Uber is extending its brand to the European railways. The ride sharing company announced a partnership with UK start-up Gemini Trains to launch a new fleet of high-speed services linking London with major cities across the continent.
Under the agreement, Gemini will run and maintain the trains while Uber brings its global brand and booking technology. Travelers will be able to purchase tickets for the so-called “Uber Trains” directly through the Uber app, alongside taxis, ride-shares and other transport options already available.
The proposed service would operate up to 10 high-speed trains through the Channel Tunnel, with initial routes connecting London’s Stratford International and Ebbsfleet International to Paris and Brussels, and possible future extensions to Lille and Cologne. The partnership is pitched as a direct challenger to Eurostar, with Uber promising more competitive fares and a smoother booking experience.
Using Stratford as a hub would relieve congestion at London’s St. Pancras station, while Ebbsfleet—already equipped with customs and security infrastructure—could serve as a park-and-ride gateway for travelers across southeast England.
The project, however, faces steep hurdles. Gemini is seeking up to £700 million in financing, while also navigating regulatory approval from British and European rail authorities. It must also secure access to key maintenance depots currently leased to Eurostar.
If successful, the first Uber-branded trains could roll out by 2029, marking Uber’s boldest move yet into long-distance travel—and offering Eurostar its first serious competition in decades.
