Virgin unveils plans for high-speed cross-Channel rail service starting 2030, with 12 Alstom Avelia Stream trains to be leased for daily routes between London, Paris, and Amsterdam.
Virgin outlines future rail service plans
Virgin has revealed the initial features of its future cross-Channel rail service, set to begin in 2030. The company aims to provide faster and more frequent travel between the UK and continental Europe.Train sets ordered from Alstom
Virgin signed an agreement in early October 2026 with Alstom, a French manufacturer, for the supply of 12 Avelia Stream train sets. These trains can reach speeds of 300 km/h and will be maintained by Alstom for 30 years.Financing through Equitix
The financing company Equitix will purchase the Avelia Stream trains from Alstom, though the order has not yet been placed. Equitix will then lease the trains to Virgin for its service.Increased service frequency
Virgin plans to operate 20 daily round trips on the London–Paris and London–Brussels–Amsterdam routes. This would add approximately 7.5 million additional seats per year on cross-Channel routes.Design and maintenance agreements
The Avelia Stream trains, painted in black and red, will include design features inspired by Virgin’s airline, hotel, and maritime operations. Virgin has also signed a maintenance agreement with Eurostar at the London depot of Temple Mills.Track guarantees for UK routes
Virgin has guaranteed the use of UK tracks for its service at least until 2040, ensuring long-term planning and infrastructure support for the new rail routes.
