Full Breakdown
Eurostar's Historic Investment in Double-Decker Trains
10/22/2025, 8:31:30 PM
Major Expansion of Eurostar's Fleet
Eurostar, the operator of high-speed rail services through the Channel Tunnel, has announced a significant investment of €2 billion (approximately £1.7 billion) to acquire up to 50 new double-decker trains, named Eurostar Celestia. This order includes a firm commitment for 30 trains, with an option for an additional 20. The new fleet is set to enter service starting in May 2031, marking the first time double-decker trains will operate on the UK rail network and through the Channel Tunnel.
The Celestia trains, designed by French manufacturer Alstom, will be 200 meters long and capable of carrying around 540 passengers each. When operated in pairs, as is common for Eurostar services, the capacity will increase to approximately 1,080 seats per journey. This represents a 20% increase in seating capacity compared to Eurostar's current fleet of 17 single-decker Siemens e320 trains.
Strategic Goals and Market Context
Eurostar's Chief Executive, Gwendoline Cazenave, emphasized that this investment is part of the company's ambitious growth strategy aimed at increasing annual passenger numbers from 19.5 million to 30 million by 2031. The new trains will not only enhance capacity but also improve passenger comfort, featuring additional legroom and dedicated spaces for bicycles and wheelchair users. Cazenave stated, “We’re particularly proud to bring double-decker trains to the UK for the very first time,” highlighting the significance of this development in the context of rising demand for international rail travel.
The announcement comes at a time when Eurostar faces potential competition from other operators interested in accessing the Channel Tunnel. Companies such as Virgin Group, FS Italiane, and Gemini Trains have expressed intentions to enter the market, prompting Eurostar to secure its position with this fleet expansion.
Infrastructure and Job Creation
To support the new fleet, Eurostar plans to invest an additional €80 million in upgrading its Temple Mills depot in London, which will be responsible for maintaining the new trains. This development is expected to create around 350 new jobs, further solidifying Eurostar's commitment to the UK market.
Criticism and Challenges Ahead
Despite the positive outlook, some industry experts have raised concerns about the feasibility of operating double-decker trains across the broader UK rail network, which is largely not designed to accommodate such vehicles due to historical infrastructure limitations. Pete Waterman, a railway enthusiast, noted that most UK routes cannot support double-decker trains due to low bridges and tight track spacing.
Additionally, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) is expected to announce decisions regarding access to Temple Mills for competing operators, which could impact Eurostar's operational plans.
Verbatim Quotes
- “marks the concrete realisation of Eurostar’s ambitious growth strategy.” — Gwendoline Cazenave, CEO of Eurostar
- “By choosing Avelia Horizon, Eurostar is confirming its ambition to combine technological performance, energy efficiency and passenger comfort. This new-generation train embodies our vision of sustainable and competitive European mobility.” — Henri Poupart-Lafarge, CEO of Alstom
Conclusion
Eurostar's order for double-decker trains represents a transformative step in the evolution of international rail travel in the UK. With plans to enhance capacity and comfort while facing emerging competition, Eurostar aims to solidify its role as a leader in sustainable transport. The successful implementation of this strategy will depend on navigating regulatory challenges and ensuring the necessary infrastructure is in place by the time the new trains are operational in 2031.
