Posted 21st May 2025
Uber set to lend its brand to Channel Tunnel trains
A train operator planning to run services through the Channel Tunnel has signed a branding partnership with Uber.
Gemini Trains says it plans to buy 10 newly-designed trains of high quality which would offer ‘competitive fares’. At first they would run between London and Paris, and London and Brussels, but more routes are planned. Gemini also plans to restore stops at Ebbsfleet International, which along with Ashford has not been served by Eurostar since the Covid pandemic five years ago.
Gemini, whose chairman is vocal HS2 critic Lord Tony Berkeley, applied to the Office of Rail Road for an international open access licence between London and Paris in March.
Uber is now set to lend its brand to the venture, and offer tickets through its established app, although more details of the brand will be announced later. Uber already offers tickets for intercity trains, coaches, Lime bikes and flights, along with car rentals. It has already lent its brand to Thames Clipper boats.
Uber UK general manager Andrew Brem said: ‘We’ve seen amazing momentum since we began launching new modes of transport in the UK, and this collaboration with Gemini Trains is our latest step in how we’re helping people get where they want to go. We’re excited about the opportunity to bring our brand to the iconic Channel Tunnel journey.’
Gemini Trains CEO Andrew Quine said: ‘Innovation and value are at the very heart of what we do so it’s really exciting to be teaming up with Uber, an instantly recognisable global brand which has revolutionised the travel industry. Now passengers will be able to enjoy the same value and comfort on brand new “cutting edge” trains at the touch of a button.’
Gemini’s plans have already intensified competition for paths from London through the Channel Tunnel. A debate over the capacity of Temple Mills depot has not yet been resolved, while the capacity of the terminus at St Pancras, which has six international platforms, is also limited.
Other contenders who hope to provide competition for Eurostar include Virgin Trains and Spanish operator Evolyn, in partnership with Italian Trenitalia.
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