Eurostar has announced a €2bn (£1.7bn) deal with manufacturer Alstom to purchase at least 30 new double-decker trains, with an option for up to 50, to meet growing demand for international rail travel from the UK. The new trains, named Celestia, are expected to begin operating from 2031 and will be the first high-speed double-deckers to run on the UK mainland.
Each train will carry more than 1,000 passengers, offering about 20% more seats than Eurostar's largest existing fleet. The extra space will accommodate stairs, wheelchairs, bicycles, additional legroom, and what the operator describes as 'surprises'. Upper and lower deck tickets will be priced the same, with passengers free to choose their seating.
The double-decker trains will be only 16cm higher than current models, ensuring they fit within the Channel Tunnel and high-speed track infrastructure, which complies with European gauge specifications. However, their larger size means they are unlikely to operate on other UK rail lines.
Eurostar plans to maintain the entire fleet at its Temple Mills depot in north-east London, investing an additional €80m to redevelop the site and create 350 jobs. The announcement coincides with a critical decision by the UK regulator, the Office of Rail and Road, on whether Eurostar should allocate depot space to competitors such as Virgin, FS Italiane, and Gemini.
Eurostar CEO Gwendoline Cazenave stated that the order reflects the company's growth strategy to reach 30 million passengers annually. She emphasised the need for the UK to expand sustainable international rail capacity, regardless of the depot decision. The new trains will serve Eurostar's network, including planned destinations like Frankfurt and Geneva, and will replace older models, increasing the total fleet size by about 30%.
