Eurostar has announced a landmark €2 billion investment in a new generation of double-decker high-speed trains, marking the first time such models will operate through the Channel Tunnel and on the UK rail network.
The new fleet, named Eurostar Celestia, will be manufactured by Alstom Group and represents one of the largest investments in cross-border rail since Eurostar’s inception. The company has confirmed an initial order for 30 trains, with the option for a further 20, as part of its long-term plan to reach 30 million passengers annually.
Drawing inspiration from the Latin word caelestis – meaning “heavenly” – Celestia reflects Eurostar’s ambition to connect what it calls a “constellation of cities across Europe”. Each train will be built using Alstom’s Avelia Horizon platform, configured to run across Eurostar’s existing network of five countries, with Geneva and Frankfurt set to join as new destinations.
The 200-metre double-decker sets will increase seat capacity by 20%, with around 540 seats per train and 1,080 seats when operating in a 400-metre formation through the Channel Tunnel.
The first Celestia trains will enter service in May 2031, following testing from January that year. By that time, six trains will be operational, ushering in what Eurostar describes as “a golden age for international sustainable travel”.
Once fully delivered, the new fleet will operate alongside the company’s existing 17 e320 trains, expanding the total to 67 units – a 30 per cent increase in fleet size.
Eurostar plans to maintain all Celestia units at its Temple Mills depot in London, investing a further €80 million to expand facilities and create 350 new highly skilled engineering and maintenance roles. The depot currently employs around 450 staff, making it one of the UK’s largest international rail hubs.
The all-electric Celestia fleet is being developed with sustainability, accessibility and passenger experience as central design principles. Eurostar has involved accessibility groups and over 100 team members in the co-design process to ensure the new trains meet modern standards for comfort and inclusivity.
Gwendoline Cazenave, CEO of Eurostar, said: “Placing this milestone order marks the concrete realisation of Eurostar’s ambitious growth strategy – to reach 30 million passengers by investing in a brand-new fleet.
“We’re particularly proud to bring double-decker trains to the UK for the first time. Customers can expect a very special new train with Eurostar Celestia – offering exceptional comfort, a unique experience and surprises still to come.”
Henri Poupart-Lafarge, CEO of Alstom Group, added: “By choosing Avelia Horizon, Eurostar is confirming its ambition to combine technological performance, energy efficiency and passenger comfort. This new-generation train embodies our vision of sustainable and competitive European mobility.”
The Celestia programme forms a key part of Eurostar’s long-term commitment to low-carbon international transport, as European governments push for greener alternatives to short-haul air travel.
The investment cements Eurostar’s role as a flagship for sustainable mobility, linking the UK with major European cities through cleaner, faster and higher-capacity rail travel.