Direct London–Berlin rail service planned under landmark UK–Germany deal

The United Kingdom and Germany have signed a landmark agreement that will pave the way for a direct passenger rail link between London and Berlin. Informally referred to as the “Kensington Treaty,” the deal is expected to transform the way millions of people travel across Europe.

The signing ceremony took place at the Victoria and Albert Museum in Kensington, with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in attendance. According to The Times, the agreement is part of Britain’s “Plan for Change” and includes a commitment to establish long-distance, direct train services not only to Berlin but also to other major German cities such as Frankfurt.

A joint UK-Germany task force will now assess the infrastructure, border, and security requirements for launching the new route. It will also explore commercial and technical aspects, including safety standards and cooperation with rail operators to make the service viable.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said, “We are entering a new era of European rail connectivity and want to place Britain at the heart of a better-connected continent. Soon, travelers could reach iconic landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie directly from London—without boarding a plane.”

Plans for expanding international rail services were initially stalled following the UK’s departure from the EU due to regulatory and border control complications. However, Eurostar has recently confirmed that it intends to launch new direct routes to Frankfurt, Geneva, and Berlin in the early 2030s.

The UK’s rail regulator, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), has also announced it will release spare capacity at the Temple Mills depot in Leyton, East London. This would allow either Eurostar or a new operator to increase service through the Channel Tunnel, ending Eurostar’s 31-year monopoly.

Among the companies seeking to enter the market are Virgin Group, founded by Sir Richard Branson; Italy’s state-owned FS Italiane; and Gemini Trains, chaired by Labour peer Lord Berkeley. However, the ORR has warned that capacity is limited and likely only one new operator—or an expanded Eurostar—will be accommodated.

Currently, Eurostar offers direct services from London St Pancras to Paris, Lille, Brussels, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam, as well as seasonal ski trains to the French Alps.