SBB SNCF Eurostar Signs Switzerland London Rail Link Study

ZURICH – Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), SNCF Voyageurs, and Eurostar have signed a memorandum of understanding to study the feasibility of a direct passenger rail service connecting Switzerland and London. The agreement, which follows a UK-Swiss intergovernmental MoU signed on May 8, 2025, targets potential journey times of approximately 5 hours from Basel and 6 hours from Zurich. A potential launch for the service is projected for the 2030s, pending resolution of significant operational and regulatory conditions.

What Is the Full Scope of This Project?

The project aims to establish the first direct, scheduled passenger rail service between Switzerland and the United Kingdom, eliminating the current need for a change of trains in Paris. The study will analyze operational concepts and schedules for routes connecting London with Zurich, Basel, and Geneva, which would cross France and utilize the Channel Tunnel. Key prerequisites for launch include establishing dedicated border control infrastructure in Switzerland for entry into the UK, securing suitable multi-system rolling stock, and finalizing intergovernmental agreements on security and customs.

Key Project Data

How Does This Compare to Similar Projects?

This initiative mirrors the development of Eurostar’s direct Amsterdam-London service, which provides a relevant benchmark for the project’s timeline and challenges. The Amsterdam service was launched in 2018 but initially required a stop in Brussels for passport control; fully direct services from the Netherlands only began in October 2020 after bilateral agreements on juxtaposed border controls were finalized. (Source: UK Government, 2020). This precedent suggests the 2030s timeline for the Swiss service is realistic, given the similar and complex need to establish non-Schengen border facilities within Swiss stations.

Editor’s Analysis

This proposed link is a strategic response to documented high demand, with London being the top air destination from Switzerland. The project’s viability is significantly enhanced by a wider European policy shift favouring rail over short-haul flights, as demonstrated by the European Commission’s recent proposal to simplify continent-wide ticketing and passenger rights. (Source: European Commission, 2026). While operational hurdles are substantial, particularly regarding border controls and securing track access through France, the high-level political backing from both the UK and Swiss governments provides critical momentum not present in earlier proposals.

FAQ

Q: Why is a change of trains currently required between Switzerland and London?
A: Passengers must change trains, typically in Paris between Gare de Lyon and Gare du Nord, to connect from the Swiss network to the Eurostar service. This is because there is no direct route and passengers must pass through specific terminals with UK border pre-clearance facilities, which do not exist in Switzerland.

Q: What are the biggest challenges for launching this direct service?
A: The primary challenges are establishing juxtaposed border controls in Swiss stations for pre-clearance into the UK, securing compatible rolling stock for three different national networks, and obtaining competitive track access slots through the heavily congested French network and Channel Tunnel.

Q: Will this service be faster than flying?
A: The target rail journey of 5 to 6 hours is longer than a flight time of approximately 1.5-2 hours, but the total city-centre to city-centre travel time becomes highly competitive. Rail travel avoids lengthy airport transfers, security queues, and check-in times common with air travel.