Trenitalia to Launch Paris-London High-Speed Rail Link by 2029, Challenging Eurostar
Paris, August 7, 2026 – Trenitalia France, a subsidiary of the Italian railway group FS, officially confirmed on Friday, August 7, 2026, its ambitious plan to launch a high-speed rail service between Paris and London by 2029. This strategic move is poised to introduce direct competition to Eurostar, which has long held a monopoly on this popular cross-Channel route.
The announcement follows a significant investment of approximately two billion euros. This substantial capital injection will primarily fund the acquisition of 19 new high-speed trainsets from manufacturer Hitachi Rail, alongside provisions for their long-term maintenance. According to a press release issued to actu Paris, these new trains are designed to operate across multiple European railway networks, aligning with Trenitalia’s broader strategy for international expansion.
Major Investment and Fleet Expansion
The 19 new high-speed trains will not exclusively serve the forthcoming Paris-London route. They are also intended to bolster Trenitalia France’s existing services, which include popular connections between Paris and Lyon, Paris and Marseille, and Paris and Milan. This expansion reflects Trenitalia’s commitment to enhancing its presence and service offerings within the European high-speed rail market.
Travelers on these new trains can anticipate a significantly upgraded experience. Features will include next-generation Wi-Fi connectivity, an innovative bar car concept, an enriched catering service, and entirely redesigned interiors, promising a modern and comfortable journey.
New Maintenance Hub Near Paris
To support this substantial increase in its fleet and operational capacity, Trenitalia is actively progressing with the construction of its future maintenance center in Maisons-Alfort Pompadour, located in the Val-de-Marne region, just outside Paris. This state-of-the-art facility is crucial for ensuring the efficient upkeep of the new trainsets and is a pivotal component in preparing for the launch of future international routes, with the Paris-London connection being the immediate priority.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
FS Group estimates that this significant order for new trains, coupled with investments in infrastructure and maintenance, will lead to the creation of approximately 2,000 jobs. These employment opportunities will span across France, Italy, and the United Kingdom, contributing positively to the economies of the involved nations.
Gianpiero Strisciuglio, CEO of the FS Group, emphasized the strategic importance of this development. “This order represents a strategic step for the FS Group,” he stated, highlighting the Paris-London link as a central element in the group’s vision for a comprehensive European high-speed rail network connecting major continental cities.
A New Era of Competition for Eurostar
If Trenitalia adheres to its timeline, it will become the first direct competitor to Eurostar on the Paris-London route. Trenitalia has been a notable player in the French market since 2021, currently operating services linking Paris with Lyon, Marseille, and Milan. The introduction of this new service is expected to intensify competition, potentially benefiting consumers through improved services and competitive pricing.
The move by Trenitalia underscores a growing trend in Europe towards greater liberalization and competition within the railway sector, aiming to provide more choices and better services for passengers across the continent.
Source: actu.fr
