Eurostar to launch doubledecker trains through Tunnel by 2031

Published: 22 October 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Eurostar has unveiled ambitious plans to introduce double-decker trains through the Channel Tunnel, a move aimed at addressing increasing demand for international rail travel from the United Kingdom to continental Europe. The announcement follows the signing of a €2bn (£1.7bn) contract with French train manufacturer Alstom for the delivery of between 30 and 50 new trains, with operations scheduled to begin in 2031.

The new fleet, known as Eurostar Celestia, represents a major evolution in high-speed rail travel for the UK, with each train capable of carrying more than 1,000 passengers—making them the largest passenger trains to operate on British soil. Eurostar has confirmed that these double-decker trains will feature roughly 20% more seating than its current largest models, with the additional space accommodating not only more passengers but also increased accessibility for wheelchairs, designated areas for bicycles, extra legroom, and a series of undisclosed “surprises” aimed at enhancing the passenger experience.

“This milestone order is the concrete realisation of Eurostar’s ambitious growth strategy,” said Eurostar Chief Executive Gwendoline Cazenave. “It demonstrates our commitment to reach 30 million passengers through investment in a brand-new fleet. Customers can expect a very special experience with the Eurostar Celestia, combining exceptional comfort with innovative features yet to be revealed.”

The company has indicated that all maintenance for the expanded fleet will take place at its Temple Mills depot in north-east London, a site slated for redevelopment with a further €80m investment. Eurostar expects the project to create around 350 new jobs, a boost to the local economy and the UK rail sector.

The timing of Eurostar’s announcement coincides with ongoing deliberations by the UK’s Office of Rail and Road (ORR) regarding the allocation of maintenance space at Temple Mills for potential competitors. Multiple international high-speed rail operators, including Virgin, FS Italiane (Trenitalia in partnership with Spain’s Evolyn), and Gemini, have submitted bids for access to the depot. Eurostar, however, maintains that the facility cannot accommodate additional operators due to its own planned expansion.

Virgin has separately signed an agreement with Alstom to purchase 12 Avelia high-speed trains, similar to models currently in operation in Italy and Sweden, contingent on the ORR granting depot access. FS Italiane has pledged that its cross-Channel services would stop at Ashford, Kent, if successful, aligning with government encouragement to reopen disused UK high-speed stations and improve connectivity. The ORR’s provisional decision regarding the competing bids was made at a recent board meeting, with a final ruling expected by 31 October.

Henri Poupart-Lafarge, CEO of Alstom, highlighted the innovation behind the new trains: “This next-generation train, designed to meet the demands of international very high-speed traffic, embodies our vision of sustainable and competitive European mobility. Eurostar Celestia will set new standards for comfort, capacity, and environmental performance.”

The new trains will not only operate through the Channel Tunnel but will also be compatible with the entire Eurostar network, including planned future services to Frankfurt and Geneva. As the double-decker fleet gradually enters service, older trains will be phased out, except for the 17 most recent e320 models. Once fully delivered, the new trains will expand Eurostar’s total fleet capacity by around 30%, enhancing its ability to meet growing passenger numbers while improving operational efficiency.

Cazenave emphasised that while the ORR decision on depot space is significant, the demand for international rail travel in the UK justifies substantial private investment. “We are looking at long-term solutions for sustainable travel between the UK and continental Europe,” she said. “This involves private capital, such as the €2bn we are investing, but also public transport policy measures to support maintenance facilities and terminal upgrades, including at St Pancras International.”

The Celestia trains are being developed with a focus on passenger comfort and environmental sustainability. Their design incorporates energy-efficient technologies, lower noise emissions, and enhanced aerodynamics to reduce operational costs and environmental impact. Eurostar aims to position the new trains as part of a broader strategy to encourage greener travel, offering a competitive alternative to short-haul flights between the UK and Europe.

Industry experts view Eurostar’s investment as a bold statement about the future of high-speed rail travel in Europe. The introduction of double-decker trains addresses long-standing capacity constraints, particularly during peak travel periods, and signals confidence in the sustained growth of cross-Channel passenger numbers despite the disruption of recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other economic factors.

The planned expansion also aligns with wider European trends in high-speed rail investment. Nations such as France, Germany, and Italy have progressively upgraded their high-speed networks with double-decker trains to accommodate increasing passenger flows, while maintaining commitments to energy efficiency and accessibility. Eurostar’s adoption of similar strategies reflects the UK’s intent to integrate more fully into continental rail networks.

The Temple Mills depot redevelopment is a key component of Eurostar’s expansion strategy. The investment will enable the company to maintain a larger fleet on UK soil, improving turnaround times, operational efficiency, and overall service reliability. Additionally, the creation of 350 jobs at the depot will support skills development in the UK rail sector, with opportunities spanning engineering, logistics, and management.

The Celestia trains are also expected to introduce new onboard amenities and innovations, enhancing the passenger experience through improved seating, entertainment options, and connectivity. Eurostar aims to provide travellers with a seamless, high-speed journey from major UK cities to key destinations across Europe, while demonstrating leadership in sustainable rail transport.

While Eurostar has faced challenges in recent years, including fluctuations in passenger demand and regulatory uncertainties, this investment represents a significant step towards long-term growth. By modernising its fleet and expanding capacity, the company seeks to remain competitive amid rising international travel demand and increasing competition from other high-speed operators seeking a share of cross-Channel services.

As Eurostar moves forward with its ambitious fleet expansion, industry observers note that the project will also influence broader transport policy discussions in the UK. The need for additional maintenance facilities, terminal upgrades, and investment in sustainable travel infrastructure will be central to ensuring the success of the new trains. Public-private collaboration will be essential to accommodate both Eurostar’s growing operations and potential future competitors, ensuring a resilient, efficient, and environmentally responsible high-speed rail network.

With the launch of double-decker trains by 2031, Eurostar is set to redefine international rail travel for UK passengers. By combining increased capacity, innovative design, and sustainable technology, the Celestia trains will provide an enhanced, future-ready travel experience while reinforcing the UK’s position within Europe’s high-speed rail network.