Taking a direct train from Lyon to London without a stop in Paris or Lille might be coming soon. Eurotunnel and London St. Pancras Highspeed have just signed a strategic agreement to develop high-speed rail connections between Great Britain and Europe. If Switzerland is already on board, could Lyon finally get its direct link to the British capital?
The announcement is promising: a recent study reveals that the London St. Pancras station can accommodate 5,000 additional travelers per hour. This opens up possibilities for new Eurostar destinations, with a focus on low-carbon journeys. For Lyon residents, this could be a game-changer. Today, getting to London by train feels like a challenge: a mandatory stop in Paris with a tedious station change or a layover in Lille. It's no wonder many end up choosing the plane, which is faster and often cheaper.
Lyon in fierce competition with Switzerland
Meanwhile, Switzerland is making its moves. Zurich and Geneva are already major air hubs and are now eyeing a direct rail connection with London. If such a project comes to fruition, it would be a tough blow for Lyon, which is already struggling to establish itself on the international transport scene. We’ll have to see if the Lyon Metropolis can make its voice heard in this race for high speed. With its strategic position and economic dynamism, it has all the cards in hand to convince Eurostar. But with political ambitions, financial decisions, and territorial battles, the case is far from settled. In the meantime, Lyon travelers will have to keep exercising their patience… and connections.