Eurostar Unveils New Double-Decker Trains with Onboard Cocktail Bars
The "Celestia" fleet, set for a 2031 launch, will feature unique bar areas accessible to all passengers as part of a significant investment to enhance international rail travel.
Eurostar is set to introduce a new fleet of double-decker trains, dubbed "Celestia," beginning in May 2031. This significant investment aims to enhance the passenger experience and expand capacity, with the trains set to feature onboard cocktail bars accessible to all travelers.
The "Celestia" fleet, named after the Latin word for "heavenly," will be the first double-decker high-speed trains to operate through the English Channel. Eurostar has confirmed an order for 30 trains from French manufacturer Alstom, with an option for 20 more, as part of a €2 billion (£1.7 billion) network upgrade. The initial deployment will include six trains.
The onboard cocktail bars are designed to offer a distinct atmosphere on both the upper and lower decks, providing passengers with a more glamorous travel experience. Unlike premium lounges, these bar areas will be open to all ticket holders and hosted by Eurostar staff.
These new trains represent a substantial increase in capacity, offering approximately 20 percent more seats compared to Eurostar's current fleet of single-decker e320 trains. The "Celestia" trains will also be equipped with advanced air conditioning systems capable of operating in temperatures up to 55 degrees Celsius, catering to increasingly hot European summers. The trains will serve the five countries currently within Eurostar's network—the UK, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany—along with new routes to destinations such as Geneva and Frankfurt.
The introduction of the "Celestia" fleet comes as Eurostar faces growing competition on its key routes. Virgin Trains has secured approval to operate up to 20 international daily return services between London and Paris, Brussels, or Amsterdam starting in October 2030. Additionally, Trenitalia France is reportedly planning to launch London-Paris services as early as 2029, having ordered 19 high-speed trains.
Eurostar CEO Gwendoline Cazenave stated that the "Celestia" trains are intended to offer exceptional comfort and a unique travel experience, positioning the company as a leader in international sustainable travel.