SBB eyes Geneva, Zurich and Basel as terminals for direct train to London

As plans continue to be drawn up for a direct train connection between Switzerland and London, head of international passenger transport at Swiss Federal Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) Philipp Mäder has revealed that train terminals in Basel, Geneva and Zurich are all possibilities.

Geneva, Zurich or Basel: SBB evaluates terminal logistics

Speaking at a recent conference, Mäder shed some light on SBB’s plans to expand its public transport network internationally. Addressing a new UK-to-Switzerland train route, made official in a memorandum signed earlier this year, Mäder described it as a "flagship project" for the company, according to Watson.

SBB is now eyeing up potential terminals at Geneva, Zurich HB or Basel SBB, with connections to all three being the "ideal scenario."

The rail company is exploring how feasible having a terminal in each city would be, with things like passport control, security checks, space, Channel Tunnel logistics and infrastructure capacity being some of the hurdles SBB will have to navigate. With all this in mind, the launch of the new connection won’t be until at least 2030.

Strong Swiss demand and a 2027 high-speed train tender

Despite the potential challenges, appetite for the route remains high, with Mäder explaining that demand is strong across the whole country. Expected passenger numbers in Geneva, for example, would be "as high as that of Zurich and Basel combined," continues Watson.

The next step in the major rail project is to open an official procurement tender for new high-speed trains in 2027. SBB plans to buy 21 trains, and the potential for 20 more, with the stock also set to serve other planned international routes, including to Paris, Marseille, Milan, Rome, Barcelona, Brussels and Amsterdam.