Virgin Trains to launch services through the Channel Tunnel in 2030

Posted on November 2, 2025

In a landmark decision, the UK’s Virgin Group has been given approval to enter the competitive world of Channel Tunnel rail services. Virgin, led by Sir Richard Branson, will revive its Virgin Trains brand. The move is set to bring significant changes to rail travel between the UK and mainland Europe, and is scheduled to launch in 2030.

New horizons for rail travelers

Virgin’s entry into the Channel Tunnel will enhance travel options for passengers traveling between the UK and Europe. The addition of Virgin Trains promises to eventually offer 20 daily return services from London to major European cities such as Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam. Thanks to Virgin’s outstanding service and attention to passenger experience, tourists and business travelers alike can expect a more dynamic and competitive travel environment across the Channel.

Plans include 13 daily flights to Paris, four to Brussels, and three to Amsterdam, creating thousands of additional seats. Virgin’s vision includes not only better service, but also expanding travel opportunities across Europe in the coming years. For travelers eager to explore Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, the new service promises more frequent departures and more options for business and leisure travel.

Promoting tourism by expanding roads

The introduction of Virgin Trains will significantly impact tourism, especially in areas such as Paris and Brussels, which already attract millions of tourists every year. With new trains and expanded services, Virgin aims to meet growing tourist demand. The Channel Tunnel’s untapped capacity will be put to better use, providing more options for travelers visiting popular European destinations.

Virgin’s ability to capitalize on the potential of the Channel Tunnel will also draw attention to stations such as Ebbsfleet and Ashford, which have seen a decline in traffic since the pandemic. Virgin has pledged to reintroduce these stations, boosting domestic tourism and providing more regional connectivity for tourists looking for easy access to London and the rest of Europe.

Competitive market for travel via the Channel Tunnel

Competition in the Channel Tunnel rail market is long overdue. For nearly three decades, Eurostar has had exclusive control of the only high-speed rail link between the UK and mainland Europe. The arrival of Virgin Trains will bring much-needed competition to the market, ensuring passengers have more choice in how they travel across the Channel.

Meanwhile, Eurostar plans to increase its capacity by introducing new double-decker trains from 2031, sharpening competition. The presence of multiple operators is likely to result in better services, more flexible schedules, and possibly lower prices, benefiting tourists and passengers who rely on the route for their journeys.

Long-term plans for European expansion

Virgin’s ambitions don’t stop at the Channel Tunnel. The company has already outlined plans to expand its services across Europe, and will likely open new routes to other cities. This will enhance the European travel experience for tourists, providing more seamless connections between key hubs in the UK, France, Belgium and beyond.

With the Channel Tunnel able to accommodate more trains, Virgin’s entry is just the beginning of a wider shift in how passengers experience cross-border rail services in Europe. As other competitors may follow in Virgin’s footsteps, passengers will see more travel options, including faster connections and a higher level of service, creating a more robust rail network.

conclusion

With a focus on expanding passenger services and creating employment opportunities, the move promises to boost tourism and provide greater travel convenience for tourists. As competition in the Channel Tunnel rail market increases, travelers will enjoy the benefits of improved services, more routes and an overall boost to European tourism.

Image source: Amnesty International