View source for Eurostar

{{Short description|High-speed train service in Western Europe}}
{{About|the international high-speed passenger railway service connecting Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom}}
{{Distinguish|Eurostat|Euro Star}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2026}}
{{Use British English|date=September 2025}}
{{Infobox rail
| name = Eurostar
| logo = Eurostar logo (2023).svg
| image_filename = Croisement Thalys-Eurostar Neige en Savoie (février 2023).JPG
| image_caption = Left: Eurostar [[SNCF TGV Réseau|PBA]] used for services within continental Europe.<br /> Right: Eurostar [[British Rail Class 374|''e320'']] used for cross-channel services.
| nameforarea = station
| regions = {{flatlist|
* [[Amsterdam Centraal station|Amsterdam]]
* [[Brussels-South railway station|Brussels]]
* [[Köln Hauptbahnhof|Cologne]]
* [[Lille-Europe station|Lille]]
* [[St Pancras railway station|London]]
* [[Gare du Nord|Paris]]
* [[Rotterdam Centraal station|Rotterdam]]
 }}
| fleet = {{flatlist|
* 9&nbsp;[[SNCF TGV Réseau|PBA]]
* 17&nbsp;[[SNCF TGV Thalys PBKA|PBKA]]
* 11&nbsp;[[British Rail Class 373|e300]]
* 17&nbsp;[[British Rail Class 374|e320]]
 }}
| stations       = 28
| parent_company = [[Eurostar Group]]
| abbr = ES
| website        = {{Official URL}}
| map_name       = System map
| map            = {{Eurostar|inline=yes}}
|gauge={{RailGauge|sg|allk=on}}|electrification={{Unbulleted list
   | [[Overhead line]]:
   | {{in5|3}} {{25 kV 50 Hz}}
   | {{in5|3}} {{15 kV AC}}
   | {{in5|3}} {{1,500 V DC}}
   | {{in5|3}} {{3,000 V DC}}
   }}|key_people=CEO: Gwendoline Cazenave (since 1 October 2022)}}

'''Eurostar''' is a European international [[high-speed rail]] service in [[Western Europe]], connecting [[Belgium]], [[France]], [[Germany]], the [[Netherlands]], and the [[United Kingdom]] through the [[Channel Tunnel]].

The service is operated by the [[Eurostar Group]] which was formed from the merger of Eurostar, which operated trains through the Channel Tunnel to the United Kingdom, and [[Thalys]] which operated entirely within continental Europe.

Eurostar has transported over 400 million passengers since services began in 1994, including a record 20{{nbsp}}million passengers in 2025.<ref name="mediacentre.eurostar.com-2026">{{Cite web |date=14 January 2026 |title=Eurostar surprises its 400 millionth customer as it celebrates growth in 2025 |url=https://mediacentre.eurostar.com/mc_view?language=&article_Id=ka4WS0000000nlVYAQ#:~:text=London,%2014th%20January%202025,an%20increase%20of%20500,000%20passengers. |access-date=20 January 2026 |website=mediacentre.eurostar.com}}</ref> The operator is exploring future network expansions and aims to double passenger numbers between 2022 and 2030.<ref name="SNCF Thalys Rebrand">{{Cite web |title=Coming Soon: Thalys to Rebrand as Eurostar |url=https://www.sncf.com/en/group/profile-and-key-figures/about-us/who-we-are/sncf-voyageurs-company/thalys-rebrands-as-eurostar |url-status=live |archive-date=31 October 2023 |access-date=3 October 2023 |publisher=SNCF |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031112504/https://www.sncf.com/en/group/profile-and-key-figures/about-us/who-we-are/sncf-voyageurs-company/thalys-rebrands-as-eurostar }}</ref>

Since 1998, Eurostar has won multiple [[World Travel and Tourism Council#Awards|World Travel Awards]], including the World's Leading Passenger Rail Operator on 15 consecutive occasions, alongside awards recognising its environmental and sustainability practices from organisations including [[Network Rail]], the [[The Sunday Times|Sunday Times]], [[People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals|PETA]], and the [[Chartered Institution of Railway Operators]].

