Eurostar has announced positive year-end results and growth for the third year running, alongside brand-new destinations the business intends to serve with its new trains.
The fleet of up to 50 trains will be in service from the early 2030s and is planned to operate three new direct routes, which Eurostar will now work with partners on:
- London – Frankfurt
- London – Geneva
- Amsterdam/Brussels – Geneva
In the shorter term, the successful re-instatement of direct services between London, Rotterdam and Amsterdam in February 2025 will see a fourth daily service added from 9 September and a fifth from mid-December.
The news comes as Eurostar announces its 2024 financial results. Despite a challenging economic climate, driven by high inflation and increases in fixed costs, Eurostar achieved an EBITDA of €346 million due to growth in passengers travelling and focused cost management.
Reflecting the continued demand for international rail travel across Europe, passenger numbers rose to over 19.5 million, marking a 5% year-on-year increase. This brings Eurostar closer to its ambitious target or carrying 30 million passengers annually.
To support this growth, the company will invest approximately €2 billion in up to 50 new trains which will all be able to operate across its whole network. The new trains will operate alongside Eurostar’s current fleet of 17 e320s, bringing its total fleet to 67 trains – a 30% increase on today.
Gwendoline Cazenave, Eurostar CEO, said: “We’re seeing strong demand for train travel across Europe, with customers wanting to go further by rail than ever before and enjoy the unique experience we provide. Despite the challenging economic climate, Eurostar is growing and has bold ambitions for the future. Our new fleet will make new destinations for customers a reality – notably direct trains between London and Germany, and between London and Switzerland for the first time.
“A new golden age of international sustainable travel is here.”
Alain Krakovitch, President of the Eurostar Group, Director of TGV-INTERCITÉS at SNCF Voyageurs, said: “2024 is an exceptional year, crowned by the successes of the Olympic Games. Eurostar is in good shape to serve 30 million passengers and the ambition to develop our European services remains strong.”
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “I am pleased to welcome this exciting investment into Eurostar services, which is a huge step in promoting green travel across Europe and boosting our international rail connections."
“Last month, I signed a landmark agreement to deliver a direct rail link between London and Switzerland, paving the way for direct commercial services. Today’s announcement by Eurostar shows that the government’s plan for change is rapidly strengthening the links between major cities in countries across Europe, creating more opportunities to travel, work, and socialise.”
Eurostar currently operates a fleet of 51 trains: 17 e320 (894 seats), 8 e300 (750 seats), 17 PBKA (371–399 seats), 9 PBA (371 seats).
The e320 and e300 are used on cross-Channel routes, while the PBKA and PBA trains operate on continental services.
With the upcoming investment, the fleet will grow to up to 67 trains — 17 e320s and up to 50 new units — expanding capacity and supporting new route development.
Image credit: iStock
