Germany, Switzerland, France, UK, Netherlands, Belgium Gets Connected with Double-Decker Trains as Eurostar Begins New Routes to Major European Cities

Friday, May 16, 2025

Eurostar is set to launch double-decker trains connecting major European cities across Germany, Switzerland, France, the UK, the Netherlands, and Belgium by 2026. This expansion aims to enhance travel capacity and efficiency, offering passengers faster and more comfortable journeys between key destinations. With these upgrades, Eurostar will strengthen its network and provide travelers with improved options for cross-border travel throughout Europe.

The announcement signals a major leap forward for travelers seeking alternatives to air travel for European journeys. With top speeds expected to reach 350 km/h—50 km/h faster than current Eurostar trains—this upgrade not only promises quicker travel but also the potential for significant reductions in ticket prices. Industry experts anticipate fares could decrease by as much as 30%, making rail travel between these major cities more affordable and accessible than ever before. This development holds particular importance for British travelers who frequently journey to Europe for business, leisure, or cultural experiences.

The Proposed Double-Decker Trains: Capacity and Speed Enhancements

The double-decker trains under consideration for Eurostar service are designed to maximize efficiency and passenger comfort. Alstom’s Avelia Horizon model offers the “lowest cost per seat and the highest capacity” for high-speed trains, making it a compelling choice for routes experiencing high demand. These trains would allow Eurostar to carry more passengers without needing additional train frequencies, reducing pressure on busy routes and stations.

The increased speed—350 km/h compared to current trains operating at 300 km/h—would shave valuable minutes off popular journeys such as London to Paris, enhancing the competitiveness of rail travel against short-haul flights. Furthermore, the double-decker design allows for greater passenger capacity, which can accommodate the growing number of travelers between the UK and continental Europe, a trend that has been accelerating as international travel recovers from the pandemic.

Eurostar’s CEO Henri Poupart-Lafarge indicated that while discussions with various operators are ongoing, and he could not comment on specific deals, the potential for these trains to be deployed on the London to European capitals route was strong. He also noted that regulatory approval, particularly related to safety within the Channel Tunnel, would be necessary before the trains could enter service. This includes compliance with strict safety standards covering hazardous materials, security measures, and emergency response protocols.

Regulatory Challenges and Delivery Timelines

A significant hurdle for the introduction of the double-decker trains is the need to gain clearance from regulators overseeing operations through the Channel Tunnel, one of the world’s most complex and secure rail tunnels. The Channel Tunnel’s unique safety requirements ensure that any new trains meet rigorous standards, potentially prolonging the approval process.

Alstom faces additional demand pressures for its Avelia Horizon trains, with over 100 orders from various European operators already in the pipeline. This means Eurostar and other interested operators may face waiting periods before their trains can be delivered and put into service. Poupart-Lafarge acknowledged that the trains could be introduced “in some years,” hinting at a cautious yet optimistic timeline.

Impact on Ticket Prices: More Affordable Travel Options

One of the most eagerly anticipated benefits of the new double-decker trains is the potential reduction in ticket prices for travelers. Experts project that fares on the London to Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, and other key routes could drop by approximately 30%, making train travel a more budget-friendly alternative to flying.

Currently, standard one-way Eurostar tickets from London to major European cities start at around £39. A 30% discount could bring prices down to approximately £27, representing a significant saving for budget-conscious travelers. Premium ticket categories such as Eurostar Plus, which typically start at £70, could also see reductions to around £49, making higher-tier service more accessible.

This reduction in fares is expected to increase demand for rail travel, encouraging more travelers to opt for environmentally friendly, comfortable train journeys over short-haul flights. The prospect of saving money while reducing carbon footprints aligns well with growing consumer awareness around sustainable travel.

Competitive Landscape: Virgin Group’s Potential Entry

Eurostar’s long-standing dominance of the Channel Tunnel market may soon face significant competition, as Virgin Group, led by Sir Richard Branson, is reportedly considering entering the arena. Virgin has also expressed interest in utilizing double-decker trains, although it has not publicly committed to specific train models.

The entry of Virgin or other competitors would end Eurostar’s 30-year monopoly on cross-Channel rail travel, potentially driving innovation, improving services, and further lowering prices through competition. For travelers, increased competition means greater choice and enhanced travel experiences on these popular routes.

Expanding Rail Connectivity: Future Destinations and Network Growth

Eurostar’s vision for the future extends beyond the core routes to Paris, Amsterdam, and Brussels. The company aims to leverage London St Pancras International, recently rebranded from HS1, as a launching point for new direct rail connections to major cities across Europe.

Market research conducted by Eurotunnel has identified clear demand for direct rail routes to Germany (specifically Cologne and Frankfurt), Switzerland (Geneva and Zurich), and the South of France (Marseille and Bordeaux). This expansion of destinations will enhance the appeal of train travel for a wider variety of international travelers and open up new opportunities for business and leisure.

In addition to Eurostar’s plans, Italy’s state-owned Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane announced intentions to launch a new high-speed rail service between London and Paris by 2029. This route could potentially extend to include major Italian cities such as Marseille, Lyon, and Milan, further broadening Europe’s interconnected high-speed rail network.

Broader Travel Industry Implications

The introduction of double-decker trains and the expansion of high-speed rail routes signify a transformative moment for the travel industry in Europe and beyond. Rail travel, long seen as an efficient, comfortable, and environmentally responsible alternative to air travel, is poised to gain further traction among international travelers.

This transformation has implications for airlines, airports, and other transport providers, potentially reshaping passenger flows and competition. As rail networks improve, short-haul flights within Europe may see declining demand, prompting airlines to re-evaluate routes and services.

For travel agents and tour operators, the expansion of rail options offers new products and packages to appeal to clients seeking unique travel experiences. Sustainable travel initiatives, emphasizing low carbon emissions, align well with enhanced rail offerings, providing travel industry stakeholders with new marketing opportunities.

Global Traveler Impact: More Options, Lower Costs, and Enhanced Experiences

Global travelers will benefit significantly from these developments, gaining access to more frequent, affordable, and faster train services connecting London to some of Europe’s most iconic cities. The introduction of double-decker trains increases capacity, reducing congestion and improving the overall passenger experience.

With competitive fares and expanded route options, travelers can anticipate more seamless and enjoyable journeys that integrate cultural exploration with modern comforts. The combination of innovation, sustainability, and enhanced service quality will redefine how travelers approach European travel in the coming decade.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for European Rail Travel

Eurostar’s anticipated introduction of double-decker trains represents a pivotal evolution in cross-Channel travel, offering increased capacity, lower costs, and faster connections between London, Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, and beyond. Supported by strategic expansions into Germany, Switzerland, and Southern France, this initiative marks a new era for rail travel in Europe.

As the travel industry adapts to these changes, passengers worldwide will enjoy improved connectivity, greater flexibility, and more sustainable travel options. The competition spurred by potential new entrants like Virgin Group will further enhance services, ultimately benefiting travelers seeking high-quality and eco-friendly transportation.

The future of European rail travel is set to become more dynamic, customer-focused, and environmentally conscious, offering exciting new possibilities for millions of travelers each year.