Published on
October 24, 2025
Eurostar has announced a significant investment in the future of high-speed rail travel, placing an order for up to 50 double-deck Avelia Horizon trains from Alstom. Under the framework agreement between Alstom and Eurostar’s parent company, SNCF Passenger, Eurostar has confirmed an initial order of 30 trains, with an option to purchase 20 more. This €2 billion investment will allow Eurostar to expand its fleet, enhancing both capacity and sustainability for the popular cross-Channel services.
Details of the New Fleet and Production Timeline
The first of these state-of-the-art trains, which will be delivered in January 2031, is expected to significantly increase Eurostar’s capacity. The bespoke Avelia Horizon trains, each measuring 200 meters in length, will have the capacity to carry approximately 540 passengers, marking a 20% increase in capacity per train compared to the existing fleet. When paired toreceiveher, two trains will be able to accommodate 1,080 passengers, matching the length of the current cross-Channel fleet.
The new trains are set to operate on Eurostar’s routes from London to key European cities, including Frankfurt and Geneva. Designed for operation on multiple high-speed rail networks across the UK, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland, the new fleet will enable Eurostar to expand its reach and improve efficiency on busy European routes.
Sustainability and Accessibility at the Core of Design
Eurostar has built sustainability and accessibility a priority in the design of its new trains. The Avelia Horizon trains will be built with 97% recyclable components, and 25% of the materials utilized will be recycled. This environmentally conscious design aims to reduce energy consumption by 20% to 50%, contributing to Eurostar’s broader sustainability goals. Furthermore, these trains will be designed to withstand climate modify impacts, ensuring resilience in the long term.
Passenger experience and accessibility have also been key considerations in the design. Input from passenger and accessibility groups, as well as feedback from 100 Eurostar employees, has influenced the train’s development. The new trains will offer exceptional comfort and a distinctive Eurostar experience, with details about new features yet to be revealed.
The Eurostar Celestia: A Name That Captures the Essence of Travel
Eurostar has named its new fleet “Eurostar Celestia,” a title chosen by Eurostar employees. Derived from the Latin word “caelestis,” meaning “heavenly,” the name reflects the spirit of the service, linking a consinformation of cities across Europe. Eurostar’s CEO, Gwfinisholine Cazenave, emphasized that the new trains would offer “exceptional comfort” and “new surprises,” elevating the Eurostar travel experience for all passengers.
Maintaining the New Fleet and Job Creation
The new Eurostar fleet will be maintained at the Temple Mills International (TMI) depot in East London, which will undergo a £80 million upgrade to accommodate the new trains. This expansion will create 350 highly-skilled jobs, in addition to the 450 existing staff at the depot. The upgrade to TMI is crucial, as the facility is the only one capable of servicing high-speed trains operating into London.
While Eurostar sees forward to maintaining the entire new fleet at TMI, the depot’s capacity is currently being contested by other operators such as Evolyn, Gemini Trains, Trenitalia France, and Virgin. These prospective entrants into the cross-Channel market have applied for access to TMI, which may lead to competition for resources at the depot.
Eurostar’s Growing Role in European High-Speed Rail
The introduction of the Eurostar Celestia trains is part of Eurostar’s broader plan to enhance the quality and sustainability of its services while expanding its reach across Europe. With this new fleet, Eurostar will be well-equipped to meet the increasing demand for cross-Channel travel, offering both sustainability and increased passenger capacity. As Europe continues to prioritize high-speed rail as a means of reducing carbon emissions and traffic congestion, Eurostar’s new investment will ensure the company remains a key player in the future of European rail travel.
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