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Planned route · Early 2030s

London to Frankfurt by train: what's planned

Eurostar and Deutsche Bahn are building the first direct London–Germany service — about five hours, targeted for the early 2030s. Here's where it stands.

There is currently no direct train between London and Germany — today's rail option means changing in Brussels (onto Eurostar's red network towards Cologne) or in Paris. That's the gap Eurostar and Deutsche Bahn are working to close.

What's planned

The two operators are jointly developing a direct St Pancras–Frankfurt service of roughly five hours city centre to city centre, targeted for the early 2030s and pitched at travellers who currently fly to the eurozone's financial capital. Intermediate stops, frequency and a firm timetable haven't been confirmed, but both companies expect meaningful progress this decade.

What it depends on

The route leans on the Celestia double-deck fleet now on order, plus border arrangements and train certification for each country served. In the meantime, the fastest rail routing is London–Brussels by Eurostar, then the red network onward to Cologne and beyond — bookable as connecting tickets.

≈5h00 planned journey timeEarly 2030s target windowWith DB — joint developmentNo direct today — change in Brussels
Getting to St Pancras

Every Eurostar journey starts with reaching the station on time. Rushxo runs fixed-fare private hire across London and the UK, 24/7 — the quote is the fare, with no surge for early starts or late arrivals. Book a St Pancras transfer, WhatsApp us, or call 020 8888 9988.

Quick answers

Is there a direct train from London to Frankfurt today?

No — current rail journeys change in Brussels or Paris. The planned direct service with Deutsche Bahn is targeted for the early 2030s.

How long will the direct London–Frankfurt train take?

Roughly five hours city centre to city centre, according to the operators' plans — competitive with flying once airport transfers and buffers are counted.

Which stations will the route serve?

Only the endpoints are confirmed in principle — St Pancras and Frankfurt Hbf. Intermediate stops and frequency haven't been announced.

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