• Home
  • News
  • World
  • Politics
  • Money
  • Lifestyle
  • Entertainment
  • Health
  • Sports
  • Travel
  • More
    • Tech
    • Web Stories
    • Spotlight
    • Press Release
What's On

Brit Cameron Bradford charged with drug trafficking in Germany after ‘cannabis smuggle’

24 July 2025

Child ‘tests positive for STD’ after nursery worker ‘carried out sex attacks’

24 July 2025

Keir Starmer told national strategy needed to tackle pensioner poverty

24 July 2025

People could be due up to £441 a month from DWP for hearing conditions

24 July 2025

Millie Bright makes Lionesses ‘legacy’ claim after England reach Euros final

24 July 2025

Spanish hotspot in chaos as popular beaches risk ‘vanishing for good’

24 July 2025

Ozzy Osbourne fans cash in on star’s death by selling ‘free gift’ from last gig

24 July 2025
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Trending
  • Brit Cameron Bradford charged with drug trafficking in Germany after ‘cannabis smuggle’
  • Child ‘tests positive for STD’ after nursery worker ‘carried out sex attacks’
  • Keir Starmer told national strategy needed to tackle pensioner poverty
  • People could be due up to £441 a month from DWP for hearing conditions
  • Millie Bright makes Lionesses ‘legacy’ claim after England reach Euros final
  • Spanish hotspot in chaos as popular beaches risk ‘vanishing for good’
  • Ozzy Osbourne fans cash in on star’s death by selling ‘free gift’ from last gig
  • Chef names one ingredient that must be added to steak before cooking and it’s not salt
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube
England TimesEngland Times
Demo
  • Home
  • News
  • World
  • Politics
  • Money
  • Lifestyle
  • Entertainment
  • Health
  • Sports
  • Travel
  • More
    • Tech
    • Web Stories
    • Spotlight
    • Press Release
England TimesEngland Times
Home » UK’s huge plan to launch direct trains from Britain to EU hotspot 681 miles away
Travel

UK’s huge plan to launch direct trains from Britain to EU hotspot 681 miles away

By staff23 July 2025No Comments4 Mins Read

A ‘landmark’ partnership between the UK and Germany will ‘explore a direct rail link’ between London and a stunning EU city dripping in history and culture – but it won’t happen any time soon

Aerial view of Berlin skyline with famous TV tower and Spree river in beautiful evening light at sunset, Germany.
The UK has revealed a joint taskforce with Germany to improve connectivity between the two countries(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Millions of passengers could benefit from new trains connecting Brits to yet another European hotspot – but there’s a catch. In what has been described as a ‘landmark’ partnership, the UK and Germany have unveiled a joint taskforce to ‘explore a direct rail link’ between the two countries.

The move, announced as part of the bilateral treaty to be signed by Keir Starmer and Friedrich Merz, will see the nations break down logistical barriers stagnating European connectivity and establish the necessary border and security controls for direct long-distance rail passenger services.

READ MORE: Beautiful 31-mile train journey past both mountains and beaches named UK’s best

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer, left, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz hold a press conference during a visit to the Airbus factory in Stevenage, England, Thursday July 17, 2025. (Stefan Rousseau/Pool via AP)
The ‘landmark’ partnership will see direct trains connect London to Berlin(Image: AP)

It aims to provide an effective route linking London to Berlin, the capital and largest city of Germany renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture and vibrant nightlife. Here, you’ll find the Holocaust memorial, the Berlin Wall’s graffitied remains, and the 18th-century Brandenburg Gate.

However, it appears the new route won’t be launching any time soon, and could take as long as 10 years to get up and running. While the exact demand for a direct train from London to Berlin isn’t clear, the route will provide a greener way of travelling than flying.

Currently, travelling from London to Berlin via train takes around 10-11 hours, and includes stopovers in both Brussels and Cologne. “We’re pioneering a new era of European rail connectivity and are determined to put Britain at the heart of a better-connected continent,” said Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander.

“This landmark agreement – part of a new treaty the Prime Minister signed with Chancellor Merz – has the potential to fundamentally change how millions of people travel between our two countries, offering a faster, more convenient and significantly greener alternative to flying.”

young woman taking selfie, Berlin, Brandenburg Gate
Getting from London to Berlin will soon be a breeze(Image: Getty Images)

The politician went on to explain how a new taskforce will help bring the two nations ‘closer together’ as well as create new opportunities for tourism, business and cultural exchange. She described the economic potential as ‘enormous’, adding: “A direct rail link would support the creation of jobs and strengthen the vital trade links that underpin our economic relationship with Germany.

“British businesses will have better access to European markets, whilst German companies will find it easier to invest and operate in the UK. This is central to our Plan for Change – breaking down barriers, thinking boldly about the future, and making long-term decisions that better connect Britain to the world. Working with Germany, we’re building bridges between our people and paving the way for a more sustainable, connected future.”

The Channel Tunnel - Coder to Calais, the new super train, The Eurostar.
Eurostar is also increasing its routes across Europe(Image: Mirrorpix)

The news comes hot off the heels of Eurostar’s announcement that it will soon whizz Brits over from London to Frankfurt, home to one of the largest financial hubs in Europe, as well as launching direct routes from London to Geneva in Switzerland. As previously reported, the railway firm is ramping up its offerings as part of a major €2 billion (approximately £1.7bn) investment- following its impressive 2024 earnings.

“Despite the challenging economic climate, Eurostar is growing and has bold ambitions for the future,” Eurostar’s CEO Gwendoline Cazenave said. “Our new fleet will make new destinations for customers a reality – notably direct trains between London and Germany, and between London and Switzerland for the first time. A new golden age of international sustainable travel is here.”

Do you have a story to share? Email us at [email protected] for a chance to be featured.

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Tumblr Email

Related News

Spanish hotspot in chaos as popular beaches risk ‘vanishing for good’

24 July 2025

UK’s most overcrowded tourist attraction is so packed it’s ‘hard to move’

24 July 2025

Beach evacuated in popular holiday hotspot after mystery fish ‘attacks tourist’

24 July 2025

European island boasting over 2,700 hours of sunshine a year is just 4 hours from UK

23 July 2025

Abandoned McDonald’s left to rot since the 1980s has nostalgic decor and even chocolate machine

23 July 2025

Pilot’s wife follows one ‘rule’ whenever she travels to make airports ‘easier’

23 July 2025
Latest News

Child ‘tests positive for STD’ after nursery worker ‘carried out sex attacks’

24 July 2025

Keir Starmer told national strategy needed to tackle pensioner poverty

24 July 2025

People could be due up to £441 a month from DWP for hearing conditions

24 July 2025

Millie Bright makes Lionesses ‘legacy’ claim after England reach Euros final

24 July 2025
Stay In Touch
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Vimeo
Don't Miss
Travel

Spanish hotspot in chaos as popular beaches risk ‘vanishing for good’

By staff24 July 20250

One of Spain’s most popular cities – which attracted a record-breaking 11.7 million tourists last…

Ozzy Osbourne fans cash in on star’s death by selling ‘free gift’ from last gig

24 July 2025

Chef names one ingredient that must be added to steak before cooking and it’s not salt

24 July 2025

Mum’s desperate plea as son, 7, diagnosed with rare muscle-wasting disease

24 July 2025
England Times
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of use
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
© 2025 England Times. All Rights Reserved.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Go to mobile version