Direct train connection Berlin-London: New Agreement signed!

Direct train connection Berlin-London: New Agreement signed!

Berlin, Deutschland - On July 19, 2025, an important step was taken in the direction of a direct train connection between Berlin and London. Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) and the British Prime Minister Keir Strandmer signed the so -called "Kensington Treaty" during Merz's first official visit to the United Kingdom. This friendship contract not only aims at deeper collaboration in areas such as defense, trade and technology, but also brings plans for a direct high -speed connection between the two capitals that should make do without a change, so [RBB24 reported] (https://www.rbb24.de/panorama/-2025/07/bahn-berlin-london-direktbinde-geplant-gaver

Currently, travelers from Berlin to London have to plan for almost 12 hours when switching, mostly in Brussels. The new direct train that is supposed to drive through the Eurotunnel and has no intermediate stops is advertised as an environmentally friendly alternative to air traffic. British Transport Minister Heidi Alexander emphasized the climate -friendly advantages of this connection, which will be of great importance, especially for business travelers and vacationers, since the daily travel time could be significantly shortened, as could also be reduced Reisereporter reports.

structure of a task force

A central point of the agreement is the formation of a task force from traffic experts from both countries. This should take care of the clarification of border controls and create all the necessary framework conditions for the new connection. In the future, electronic border controls ("e-gates") could be introduced for frequent travelers between Germany and Great Britain to facilitate the clearance at train stations.

The British government has expressed hope that the new connection can be put into operation in the early 2030s. Deutsche Bahn is also very interested in connections by the Eurotunnel, which have been sought for years. The permits and suitable trains that are necessary for the new connection are still pending. Only when these hurdles have been built on the construction of the infrastructure for border controls.

European rail connections in context

rail transport in Europe has developed strongly in recent decades. In Germany and Great Britain, both countries rely on high operational safety and electrification, which would make a more than comfortable journey possible. The EU strives to promote competition in national rail traffic and to ensure better interoperability. This could also have positive effects on the planned connection in Berlin-London, since solutions are being worked on in order to overcome technical obstacles such as different rail flow systems, according to wikipedia.

With the Kensington Treaty, the upcoming connection could not only deepen economic relationships, but also promote cultural exchange. Exchange programs for pupils from both countries are to be expanded, which gives young people the opportunity to develop interculturally.

Overall, the new friendship contract between Germany and Great Britain shows that both countries want to work together on a new basis, especially after Brexit in order to offer a contemporary and sustainable solution for travelers. It remains to be seen whether the first trip in the new direct train will soon become a reality.