London’s Europe Trains Could Get a Second Stop
Travelling to Europe by train could become easier for millions of people in east London and nearby areas. Instead of heading to St Pancras, some could eventually board international services at Stratford, where cross-Channel trains currently pass without stopping. The UK Government backed work towards that change in its 28 October Budget, bringing a long-discussed second London boarding point closer to reality.
Where the Stratford Trains Could Go
- Route: Paris is the main proposed destination; Brussels, Rotterdam and Amsterdam are also being considered.
- Operator: Virgin is exploring a Stratford stop; none has committed.
- Start: Around 2030 is the target, not a confirmed opening date.
- Frequency: Up to one in three trains travelling to and from France could stop.
- Who benefits: People in east London and surrounding areas using Stratford's transport links.
The estimated £20 million upgrade would equip Stratford's unused international platforms for passport controls, security checks and boarding. The station could accommodate about 250–300 international passengers at a time. A stop would add around five to eight minutes to a cross-Channel journey. Virgin has received preliminary track-access approval for services to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam from October 2030, but a stop at Stratford has not been agreed.
Stratford International is already served by Southeastern high-speed trains to St Pancras and Kent. Nearby Stratford International DLR connects to Stratford station in about two minutes, where passengers can change to the Elizabeth, Central and Jubilee lines. A European stop would spare some passengers another train journey before checking in. Arrivals from the continent could also reach Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the shops, venues and museums around Stratford without travelling first to central London.
Nothing changes for bookings yet. Eurostar passengers travelling from London must still board at St Pancras, seven minutes from Stratford International by Southeastern train; Oyster pay as you go is accepted, but special high-speed fares apply. Travellers can check current services on the station's official website. If Stratford gains international stops, the advantage will be a simpler journey, not a promised fare saving: tickets, operators and timetables remain unconfirmed.