Eurostar Unveils Double-Decker Fleet for Channel Tunnel

Eurostar Celestia train arriving in London St Pancras.

€2 billion investment marks historic expansion with UK’s first two-story high-speed trains

Read more about London:

London Calling

54 Museums in London

London on a Shoestring: 15 free things to do

Eurostar has confirmed a €2 billion order for up to 50 state-of-the-art double-decker trains, marking the first time such vehicles will travel through the Channel Tunnel and operate on British rail networks.

The rail operator announced on October 22 that it has placed a firm order with French manufacturer Alstom Group for 30 trains, with an option to acquire an additional 20. Dubbed “Eurostar Celestia,” the futuristic fleet represents the company’s most ambitious expansion to date, signalling a new chapter in European sustainable travel.

—Placing this milestone order marks the concrete realisation of Eurostar’s ambitious growth strategy – to reach 30 million passengers by investing in a brand-new fleet, said Gwendoline Cazenave, CEO of Eurostar.

—We’re particularly proud to bring double-decker trains to the UK for the very first time, Cazenave added.

Capacity Boost to Meet Soaring Demand

The Celestia trains will significantly expand capacity on Europe’s busiest international rail routes. Each 200-meter train will accommodate approximately 540 passengers – a 20 per cent increase over current rolling stock. When operated in double formation through the Channel Tunnel, as is standard practice, each service will carry around 1,080 travellers.

This capacity enhancement comes as Eurostar pursues an aggressive growth target of serving 30 million passengers annually. The new fleet will operate alongside the company’s existing 17 e320 trains, bringing the total fleet to 67 units.

The trains will serve all five countries currently in Eurostar’s network – the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany – while enabling expansion to coveted new destinations including Geneva and Frankfurt.

Sustainability at the Core

The all-electric trains boast impressive green credentials: 97 per cent of their components are recyclable, with 25 per cent constructed from recycled materials. Energy consumption is expected to plummet by 20 to 50 per cent compared to current models, while the design incorporates resilience against climate-related impacts.

The development process has been notably inclusive, with passenger advocacy groups, accessibility organisations, and 100 Eurostar employees contributing to the design specifications. This collaborative approach aims to ensure the trains deliver exceptional comfort and improved access for travellers of all abilities.

—Customers can expect a very special new train with Eurostar Celestia, which will offer exceptional comfort, a unique Eurostar experience and new surprises to be revealed, Cazenave said.

Travellers will need to exercise patience, however. The first six trains are scheduled for delivery in January 2031, with commercial service commencing in May of the same year. The phased rollout means the full fleet won’t be operational for several years thereafter.