Eurostar today announced a milestone of €2 billion for the acquisition of up to 50 new double-decker trains, built by Alstom Group — the first ever to cross the Channel Tunnel and operate on the UK network.
The order includes 30 trains with an option for a further 20, marking a crucial step in Eurostar’s growth plan to reach 30 million passengers per year.
The new series, called Eurostar Celestia, is based on Alstom’s Avelia Horizon platform and will be a purpose-built experience, with a 20% increase in capacity – around 540 seats per train or 1,080 seats when operating in double formation. The first trains are expected to join the network in January 2031, with commercial services starting in May of the same year.
The name “Celestia”, inspired by the Latin word caelestis (“heavenly”), expresses the combination of elegance and technological innovation that Eurostar seeks – a “celestial experience” for travellers connecting a “constellation” of European cities, from London to Geneva and Frankfurt.
The new investment comes with an €80 million upgrade to the Temple Mills facility in London, where the fleet will be maintained, creating 350 new jobs.
Sustainable speed – the future of international rail
The new trains will be fully electric, made from 97% recyclable materials and 25% recycled materials, achieving up to 50% energy savings compared to the current generation. They have also been designed to withstand the effects of climate change, ensuring long-term reliability.
The design includes input from passengers, accessibility organisations and 100 Eurostar staff to incorporate improvements for all travellers.
Eurostar CEO Gwendoline Cazenave said:
“With this order, we are making our vision for growth and sustainable international travel a reality. The Eurostar Celestia double-decker trains mark a new era of luxury, comfort and environmental awareness – and a ‘golden age’ for rail travel in Europe.”
Henri Poupart-Lafarge, CEO of Alstom, added:
“The Avelia Horizon embodies the cutting edge of technology, energy efficiency and comfort – it is the epitome of sustainable, competitive European mobility.”
With the arrival of the Eurostar Celestia, the company will have a total of 67 trains, increasing its fleet by 30%. A leap that symbolizes not only technological progress, but also the renaissance of European rail travel.
