The UK’s international rail travel landscape is poised for transformation with the announcement of a major upgrade by Eurostar. The train operator has confirmed plans to introduce a fleet of fully electric double-decker high-speed trains—delivering increased capacity, improved comfort and greater route-coverage for travellers between the UK and continental Europe.
At the heart of the project is the new fleet, dubbed “Eurostar Celestia,” which is based on the Avelia Horizon platform developed by Alstom. The contract involves at least 30 train sets, with an option for up to 20 more, signalling a substantial investment in future rail travel. Each double-deck train is expected to offer around 20 % more seating compared to the current single-deck fleet and will be capable of carrying as many as 1,080 passengers when operating in full 400-metre trainsets.
This move marks the first time double-deck high-speed trains will be used through the Channel Tunnel and fully on UK routes. Aided by the high-speed line between London’s London St Pancras International station and the Channel Tunnel being built to European loading-gauge standards, the new trains will be fully compatible with UK infrastructure. Historically, the UK rail network has lacked the clearance needed for double-deck equipment—but this high-speed corridor allows the innovation.
From a tourism perspective, the implications are compelling. More seats, better leg-room, space for bicycles and improved accessibility mean that high-speed rail is becoming even more attractive for international travellers. Visitors seeking city breaks from London to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam—or in future Frankfurt and Geneva—will enjoy increased frequency and capacity. Travel companies and destination marketers should take note: rail is increasingly positioned as a comfortable, sustainable, and seamless alternative to air-travel across Europe.
The improved fleet will also enable Eurostar to expand its services. With the capacity uplift built into the vehicle design, the operator is looking beyond traditional London-Paris-Brussels routes and eyeing new direct links to destinations such as Frankfurt and Geneva. This expansion aligns with changing travel patterns where accessibility, sustainability and convenience matter more than ever to holiday-makers and business travellers alike.
Comfort upgrades are integral to the new trains. Features under development include a lower-floor design for easier boarding, an extra 16 centimetres of height to improve overall space, and dedicated areas for wheelchair users and cyclists. While stairs are required to access upper decks, the design ensures that space is efficient instead of simply doubling capacity. With the new fleet scheduled to enter service from around 2031, early adopters of rail-based tourism will be able to benefit from the comfort improvements.
Equally significant is the sustainability dimension. The new trainsets are fully electric, designed to reduce energy consumption and increase recyclability of components. In an era where many travellers assess the environmental credentials of their journey, this investment signals rail travel as a greener choice. Over time, as more journeys shift from short-haul flights to high-speed rail, cities connected by these networks will benefit from more visitors arriving by train, staying longer and exploring further afield.
For the UK tourism market in particular, this development enhances rail-based access to European cities. London already serves as a gateway to Europe; the new fleet reinforces that role. Tourists who prefer to avoid airports and the stress of flying will find rail presents an appealing alternative—especially when arriving in the heart of a city rather than on its outskirts. Travel itineraries will increasingly feature rail-city stopovers, multi-city trips and sustainable travel options, all enhanced by the arrival of double-deck high-speed trains.
Operational infrastructure is also being enhanced to support the upgrade. Eurostar plans to develop its London maintenance facility at the Temple Mills Depot to accommodate the new fleet. This works ties into job creation and specialised engineering roles, underscoring the project’s economic as well as tourism significance. The depot expansion will support the larger fleet and ensure that service reliability and passenger experience remain high standards.
From a broader vantage point, the introduction of the double-deck fleet represents a turning point for international rail travel from the UK. It is a statement that high-speed trains are not simply a niche for business travellers, but increasingly a mainstream option for leisure tourism. Demand for continental city-breaks, multi-country itineraries and sustainable transport options is rising—and the new trains are designed to address it.
For travellers, tourism professionals and destinations alike, the arrival of Eurostar’s double-deck trains should prompt fresh thinking: How can rail-based itineraries be better promoted? What city-pairings and package experiences will rail unlock? Which destinations will benefit most from increased seat capacity and connectivity? The answer lies in more accessible city-to-city travel, shorter journey times, and an enhanced onboard experience.
In short, the new double-deck high-speed fleet for Eurostar is much more than a technology investment—it is a tourism enabler. It strengthens the UK’s rail-to-Europe links, opens up routes, and enhances traveller experience. As the first sets prepare to roll out in the coming years, holiday-makers, tour operators and destination marketers will need to be ready to harness a transformed rail-travel ecosystem. The journey itself will become part of the travel experience—comfortable, capacious and connected.
For more travel news like this, keep reading Global Travel Wire
