Uber Trains by Gemini : Uber veut concurrencer Eurostar

Written by Sophie Renassia

Published yesterday

Photo : IA generated

It’s official: a new player wants to shake up cross-Channel rail. Already present in the railway sector through ticket sales on its app, Uber is teaming up with British start-up Gemini Trains to launch “Uber Trains by Gemini.” In practice? Cross-Channel services (London–Paris/Brussels/Lille) aiming to break Eurostar’s monopoly and democratize access to the Channel Tunnel via the Uber app. The first trains, announced for 2029, would depart from Stratford International, with a strategic stop at Ebbsfleet. Behind the big announcement, however, success will depend on regulatory, financial, and technical hurdles… Here’s what you need to know.

Democratizing Cross-Channel Travel

The ambition: making London–Europe journeys more accessible

In recent days, the news has made waves: Gemini Trains has struck a partnership with Uber. And the start-up isn’t hiding its ambitions: increase frequencies, lower prices, and expand access to rail between the UK and Europe. For its part, Uber brings its brand power and an app used by millions, making booking as easy as ordering a ride.

Flagship destinations

The project plans to connect London and Paris, London and Brussels (with a stop at Ebbsfleet), and later expand to Lille and Cologne. The goal: to offer a credible and competitive alternative for the millions of cross-Channel passengers each year.

An Offer to Compete with Eurostar

The end of a monopoly?

Currently, Eurostar dominates cross-Channel rail services. For Gemini, this monopolistic situation leads to high prices and limited service. Uber Trains by Gemini positions itself as the “antidote”: more choice, more flexibility, and a welcome alternative for travelers.

The geographic advantage of Stratford and Ebbsfleet

With Stratford International as its terminus, Gemini is betting on a station better connected to East London (Elizabeth Line, Overground, DLR), capable of attracting new passenger flows. The stop at Ebbsfleet—a station unused for international services since 2020 and equipped with large car parks—targets motorists from Kent. Two strategic positions to expand the market beyond Eurostar’s traditional customer base.

Uber Hits the Rails: A Unique Co-Branding

The “Uber effect”

The partnership takes the form of co-branding: just like “Uber Boat” in London, these new trains will carry the Uber brand. Tickets will be bookable directly through the Uber app, reinforcing the idea of a one-stop shop for mobility.

Ten trains by 2029

The plan calls for acquiring ten modern trainsets designed to run through the Channel Tunnel and offer comfortable services at competitive prices. In practice, however, funding remains uncertain, and some experts point out that Stratford would require adaptations to handle international passenger flows.

PR Stunt or Solid Project?

A very uncertain timeline

The launch is slated for around 2029–2030. Yet, at this stage, it remains only a proposal: everything will depend on approval from the regulator (the Office of Rail and Road), financing, rolling stock acquisition, and potential infrastructure upgrades. Rail analysts such as Jon Worth have voiced skepticism:

“You could make a stop for Channel Tunnel trains at Stratford, but starting/ending there — due to the track layout — looks impossible. The platforms are concrete bunker-like, the capacity for a terminal unknown. So I’m sceptical.” — Jon Worth, quoted by TripByTrip.org (23 May 2025).

Major technical challenges

Stratford International has never handled international traffic: border controls, platform layouts, and passenger facilities would all need to be completely redesigned. Some analysts highlight that the current infrastructure is simply not suited for regular cross-Channel operations.

You get the picture: while the ambition is big (breaking Eurostar’s monopoly, making the Channel crossing more accessible, and harnessing the power of a global brand like Uber), the road to 2029 looks full of hurdles: financing, rolling stock, infrastructure, authorizations… all challenges that cast doubt on the project’s realization. Still, this fresh and ambitious announcement shows one thing: international rail is now a playing field where start-ups and tech giants want to get involved.

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Written by Sophie Renassia

Issue du monde de la communication et des médias, Sophie est Responsable éditoriale chez HOURRAIL ! depuis août 2024. Elle est notamment derrière le contenu éditorial du site, la page Linkedin du média, ainsi que La Locomissive (de l'inspiration voyage bas carbone et des bons plans, un jeudi sur deux, gratuitement dans ta boîte mail !).

Convaincue que les changements d’habitude passent par la transformation de nos imaginaires, elle s’attache à montrer qu’il est possible de voyager autrement, de manière plus consciente, plus lente et plus joyeuse. Son objectif : rendre le slow travel accessible à toutes et tous, à travers des astuces, des décryptages et surtout, de nouveaux récits.