Eurostar today announces a major expansion of its fleet with the addition of 50 new trains built by the Alstom Group, representing an investment of €2 billion. Eurostar has confirmed and signed an order for 30 trains, with an option for 20 additional units. This strategic decision marks an important milestone in Eurostar’s growth, which aims to reach 30 million passengers.
The new fleet, called Eurostar Celestia, will be custom-built using Alstom’s Avelia Horizon platform.
It will be interoperable in the five countries served today, as well as in the new destinations of Geneva and Frankfurt.
« Eurostar Celestia, » the new generation of Eurostar trains
The new trains, named « Eurostar Celestia, » will be custom-designed to offer the unique, premium experience expected by Eurostar customers.
The name of the fleet, chosen by members of the Eurostar team, is derived from the Latin word caelestis, meaning « heavenly. »
It evokes the stars and the essence of travel, perfectly capturing the spirit of a company that connects a constellation of cities across Europe.
Seating capacity will increase by 20%, to 540 seats on each new 200-meter-long train, subject to final technical specifications.
Running in a 400-meter formation, they will offer approximately 1,080 seats per service.
The first trains are expected to join the fleet in January 2031, with a commercial launch in May 2031.
Six Celestia trains will then be operational, marking the beginning of a new era for Eurostar and its customers.
Once delivered, the new trains will operate alongside Eurostar’s current fleet of 17 E320s, bringing the total number of trains to 67, an overall increase of 30% compared to today.