British holidaymakers could soon enjoy direct train journeys from the UK to Switzerland after the two countries signed a cooperation agreement.
A memorandum of understanding aims to address barriers to establishing the rail link, including border controls and Channel Tunnel safety rules.
Currently, passengers travelling between London St Pancras and Switzerland must change trains and stations in Paris, resulting in a journey time of around seven-and-a-half hours to Geneva.
Direct services could reduce this to approximately five hours, making train travel more competitive with flights.
The Matterhorn is a must-visit in Switzerland, described as 'spectacular' and 'sensational'
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Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander held talks with Swiss transport minister Albert Rosti at London's St Pancras station this week.
Alexander praised the milestone, stating that direct train services to Switzerland would offer "an incredible passenger experience" and be "really convenient".
She called the signing "an important day". However, she also acknowledged there is "a lot of detail to work through" before services begin, so holidaymakers shouldn't expect to book the service anytime soon.
"It's not going to be within the next 12 months, but if we can make this happen, I think it will be a fantastic thing for our two countries," she said.
Swiss transport minister Rosti predicted that services would launch in five to 10 years.
"It will be competitive to flights," he added. "If you can fill one train with 1,000 people, you can reduce the number of flights from Switzerland by five."
Switzerland is a popular destination among holidaymakers and expats. It is famous for its natural beauty, including Lake Geneva and the Swiss Alps, beautiful historic sites such as the Château de Chillon, and world-class chocolate and fondue.
One visitor to The Matterhorn, Swiss Alps, described the experience as "spectacular" and "sensational" on Tripadvisor. A visitor to Lake Geneva described it as "amazing", complete with "natural beauty and so many treasures".
The launch of an easy, hassle-free direct service from the UK to the European haven could provide endless opportunities for holiday adventure.
The memorandum between the UK and Switzerland includes plans to share information and expertise while understanding requirements for border and security controls.
A joint working group will bring together government and industry experts to examine how to overcome barriers to launching train services.
Chief executive of London St Pancras Highspeed, Robert Sinclair, called it an "exciting announcement" that brings direct services "one step closer".
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'Amazing' Lake Geneva is complete with 'natural beauty and so many treasures'
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Eurostar boss Gwendoline Cazenave said that the operator has introduced the ability for passengers to buy tickets between London and Swiss cities in a single booking.
She added: "This is a first step in a wider plan with our partners to grow connections in the greenest way."
The Transport Secretary said the UK Government "wants to see a competitive and thriving international rail market" and is "keen to work with London St Pancras Highspeed to 'maximise the opportunities' of the Channel Tunnel.
London St Pancras Highspeed has said the line to the tunnel is operating at about 50 per cent capacity.
Eurostar is currently the only operator running a passenger service in the Channel Tunnel, although the line is open to competition.
