ON TRACK
New train operator to take on Eurostar with routes from the UK to Europe – and it could mean cheaper tickets
Plus, we reveal Sun Travel's favourite train journeys from around the world
A BRAND-NEW train operator is hoping to launch services between the UK and Europe, offering 'competitive fares' for passengers.
Currently, Eurostar is the only rail operator that connects the UK to destinations across Europe, including cities in France, Belgium and the Netherlands.
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This could all change as a new train operating company, Gemini,has announced its plans to launch services between the UK and Europe.
The new train operator, which is currently being established, hopes to begin its rail journey by launching services from London to Paris and Brussels.
Once services between London and Paris/Brussels have launched, Gemini hopes to further its list of European destinations.
The new rail operator plans to introduce 'new cutting-edge trains and a fresh approach to sales and ticketing' on services between the UK and Europe.
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It hopes to run ‘Open Access’ services to compete on the cross-channel route between the UK and Europe.
An open access rail service is a rail service operated by a private company, outside of any government contract.
Gemini has applied to the Office of Rail and Road for access to Eurostar’s Temple Mills International maintenance depot.
The company is also in discussion with key stakeholders around
other train maintenance facilities - although further details have yet to be revealed.
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Chair Lord Berkeley said: "Our team has real strength, depth, vision and dynamism and is superbly placed to offer customers choice on what is currently a monopoly route."
Meanwhile, Gemini CEO, Adrian Quine, added: "The high-speed line connecting London and the continent through the Channel Tunnel is one of the great rail routes.
The Sun reviews business class travel on the Eurostar
"With a whole new generation now choosing trains over planes, there is a great opportunity to bring real entrepreneurial flair and dynamism with competitive fares to Europe's premier route".
It is not yet known when Gemini will launch rail services or how much tickets will cost.
However, it could make train travel to Europe cheaper, with more competition often meaning lower fares.
Gemini isn't the only train operator eyeing up routes between the UK and Europe.
Earlier this year, Virgin revealed its latest plans to take on Eurostar by ordering a dozen new trains to Europe.
According to the Telegraph, models chosen include trains from Japanese Hitachi, German Siemens, Spanish operator Talgo and France's Alstom, the Telegraph reports.
The entire project is slated to cost £1billion, with the train purchase is expected to cost £500million.
If given the go-ahead, the new trains could launch to Europe by 2029.
And back in 2023, Start up operator Evolyn also announced plans for trains between London and Paris.
The new fleet initially hoped to launch a service as soon as this year - although this is likely to be delayed.
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Sun Travel's favourite train journeys in the world
Sun Travel's journalists have taken their fare share of train journeys on their travels and here they share their most memorable rail experiences.
Davos to Geneva, Switzerland
"After a ski holiday in Davos, I took the scenic train back to Geneva Airport. The snow-covered mountains and tiny alpine villages that we passed were so beautiful that it felt like a moving picture was playing beyond the glass." - Caroline McGuire
Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen
"Nothing quite beats the Shinkansen bullet train, one of the fastest in the world. It hardly feels like you're whizzing along at speed until you look outside and see the trees a green blur. Make sure to book seat D or E too - as you'll have the best view of Mount Fuji along the way." Kara Godfrey
London to Paris by Eurostar
"Those who have never travelled on the Eurostar may wonder what’s so special about a seemingly ordinary train that takes you across the channel. You won’t have to waste a moment and can tick off all the top attractions from the Louvre to the Champs-Élysées which are both less than five kilometres from the Gare du Nord." - Sophie Swietochowski
Glasgow to Fort William by Scotrail
"From mountain landscapes and serene lochs to the wistful moors, I spent my three-hour journey from Glasgow to Fort William gazing out the window. Sit on the left-hand side of the train for the best views overlooking Loch Lomond." - Hope Brotherton
Beijing to Ulaanbatar
"The Trans-Mongolian Express is truly a train journey like no other. It starts amid the chaos of central Beijing before the city's high-rises give way to crumbling ancient villages and eventually the vast vacant plains of Mongolia, via the Gobi desert. The deep orange sunset seen in the middle of the desert is among the best I've witnessed anywhere." - Ryan Gray
The Sun travel team visited every city in Europe you can visit by direct train - here’s what we thought.
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