Challenges of Establishing Direct Train Routes from Switzerland to London

Efforts to establish direct high-speed train connections from Switzerland to London face significant obstacles. Currently, travelers must switch trains in Paris to board the Eurostar. Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) is exploring the feasibility of a direct service, citing promising market potential. However, a recent study indicates that while the project is viable, it presents considerable challenges.

The study, which SBB has not publicly released due to confidentiality, outlines the complexities associated with launching such a service. Experts in transportation highlight the substantial investments required in infrastructure, particularly at Basel's train station, as well as the need for specialized rolling stock and the recruitment of multilingual staff.

Under the proposed plan, the trains from Switzerland would function as an external border to the Schengen Area. Basel SBB would require facilities for check-in, customs, passport, and security controls, accommodating up to 600 passengers. British customs officials would need to be stationed in Switzerland, necessitating a bilateral agreement with the UK, similar to arrangements in place for EuroAirport. Furthermore, a dedicated track and platform at Basel SBB would be necessary, which complicates matters as the current French segment of the station is set for demolition.

The anticipated journey time from Basel to London is approximately six hours. The study identifies potential demand for leisure travel, suggesting that the train could serve as a viable option for tourists, although for business travelers, it may only be appealing for longer stays. The projected passenger volume indicates that operating one train per day could be justified.

However, the financial burden associated with staffing the terminal for a limited number of trains is considerable, as is the expense of personnel required onboard. Utilizing French high-speed rail lines and the Channel Tunnel also incurs high costs. The rolling stock must meet stringent requirements, as it would need to operate without stopping after British customs clearance in Basel. This entails sufficient storage space, onboard amenities, and efficient restroom facilities.

Given these challenges, experts assert that launching direct trains from Switzerland to London is an ambitious undertaking. As an alternative, they propose establishing a direct TGV service from Basel to Lille, which would connect with the existing Eurostar services to London. The Lille-Europe station has the necessary infrastructure and personnel to facilitate this transfer, and the time required for border controls is comparable across all Eurostar-served stations, making the transfer seamless.

Travelers would benefit from avoiding the time-consuming transfer between Paris's Gare de Lyon and Gare du Nord, as Lille-Europe offers a more compact transit experience. The proposed TGV route would bypass Paris by utilizing connections via Charles de Gaulle Airport, with the fastest path following the eastern high-speed line through Strasbourg. There is also potential to service Disneyland Paris by including stops at Marne-la-Vallée-Chessy, which could generate additional revenue, along with extending the TGV service from Lille to Brussels, reinstating a link that has been absent for years.

The authors of the study view their proposal as a foundational step toward achieving a direct travel option to London from Switzerland. An uninterrupted service could be feasible in the future, depending on market developments. The SBB has already tempered expectations, indicating that a direct connection may not materialize until the next decade.