 October 2025, rejecting rival bids from Evolyn, Gemini, and Trenitalia. Virgin is, according to the company, the only new operator with confirmed track access in the UK through at least 2040.
The ORR’s decision on 13 August 2026 pre-approved a framework for up to 20 new daily return services between London and three European capitals, with rights running from 1 October 2030 to 31 December 2040. Before services can begin, Virgin still needs to acquire trains, arrange access to additional rail networks, and receive safety certification from regulators in the UK and EU.
Virgin says the service will draw on the broader Virgin travel portfolio. Pre-departure and onboard social spaces will take cues from Virgin Atlantic’s Clubhouses, aiming for flexible spaces to work, relax, or socialize. Food and drink will be influenced by Virgin Voyages, while seating and comfort will reflect Virgin Hotels’ approach. Accessibility is to be incorporated from the outset, and the group’s loyalty scheme, Virgin Red, will allow passengers to earn and spend points on rail journeys, flights, hotels, cruises, and experiences.
Josh Bayliss, chief executive of Virgin Group, said, “We’re confident that more journeys between the UK and Europe will be made by train. We’re adding capacity for millions more international rail journeys each year, growing the market as a whole.” Andrew DeLeone, Europe region president at Alstom, said, “Across Europe, passengers are increasingly looking for more seamless cross-border high-speed rail connections, and this project will help deliver exactly that.”
Virgin is also exploring closer links between its rail and airline networks, with plans to streamline onward travel for those landing in London on Virgin Atlantic flights and for travelers from France to access the airline’s global network. Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin, said, “It’s time to end this 30-year monopoly and bring some Virgin magic to the cross-Channel route.”
No fares, timetables, or classes of travel have been announced. Virgin states that further details on the timetable, trains, and customer experience will be released in the coming months. The magazine has also looked at luxury trains around the world.
Sources
- Business Matters: Virgin shows first cross-Channel train and plans 20 daily services, October 9, 2026
- Condé Nast Traveller: First look at Virgin’s new Eurostar rival: what we know so far, August 17, 2026
