New Richard Branson-backed train service set to challenge Eurostar with routes to Europe | The Sun

RICHARD Branson could soon launch a new train service from the UK to Europe – rivalling Eurostar.

With Eurostar currently being the only rail operator to connect Britain with destinations such as France and the Netherlands, it could be good news for Brits.

Virgin Trains, which first launched in 1997, ceased operations in the UK back in 2019 with the routes taken over by Avanti West Coast.

But the new European train route could soon launch instead.

Virgin Train's former boss Phil Whittingham is said to be the one launching the bid to take on Eurostar, the Telegraph reports.

A source told the paper that Virgin has a "strong chance of succeeding" on the new route.

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If it does go ahead, this would offer more routes to France, as well as destinations including Brussels and Amsterdam.

And with more competition this could mean cheaper tickets for Brits.

However, it is likely that the trains would only run from London St Pancras, with overseas trains from Ebbsfleet International andAshford International paused since the pandemic.

A Virgin spokesperson wouldn't comment on the speculations.

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It's not the only train operator challenging Eurostar.

Start-up Evolyn is set to launch London to Paris train services, and will buy 12 high-speed trains.

The routes, which would be non-stop from London St Pancras to Paris Nord, could launch by 2025, with the full service by 2026.

The train operator confirmed plans for an additional four trains, as well as other destinations in northern France.

Evolyn CEO Jorge Cosmen: "We know that the governments of the United Kingdom and France welcome a project that will allow their citizens to increase the connection options between the UK and several countries in continental Europe."

A spokesperson added it would be the "first competitor in 30 years" of Eurostar.

Eurostar first launched London to Paris and Brussels routes in 1994, before adding other destinations.

Trains to Disneyland Paris launched in 1996, although these have since been scrapped.

And direct trains to Amsterdam launched in 2018, but these could be suspended in 2024.

Here are some of the other Eurostar routes you can still book for as little as £35.

And across Europe, there are lots of exciting new trains routes launching.

European Sleeper has revealed new routes between Brussels and Prague trains launching next year, with plans to also launch Amsterdam to Barcelona.

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And Midnight Trains, a French company, could soon launch new routes from Paris to Milan and Venice – with Brits able to join at Paris via Eurostar.

If you don't want to leave the country, we've found the most scenic train journey in the UK – and tickets are just £3.

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