For the first time ever, double-decker trains are set to hit UK rails! Eurostar has just unveiled a colossal £1.7 billion order for up to 50 two-storey trains, promising a massive boost on London to Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam routes through the Channel Tunnel.
£1.7bn Eurostar Celestia Train Order Unveiled
Eurostar has struck a massive deal with French rail giant Alstom to build 30 brand-new double-decker trains, with an option for 20 more if demand skyrockets. Made in Alstom’s French factories, this ranks as one of Europe’s biggest passenger train orders in years — securing hundreds of jobs.
“We’re leading the race to meet booming international rail travel demand,” said Eurostar CEO Gwendoline Cazenave.
20% More Seats and Sky-High Capacity
The new Eurostar Celestia trains will carry 20% more passengers than the current single-decker fleet. Standing 16cm taller and featuring a smart lower floor, these double-deckers deliver a serious space upgrade. While extra staircases mean they don’t quite double capacity, the boost is a game changer.
Unlike replacing the current trains, the Celestia fleet will run alongside the existing 17 Eurostar e320s, expanding the total fleet to 67. Eurostar aims to ramp up annual passengers from 19.5 million to 30 million by 2031.
Fresh Routes and Swanky New Features
- Plans for new lines linking London to Frankfurt and Geneva are underway.
- A £70 million upgrade to Temple Mills depot in east London will accommodate the new double-decker trains.
- Passengers can look forward to more legroom, extra bike and wheelchair spaces, plus intriguing “surprise spaces” on board.
Why Double-Deckers Are a UK Rarity – But Fit for HS1
Double-decker trains are rare in the UK because old Victorian rail lines feature low bridges and tight tracks. But Eurostar’s high-speed HS1 line was built to European standards, easily handling taller double-deckers.
Back in the 1950s and 60s, a short-lived trial of double-deckers failed due to cramped cabins and high costs. Now, Eurostar is giving double-deck trains a fresh chance on UK soil.
Facing Competition and Leading the Green Charge
Facing new rivals like Virgin and Italy’s FS Italiane Group for Channel Tunnel services, Eurostar is stepping up. Alstom CEO Henri Poupart-Lafarge praised Celestia’s eco-friendly design: “These fully electric trains showcase cutting-edge performance and energy efficiency.”
This green fleet supports a big switch from short-haul flights to cleaner rail travel. Eurostar’s goal? To break aviation’s grip on Europe’s busiest corridors with faster, more frequent, greener journeys – straight from London’s heart.
While passengers won’t see these double-decker wonders until May 2031, this announcement marks a seismic shift in UK rail history and a sneak peek into the future of cross-Channel travel.
