Virgin Trains approved for London to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam services
UKPulse Local Desk
The Office of Rail and Road has approved a track access agreement allowing Virgin Trains to operate up to 20 daily return services between London and Paris, Brussels, or Amsterdam.
- The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) approved a track access agreement for Virgin Trains on 13 August 2026.
- Virgin Trains is permitted to run up to 20 new daily return services between London and Paris, Brussels, or Amsterdam.
- Access to cross-border rail services is granted between 1 October 2030 and 31 December 2040.
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) announced on 13 August 2026, the approval of a new framework track access agreement between HS1 Limited and VTE OPCO Limited (Virgin Trains). This agreement permits Virgin Trains to operate up to 20 new daily return services.
These services will run between London and Paris, Brussels, or Amsterdam. The approval grants access to cross-border rail services for a period from 1 October 2030 to 31 December 2040.
Martin Jones, deputy director, access and international at the ORR, stated that this is an important next step for competition and growth in international rail services. He added that the ORR is supporting Virgin and the wider industry to grow international services.
Virgin Trains still needs to procure rolling stock, secure access to other rail networks, and obtain safety approvals from the ORR and relevant EU authorities.
Why this matters: This decision is an important next step in bringing competition and growth to the market for international rail services.
What this means for you: Passengers will not be able to consider an alternative to Eurostar for many years, as services are planned to begin from 1 October 2030.