From 2031, Eurostar will run Celestia trains through the Channel Tunnel, carrying over 1,000 passengers per journey with greener technology.

Eurostar has announced plans to introduce double-decker high-speed trains through the Channel Tunnel starting in 2031, marking a major expansion in response to rising demand for sustainable international rail travel between the UK and mainland Europe.

The company has signed a €2 billion (£1.7 billion) deal with French manufacturer Alstom for at least 30 new “Celestia” trains, with the option to purchase up to 50 in total.

Each Eurostar Celestia train will carry more than 1,000 passengers, offering around 20% more capacity than Eurostar’s largest existing models. The new design will also feature bike spaces, wheelchair areas, more legroom, and what the operator calls “special surprises” to enhance passenger comfort.

A First for the UK: Double-Decker High-Speed Trains

These new Celestia models will be the first-ever double-decker high-speed trains to operate on UK soil. Despite their two-level design, they will stand only 16 centimeters taller than Eurostar’s current trains — fully compliant with the Channel Tunnel’s European gauge and clearance standards.

Due to their larger dimensions, the new trains are unlikely to operate on the wider UK network, which uses smaller loading gauges. Eurostar plans to maintain the new fleet at its Temple Mills depot in east London, backed by an additional €80 million investment to expand the facility and create 350 new jobs.

Competition Looms: Virgin and Trenitalia Join the Race

The announcement comes just ahead of a crucial decision from the UK’s Office of Rail and Road (ORR), which is assessing whether Eurostar must share its Temple Mills depot with rival international train operators.

Contenders include Virgin Trains, FS Italiane (Trenitalia), and Evolyn. Trenitalia has pledged to restore services to Ashford International in Kent if granted access, aligning with UK government calls to reopen disused high-speed stations.

Virgin, meanwhile, has signed a preliminary deal with Alstom for 12 Avelia high-speed trains—already in service in Italy and Sweden—pending regulatory approval.