Virgin Trains to explore Stratford stop for new France services
The rail operator has been granted approval to run services from 2030, with an MP urging a stop at Stratford International.
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Virgin Trains is to consider incorporating Stratford International as a stop for its planned new train services connecting London with continental Europe. The operator has received approval from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to run up to 20 new daily return services through the Channel Tunnel, with services scheduled to commence between 1 October 2030 and 31 December 2040.
Campaign for Stratford Stop
Virgin Trains granted HS1 access, plans 20 daily services from 2030
Sir Richard Branson’s firm will invest £700 million, create 400 UK jobs and challenge Eurostar’s long‑standing monopoly on the cross‑Channel route.
Sir Stephen Timms, the Member of Parliament for East Ham, has been actively advocating for Virgin to include Stratford International on its route. He highlighted the growing economic importance of east London and suggested that international rail services stopping at Stratford would significantly boost regeneration in the area. Sir Stephen stated that it represents a "big and fast growing commercial opportunity" and would promote regeneration in East London.
Virgin has confirmed its commitment to exploring additional stops. A spokeswoman for the Virgin Group said: "Virgin’s ambition extends beyond its initial launch plans and we’ve been actively engaging with stakeholders to explore future expansion. Virgin is looking forward to exploring additional stops, including Stratford International." The company will also assess potential stops at Ebbsfleet and Ashford in Kent.
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The ORR's approval grants Virgin track access on London St Pancras High Speed. The company has also secured the use of the Temple Mills depot in east London for train maintenance. This depot is the only facility accessible from High Speed 1, the rail line connecting London to the Channel Tunnel, and Virgin had previously been granted access to share it with Eurostar for train storage and maintenance.
Virgin's plans aim to challenge the existing monopoly held by Eurostar on cross-Channel passenger services, which has been in place since the tunnel opened in 1994. While Virgin has secured regulatory approval for services and track access, it still requires approval to access the rail tracks through the Channel Tunnel itself, which is owned by Eurotunnel.
Questions this report answers
+When will the new Virgin train services to France begin?
The new Virgin train services through the Channel Tunnel are approved to run between 1 October 2030 and 31 December 2040. This means services are expected to commence from October 2030, following the ORR's approval.
+Will Virgin trains stop at Stratford International?
Virgin Trains has stated it is "looking forward to exploring additional stops, including Stratford International." East Ham MP Sir Stephen Timms has urged the company to include the stop, citing commercial and regeneration benefits for east London.
+Where will Virgin trains be maintained?
Virgin Trains will use the Temple Mills depot in east London for train maintenance. This depot is accessible from High Speed 1, the line connecting London to the Channel Tunnel.
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