== History ==
{{About|the history of the Eurostar brand|the history of the former Thalys brand before the merger with Eurostar|Thalys#History|section=yes}}

=== Early planning and construction (1986–1993) ===
{{Main|Channel Tunnel|Getlink|TransManche Link|LGV Nord}}

Proposals for a cross-Channel tunnel date back as early as 1802,<ref>{{cite news |title=The Channel Tunnel|url=http://library.thinkquest.org/5983/pages/chunnel.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071212192247/http://library.thinkquest.org/5983/pages/chunnel.htm|archive-date=12 December 2007|access-date=19 July 2009|publisher=library.thinkquest.org}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Bertrand |first=Valentin |date=4 November 2019 |title=L’Eurostar a 25 ans : retour sur un symbole fort de la relation franco-britannique |url=https://london.frenchmorning.com/eurostar-a-25-ans-retour-sur-un-symbole-fort-de-la-relation-franco-britannique/ |access-date=28 January 2026 |work=French Morning London |language=fr}}</ref> but concerns over national security delayed development.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Wilson |first=Jeremy |title=Eurotunnel{{nbsp}}– The Illustrated Journey |last2=Spick |first2=Jerome |publisher=[[HarperCollins]] |year=1994 |isbn=0-00-255539-5}}</ref> The modern project was initiated following the 1986 [[Treaty of Canterbury (1986)|Treaty of Canterbury]] between France and the UK, with the creation of [[Getlink|Eurotunnel]] to manage and own the tunnel.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Noulton |first=John |date=February 2001 |title=The Channel Tunnel |url=http://www.jrtr.net/jrtr26/pdf/f38_nou.pdf |url-status=dead |journal=Japan Railway & Transport Review |issue=26 |pages=38–45 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090410230451/http://www.jrtr.net/jrtr26/pdf/f38_nou.pdf |archive-date=10 April 2009 |access-date=10 May 2009}}</ref> Tunnelling began in 1988.<ref name="BBC openingceremony">{{Cite news |date=6 May 1994 |title=On this day: 6 May 1994: President and Queen open Chunnel (with video clip) |work=BBC News |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/may/6/newsid_2511000/2511653.stm |access-date=12 January 2008 |archive-date=14 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114003842/http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/may/6/newsid_2511000/2511653.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> 

In addition to the tunnel's [[Eurotunnel Shuttle|shuttle trains]] carrying cars and lorries between [[Folkestone]] and [[Calais]], the tunnel opened up the possibility of through passenger and freight train services between places further afield.<ref name="EuroTun His">{{Cite web |title=Our history |url=http://www.eurotunnel.com/ukcP3Main/ukcCorporate/ukcTunnelInfrastructure/ukcDevelopment/ukpHistory |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101123153410/http://www.eurotunnel.com/ukcP3Main/ukcCorporate/ukcTunnelInfrastructure/ukcDevelopment/ukpHistory |archive-date=23 November 2010 |access-date=10 May 2009 |publisher=Eurotunnel}}</ref> [[British Rail]] and France's [[SNCF]] contracted with Eurotunnel to use half the tunnel's capacity for this purpose. In 1987, Britain, France and Belgium set up an International Project Group to specify a train to provide an international high-speed passenger service through the tunnel. French TGV technology was chosen as the basis for the new trains. An order for 30 train sets, to be manufactured in France but with some British and Belgian components, was placed in December 1989.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Class 373: Trans Manche Super Train |url=https://www.kentrail.org.uk/class_373.htm |access-date=2026-01-27 |website=www.kentrail.org.uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=TGVweb - Eurostar |url=https://trainweb.us/tgvpages/eurostar.html |access-date=2026-01-27 |website=trainweb.us}}</ref>

