Eurotunnel owner predicts new direct high-speed rail routes from London

The shorter German and Swiss routes from London, such as those to Zurich, pictured, are being discusssed. Photograph: sborisov/Getty

New direct high-speed train routes from London to Cologne, Frankfurt, Geneva and Zurich could be up and running within five years, according to the Eurotunnel owner, Getlink, after work to double the capacity of UK rail links to Europe.

While the Channel tunnel, which celebrates its 30th anniversary in May 2024, has struggled to extend its passenger offerings beyond Eurostar’s original London to Paris and Brussels services, Getlink said new entrants and destinations could now arrive swiftly.