Millions of passengers could soon benefit from faster, greener, and more convenient travel across Europe, as the Transport Secretary has signed a significant agreement to progress a new direct rail connection to Switzerland.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today (Friday, 9th May 2025) between the Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, and Swiss Federal Councillor, Albert Rösti. This agreement will lay the groundwork for future commercial services that have the potential to boost tourism to the UK, support jobs and businesses, and strengthen cross-border trade.
The landmark agreement, signed at London St Pancras Station, underscores the government’s ambition to enhance sustainable transport links across Europe and unlock the considerable economic, social, and environmental advantages that a direct rail connection would bring.
This move will formalise cooperation between the two governments, building upon existing industry efforts to overcome the obstacles in establishing direct rail services. Key areas of focus will include establishing necessary border controls and meeting Channel Tunnel safety regulations.
Furthermore, the agreement will support the industry’s ongoing plans to realise long-term ambitions for improved rail connectivity between the UK and central Europe.
Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: “This is an exciting and important milestone in our efforts to strengthen international rail connections and promote greener travel to Europe.
“A direct rail link between the UK and Switzerland has the potential to boost tourism, grow our economy and bring people closer together – all while offering a greener option for passengers.
“This is what our Plan for Change is about – breaking down international barriers and making bold, long-term decisions to better connect Britain and boost our economy.”
Federal Councillor, Albert Rösti, commented: “A direct rail connection between Switzerland and the United Kingdom is an ambitious goal.
“With today’s memorandum of understanding, we are establishing the basis to jointly examine concrete next steps. Such a connection would send a strong signal for international public transport.”
Following the signing, a joint working group will be established, bringing together government and industry experts from both the UK and Switzerland. This group will be tasked with examining the most effective ways to overcome the commercial and technical barriers to launching a direct service.
Key areas of focus for the working group will include establishing Channel Tunnel safety requirements, implementing new security arrangements, and facilitating discussions with potential train operators.
The new working group is scheduled to hold its inaugural meeting in the coming months to begin developing a clear action plan that addresses operational, regulatory, policy, and commercial requirements.
Robert Sinclair, CEO of London St. Pancras Highspeed, said: “We strongly welcome the UK and Swiss governments’ active cooperation to create a sustainable international rail border arrangement between the two countries.
“This exciting announcement brings us one step closer to direct high-speed services between London and Switzerland, building on the preliminary work already undertaken to ensure that station access and routes are in place to make this a reality.
“London St. Pancras Highspeed is enabling the growth of international high-speed rail services from London. As well as our ongoing work to expand capacity at St. Pancras International, we recently launched a new International Growth Incentive Scheme, which supports the launch of new destinations across Europe, including cities in Switzerland. We look forward to continuing our discussions with the Swiss National Railway, SBB, to help realise this fantastic opportunity.”
Gwendoline Cazenave, CEO of Eurostar, added: “We welcome steps to strengthen sustainable travel between the UK and Switzerland. Eurostar customers can now book their entire journey between London and Geneva, Zurich, Basel or Lausanne via Paris. This is a first step in a wider plan with our partners to grow connections in the greenest way.”
