Eurostar has announced a major milestone in its history with a €2 billion investment in up to 50 new double-decker trains to be built by Alstom Group. The order, which includes 30 confirmed trains with an option for 20 more, represents the first time double-decker trains will operate through the Channel Tunnel and on the UK rail network. The new fleet, named Eurostar Celestia, will form part of Eurostar’s wider plan to reach 30 million annual passengers and significantly enhance its cross-border service.

Each train in the Eurostar Celestia fleet will be based on Alstom’s Avelia Horizon platform and will be fully interoperable across all five countries currently served by Eurostar, as well as new destinations such as Geneva and Frankfurt. The 200-metre-long trains will feature around 540 seats per set – 20% more capacity than current models – and can be operated in pairs through the Channel Tunnel for a total of approximately 1,080 seats. The bespoke design will reflect Eurostar’s premium identity, with interiors focused on comfort, accessibility, and sustainability, developed in consultation with passengers, accessibility groups, and over 100 Eurostar team members.

The first six Eurostar Celestia trains are expected to enter service in May 2031, following initial deliveries in January of the same year. Once the rollout is complete, Eurostar’s overall fleet will grow to 67 trains – a 30% increase compared to today – combining the new Celestia sets with the existing 17 e320 units. The Temple Mills depot in London will serve as the maintenance base for the expanded fleet, with an €80 million redevelopment planned to support the project and create around 350 additional skilled jobs.

Eurostar CEO Gwendoline Cazenave said: “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. We’re particularly proud to bring double-decker trains to the UK for the very first time. 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. This is a golden age for international sustainable travel – and Eurostar is leading the race.”

Alstom CEO Henri Poupart-Lafarge added: “By choosing Avelia Horizon to renew its fleet, Eurostar is confirming its desire to combine technological performance, energy efficiency and passenger comfort. This new-generation train, designed to meet the demands of international very high-speed traffic, embodies our vision of sustainable and competitive European mobility.”

Image: Eurostar