High Speed 1, a direct link to London

The Channel tunnel was linked to the continental high-speed network when it was inaugurated in 1994, but the trains had to use Britain's conventional rail network. It is characterised by its age, especially regarding commercial speeds, and also by its narrow infrastructure which restricts the gauge of the trains that can run there.

The progressive and now total opening of HS1, the first British high-speed link connecting London to the Channel tunnel allows Continental gauge high-speed trains to serve London.

Placing the British capital within 2 - 3 hours of the other Western Europe capitals, HS1 will allow Euro Carex to use standard high-speed trains that can run indifferently on the continental network and on High Speed 1.