Eurostar has announced a major €2 billion (£1.7bn) investment to launch a fleet of up to 50 new trains, set to enter service from the early 2030s. The expansion will introduce three new direct routes, including services from London to Frankfurt in Germany and Geneva in Switzerland, as well as a direct connection from Amsterdam and Brussels to Geneva.
The announcement follows Eurostar's 2024 financial results, which showed an EBITDA of €346 million (£296 million) and passenger numbers exceeding 19.5 million, a five per cent year-on-year increase. The company recently reinstated direct services between London, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam in February, with additional daily services planned for September and December.
Eurostar CEO Gwendoline Cazenave said the company was witnessing 'strong demand' for train travel across Europe, with customers wanting to 'go further by rail than ever before'. She added: 'Our new fleet will make new destinations for customers a reality – notably direct trains between London and Germany, and between London and Switzerland for the first time. A new golden age of international sustainable travel is here.'
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander welcomed the announcement, describing it as a 'huge step in promoting green travel across Europe' and boosting the UK's international rail connections. The expansion comes as several companies seek access to the Temple Mills depot in north-east London, currently monopolised by Eurostar. A report by the Office of Rail and Road found available capacity at the depot, prompting Virgin Group to express readiness to launch high-speed services through the Channel Tunnel.
French manufacturer Alstom is also in talks to use its new Avelia Horizon trains to increase capacity and potentially lower fares, though regulatory approval is required to ensure compliance with Channel Tunnel safety rules.
