Latest news with #StPancrasInternational
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
The new direct train line set to connect the UK to a European city for the first time
Plus, the new European rail service launching next year linking two major cities TRACK ON The new direct train line set to connect the UK to a European city for the first time Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE Government has revealed plans for a new rail link between London and a new European country. The UK and Germany have joined forces to create a direct rail route to Berlin. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 There could soon be a direct rail route between the UK and Germany Credit: Getty 5 Berlin is known for its vibrant culture and top class beer Credit: Shutterstock Editorial The new direct train would allow both Brits and Germans a flight-free way of getting to each country. For Brits, this meant they could be exploring the Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie "in just a matter of years", according to Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander. The secretary added: "This landmark agreement – part of a new treaty the Prime Minister will sign with Chancellor Merz today - has the potential to fundamentally change how millions of people travel between our two countries, offering a faster, more convenient and significantly greener alternative to flying. "A new task force will bring our nations closer together and create new opportunities for tourism, business and cultural exchange, building on a landmark deal we signed earlier this year to explore introducing direct services to Switzerland." The plans are also set to give the UK a big economic boost, with the creation of jobs and strengthened trade links. Alexander added: "This is central to our Plan for Change – breaking down barriers, thinking boldly about the future, and making long-term decisions that better connect Britain to the world. "Working with Germany, we're building bridges between our people and paving the way for a more sustainable, connected future." It has not been made clear where the new train service would depart from in London. Currently, St Pancras International is the only London station that provides direct international passenger trains, including ones that connect to Germany - via a change in Brussels. This is due to St Pancras being the terminus for High Speed 1 (HS1) - the only high-speed rail line in the UK that connects to the Channel Tunnel. The Sun reviews business class travel on the Eurostar 5 Currently, Brits need to change in Brussels to get to Germany Credit: Getty Berlin is known for its vibrant culture and top class beer, which includes Prater Garten, the city's oldest beer garden having first opened in 1837. Currently, St Pancras International is the only London station that provides direct international passenger train services, including those that connect (via a change in Brussels) to Germany. This is because St Pancras is the final station for High Speed 1 (HS1) - the only high-speed rail line in the UK that connects to the Channel Tunnel on the UK side. However, Stratford International and Ebbsfleet International stations both sit on the HS1 line. In theory, both of these places could handle international services. However, the Eurostar - which is the main operator through the Channel Tunnel - has not served these stations since the Covid-19 pandemic. 5 Services to Europe run from St Pancras International in London at the moment Credit: Getty Eurostar has also announced plans to create direct trains from London to Frankfurt in Germany and Geneva in Switzerland in the early 2030s - which would still likely depart from St Pancras International. A new high-speed line known as High Speed 2 (HS2) is under construction in the UK. Whilst the line will primarily be used for travel within the UK, such as linking London to the West Midlands, there have been some discussions about a link between HS1 and HS2. If this link were to be built, it could allow for direct international services from other parts of the UK via HS2. New European rail service A NEW European train service, launching next year, will connect Prague, Berlin, and Copenhagen, marking the first direct route between Prague and Copenhagen in a decade. Operated by Czech, German, and Danish rail companies, the service will primarily run twice daily. The journey from Prague to Copenhagen will take around 11hours - a duration expected to decrease with the completion of the Fehmarn Belt Undersea Tunnel. Onboard, passengers can enjoy a dining car, a children's cinema, and improved mobile signal. The ComfortJet trains will also offer space for bikes and be wheelchair accessible. This initiative is one of 10 pilot projects supported by the European Commission to enhance cross-border rail travel. The construction of HS2 is also behind schedule and the Government confirmed in June that the completion of the line would now be delayed beyond the target date of 2033. Plus, a gamechanger new budget train line is to launch from London next year.
Daily Mirror
25-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Eurostar chaos as passengers warned to cancel or postpone holidays after deaths
Eurostar passengers heading out of London St Pancras International have been advised to change their journey to a different travel date after severe delays in France Eurostar passengers travelling today have been warned to cancel or postpone their trips as chaos erupted after two people were killed on the railway near Lille in France. Those travelling between London St Pancras International and Gare Du Nord in Paris were delayed for hours in both directions yesterday, with some having their trains called altogether and others facing long delays, yesterday. The knock on effects of the delays is still affecting travellers today. A Eurostar spokeswoman said on Tuesday: "Due to two persons struck by trains near Lille Europe, we've delays and cancellations to our services all evening. We apologise to everyone affected and advise changing your journey for a different travel date.' Now the French section is also facing more disruption today after cables were stolen and cut overnight in what the French authorities are calling a "a malicious act". And Eurostar confirmed: "All services between London, Brussels, and Paris are disrupted," a spokeswoman said. French rail company SNCF said: "SNCF Réseau has been the victim of a major act of malicious intent in Lille. "More than 600m of cable was stolen or cut south of Lille Europe station. The impacts are mainly on high-speed train traffic, departing from and arriving at Lille Europe and Lille Flandres. "TGV trains are being diverted as much as possible to the conventional line, but the line's capacity is limited and repairs are expected to take part of the day." The spokesman said around fifteen cable workers and specialist staff had been sent to the scene. Last February, 13 cables totalling several hundred meters were stolen from SNCF property in Lille, causing significant disruption to the network for an entire day. Many affected passengers are stuck at the Eurostar terminal at London's St Pancreas International.
