For the first time, a new direct train leaves London for this European country

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It’s been over twenty years since the Eurostar revolutionized travel between London and mainland Europe.

While France, Belgium and the Netherlands have had direct connections for years, a fourth country is finally being added to the mix.

Travelers will soon be able to board a train in Britain and travel all the way there Germany without ever changing seats.

Both Eurostar and Deutsche Bahn (DB), Germany’s national railway company, have committed to establishing a direct, high-speed service between the two countries.

While Berlin and Munich are still a bit too far for a direct connection, two other major German cities have been shortlisted as the new destinations.

The new route: London to Cologne and Frankfurt

This month, Eurostar and DB signed a Memorandum of Understanding to introduce direct long-distance passenger services between the UK and selected German cities.

In concrete terms, the new route will serve Cologne And Frankfurt.

The new high-speed connection will change the game for train passengers:

• London to Cologne: About. 4 hours
• London to Frankfurt: Just over 5 hours
• Transfers: None (direct service)

Currently, passengers boarding in London must take the Eurostar to Paris, Brussels or Amsterdam. Once there, they must navigate a station transfer and transfer to an SNCF or Deutsche Bahn train to reach Germany.

This direct service eliminates that hassle completely.

It promises to make travel more affordable by eliminating the need for multiple bookings and complex layovers. Traveling from London to Cologne will soon be as easy as jumping over the border into France.

The new ‘Celestia’ fleet

The routes are expected to use Eurostar’s upcoming routes ‘Celestia’ fleet.

This double-decker, high-speed beauty is a huge upgrade for the railway. It features 20% more passenger capacity and until 50% energy savingsmaking it one of the greenest ways to travel through Europe.

When does the service start?

While excitement is high, this is a long-term infrastructure project. Unless the timeline is accelerated, the trains are expected to hit the tracks in May 2031.

However, interest in rail expansion from London is at an all-time high.

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) recently gave the green light to Virgin Trains’ access to the Temple Mills International depot, marking a new wave of international services across the English Channel.

Eurostar CEO Gwendoline Cazenave said the company is “excited” to be working with DB. The connection between London and Germany is expected to boost Eurostar’s growth towards their service target 30 million passengers.

Even British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has spoken out, suggesting this will put Britain “at the heart of a better connected Europe” while boosting tourism and trade.

The destinations: why visit?

Once the line is launched, you will have direct access to two of Germany’s most dynamic cities.

Cologne

Cologne, one of the largest cities in West Germany, is a sprawling metropolis on the Rhine. It is best known for its reconstructed Altstadt (old town), dotted with colorful medieval-style buildings and cobbled streets.

The main attraction of the city is the rising Stupid. This dark brick Gothic cathedral survived hundreds of Allied bombs during World War II. The two spiers are visible from anywhere in the city and visitors can climb the South Tower for fantastic panoramic views.

Frankfurt am Main

Often dismissed as merely a business centre, Frankfurt is an equally exciting destination.

It may not have the half-timbered aesthetic of rural Germany, but it is undoubtedly the country’s most vibrant metropolis. It features a skyscraper-lined waterfront and innovative neighborhoods buzzing with energy.

Not to be missed:

• Romerberg: The Old Town Square flanked by restored medieval mansions.
• The Cathedral: Famous for its Gothic spire.
• Mainufer: A beautiful riverside promenade surrounded by cafes and green spaces.

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior head writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60 countries to his name (and is currently weaving stories from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.