HS2 reset put first trains at 2036 to 2039 and cost up to £102.7bn

The UK Government reset HS2's cost and timetable on 19 May 2026, putting the project's estimated cost at between £87.7 billion and £102.7 billion.

First services between Old Oak Common and Birmingham Curzon Street were expected between 2036 and 2039. The estimate for the full route from London Euston to Curzon Street, including a connection to the West Coast Main Line, was 2040 to 2043.

The planned maximum speed was reduced from 360km/h to 320km/h. The government said that change could save up to £2.5 billion and at least one year of delivery time.

Ministers said HS2 would continue between Birmingham and London after an assessment found cancellation could cost as much as completion while providing none of the intended benefits. The release attributed two thirds of the revised cost increase to omitted scope, earlier underestimation and inefficient delivery, with the remaining third attributed to inflation.

The government said the scheme would add capacity on the West Coast Main Line corridor and save about 30 minutes between London and Birmingham. Those benefits and all cost savings remained government projections attached to the reset.