Eurostar has unveiled ambitious plans to introduce double-decker high-speed trains through the Channel Tunnel for the first time, in what it describes as a “transformational leap” for cross-Channel travel between the UK and mainland Europe.
In a €2 billion (£1.74 billion) deal confirmed on Wednesday, the operator announced it will order 30 state-of-the-art “Celestia” trains from French manufacturer Alstom, with an option for 20 more in the coming years. The new fleet will significantly expand Eurostar’s operational capacity, marking a near 30% increase in the number of trains serving London.
A First for the UK
Each of the new trains will be 200 metres long, and when two are coupled together—as is currently standard for longer routes—the 400-metre service will seat about 1,080 passengers. These will be the first-ever double-decker high-speed trains to run through the Channel Tunnel, and the first double-decker passenger trains to operate on British railways since a short-lived experiment in 1949.
Eurostar’s Chief Executive, Gwendoline Cazenave, expressed pride in introducing the innovative design to the UK.
“We are particularly proud to bring double-decker trains to the UK for the very first time,” she said. “They will deliver exceptional comfort, greater capacity, and a better experience for passengers travelling across the Channel.”
Cazenave added that Eurostar aims to grow its annual passenger count from 19.5 million in 2024 to 30 million in the coming decade.
Boosting Comfort and Capacity
The new Alstom “Celestia” models will replace some of Eurostar’s older trains and will undergo a rigorous multi-country certification process before entering service in 2031. Standing 4.33 metres tall—just 16 centimetres higher than the current E320 models—they will still comply with Channel Tunnel height restrictions, ensuring compatibility across the network.
Railway journalist Tony Miles told the BBC that the new trains could also benefit travellers’ wallets.
“It costs exactly the same to run the train whether it has twice the number of seats or not,” Miles explained. “Eurostar could sell more seats per journey, potentially leading to lower fares.”
He added that Eurostar’s announcement was a “cunning move” amid growing competition from potential rivals looking to enter the cross-Channel market.
Strategic Expansion Across Europe
The order forms part of Eurostar’s broader expansion strategy, which includes launching new routes from London to Geneva and Frankfurt in the near future. The company is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable, high-capacity rail transport, directly challenging the dominance of short-haul flights within Europe.
The move also comes as Eurostar’s existing fleet begins to approach retirement age, offering the company an opportunity to modernize while expanding service options.
Mark Smith, founder of the international train travel website Seat61.com, welcomed the announcement as a win for passengers.
“It’s obviously good news for travellers. The upper-deck seats will offer fantastic views, and the additional space will make long journeys far more comfortable,” Smith said.
Infrastructure Challenges Remain
Despite the optimism, the project faces logistical and infrastructural hurdles. One key question surrounds whether London’s Temple Mills depot, the only facility in the UK capable of accommodating large European-style high-speed trains, has enough space to handle Eurostar’s growing fleet.
Eurostar announced an €80 million investment to upgrade the depot, which is owned by the UK government’s London St Pancras Highspeed organization. Currently, the facility is used exclusively by Eurostar, but several potential competitors are seeking access.
Spanish start-up Evolyn, Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin, and a partnership between Gemini Trains and Uber have all expressed interest in launching rival cross-Channel services. The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) is currently reviewing proposals from these firms, as well as Eurostar’s own expansion plans. A decision on access rights to the Temple Mills depot is expected within weeks.
Historic and Technical Context
While the high-speed line from St Pancras to the Channel Tunnel was built to European standards, much of the rest of Britain’s rail infrastructure is incompatible with double-decker trains.
Music producer and railway enthusiast Pete Waterman told the BBC that adapting the broader UK network for taller trains would be “astronomically expensive.”
“Although Eurostar should be applauded for this move, most of Britain’s railways were built 200 years ago. You simply can’t fit double-deckers through most tunnels or under existing bridges without major reconstruction,” he explained.
As such, the double-decker rollout will remain limited to international services departing from London’s St Pancras International Station and travelling through the Channel Tunnel to continental Europe.
A Step Forward in Sustainable Mobility
The introduction of double-decker trains reflects a broader shift toward high-capacity, low-emission transport solutions. Each train will be designed with energy efficiency and passenger comfort in mind, featuring modern interiors, improved noise insulation, and optimized aerodynamics.
Eurostar’s commitment aligns with European Union and UK goals to promote greener alternatives to air travel. With aviation emissions under increasing scrutiny, the ability to carry more passengers per trip offers both environmental and economic advantages.
Looking Ahead
Once operational in 2031, Eurostar’s “Celestia” trains are expected to transform the passenger experience on one of the world’s most iconic rail routes. Offering panoramic views from upper-deck seats and modern onboard amenities, the new fleet promises a significant upgrade from the company’s existing services.
For Eurostar, this project is more than a fleet expansion—it’s a statement of intent to maintain leadership in the face of rising competition and changing travel habits.
As the company’s CEO Gwendoline Cazenave put it,
“Our vision is to make sustainable, comfortable, high-speed travel accessible to more people than ever before. The double-decker trains are the future of Eurostar.”
With certification, depot upgrades, and route expansions underway, Eurostar’s next chapter in European connectivity is set to begin—higher, faster, and more ambitious than ever.