The race to revolutionize European rail travel has begun – and Eurostar’s long-standing dominance under the Channel is facing its biggest challenge yet.
For decades, Eurostar has been the only passenger service connecting the UK and continental Europe through the Channel Tunnel. But that monopoly is about to be tested as a wave of new players – including Uber, Virgin, and start-up Gemini Trains – set their sights on Europe’s most iconic rail route.
Eurostar’s Rivals Take Shape
Gemini Trains, founded by Labour peer Tony Berkeley and led by Adrian Quine, is emerging as one of the most ambitious competitors. The company plans to launch new cross-Channel services from Stratford International and Ebbsfleet in Kent, shifting focus away from London’s overcrowded St Pancras International.
The idea is simple: make high-speed travel to Europe faster, easier, and more accessible – especially for passengers coming from outside Central London. Both Stratford and Ebbsfleet stations were originally designed with Channel Tunnel travel in mind, complete with passport control and security facilities, but have been underused for years.
“Stratford is a bit of a blank canvas,” Quine said. “It’s like London City Airport compared to Heathrow – quick, easy, and less crowded. We think it’s a jewel in the crown.”
Uber on Board: The Tech Giant Enters the Rail Game
In August 2025, Gemini announced a partnership with Uber, the global ride-hailing giant, to co-brand and power ticketing for its international train network. Through the Uber app, passengers will be able to book direct trains to Paris, Brussels, Lille, and eventually Cologne.
Uber’s move into rail marks a major step beyond its traditional transport services. The integration of international trains into the app fits seamlessly into Uber’s ambition to be a “one-stop mobility platform” – letting users go from car to train to metro all within one app.
Under the joint plan, 10 high-speed trains will connect Stratford and Ebbsfleet to continental Europe by 2029, with operations expected to ramp up by 2030.
Why Stratford and Ebbsfleet?
Eurostar’s CEO, Gwendoline Cazenave, remains confident in her company’s position but made it clear that Eurostar’s strategy won’t mirror Gemini’s. “We are about city centre to city centre,” she told The Times, emphasizing Eurostar’s focus on major hubs like Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam within a five-hour journey window.
For Gemini, however, the suburban departure model is part of the appeal. Stratford International, located in East London’s fast-developing district, offers convenience for millions of residents who would otherwise have to travel into Central London. Meanwhile, Ebbsfleet International, just off the M25, provides vast parking space and direct rail links for travellers from southern England.
With these advantages, Gemini plans to transform Ebbsfleet into a “parkway for European travel,” bringing cross-Channel journeys within reach of those living outside the capital.
Siemens Velaro Novo: The Future Fleet
On October 9, 2025, Gemini took another decisive step by selecting Siemens Mobility’s Velaro Novo high-speed trains for its fleet — the same family of trainsets as the Eurostar e320, but a newer and more energy-efficient generation.
The Velaro Novo trains are designed for speeds of 250 to 360 km/h, are 15% lighter, and consume 30% less energy than their predecessors. None have been delivered in Europe yet, but the model is already being adopted for the Brightline West project connecting Las Vegas with Southern California.
“Gemini’s plans could see our state-of-the-art Velaro Novo trains transform rail travel between the UK and Europe,” said Sambit Banerjee, Joint CEO of Siemens Mobility UK & Ireland.
Rock Rail: Financing Innovation
To fund the fleet, Gemini has partnered with Rock Rail, a major investor in rolling-stock projects across the UK and Europe. Rock Rail specializes in bringing together institutional equity and debt investors to finance large-scale rail ventures.
“Partnering with Siemens and Gemini on this prestigious project aligns perfectly with our experience,” said Rock Rail Group CEO Mark Swindell. “We’ve delivered 10 bespoke fleets across the UK and Germany – and this will be another landmark step.”
Gemini praised Rock Rail’s involvement, citing its “deep expertise, innovative financing structure, and strong relationship with Siemens Mobility.”
Regulatory Race: ORR Decision Looms
Before the new service can hit the tracks, Gemini – alongside Virgin and Evolyn (partnered with Trenitalia France) – must secure access rights to the Temple Mills depot in East London, the only UK facility equipped to service the larger continental trains.
The Office of Rail & Road (ORR) is currently reviewing applications, but it has stated that only one new operator is likely to gain access alongside Eurostar. The ORR’s decision is expected by the end of October 2025 – a ruling that could shape the future of cross-Channel competition for years to come.
If approved, Gemini’s collaboration with Uber could become the first serious challenge to Eurostar’s long-standing dominance since the Channel Tunnel opened in 1994.
The Bigger Picture: A New Era for European Rail
With the rise of sustainability-focused travel and growing frustration with airport congestion, the timing couldn’t be better. High-speed rail is increasingly seen as the eco-friendly alternative to short-haul flights – and new entrants like Gemini are betting on that momentum.
Cazenave, meanwhile, insists Eurostar is ready for competition. “We’re confident in our leadership,” she said, noting Eurostar’s ambitions to expand direct connections to more European cities under five hours – part of its long-term goal to double passenger numbers by 2030.
But for millions of UK travellers, the promise of multiple operators, cheaper tickets, and more departure options is an exciting development that could finally make continental rail travel more competitive – and convenient – than ever.
