Virgin Trains has been granted approval to operate cross-border rail services between London and European cities. The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) announced the approval of a new framework track access agreement on 13 August 2026.
This agreement permits Virgin Trains to run up to 20 new daily return services connecting London with Paris, Brussels, or Amsterdam. These services are scheduled to commence on 1 October 2030 and continue until 31 December 2040.
Computer-generated images of the proposed trains have been released, with plans for pre-departure and onboard social spaces inspired by Virgin Atlantic’s Clubhouses. The food and drink offering is expected to draw inspiration from Virgin Voyages, and the overall design will reflect Virgin Hotels.
Virgin Group CEO Josh Bayliss stated that the company aims to provide a distinctive new choice in cross-Channel travel and expects to add capacity for millions more international rail journeys each year.