OFF TRACK
Eurostar passengers face longer train journeys this summer – here’s why
And the three train operators set to take on Eurostar with new routes
BRITS hopping on the Eurostar this summer could face a longer journey than usual, the train operator has warned.
Connecting the UK to destinations in France, the Netherlands and Belgium, passengers travelling via Brussels will be facing extended trips.
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Train lines between Belgium and the French border are to be shut down for engineering works next month, local media .
The aging high speed network, which is around 27 years old, needs updating to handle the trains currently using the tracks.
A joint statement from Infrabel, the National Railway Company (SNCB) and Eurostar said: "In recent years, the ageing of the line connecting Brussels to the Franco-Belgian border has become apparent."
The works are to start from August 12, the day after the end of the Paris Olympics, and last until August 29.
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The majority of the works will take place overnight, but will also require a two week full closure.
This means Brits travelling from London to Brussels, Rotterdam and Amsterdam will face longer journeys by being diverted onto other, slower lines.
Passengers will face journey times being around 30 minutes longer.
Currently, the London St Pancras to Brussels takes around two hours - it has now been extended to 2hr34.
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London to Rotterdam will go up to 3hr58, from 3hr16, while London to Amsterdam's fastest direct route normally takes around 4hr10, but this will go up to 4hr40.
While they hope to keep disruption to a minimum, passengers are being advised to check the schedules before travelling in case of any last minute changes.
The Sun reviews business class travel on the Eurostar
In better news, Eurostar has confirmed a popular holiday route is returning to the lines this winter.
Called Eurostar Snow, Brits can travel from London to the French Alps, by changing at Lille.
The train service, starting from December 21, will then have stops at resorts Bourg St. Maurice, Chambery, Albertville, Moutier, Aime La Plagne, and Landry.
Travelling by Eurostar is often preferred by skiers due to the larger luggage allowances.
Earlier this year, Eurostar also revealed plans for 50 new trains, with hopes for "new routes" as well.
But this comes as a number of other train companies have revealed plans to take them on.
One of the first to announce plans for London-Europe trains was Evolyn.
Announced last year, the Spanish start-up said they wanted to connect London St Pancras to Gare du Nord by 2025.
Following this, Dutch operator Heuro also revealed similar plans, with routes between London, Amsterdam and Paris.
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Sun Travel's favourite train journeys in the world
Sun Travel's journalists have taken their fare share of train journeys on their travels and here they share their most memorable rail experiences.
Davos to Geneva, Switzerland
"After a ski holiday in Davos, I took the scenic train back to Geneva Airport. The snow-covered mountains and tiny alpine villages that we passed were so beautiful that it felt like a moving picture was playing beyond the glass." - Caroline McGuire
Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen
"Nothing quite beats the Shinkansen bullet train, one of the fastest in the world. It hardly feels like you're whizzing along at speed until you look outside and see the trees a green blur. Make sure to book seat D or E too - as you'll have the best view of Mount Fuji along the way." Kara Godfrey
London to Paris by Eurostar
"Those who have never travelled on the Eurostar may wonder what’s so special about a seemingly ordinary train that takes you across the channel. You won’t have to waste a moment and can tick off all the top attractions from the Louvre to the Champs-Élysées which are both less than five kilometres from the Gare du Nord." - Sophie Swietochowski
Glasgow to Fort William by Scotrail
"From mountain landscapes and serene lochs to the wistful moors, I spent my three-hour journey from Glasgow to Fort William gazing out the window. Sit on the left-hand side of the train for the best views overlooking Loch Lomond." - Hope Brotherton
Beijing to Ulaanbatar
"The Trans-Mongolian Express is truly a train journey like no other. It starts amid the chaos of central Beijing before the city's high-rises give way to crumbling ancient villages and eventually the vast vacant plains of Mongolia, via the Gobi desert. The deep orange sunset seen in the middle of the desert is among the best I've witnessed anywhere." - Ryan Gray
And Virgin Group has even joined discussions, with a spokesperson saying: "Virgin continues to advance it’s plans and is delighted with the progress so far".
In the mean time, here's how to save hundreds on your Eurostar tickets.
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