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Eurostar trains are about to look very different (Picture: Shutterstock / Sergii Figurnyi) In a UK-first, Eurostar has announced a major change: double decker trains. To meet growing demand, the cross-Channel rail operator is set to deliver at least 30 – and potentially up to 50 – new trains. The fleet, named Eurostar Celestia, will start running in 2031, and will travel across all five countries in Europe served by Eurostar, plus two new destinations: Geneva and Frankfurt. At 200m in length they’re set to be the first double-decker high speed trains operated in the UK, and the Channel tunnel. And at full capacity, the €2bn fleet, could carry a staggering 1,080 passengers at a time. There’ll be a fleet of 50 double decker trains by 2031 (Picture: Eurostar) The new trains will operate alongside Eurostar’s current fleet of 17, bringing the total to 67 trains. Eurostar say the entire fleet will be maintained at the Temple Mills depot in London, which would be developed to accommodate the new trains. The Temple Mills site is currently in high demand, with several of Eurostar’s competitors vying for space at the depot. Virgin boss, Richard Branson, who hopes to have his own fleet of cross-Channel trains, said space here was a ‘major hurdle’ in being able to offer a service. Contenders that could rival Eurostar Gemini / Uber Trains Richard Branson’s Virgin Group Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane London St Pancras High Speed Such an increase in passenger numbers begs the question of just how Eurostar’s terminal at St Pancras will cope with so many more people. The departure lounge has already been described as an ‘underbelly’ by Andrew Quine, CEO of Gemini Trains, another operator challenging Eurostar’s monopoly on services from the UK to Europe. But just last week, Eurostar CEO, Gwendoline Cazenave, confirmed they have ‘plenty of ideas’ to upgrade the area. The new all-electric Celestia fleet is also a step forward for sustainability, with 20 to 50% energy savings compared to current fleet. On the right track for your next trip Hello! I’m Kristina Beanland, Metro’s lifestyle editor. With new rail rivals challenging Eurostar and changes coming to cross-Channel travel, it pays to stay informed. Stay one step ahead with our updates. Our weekly newsletter brings you the latest travel updates — plus inspiration for smart escapes and affordable adventures. Sign up now. Plus, passengers could be in for an elevated experience, with promises of a glamorous new era for the operator. Gwendoline Cazenave, CEO, Eurostar 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.’ Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
