Virgin Trains has won ORR pre-approval to run up to 20 return services daily from London St Pancras to the Channel Tunnel from 2030, serving Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam. The decision follows Temple Mills depot access but Virgin still needs Getlink permission to use the tunnel and final safety certifications from UK and EU regulators. The ORR called the approval an important step while warning further work is required; the agreement covers 1 October 2030 to 31 December 2040.
Virgin Cleared To Run Up To 20 Cross‑Channel Trains A Day — Targets 2030 Launch
A computer-generated impression of Virgin's train at St Pancras station - Virgin Trains
Virgin Trains, owned by Sir Richard Branson, has been granted regulatory approval to operate up to 20 return services a day between London St Pancras and the Channel Tunnel, paving the way for direct competition with Eurostar from 2030.
What the ORR Approved
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has pre-approved a track-access agreement enabling Virgin Trains to run Europe-bound services on High Speed 1 from St Pancras to the Channel Tunnel. The planned routes would serve the same continental destinations currently served by Eurostar: Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam.
Progress So Far
This decision follows Virgin's November access to share Eurostar's Temple Mills depot in east London — the only depot connectable to High Speed 1 — removing a significant operational barrier. The ORR described its decision as "an important next step" while stressing that further approvals are required.
Richard Branson has vowed to 'bring some Virgin magic' to the Channel Tunnel - Virgin Trains/PA Wire
Martin Jones, ORR deputy director of access and international: 'This is an important next step in bringing competition and growth to the market for international rail services, and we welcome the progress Virgin Trains and London St Pancras High Speed have made.'
Remaining Hurdles
Virgin still needs permission from Channel Tunnel operator Getlink to run through the tunnel, plus a range of domestic and international safety approvals — including final certification from the ORR and relevant EU regulators — before services can commence.
A Virgin Group spokesman said the project is "moving at pace" and that the company remains on track to launch in 2030.
Significance
Eurostar has been the sole operator of passenger services through the Channel Tunnel since it opened in 1994. If Virgin succeeds, the move would introduce competition on a 30-year monopoly and could affect fares, service frequency and customer experience on cross-Channel rail travel.
Timeline: The ORR's pre-approval covers the period from 1 October 2030 to 31 December 2040. Additional permissions and safety clearances must be secured before operations begin.
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