With Eurostar currently the sole provider connecting the UK to European cities by rail, a new company - Gemini - is set to rival it with plans to link the UK to both Paris and Brussels. This move could revolutionise the market, as Gemini intends to offer competitive fares for high-speed trains and expand its network to additional popular European destinations. The firm said it aims to provide independent, 'open-access' services through the Channel Tunnel and has applied to the Office of Rail and Road for access to Eurostar's Temple Mills International maintenance depot.

CEO of Gemini, Adrian Quine, said: "The high-speed line connecting London and the continent through the Channel Tunnel is one of the great rail routes. With a whole new generation now choosing trains over planes, there is a great opportunity to bring real entrepreneurial flair and dynamism with competitive fares to Europe's premier route."

Chair Lord Tony Berkeley said: "Our team has real strength, depth, vision and dynamism and is superbly placed to offer customers choice on what is currently a monopoly route."

Discussions are currently taking place with with key stakeholders and regulators across Europe including station operators and train companies like Eurostar. 

Gemini, however, is not the only company looking to rival with Eurostar. 

Richard Branson's Virgin Group intends to raise £700 million by 2029 to fund a competing service connecting London to Paris and Brussels, with plans to eventually expand to Amsterdam.

Eurostar saw a record number of passengers in 2024, with a total of 19.5 million customers.

However, travelling on Eurostar is often much more expensive than it is to fly to Paris, especially if you book a ticket during peak times.