May 11, 2026, 10:09May 11, 2026, 10:43
Traveling from Switzerland to London without changing trains could soon become a reality. SBB, the French company SNCF Voyageurs and its subsidiary Eurostar signed a declaration of intent on Monday to introduce a possible direct connection. This is an “important milestone in the long-term planning for such a connection,” write the SBB.
The SBB is working on direct trains from Switzerland to London.Image: keystone
As they said in a statement, the three companies see “significant potential” for connecting Switzerland to London. The English capital is the most popular flight destination from Switzerland. Direct connections with a travel time of 6 hours between Zurich and London, 5 hours between Basel and London and 5.5 hours between Geneva and London are likely to meet market demand and the expectations of international travelers, according to studies.
You can already travel by train from Switzerland to London, but you have to change in Paris. The journey takes just under seven hours from Basel and almost eight hours from Zurich. A possible direct train would also run via the French network, which is why SNCF is involved in the plans. The Eurostar subsidiary has operated cross-Channel connections between continental Europe and the United Kingdom for more than 30 years.
According to SBB, the three companies are committed to offering the direct connection to London as soon as possible. In the next step, analyzes of possible timetables and operating concepts will be carried out. Further clarification is then required with regard to the preparation of entry formalities, clarification of the required infrastructure and intergovernmental agreements as well as the availability of suitable trains and routes. According to SBB estimates, the direct connection between Switzerland and London will not be implemented until the 2030s at the earliest.
(dab)