Passengers traveling between London and mainland Europe may soon ride in striking black and red trains with airport-style lounges. Virgin has shared the first look at its new high-speed train designs, aiming to start a new cross-Channel rail service from 2030 to compete directly with Eurostar.
The company plans to run 20 daily return services connecting London to Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. These trains will add nearly 7.5 million seats every year. To build the fleet, Virgin signed a deal with French manufacturer Alstom for 12 new trains capable of traveling at speeds up to 300 kilometers per hour.
Virgin wants the journey to feel unique for passengers. Onboard social areas and station pre-departure spaces will take inspiration from the company's airport lounges. Seating and communal spaces will be styled after Virgin Hotels, while food and drink options will come from its cruise line, Virgin Voyages. Passengers will also be able to earn and spend loyalty points on their journeys.
Currently, Eurostar is the main train operator running through the Channel Tunnel. The new service will give travelers a fresh choice when crossing between the UK and continental Europe. Virgin has already signed an agreement to maintain its new fleet at the Temple Mills International depot in London before operations begin.