Eurostar places €2bn order for up to 50 double-decker trains

Eurostar is investing a “landmark” €2 billion in a fleet of double-decker trains that will enter commercial service from 2031.

The rail operator has confirmed an order for 30 trains, built by Alstom Group, with an option for a further 20, which will become the first double-decker trains to operate through the Channel Tunnel and on the UK network.

New trains, called Eurostar Celestia, will be a bespoke design created from Alstom’s Avelia Horizon platform and will be interoperable across the five countries which Eurostar currently serves, plus new destinations Geneva and Frankfurt.

The first six new trains are expected to go into commercial service in May 2031 and will see seating capacity increase by 20 per cent compared to its existing trains. They will operate alongside Eurostar’s existing fleet of 17 e320s, taking its fleet to 67 trains – a 30 per cent increase on today – while its e300, PBA and PBKA trains will be retired.

The company plans to maintain the entire fleet at the Temple Mills depot, which would be developed to accommodate the new trains at a cost of some €80 million. Eurostar has previously urged potential rivals to invest in the facility should competition arrive on the cross-channel route.

DB and Eurostar partner on direct Germany-London rail link

Deutsche Bahn (DB) and Eurostar have confirmed joint plans to develop a direct high-speed rail connection between Germany and London.

The rail operators signed an agreement “to explore options” for a long-distance rail service between London and major German cities, such as Cologne and Frankfurt.  

The partnership aims to leverage the combined assets of Eurostar and DB, promising “better solutions” for travellers and “mutual benefits” for the companies. According to a joint statement, Eurostar will contribute its experience in cross-Channel rail operations, while DB will offer its extensive network and strong presence throughout Germany.

Pending intergovernmental agreements, entry approvals and infrastructure readiness, the new route is expected to launch in “the early 2030s”, with services to be operated by Eurostar’s new double-decker Celestia fleet.

The partnership follows the signing, in July, of the ‘Friendship and Bilateral Cooperation’ treaty between the German and UK governments. Both governments have each since established a task force to support the new cross-border rail connection.

Virgin ‘on track’ to launch cross-channel rail service in 2030

Virgin Group is moving forward with plans launch a new cross-channel rail service to rival Eurostar after the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), which regulates the UK’s railways, approved the group’s application for access to Temple Mills international rail depot.

The group, owned by British entrepreneur Richard Branson, said the regulatory green light  places Virgin “firmly on course” to introduce competition on the Channel Tunnel, which connects the UK to mainland Europe and is currently exclusively operated by Eurostar.

Virgin plans to operate cross-channel services as early as 2030, with connections from London St. Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord, Brussels-Midi and Amsterdam Centraal – all routes currently served by Eurostar. It also has ambitions to expand services further across France as well as into Germany and Switzerland.

Additionally, the company stated that if Ebbsfleet International or Ashford International stations in Kent are reopened, its services will include stops at those locations. Virgin said it is currently working with Kent County Council and other local stakeholders to “explore how to make this happen”. 

Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson said: “The ORR’s decision is the right one for consumers – it’s time to end this 30-year monopoly and bring some Virgin magic to the cross-channel route… We’re going to shake-up the cross-channel route for good and give consumers the choice they deserve.”