Possible rail route to Germany

(02 November 2007)

A German rail company has applied to run a new service from St Pancras International to Cologne, via Brussels.

State-run Deutsche Bahn would compete directly with Eurostar, which charges average prices of around £300 for a London-Paris economy seat that isn't bought in advance.

Eurotunnel, owners of the Channel Tunnel, would benefit from the increased competition since Deutsche Bahn's bid would cut debts and raise revenue.

According to reports, passengers from London could reach Cologne in four hours and Frankfurt in less than five.

The high-speed link from St Pancras through the tunnel, built to accommodate more European routes, opens in two weeks.