The new direct train service that could link the UK to Switzerland without needing to fly

, the Swiss National Railways (SBB) has proposed a new route between London St Pancras and Basel.

The route, which would take five hours, would run through the Channel tunnel and use Eurostar trains.

Brit holidaymakers travelling between the UK and Basel, via train, currently need to use at least three services, but the new route would only require one train.

Philipp Mader, SBB's head of international passenger transport, confirmed the plans at the Swiss Travel Association conference.

According to , He said: "As a long-distance destination, we are looking into a direct train from Switzerland to London, the most frequently flown city in Europe. Basel to London in around five hours, that's possible."

While SBB bosses are keen on a direct rail link between the UK and Switzerland, several hurdles will need to be faced, including the capacity for additional Eurostar services.

A spokesperson from Eurostar told MailOnline: "It is encouraging to see interest from the Swiss national railway in expanding their international train route network.

"We always monitor the potential for new routes, but our current focus is our extended network of European destinations following our union with Thalys."

Other hurdles facing the potential new route include infrastructure challenges in the Channel Tunnel and security and passport control checks at departing stations.

Firm plans for the route have yet to be confirmed.

The news comes as several train lines are set to challenge Eurostar, which has been the only provider of route between London and Europe.

Virgin Trains could soon launch between the UK and Europe, with former boss Phil Whittingham said to be taking on Eurostar.

Virgin Trains ran for more than 20 years from 1997 to 2019, with the routes taken over by Avanti West Coast.

New Dutch operator Heuro could also launch trains between London, Amsterdam and Paris.

This would see 15 daily return services between London and Amsterdam.

Start-up Evolyn has revealed plans to launch train services between London to Paris.

The non-stop routes would link London St Pancras to Paris Nord by 2025.

It comes as Eurostar has been forced to scrap a number of train routes in recent months.

The popular London to Disneyland Paris route has been ditched, with Brits now having to change in Paris.

If you don't want to leave the UK, here is the "most scenic" train journey where tickets cost just £3.