Virgin cleared for up to 20 daily Channel Tunnel trains, challenging Eurostar monopoly
The UK regulator has granted Virgin permission to run up to 20 return services through the Channel Tunnel from October 2030, marking a step toward competition with Eurostar.
The Office of Rail and Road has authorised Virgin to operate as many as 20 daily return trains through the Channel Tunnel, with the track-access agreement running from 1 October 2030 until 31 December 2040. This decision, described as a “significant step forward” for competition, covers only the UK side of the route—from London St Pancras to Dover—leaving Virgin to secure its own rolling stock, obtain safety approvals from UK and EU regulators, and negotiate access to mainland European rail networks.
Virgin intends to acquire a fleet of 12 high-speed units from Alstom and has already secured shared use of the Temple Mills depot in east London, the sole UK facility capable of handling continental-type trains. The regulator’s deputy director of access and international, Martin Jones, said the move supports growth and competition in international rail services. Competitors such as Italy’s FS Italiane Group, via Trenitalia France, are also pursuing tunnel slots, while Eurostar highlighted the broader industry ambition to increase passenger numbers.
Why it matters
New competition could lower fares and expand travel options between the UK and mainland Europe.
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