Eurostar to Launch First-Ever Double-Decker Trains Through the Channel Tunnel in €2bn Expansion Plan
Eurostar has unveiled a major expansion plan that will see double-decker high-speed trains running through the Channel Tunnel for the first time in history. The cross-Channel rail operator confirmed that it will order up to 50 state-of-the-art “Celestia” trains from French manufacturer Alstom, significantly boosting its fleet size and passenger capacity.
This ambitious move marks a new era for European rail travel and is part of Eurostar’s long-term strategy to meet growing demand, expand routes, and modernize its service ahead of the next decade.
A €2bn Deal to Transform Cross-Channel Rail Travel
Eurostar announced the €2 billion (£1.74 billion) contract on Wednesday, which includes an initial order of 30 Celestia double-decker trains, with an option to purchase 20 more in the future. The first six trains are expected to enter service by 2031, introducing a new level of comfort, speed, and efficiency to one of Europe’s most popular travel routes.
Each train will be 200 meters long, and when two are joined together — as Eurostar currently does with some services — the combined train will stretch 400 meters, offering seating for around 1,080 passengers.
These new double-deckers will be the first of their kind ever to operate through the Channel Tunnel, connecting London with destinations such as Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. Until now, Britain has only experimented with double-decker trains once — a short-lived trial that began in 1949.
Eurostar CEO: “A Proud Moment for the UK”
Eurostar’s Chief Executive Gwendoline Cazenave expressed pride in the company’s latest milestone.
“I’m particularly proud to bring double-decker trains to the UK for the very first time,” she said. “These new trains will deliver exceptional comfort and enhance the overall travel experience for our passengers.”
Cazenave added that the new fleet forms part of Eurostar’s broader vision to strengthen its role as Europe’s premier high-speed rail network and to accommodate soaring passenger demand.
Eurostar carried 19.5 million passengers in 2024, and the company now aims to increase that number to 30 million in the coming years. The introduction of the new fleet — which will replace some older models — is expected to lead to a 30% increase in services operating to and from London.
Boosting Capacity and Expanding Routes
The order for the new double-decker trains follows Eurostar’s announcement in June 2025 of plans to expand its network with new routes connecting London to Geneva and Frankfurt.
These new services will be part of Eurostar’s effort to make cross-border travel faster, greener, and more convenient, positioning rail as a sustainable alternative to short-haul flights across Europe.
With growing public interest in low-emission travel and rail’s increasing competitiveness against air transport, the investment signals Eurostar’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Temple Mills Depot Investment Raises Questions
As part of the expansion, Eurostar also plans to invest €80 million in upgrading the Temple Mills depot in Stratford, East London, the only UK facility capable of handling the larger European-style high-speed trains.
The depot, which is owned by London & Continental Railways’ St Pancras Highspeed division, is currently used exclusively by Eurostar. However, its future use has become a point of contention as new competitors seek access to the facility.
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) — the UK’s rail regulator — is currently reviewing proposals from several companies that want to operate their own cross-Channel services.
Among these potential new entrants are:
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Evolyn, a Spanish start-up aiming to launch services between London and Paris;
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Virgin Group, led by Sir Richard Branson, which has expressed interest in re-entering the high-speed rail market; and
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Gemini Trains, a UK-based firm that has partnered with Uber to explore new cross-Channel transport solutions.
The ORR’s decision on whether these companies can access Temple Mills — and under what conditions — is expected within weeks.
A Strategic Investment for the Future of European Travel
Eurostar’s investment in both new trains and maintenance infrastructure reflects its confidence in the future of high-speed rail as Europe’s preferred mode of travel. The company said its new fleet will not only enhance passenger comfort but also improve energy efficiency and reliability.
Each Celestia train, designed by Alstom, will feature:
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Two passenger decks with panoramic windows;
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Advanced noise reduction and smooth-ride technology;
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Next-generation onboard Wi-Fi and digital services;
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Eco-efficient power systems to reduce emissions and operational costs.
According to Alstom, the Celestia model represents the “most sustainable and passenger-friendly train ever built for European networks.”
Competition on the Horizon
While Eurostar currently enjoys a monopoly on passenger rail services through the Channel Tunnel, competition could reshape the market in the coming decade.
The arrival of potential rivals such as Evolyn and Virgin may bring lower fares and more frequent departures, benefiting consumers but also challenging Eurostar’s dominance.
Industry experts suggest that while competition could spur innovation, it will also require cooperation between operators, regulators, and infrastructure owners to ensure fair access to limited resources like Temple Mills.
Regulatory Decisions Ahead
The Office of Rail and Road faces a critical decision in determining how the depot will be shared among operators. Balancing Eurostar’s expansion needs with the entry of new competitors could redefine how high-speed rail operates across the UK and Europe.
A spokesperson for the ORR confirmed that the regulator is “carefully considering all applications” and expects to deliver a final ruling soon.
“Our goal is to support growth, innovation, and fair competition while maintaining safety and operational efficiency across the network,” the spokesperson said.
A New Chapter in Eurostar’s Journey
As Eurostar prepares to introduce its next-generation trains, the move is being hailed as a significant step forward for European connectivity. The double-decker fleet will allow the company to accommodate millions more passengers each year while maintaining its commitment to sustainable, low-carbon travel.
By 2031, travelers can expect faster, quieter, and more spacious journeys between London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and Geneva — with Eurostar’s sleek new Celestia trains symbolizing a new chapter in transcontinental rail.
“Our mission is to make high-speed rail the natural choice for travelers across Europe,” Cazenave said. “With these new trains, we’re investing not just in capacity, but in the future of green mobility.”