Published: 22 October 2025
By Rupert the Reindeer, AppSavvyTraveller Editorial Team
Eurostar has announced a landmark €2 billion investment in a new generation of double-decker high-speed trains built by Alstom — the first of their kind to operate through the Channel Tunnel and on the UK rail network.
The new fleet, named Eurostar Celestia, will enter service in 2031 and marks the most significant upgrade in the operator’s 30-year history. Thirty trains have been ordered, with an option for twenty more, supporting Eurostar’s goal to carry 30 million passengers annually.
A New Era for High-Speed European Travel
Celestia will be based on Alstom’s Avelia Horizon platform — a proven double-decker design adapted specifically for Eurostar’s cross-border routes. Each 200-metre set will seat around 540 passengers, with the possibility of pairing two units to form 400-metre services of approximately 1,080 seats.
The first six trains are due to debut in May 2031, serving existing Eurostar destinations in the UK, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, and expanding to Geneva and Frankfurt.
Eurostar says the Celestia design will deliver a 20 percent boost in capacity, a 30 percent larger overall fleet, and a striking new passenger experience inspired by the night sky — the name “Celestia” comes from the Latin caelestis, meaning “heavenly.”
Sustainability and Accessibility at the Core
The Celestia trains will be 97 percent recyclable and built using 25 percent recycled materials. They promise 20–50 percent lower energy use than current models and are designed to cope with the changing European climate.
Sustainability extends beyond energy savings. Eurostar confirmed plans to expand its Temple Mills depot in London — creating 350 skilled engineering jobs and ensuring maintenance remains in the UK.
Accessibility has been built in from the earliest design stages, with input from passenger groups and more than 100 Eurostar employees to ensure barrier-free travel throughout.
Voices from Eurostar and Alstom
Eurostar CEO Gwendoline Cazenave called the order a “milestone in our growth journey,” adding:
“Placing this order marks the concrete realisation of our ambition to reach 30 million passengers. We’re particularly proud to bring double-decker trains to the UK for the very first time. Customers can expect a very special new train — exceptional comfort, unique design and surprises still to come.”
Alstom’s CEO Henri Poupart-Lafarge added:
“By choosing Avelia Horizon, Eurostar is combining performance, efficiency, and passenger comfort. This new generation embodies our vision of sustainable and competitive European mobility.”
Connecting Travellers through Technology
For passengers, Celestia will be more than a new train — it will redefine the digital onboard experience. The fleet will feature next-generation Wi-Fi, improved real-time journey information, and expanded connectivity options for work or leisure.
Travellers can already follow Eurostar’s progress and manage journeys directly through the Eurostar App, which offers mobile boarding passes, seat maps, and live service updates.
What This Means for Travellers
For Eurostar passengers, Celestia represents a clear shift toward sustainable, high-capacity rail linking major European cities. With expanded routes to Switzerland and Germany, it also positions Eurostar as a viable alternative to short-haul flights.
The double-deck format promises quieter rides, larger luggage space, and new comfort classes tailored for leisure and business travellers alike. Importantly, the investment signals Eurostar’s long-term confidence in international rail despite challenging years for the sector.
With the first trains entering service in 2031, travellers can look forward to an entirely new cross-Channel experience — greener, roomier, and faster than ever before.
Further Reading & Related App Guides
Want to explore smart ways to travel across Europe? These guides will help you plan seamless, app-connected journeys from station to city centre.
Learn more about Eurostar routes and services → Eurostar Guide
Plan multi-country trips with flexible tickets → Interrail Europe Pass Guide
Compare and book trains across Europe → Train Booking Apps Guide
Navigate cities with ease once you arrive → Local Transport Apps Guide
Stay connected abroad with affordable data → eSIM Apps Guide
Last Updated
22 October 2025
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