Virgin could soon relaunch trains in the UK – with plans to take on Eurostar travel to Europe

VIRGIN is looking at returning to the UK’s rail network with brand new train services being considered.

The final Virgin service ran in December 2019 after the company’s contract was taken over by Avanti.

3

However, it could soon provide rail travel on the east coast mainline once again, with details being worked out before an official move is made.

The plans were revealed by Virgin’s CEO Josh Bayliss, who described the company’s former service as “one of the best-loved and most successful rail franchises in the UK”.

Should they return, it would be as an “open access” operator, similar to companies like Lumo and Grand Central.

Those providers take full commercial responsibility for running services and aren’t tied to state-mandated timetables.

Bayliss told the Times: “The opportunity which open access presents to continue to provide that experience on the rail network is something that is very interesting to us.

“We would love to be able to serve those customers who so enjoyed Virgin on the UK rail network.”

One thing that could throw a spanner in the works is Labour’s promise to bring back British Rail, should they win the next election.

However, Bayliss insists this isn’t something that Virgin is worried about, saying he doesn’t believe they have any intention of nationalising the entire network within the UK.

Instead, he sees an opportunity for Virgin whoever is in charge after this year’s general election.

While plans are being drawn up to see how viable it is for the company to return to the UK rails, no final decision has been made just yet, so it could be a while before the service resumes.

However, the east coast mainline isn’t the only one Virgin has its eyes on.

Last November it was revealed that Sir Richard Branson also has his eyes on international train travel for Virgin.

The company is also considering launching a new service from the UK to Europe to rival Eurostar.

Eurostar is currently the only rail operator to connect Britain with destinations such as France and the Netherlands, but Virgin is interested in offering an alternative.

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

Bayliss added: “It’s a huge undertaking to establish a new operator in the industry and in that market. We’re continuing to advance our preparation and delighted with progress so far.”

If it does go ahead, the service would offer more routes to France, as well as other destinations including Brussels and Amsterdam.

And with more competition this could mean cheaper tickets.

However, it is likely that the trains would only run from London St Pancras, with overseas trains from Ebbsfleet International and Ashford International paused since the pandemic.

Meanwhile, this new train service is set to launch in the UK next year and travel to some of the country’s prettiest towns.

And this new route could link the UK to Switzerland, cutting out the need to fly.

3