Uber recently announced plans to enter the high-speed train market in Europe, particularly between London and Paris. Last week, the brand revealed its own rail project in partnership with British start-up Gemini Trains. Uber’s entrance into the train market will be, by some predictions, in direct competition with Eurostar.

Currently, train travelers between London and Paris have only one option: Eurostar. Tickets often cost more than €200, and the introduction of Uber into the train market could mean lower prices, easier booking experiences and more options.

Uber currently has a planned fleet of high-speed services connecting Paris with London, as well as London with Brussels and Lille by 2029.

The trains mean travelers and locals in London will no longer need to rely solely on Eurostar trains from crowded St. Pancras station. Instead, Uber will base its operations out of Stratford International in East London, linking up with the city’s new Elizabeth Line to ease traffic flow. The line will then include stops in both Lille, France, and Ebbsfleet in Kent. Stratford International offers various routes for inter-country travel, too, with connections to the Overground, DLR and Southeastern links, allowing travelers from across London and the Southeast to access the station with ease.

Uber also revealed passengers can book tickets on its trains directly via the Uber app, making for seamless connections should passengers then need to book an Uber car, bike or even boat. Fares are expected to be competitive, ranging from economy to business class.

Uber isn’t the only company looking to challenge Eurostar. Evolyn, a new international high-speed train service (supported by Trenitalia) eyes a debut in 2026. But Evolyn isn’t the only other brand entering the market.

After success in the hotel, airline and cruising industries, Virgin unveiled Virgin Trains, which hopes for a 2030 debut. In other words, competition across the trans-Channel market is slated to be contentious.

In the meantime, Uber and Gemini still require more financing and orders from train manufacturers like Alstom to make their plan a reality. Gemini Trains has already sent its proposals to the rail regulator, but both Uber and Gemini Trains still have a long road ahead before trains hit the rails.

What are your thoughts on Uber entering the train market? Would you be more inclined to travel by Uber Train or one of the other upcoming brands (like Virgin Trains)? Have you traveled the trans-Channel route before with Eurostar? What was your experience like?  Email us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com. Please include your full name and location.