Eurostar launches new Europe routes: direct trains London → Frankfurt & Geneva. Plane or train? Let’s compare.
Eurostar has bold plans: direct routes London → Frankfurt (~5 hrs) and London → Geneva (~5h 20m).
They want to splash €2 billion on up to 50 brand-new trains by the early 2030s.
Eco-travelers rejoice — less flying, more gliding on rails!
Logistics teams panic slightly — Temple Mills depot in London is crowded, and Virgin, Evolyn, and even Uber Trains (yep, that’s real) are already queueing up.
The UK rail regulator will decide who gets the space by the end of October. If Eurostar gets the green light — all aboard! If not — time to hunt for a new “garage”.
Why should young (and permanently budget-conscious) travelers care?
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City center to city center: Hop on at St Pancras, hop off in the heart of Frankfurt or Geneva. No remote airports, no taxi drama.
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Wi-Fi, wine, and power sockets. Enough said. Finish your show, your thesis, or both.
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Save the planet (a bit): Trains produce about 90% less CO₂ per passenger than flights.
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No baggage tantrums: Your bulky backpack won’t be side-eyed by gate agents or cost you a kidney.
🚄 Train vs ✈️ Plane — Let’s break it down
We’re counting door-to-door, not just flight time. Reality check:
| Route | Eurostar Train | Plane* | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| London → Frankfurt | ~5 hrs from St Pancras | ~4h15: 1h to Heathrow/Gatwick + 2h security + 1.5h flight + 20m S-Bahn to city center | Plane wins by time. Train wins on chill & climate karma. |
| London → Geneva | ~5h 20m | ~4h30: similar logistics, ~1h40 flight + 7m train from airport to city center | ~50 mins difference. Choose: speed or sustainable bragging rights. |
*Flight time is averaged for daytime, no delays, no immigration lines.
When is the train the obvious winner?
• Big-bag energy: Got skis, a bike, or a suitcase the size of a small car? No one weighs it on the train.
• Work + window view mode: Need to finish a deck or post Burgundy rooftops to your story without airplane mode.
• Airport allergy: Hate security lines, 100ml rules, and overpriced coffee.
• Eco-karma goals: You want to post #flygskam and actually mean it.
• City-hopping dreams: Combine London → Brussels → Geneva with zero baggage check-ins.
When the plane still reigns supreme?
• Ultra-urgent meetings: Every minute counts. Your boss is pacing.
• Crazy flight deals: Sometimes a Ryanair ticket costs less than your lunch. Eurostar doesn’t play that game.
• You’re not in London: Getting to St Pancras might eat the time you thought you’d save.
Verdict: ride or fly?
If you enjoy smugly skipping airport queues and lowering your carbon footprint, wait for the green flag from the regulator and hop on the shiny new Eurostar.
If your motto is “time is money, and airport selfies are content” — keep flying. Just prepare to defend your choice from eco-warrior friends in the comments.
Bottom line: trains are for the soul, planes are for the deadline.
Pick what matters most today — and travel in a way that leaves you with stories, not just complaints.
Useful links for trip planning
- Aviasales – budget airline tickets worldwide.
- Booking.com – a familiar and convenient website for searching and booking accommodation worldwide.
- LocalRent – a website for searching and renting cars worldwide with the option of free booking cancellation.
