The Italian rail group Trenitalia has new ambitions in Europe. According to the specialized press, the operator aims to open a Paris-London service by 2029, as part of a strategic partnership with the American investment fund Certares. The objective is clear: to accelerate Trenitalia's growth in France and strengthen its position in the European rail market, including on the highly strategic Channel Tunnel route.
Summary
Certarès enters the capital of Trenitalia France
According to the specialized press, Certarès has reached an agreement with the Italian group Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane to invest in Trenitalia France. The operation involves the creation of a joint venture intended to support the operator's development in the French market and to assist with future international projects.
This partnership is also based on commercial synergies. Certarès already has a presence in travel distribution through several international groups and networks. The stated objective is to facilitate the integration of Trenitalia's offerings into these distribution channels, in order to support volume growth and brand awareness among both professionals and the general public.
Strengthening of operations in France
Already the second-largest high-speed rail operator in the French market, Trenitalia intends to use these new financial resources to consolidate its presence. The announced projects include increasing the fleet, with a target of at least 19 high-speed trains, creating a new maintenance facility near Paris, and increasing service frequency on existing lines. On the Paris–Lyon route, the operator aims for up to 28 daily services in the long term.
Since its arrival in France, Trenitalia has positioned itself with its Frecciarossa service, emphasizing comfort, design, and a premium customer experience. This strategy reflects a desire for sustained competition with SNCF on major national routes.
Paris–London: an emblematic project
The most significant announcement, however, concerns the planned Paris-London service by 2029. This route, currently dominated by Eurostar, is one of the most profitable and iconic rail corridors in Europe. The arrival of a new operator could alter the market balance, introducing greater competition and expanding the options for both business and leisure travelers.
Trenitalia has not yet released details on the precise operational arrangements for this future link. The project remains contingent on regulatory approvals, infrastructure capacity, and the availability of rolling stock compatible with the Channel Tunnel.
Certarès, a distribution accelerator
For Certarès, this investment is part of a long-term strategy to build bridges between transport operators and distribution networks. The fund is already involved in several international travel groups and intends to foster commercial synergies between its portfolio companies. For tourism professionals, this approach could facilitate access to Trenitalia's rail services within a structured B2B framework.
Key takeaways
Trenitalia is leveraging Certarès' investment to strengthen its presence in France and prepare for international expansion. The planned Paris-London connection by 2029 demonstrates a strong ambition in the cross-Channel market, currently dominated by Eurostar. The operator also plans to increase its fleet, service frequencies, and industrial capacity to consolidate its position against SNCF on the French rail network.
And now ?
If the schedule is maintained, Trenitalia's arrival on the Paris-London route could usher in a new phase of competition in European rail. For both passengers and tourism professionals, this development could translate into a diversification of services and, ultimately, greater competitiveness for international rail transport.
Updates
Article updated on January 6, 2026, following the information published on the partnership between Trenitalia France and Certarès.
Sources
https://www.fsitaliane.it/
https://www.trenitalia.com/
https://www.certares.com/
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