FS Italiane Group has unveiled plans to launch a high-speed rail service connecting London and Paris by 2029, investing €1 billion as part of its 2025–2029 Strategic Plan. The move aims to boost European rail connectivity and provide a competitive alternative to air travel.
A Memorandum of Understanding was recently signed with Evolyn, a Spanish mobility firm backed by the Cosmen family, to support the project. The new route will feature state-of-the-art trains inspired by Italy’s Frecciarossa, promising high energy efficiency, comfort, and premium service.
“This investment is a decisive step forward in building a more integrated, sustainable European rail network,” said FS Group CEO Stefano Antonio Donnarumma. “It’s not just infrastructure, it’s the future of European transport.”
The initiative gained momentum following confirmation from the UK’s Office of Rail and Road (ORR), enabling access to the Temple Mills depot—key to introducing a new operator on the London–Paris corridor. FS Group’s existing operations in both France (via Trenitalia France) and the UK (Trenitalia UK and its 30% stake in Avanti West Coast) provide a strategic edge.
Technical evaluations are underway to ensure seamless integration with Eurotunnel and national rail networks, while capacity planning at St. Pancras is in progress. FS is also exploring funding options and further route extensions via Lille, Ashford, Lyon, Marseille, and Milan.
Already serving over three million passengers on the Milan–Paris line, FS Group aims to expand its international footprint and foster a more competitive, customer-focused rail sector across Europe.