Metro
25-06-2025
- Metro
Eurostar trains cancelled and delayed after two people hit by trains near Lille
Eurostar passengers have been stranded for eight hours in Paris and London after two people have been hit and killed by trains. Services have been cancelled in both directions between London St Pancras International and Gare Du Nord in Paris yesterday evening. The cancellations came after two people were killed in separate crashes between Lille and Paris. More trains have been cancelled this morning, with passengers accusing the operator of 'abandoning passengers at midnight'. Rebecca del Tufo said: 'Utterly appalling service from Eurostat abandoning passengers at midnight in Paris with nowhere to stay. Shocking.' More Trending Another passenger wrote: '3pm check-in, sit on train for nearly six hours (all food runs out etc), finally go back to Gare du Nord and 1,000 passengers dumped in Paris with no hotels (cheapest room €2000 and they refund only up to €300). Disastrous.' Utterly appalling service from @Eurostar abandoning passengers at midnight in Paris with nowhere to stay. Shocking. — Rebecca del Tufo (@BeccadT) June 24, 2025 'Difficult' travel conditions are expected for the rest of the day, including crowded carriages, delays and cancellations. Eurostar said: 'You can expect delays, and some trains will be cancelled because some trainsets never made it to their destination to ensure a departure the next day. 'Also trains will be crowded with passengers from all the cancelled trains yesterday.' Got a story? Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ Or you can submit your videos and pictures here. For more stories like this, check our news page. Follow on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news updates. You can now also get articles sent straight to your device. Sign up for our daily push alerts here. MORE: Officer could face sack after asking colleague to 'pull his finger then farting anyway' MORE: Van bursts into flames outside St Pancras station in central London MORE: This is how long it takes to sell a home in each UK city
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Yahoo
Van engulfed by flames outside St Pancras International sending huge plumes of smoke into the sky
A van has burst into flames outside St Pancras International station, sending plumes of black smoke into the sky. Firefighters are tackling the blaze which erupted after 10am on Tuesday morning. Dramatic video has been shared of the vehicle consumed by flames with a small crowd of onlookers watching the scene unfold. A London Fire Brigade spokesperson told the Standard: 'We're currently attending a van fire near St Pancras Train Station. The Brigade was called at 1017 and two fire engines are at the scene. Road closures are in place and people are advised to avoid the area at this time.' This article is being updated...
Glasgow Times
15-06-2025
- Glasgow Times
Herne Bay the pretty Kent seaside town 2 hours from Watford
The town in Kent, just over a two-hour drive from Watford, is most famous for its historic pier and the Victorian clock tower that overlooks the seafront. Herne Bay is also reachable by getting a train into London and hopping on a Southeastern service via Ramsgate from St Pancras International, which takes just over two hours. Why should you visit the Kent seaside town of Herne Bay Whether you just need a break from Watford and want a relaxing weekend away or you want one filled with history, Herne Bay is the perfect place. The Herne Bay Pier is described as the "gem" of the town and is a "bright, colourful, bustling place where fun can be found for all the family", according to the Herne Bay Pier website. There is plenty to do on the pier, from enjoying a meal and a few drinks to riding one of the fun fair rides, including the old-fashioned fairground horses and the helter-skelter. The carousel on the pier. (Image: tr) On the online review website Tripadvisor, the pier has a 4.1/5 rating with one happy guest sharing: "The views are great and there is so much to do here! Absolutely brilliant day out." Away from the pier but still on the seafront is the Waltrop Gardens, which offers views of gorgeous flowers, all with a view of the sea. Recommended Reading For history fans, visitors can go to The Seaside Museum and learn all about the history of Herne Bay and see fossils from the local coast and much more. You can also visit the Reculver Towers and the Roman Fort, which is an English Heritage site and dates back to the 12th century. Herne Bay has plenty of places to stay for the weekend, including a Premier Inn, the Aqua Bay Guest House and a seafront B&B, the Evening Tide.
