New Direct Switzerland–London Train Set for 2030: What It Means For Muslim Travellers

Big news is rolling down the tracks for Muslim travellers exploring Europe: Switzerland and the UK have officially approved a new high-speed train route linking Swiss cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Basel directly to London—with a projected travel time of just 5 to 6 hours. Launching by 2030, this new connection promises a greener, smoother alternative to flying—and it's full of promise for Muslim-friendly travel across borders.

Also read: 10 Stunning Mosques Around Europe, A Must-Visit for Muslim Travellers

Why is it exciting for Muslim travellers?

Let’s be honest: European rail travel already has its charm, but throw in a direct route between two Muslim-friendly hubs and you’ve got something special. Switzerland has a growing Muslim community and is home to a variety of halal restaurants and mosques. On the other end, London is a Muslim travel dream, offering a wide array of halal cuisine, Islamic heritage sites, and vibrant Muslim-majority neighbourhoods like Whitechapel and Southall.

This upcoming train route offers comfort, scenic views, and the ability to skip airport hassles—all while keeping your travel plans aligned with your halal lifestyle.

Not just a train ride—A journey through Halal-friendly Europe

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Here’s a sneak peek at some of the potential stops along the future route, and what Muslim travellers can enjoy in each destination:

1. Zurich, Switzerland

Halal Travel Highlights: A modern city with a laid-back vibe. Enjoy halal Turkish, Indian, and Lebanese cuisine in districts like Aussersihl. The Mahmud Mosque, Switzerland’s first mosque, is located here.

Must-See: Lake Zurich, Old Town, and the Islamic Centre of Zurich.

2. Bern or Basel, Switzerland

Halal Travel Highlights: Basel offers a handful of halal restaurants, and both cities are compact, calm, and perfect for a scenic start to your rail journey.

Must-See: Basel Minster, Old Town, and Rhine River views.

3. Geneva, Switzerland

Halal Travel Highlights: One of the most Muslim-friendly cities in the country. The Geneva Mosque is one of the largest in Europe, and there are ample halal eateries ranging from Moroccan to South Asian.

Must-See: Jet d’Eau, the United Nations office, and Lake Geneva.

4. Paris or Lille, France (likely transit points)

Halal Travel Highlights: If a stopover happens in France, both cities are halal food havens. Paris boasts everything from Michelin-starred halal restaurants to lively North African bakeries. Lille is known for its warm, small-town vibe and halal street food.

Must-See: In Paris – the Grand Mosque, Eiffel Tower, and halal fine dining. In Lille – Wazemmes Market and local mosques.

5. London, United Kingdom

Halal Travel Highlights: A global halal hotspot! Find everything from halal Korean BBQ and Middle Eastern feasts to prayer rooms in major shopping malls and airports. The city is also home to rich Islamic history and a large Muslim population.

Must-See: Regent’s Park Mosque, the British Museum (with Islamic art), Brick Lane’s halal curry houses, and Hyde Park.

Greener, smoother, and designed for the future

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The new rail link won’t just be about convenience—it’s also an eco-conscious choice. Cutting air travel between the UK and Switzerland could reduce emissions, while offering travellers the opportunity to enjoy more of Europe’s natural beauty from the comfort of a high-speed train.

And the best part? Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) plans to fully fund the project through ticket sales—no government subsidies required. That means the service is designed with real traveller demand in mind.

Of course, a few challenges remain. Switzerland must coordinate with France to allow train passage, purchase new high-speed trains, and revamp some stations to include customs checks for UK-bound passengers. But the agreement is already signed, and the countdown to 2030 is officially on.

Also read: Explore Almaty, Kazakhstan: A Muslim-Friendly Destination for All Seasons

What does this mean for Muslim-friendly European travel?

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Whether you're planning a family-friendly adventure, a halal honeymoon, or a solo Euro trip, this direct train service is set to open up a whole new level of travel freedom. From lakeside breakfasts in Geneva to shopping sprees in London’s halal markets—all without stepping foot in an airport—Muslim travellers will have more ways to explore Europe comfortably, conveniently, and consciously.

Keep your travel bucket list ready. Switzerland to London by train is coming—and it’s set to transform how Muslim travellers journey through Europe.