When will SBB direct services to major European capitals start?

The times are not yet fully defined. SBB will launch a tender in the coming months to purchase the trains. London is expected around 2030. For Barcelona and Amsterdam, the times have not been specified, but should precede London. Meanwhile, regional flights and trains remain the main alternatives.

Which European cities will the new SBB service reach?

The project includes direct services to Barcelona, Amsterdam, London and other major European capitals. Up to 40 daytime convoys will circulate throughout Europe. Vincent Ducrot, CEO of SBB, said he wanted to reach cities such as Rome, Amsterdam, Barcelona or London without changes. Timing and priorities remain to be defined for most destinations.

What will be the impact on SBB's financial situation?

In the first half of 2026, SBB recorded a profit of 126 million francs, but the total debt amounts to 11.5 billion francs. According to the management, SBB needs annual profits of at least CHF 500 million to reduce debt and continue investing. The new European direct services will have to contribute to this objective.

Which companies will provide the high-speed trains?

SBB will launch a tender in the coming months. The main candidates are Alstom, Hitachi and Siemens. The Swiss manufacturer Stadler could participate if it has suitable trains in its range. Its current Giruno trains reach only 250 km/h and are too slow for this application (320-360 km/h is needed).

What are the main obstacles to the project?

The limited capacity of the Channel Tunnel is a constraint on the route to London. The United Kingdom is not part of the Schengen area, so customs checks will have to be carried out at Swiss stations already. Germany has postponed the expansion of the railway offer because the infrastructure on the German lines needs significant improvements.

SBB evaluates direct trains to Barcelona, Amsterdam and London (cross-border guide)

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 27 August 2026

High-speed train departing a Swiss railway station platform with Alpine mountains in the distance

SBB is considering opening direct rail services to major European capitals. Project of 40 convoys to respond to air chaos and high prices.

Context

In a nutshell

SBB evaluates direct trains to Barcelona, Amsterdam and London
Project of 40 European convoys to respond to aerial chaos
Tender in the coming months for the acquisition of trains

Key facts

What: SBB plans direct rail services to European capitals
When: Tender launch next months; London expected 2030
Where: Barcelona, Amsterdam, London + other European capitals
Who: SBB (Swiss Federal Railways), CEO Vincent Ducrot
Number: Up to 40 daytime convoys
Rational: Air traffic chaos, rising fuel prices
Financing: Tender scheduled in the coming months

The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) are considering opening direct rail services to major European capitals, including Barcelona, Amsterdam and London. The announcement comes from CEO Vincent Ducrot, who is promoting the project as a response to the growing chaos of air traffic, characterized by canceled flights and the drastic increase in the price of fuel. Meanwhile, the current alternative di trasportos remain domestic flights and regional trains with changes.

The project provides for up to 40 trains to run throughout Europe during daylight hours. According to Ducrot, the boom in long-distance rail traffic in Europe reveals a significant change in travel habits: more and more passengers are turning to the train not only for excursions and days on the snow, but also to reach major events and concerts,

Operational details

The financing and acquisition strategy

SBB is considering whether to purchase the trains directly or to hire them out. The choice will depend on the results of the tender, the first concrete step of the project. Alstom, Hitachi and Siemens are the largest European producers of high-speed trains, with an established track record in the sector. Stadler, despite being Swiss, developed the Giruno specifically for European medium-range speed routes (maximum 250 km/h), unsuitable for this vision that requires higher speeds (320-360 km/h). The decision to invest in this expansion comes at a time of financial challenge for the company.

In the first half of 2026, SBB recorded a profit of 126 million Swiss francs, a positive result but still insufficient for the ambitious development plans. SBB's total debt amounts to CHF 11.5 billion, a sizeable figure that reflects decades of infrastructure investment but also the burden of managing a complex rail network. According to the management, to reduce this debt and continue to invest in new infrastructure and services, SBB needs annual profits of at least CHF 500 million. This objective implies that the company must generate significant additional revenues through new services and improved operational efficiency.

Implications for the sustainability and competitiveness of transport

This project aligns with the European strategies of

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Key points

The realistic timeline and what to expect

The announced times remain vague for most destinations. London is expected around 2030, while for Barcelona and Amsterdam the times have not yet been specified. This means that those living in Switzerland will have to wait at least 3-4 years before they can take advantage of these services for the British capital, and probably less for the other two destinations. Meanwhile, flights remain the fastest alternative to reach these cities, albeit characterized by rising costs and greater environmental impacts.

SBB will launch the tender in the coming months, a crucial phase that will determine which trains will be purchased and from which supplier. The outcome of the race will directly affect the quality, price of tickets and frequency of services. Those interested in these future rail services can monitor SBB's official announcements through the company's channels and the communications of international partners.

How to prepare and what to know

Those who regularly travel to major European capitals should keep an eye on the developments of this project. In the short term, the alternatives remain flights, regional trains with gearboxes, or car rental. In the medium to long term, direct SBB services may represent an advantageous option from the point of view of comfort, total travel time (considering airport times) and sustainability.

For those who live

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Source: tio.ch

Frequently Asked Questions

When will SBB direct services to major European capitals start?: The times are not yet fully defined. SBB will launch a tender in the coming months to purchase the trains. London is expected around 2030. For Barcelona and Amsterdam, the times have not been specified, but should precede London. Meanwhile, regional flights and trains remain the main alternatives.
Which European cities will the new SBB service reach?: The project includes direct services to Barcelona, Amsterdam, London and other major European capitals. Up to 40 daytime convoys will circulate throughout Europe. Vincent Ducrot, CEO of SBB, said he wanted to reach cities such as Rome, Amsterdam, Barcelona or London without changes. Timing and priorities remain to be defined for most destinations.
What will be the impact on SBB's financial situation?: In the first half of 2026, SBB recorded a profit of 126 million francs, but the total debt amounts to 11.5 billion francs. According to the management, SBB needs annual profits of at least CHF 500 million to reduce debt and continue investing. The new European direct services will have to contribute to this objective.
Which companies will provide the high-speed trains?: SBB will launch a tender in the coming months. The main candidates are Alstom, Hitachi and Siemens. The Swiss manufacturer Stadler could participate if it has suitable trains in its range. Its current Giruno trains reach only 250 km/h and are too slow for this application (320-360 km/h is needed).
What are the main obstacles to the project?: The limited capacity of the Channel Tunnel is a constraint on the route to London. The United Kingdom is not part of the Schengen area, so customs checks will have to be carried out at Swiss stations already. Germany has postponed the expansion of the railway offer because the infrastructure on the German lines needs significant improvements.