In a memorandum of understanding signed this week, both companies announced their intention to explore options to offer a direct service between London and major German cities such as Cologne and Frankfurt.
Set to start in the early 2030s, the routes would use Eurostar’s new double-decker Celestia fleet, which offers 20% more capacity and makes up to 50% in energy savings compared with its existing fleet.
Offering direct city centre to city centre connection, passengers could soon travel between London and Cologne in around four hours and Frankfurt in just over five hours.
Eurostar chief executive Gwendoline Cazenave said: “We’re thrilled to kick off this partnership with DB. It’s a big step towards making travel between London and Germany more sustainable and effortless.
“By combining Eurostar’s cross-channel know-how and new fleet with DB’s strong presence in Germany, we’re creating a whole new level of connectivity and convenience for our customers.
“This partnership will help continue to power Eurostar’s growth and bring us closer to our goal of carrying 30 million passengers across our network.”
UK transport secretary, Heidi Alexander, added: “This partnership has the potential to transform cross border rail travel in Europe for generations to come.
"I’m delighted that following productive discussions with my German counterpart in the summer, we are speeding ahead with our ambitions to change how millions of people travel between our two countries.
"A direct rail link will support the creation of jobs, strengthen vital trade links and build a sustainable connection that will make international travel easier and greener.”
