Channel Tunnel Train Fares Expected to Drop 30% with New Competition

Forecasts predict tripling of passenger numbers by 2040 as new operators prepare to challenge Eurostar's monopoly.

A study commissioned by London St Pancras High Speed projects a 30% reduction in Channel Tunnel train fares, driven by increased competition and growing demand.
Annual passenger numbers on the high-speed line between London and the Channel Tunnel are forecasted to rise from 11 million to 35 million by 2040.
New operators, including Virgin Group, FS Italiane Group, and Gemini, are planning to launch services through the Channel Tunnel by 2029, ending Eurostar's long-standing monopoly.
London St Pancras High Speed is planning to double station capacity to accommodate up to 5,000 passengers per hour, addressing expected demand growth.
Regulatory adjustments, such as reallocating Eurostar's underused depot capacity, are reducing barriers for new operators to enter the market.