Eurostar has announced a €2 billion order for its first double-decker trains, set to begin service in 2031, marking a significant expansion that will increase capacity on cross-Channel routes and introduce a new era for high-speed rail travel in the UK. The deal, confirmed on October 22, 2025, involves ordering 30 “Celestia” trains from manufacturer Alstom, with an option for 20 more, potentially boosting Eurostar’s fleet size by nearly a third and supporting its goal to grow annual passenger numbers from 19.5 million to 30 million.
Each of the new double-decker trains will be 200 meters long and capable of carrying over 1,000 passengers, offering approximately 20% more seats than Eurostar’s largest existing models. This increased capacity is designed to meet rising demand for international rail travel, with features that include additional space for wheelchairs, bicycles, and enhanced legroom, alongside unspecified “surprises” to improve the passenger experience. The trains, based on Alstom’s Avelia Horizon design, are tailored for high-speed operations and will be the first of their kind to run through the Channel Tunnel and on the UK mainland, representing a milestone in European rail innovation.
Eurostar plans to introduce the first six trains in 2031, gradually phasing out older models while retaining some of the newer e320 trains. This expansion is part of a broader strategy that includes new routes to cities like Geneva and Frankfurt, reflecting a post-pandemic recovery and growing preference for sustainable travel options. The company’s chief executive, Gwendoline Cazenave, described the order as a “concrete realisation” of Eurostar’s ambitious growth plans, emphasizing the investment’s role in enhancing comfort and connectivity across its network.
However, the rollout faces logistical challenges, particularly concerning the Temple Mills depot in London, which is currently the only facility in the UK capable of maintaining these larger trains. Eurostar has committed €80 million to redevelop the depot, creating around 350 jobs, but the space is also sought by potential competitors, including Virgin, Evolyn, and Gemini Trains, who aim to launch rival cross-Channel services. The UK’s Office of Rail and Road is expected to rule on depot access by the end of October 2025, a decision that could shape future competition and capacity on these routes.
The introduction of double-decker trains highlights broader infrastructure limitations in the UK, where most of the rail network was built over a century ago and cannot accommodate such tall trains due to tunnels, bridges, and overhead lines. Experts like train enthusiast Pete Waterman have noted that adapting the network would be “absolutely astronomical” in cost, meaning double-deckers are unlikely to become commonplace beyond Eurostar’s specialized services. This constraint underscores the need for targeted investments in international rail hubs rather than widespread upgrades.
Eurostar’s order comes amid a surge in interest in cross-Channel rail, driven by environmental concerns and post-Brexit travel dynamics. The company’s growth aligns with European efforts to promote rail over air travel, though it also depends on supportive public policies and infrastructure investments. Cazenave stressed the importance of collaboration between private and public sectors to expand sustainable travel options, noting that solutions are needed not only for train maintenance but also for terminal capacity at stations like London’s St Pancras.
Looking ahead, the successful deployment of the Celestia fleet could set a precedent for high-speed rail in Europe, encouraging further innovation and competition. Alstom’s CEO, Henri Poupart-Lafarge, highlighted the trains’ role in advancing “sustainable and competitive European mobility,” with potential applications across Eurostar’s expanding network. As the depot decision looms, the outcome will influence whether multiple operators can coexist, potentially lowering fares and increasing choice for travelers between the UK and continental Europe.
In summary, Eurostar’s double-decker train order represents a bold step toward modernizing cross-Channel rail, but its success hinges on resolving infrastructure and regulatory hurdles. The initiative promises to enhance capacity and comfort for millions of passengers, reinforcing rail’s role in a greener transportation future while testing the limits of the UK’s historic rail system.