Eurostar, Swiss Federal Railways, and SNCF Voyageurs have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore direct rail services between London and Switzerland.

The agreement follows a wider partnership signed in March between Swiss Federal Railways and SNCF Voyageurs to develop new international routes.

The proposed service would operate through France and the Channel Tunnel.

The operators said demand for international rail travel remains high, with London the leading flight destination from Switzerland.

Statistics suggest direct services out of London could achieve journey times of around five hours to Basel, five-and-a-half hours to Geneva, and six hours to Zurich.

Further work will now examine timetables, border controls, infrastructure, and train availability. The companies said any direct services would be likely to begin in the 2030s.