London High-Speed Rail
London has one fully operational high-speed line — HS1, opened in 2007 — and one under construction (HS2, opening late 2030s). HS1 hosts Eurostar to Europe at 320 km/h and Southeastern's Class 395 Javelin to Kent at 225 km/h, making it the fastest railway in Britain.
High Speed 1 (HS1)
Operational since 2007
108 km / 300 km/h line from London St Pancras International to the Channel Tunnel via Stratford International and Ebbsfleet. Carries Eurostar to Europe and Southeastern Highspeed (Class 395 Javelin) to Kent at 225 km/h.
High Speed 2 (HS2)
Under construction — opens late 2030s
230 km new line from London Euston to Birmingham Curzon Street at 360 km/h. Old Oak Common opens first (Elizabeth line interchange), with Phase 1 to Birmingham following. Northern legs cancelled in 2023.
Eurostar (on HS1)
Operational
Class 374 Velaro e320 at 320 km/h from St Pancras International to Paris (2h 16m), Brussels (1h 53m), Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Lille via HS1 and the Channel Tunnel.
Southeastern Highspeed (Javelin)
Operational since 2009
Class 395 Javelin at 225 km/h on HS1 — St Pancras International to Ashford, Canterbury, Dover, Ramsgate, Margate and Folkestone. The UK's only domestic high-speed service.
Top Speeds Compared
| Service | Line | Top Speed | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eurostar Velaro e320 | HS1 | 320 km/h (200 mph) | Operational |
| HS2 (future rolling stock) | HS2 | 360 km/h design (330 km/h initial) | Under construction |
| Southeastern Class 395 Javelin | HS1 | 225 km/h (140 mph) | Operational |
| LNER Azuma / Avanti Pendolino / Lumo | ECML / WCML (classic) | 200 km/h (125 mph) | Operational |
FAQs
Does London have high-speed rail?
Yes — High Speed 1 (HS1) opened fully in 2007 and runs 108 km from London St Pancras International to the Channel Tunnel at 300 km/h. It carries international Eurostar services to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, plus domestic Southeastern Highspeed (Class 395 Javelin) trains to Kent at 225 km/h. A second line, High Speed 2 (HS2) from Euston to Birmingham, is under construction and opens in the late 2030s.
What is the fastest train in London?
The Eurostar Class 374 Velaro e320 at 320 km/h (200 mph) on HS1 — the fastest train serving any London terminus. Southeastern's Class 395 Javelin runs at 225 km/h (140 mph) on the same line.
Is HS2 open yet?
No. HS2 Phase 1 is under construction. The first section will run from Old Oak Common (in west London) to Birmingham Curzon Street, opening between 2029 and 2033. Euston station opens later. The northern legs to Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield and the East Midlands were cancelled in October 2023.
What is the Javelin train?
The Class 395 Javelin is a Hitachi-built 140 mph (225 km/h) electric multiple unit operated by Southeastern Highspeed on HS1. It runs from St Pancras International to Ashford, Canterbury, Dover, Folkestone, Margate, Ramsgate and other Kent towns — the UK's only domestic high-speed service.
Which London stations serve high-speed rail?
St Pancras International is London's high-speed hub: HS1 (Eurostar and Southeastern Highspeed Javelin). Stratford International also handles some Javelin services. Euston will be HS2's central London terminus when the line opens; Old Oak Common (under construction) will be HS2's west London interchange with the Elizabeth line.