Eurostar has announced a landmark EUR 2 billion investment in up to 50 new double-decker trains to be built by Alstom Group, marking a major step in the operator’s long-term growth strategy.
Named Eurostar Celestia, the next-generation fleet will be the first-ever double-decker trains to operate through the Channel Tunnel and on the UK network. Eurostar has confirmed a firm order for 30 trains, with an option for 20 more, supporting its goal to reach 30 million annual passengers in the coming years.
Expanding Capacity and Reach
Based on Alstom’s Avelia Horizon platform, the 200-metre Celestia trains will be fully interoperable across all five countries currently served by Eurostar and extend operations to new destinations including Geneva and Frankfurt.
Each train will offer around 540 seats, a 20% capacity increase compared with the existing fleet. When operating in double formation through the Channel Tunnel, services will carry approximately 1,080 passengers.
The first six trains will enter service in May 2031, following deliveries beginning in January 2031. Once complete, Eurostar’s fleet will comprise 67 trains — a 30% uplift compared to today’s 51 units — including its existing 17 e320s.
Eurostar also plans to expand and modernise its Temple Mills depot in London, investing EUR 80 million to accommodate the new fleet and creating around 350 additional skilled jobs. The depot already employs more than 450 of Eurostar’s UK-based staff.
Designed for sustainability and accessibility
The all-electric Eurostar Celestia fleet is designed with sustainability and accessibility at its core. Each train will be built using 97% recyclable materials, with 25% made from recycled components, and deliver up to 50% energy savings compared to current models.
The design process has involved passenger and accessibility groups, along with 100 Eurostar employees, to ensure inclusive comfort and improved access for all travellers.
Gwendoline Cazenave, CEO of 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.”
Henri Poupart-Lafarge, CEO of Alstom, 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.”
The name Celestia, derived from the Latin caelestis meaning heavenly, was chosen by Eurostar staff to represent the company’s role as a “constellation of cities” connecting travellers across the continent.
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