FS Group has announced its plan to launch London – Paris high-speed train service via the Channel Tunnel by 2029. For this ambitious project, FS Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Spanish consortium Evolyn. The aim of the new service is to boost rail competitiveness between London and Paris, offering travellers a modern, high-speed alternative to air travel. The trains will be inspired by the Frecciarossa, a prime example of Made in Italy excellence, known for its energy efficiency, comfort, and superior quality of service.
The expected investment for the London – Paris high-speed train is EUR 1 billion, and it is one of the key goals outlined in the FS Group’s 2025-2029 Strategic Plan. The plan places a significant emphasis on extending high-speed connections across Europe. “High-speed rail is the backbone of efficient and environmentally friendly mobility, and by expanding our presence on key corridors, we are not only investing in infrastructure and innovation but also in the future of European transport. Increased competition will help create a more efficient and customer-oriented sector, offering a genuine alternative to air travel,” said Stefano Antonio Donnarumma, CEO of FS Group.
This announcement comes after the UK’s Office of Rail and Road (ORR) confirmed that the Temple Mills maintenance depot will be accessible to new operators, paving the way for a new service between London and Paris. FS Group’s established presence in both France, with Trenitalia France, and the United Kingdom, with Trenitalia UK, provides a strong competitive advantage as it enters this vital corridor. The group’s well-known brand will allow it to offer a wider range of services, deliver increasingly high-quality experiences for passengers, and simplify ticketing across these regions.
The FS Group is currently working to obtain the necessary licenses and permits in France. They are also collaborating with key stakeholders to manage the regulatory and operational aspects of the new service. Technical assessments are underway to ensure seamless integration of the high-speed services through the Eurotunnel, as well as with the UK and French rail networks.
Operational planning to increase capacity at London’s St Pancras station is already well advanced, and various funding options are being explored. The official launch of the service will depend on the completion of infrastructure and technical approvals, but it is expected to mark the beginning of a new era of competition and accessibility in European high-speed rail travel.
In France, FS Group has already made significant strides. Since 2021, it has been the first alternative operator on the AV network with the Frecciarossa service between Milan and Paris. After a temporary interruption due to a landslide in the Maurienne valley, the service was reactivated on 1 April, 2023.
The group is also managing shuttle services between Paris and Lyon, and from 15 June 2025, it will introduce the Frecciarossa service between Paris and Marseille. With over 3 million passengers served and an impressive satisfaction rate of 98%, FS Group remains committed to expanding and enhancing its existing corridors to further improve connectivity and service availability.
FS Group has also established a strong presence in the United Kingdom. Since 2017, it has been operating with the acquisition of c2c, and it holds a 30% stake in the joint venture with FirstGroup for Avanti West Coast. The group works closely with the UK government and other institutions to support the development and promotion of the HS2 high-speed rail project.
In addition to the London – Paris high-speed train service, FS Group is actively exploring further opportunities to expand high-speed rail in Europe. Evaluations are underway for potential extensions of the London-Paris service through cities like Lille, Ashford, Lyon, Marseille, and Milan.
Evolyn, the Spanish consortium behind the project, is led by the Cosmen family, known for their extensive experience in managing and expanding mobility projects across Europe. The family has also invested in the UK-based transport company Mobico, formerly known as National Express.
In 2023, Evolyn announced plans to launch high-speed train services between London and Paris, initially acquiring a batch of 12 trains for the service. This collaboration promises to bring further innovation and competition to the European rail network, benefiting travellers with more choice and improved services.
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