Right now, the only train station in the UK that has passenger trains that travel abroad is London’s St Pancras International, which whizzes passengers to the continent via the Eurostar. However, that doesn’t stop a number of British stations being confusingly called ‘international’. Just another one of those quirky British things.
One ‘international’ station just outside of London has just revealed a spectacular £1 million makeover. Harwich International train station in northeast Essex has unveiled a major renovation which took place throughout September 2025. It saw repairs made to the roof, as well as improvements to lighting staircases and station entrance areas. The whole station was also given a fresh coat of paint.
Andrew Goodrum, infrastructure and major projects director at Greater Anglia, which carried out the works, said: ‘These improvements make a significant difference to the overall passenger experience.
‘The station is now brighter, more modern and more welcoming, while our new energy-efficient lighting reduces our carbon footprint.’
Although it doesn’t operate any trains to Europe, Harwich station is technically ‘international’ thanks to its proximity to Harwich International Port, a major cruise and ferry terminal with a number of daily trips to the Netherlands. Harwich International runs regular services to local areas including Harwich Town, Manningtree, and London Liverpool Street.
Soon, St Pancras International might not be the UK’s only truly international terminus, as competition is hotting up for the Eurostar. Plans have been announced to start running trains to Europe from Stratford by 2029, meanwhile Virgin is gearing up to operate trains to Paris in 2030. Kent’s Ashford International and Ebbsfleet International stations could also get cross-Channel services.
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