High-Speed Rail Travel in Europe Gets a Major Boost with FS Group and Certares Collaboration, Promising Faster, Greener Travel by 2029

Published on December 30, 2025

In a major development for European travel, FS Group and Certares have formed a groundbreaking partnership aimed at transforming high-speed rail travel across the continent. This collaboration will focus on accelerating the expansion of rail services, with a particular emphasis on enhancing cross-border routes. The partnership is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of transportation in Europe by 2029, making travel faster, greener, and more accessible for both business and leisure passengers.

By leveraging FS Group’s deep expertise in rail operations and Certares’ strong distribution network, this partnership seeks to introduce new high-speed rail services connecting key European cities. Notably, FS Group and Certares plan to introduce services linking Paris and London, with a focus on reducing travel times and increasing connectivity. This strategic move is expected to meet the growing demand for sustainable, efficient, and comfortable travel options, especially as more travellers seek greener alternatives to air travel.

The goal of this partnership is to create a high-speed rail network that not only offers faster travel times but also encourages a shift towards sustainable and eco-friendly transportation. With growing environmental concerns and the need for better connectivity between major cities, the expansion of high-speed rail travel is becoming more important than ever.

By 2029, the partnership aims to have established a seamless, integrated rail system that connects major cities across Europe. This will provide passengers with an attractive, efficient, and sustainable travel option, reshaping how people travel across the continent. FS Group and Certares are setting the stage for a new era of high-speed rail in Europe, one that will revolutionize cross-border travel for years to come.

Why This Partnership Matters for the Future of Travel

This ground-breaking partnership between FS Group and Certares aligns with the growing demand for high-speed rail travel in Europe. With a shared vision of eco-friendly transport and the evolving dynamics of European tourism, this collaboration presents a significant milestone in the region’s push for a greener, more sustainable future. This move is also a response to shifting travel trends, with corporate travellers increasingly seeking rail alternatives due to their sustainability benefits, reliability, and city-centre connectivity.

Key Elements of the FS Group and Certares Partnership:

• Expansion of Trenitalia France: The partnership includes an investment to accelerate the growth of Trenitalia France, which already operates high-speed trains between major cities like Paris, Lyon, and Milan.
• Focus on Paris–London Corridor: The collaboration also sets its sights on the Paris–London route, with plans to introduce high-speed rail services by 2029, marking a major development in cross-border rail travel.
• Sustainability and Efficiency: The introduction of enhanced services focuses on integrating eco-friendly solutions, encouraging both corporate and leisure travellers to shift from air to rail travel for a greener option.

The Growing Demand for High-Speed Rail in Europe

Europe’s high-speed rail network has rapidly expanded in recent years, and this partnership will help fuel its growth. FS Group’s rail expertise, combined with Certares’ strong distribution capabilities, will enable the partnership to increase its footprint in the European travel industry.

• More Connections, More Passengers: Trenitalia France is already operational on several key routes, with over 4.7 million passengers served. The expansion will offer 28 daily services on major routes like Paris–Lyon, alongside a significant increase in the number of trainsets and services. The investment will also create hundreds of new jobs and enhance customer experiences with technology upgrades, including Wi-Fi and more comfortable onboard features.
• The Role of Certares: With its established network in the travel distribution sector, Certares brings essential resources to the table. It will facilitate commercial agreements between Trenitalia France and several global travel management groups, thereby enhancing the partnership’s ability to reach a wide range of business and leisure clients.

Strategic Goals and the Future of European Rail Travel

FS Group’s 2025-2029 strategic plan focuses heavily on international expansion, with high-speed rail at its core. The partnership with Certares will propel the group into new markets, particularly in the UK, allowing Trenitalia France to become a significant player in the cross-border travel sector. Additionally, the planned expansion aims to enhance rail service frequencies and develop a new maintenance facility near Paris, ensuring that the network continues to operate smoothly and efficiently.

• Sustainability as a Core Focus: This strategic move is not just about expanding the rail network. Both companies recognise the importance of sustainability in modern travel. With a growing demand for eco-friendly transport, this partnership aligns with the EU’s Green Deal, further cementing the role of high-speed rail in sustainable tourism.

What This Means for Tourists and Business Travellers

• Enhanced Travel Experience: With the increased investment in technology and infrastructure, high-speed trains will offer a better travel experience. Passengers will enjoy faster travel times, greater comfort, and more flexible booking options, making rail travel an attractive choice for both business and leisure travellers.
• Increased Connectivity: The expansion of high-speed services will not only improve existing routes but also introduce new connections, reducing travel time between major European cities and providing tourists with easier access to cross-border destinations. This will be especially appealing for travellers who prefer the ease and comfort of train journeys over the stresses of air travel.
• A Seamless Travel Option: The future high-speed rail links between cities like Paris, London, and Milan will create a seamless travel experience for passengers. The partnership’s focus on integrating rail-inclusive itineraries will encourage tourists to explore multiple cities with ease, making it an exciting prospect for those seeking multi-destination trips.

Trenitalia France’s Role in the Future of European Travel

Trenitalia France has been steadily growing its presence, and this partnership marks the next big step in its journey to becoming a dominant force in high-speed rail travel across Europe. With plans to increase its fleet to at least 19 trainsets, the company is poised for a significant expansion in both the corporate and leisure markets.

• Expanding Routes: In addition to its current routes, Trenitalia France will soon be serving new corridors, including the much-anticipated Paris–London route. The introduction of high-speed services will reduce travel times and improve overall connectivity between major cities, making it easier for travellers to move around Europe.
• Customer Satisfaction: With over 4.7 million passengers carried, Trenitalia France has garnered positive feedback for its reliability and efficiency. As the company expands, its commitment to providing an excellent customer experience will remain a top priority.

The Future of Sustainable Travel in Europe

This partnership is not just a win for rail companies but also for sustainable tourism. High-speed rail offers a greener alternative to air travel, which is essential in the context of the growing global focus on reducing carbon emissions. By offering a reliable and efficient travel option, the partnership between FS Group and Certares will play a pivotal role in Europe’s transportation revolution.

• Greener Transport Options: As more and more companies and travellers embrace sustainability, the expansion of high-speed rail networks offers a low-carbon alternative to air travel, making it a preferred option for eco-conscious travellers.
• Sustainable Tourism: With improved rail services, tourists will have the opportunity to explore Europe in a more sustainable way. The integration of dynamic packaging tools will allow travellers to book rail-inclusive itineraries, promoting the use of rail as a primary transport mode.

Conclusion: A New Era for European High-Speed Rail

In conclusion, the partnership between FS Group and Certares represents a pivotal moment in the future of high-speed rail travel in Europe. With plans for expanded networks, improved services, and a strong focus on sustainability, this initiative will reshape how both business and leisure travellers experience European travel. The Paris–London rail link, set to open by 2029, marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the future of transportation.