France had been operating high-speed TGV services since 1981, and following the Treaty of Canterbury, began preparations for a new, {{convert|333|km|mi|adj=mid|-long|abbr=on}} high-speed line headed North from Paris, to speed up connections to the Tunnel, as well as to Brussels. The LGV Nord ({{langx|fr|Ligne à Grande Vitesse Nord}}, {{langx|en|north high-speed line}}) opened in 1993.<ref name=":1">{{in lang|fr}}{{Cite web |date=May 2005 |title=Bilan LOTI de la LGV Nord Rapport |url=http://www.cgedd.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/IMG/pdf/LGV_Nord_cle58b46b.pdf |access-date=10 May 2009 |publisher=Réseau Ferré de France |archive-date=20 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090620081754/http://www.cgedd.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/IMG/pdf/LGV_Nord_cle58b46b.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> 

On 20 June 1993, the first Eurostar test train travelled through the tunnel to the UK.<ref name="Eurost His" /> Various technical difficulties in running the new trains on British tracks were quickly overcome.<ref>{{cite news |last=Wolmar |first=Christian |author-link=Christian Wolmar |date=21 October 1994 |title=Channel train opens with a breakdown |work=The Independent |location=London |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/channel-train-opens-with-a-breakdown-1444085.html |url-status=dead |access-date=10 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109230236/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/channel-train-opens-with-a-breakdown-1444085.html |archive-date=9 January 2021}}</ref>

On 6 May 1994, the tunnel was officially opened by British sovereign, [[Elizabeth II]], and the French President, [[François Mitterrand]],<ref name="BBC openingceremony" /> at a final cost of {{FXConvert|GBR|4.65|b|cursign=£|lk=off|year=1994|to=EUR|showdate=no}} (equivalent to £{{Inflation|UK|4.65|1994|r=1}}{{nbsp}}billion in {{Inflation/year|UK}}).{{sfn|Flyvbjerg|Buzelius|Rothengatter|2003|p=12}}

=== Launch and early operations (1994–2002) ===
[[File:Eurostars at waterloo international.jpg|thumb|A pair of [[British Rail Class 373|Eurostar trains]] at the former [[Waterloo International railway station|Waterloo International]] station]]On 14 November 1994, Eurostar services began running from [[Waterloo International railway station|Waterloo International]] station in London, to [[Gare du Nord|Paris Nord]], as well as [[Brussels-South railway station]].<ref name="EuroTun His" /><ref name="waterloovid">{{Cite web |date=20 December 2007 |title=Official Waterloo 'Goodbye' video, useful statistics and numbers shown |url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Whnt8cYaNng&feature=channel | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/Whnt8cYaNng| archive-date=11 December 2021 | url-status=live|access-date=27 April 2010 |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=13 November 2007 |title=Waterloo International: 1994–2007 |work=The Guardian |location=London |url=https://www.theguardian.com/travel/gallery/2007/nov/13/railtravel?picture=331254132 |access-date=18 November 2007 |archive-date=31 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731152302/https://www.theguardian.com/travel/gallery/2007/nov/13/railtravel?picture=331254132 |url-status=live }}</ref> The train service started with a limited ''Discovery'' service; the full daily service started from 28 May 1995,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rail Chronology: Eurostar services |url=http://www.railchronology.free-online.co.uk/Eurostar.htm |website=railchronology.free-online.co.uk |access-date=5 December 2017 |archive-date=22 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622140307/http://www.railchronology.free-online.co.uk/Eurostar.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> with a typical Waterloo-Paris Nord trip taking 2 hours and 55 minutes,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/3145396.stm#:~:text=A%20high%20speed%20Eurostar%20train,era%20for%20travel%20in%20Europe.|title=Train smashes London-Paris record|date=27 September 2003|access-date=28 January 2026|work=[[BBC]]}}</ref> and Eurostar achieving an average end-to-end speed of {{convert|171.5|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} from London to Paris.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Takagi |first=Ryo |date=March 2005 |title=High-speed Railways:The last ten years |url=http://www.jrtr.net/jrtr40/pdf/f04_tak.pdf |url-status=dead |journal=Japan Railway & Transport Review |issue=40 |pages=4–7 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090620081824/http://www.jrtr.net/jrtr40/pdf/f04_tak.pdf |archive-date=20 June 2009 |access-date=1 May 2009}}</ref> 

On 8 January 1996, Eurostar launched services from a second railway station in the UK with [[Ashford International railway station|Ashford International]],<ref>{{cite press release |url= http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/about_eurostar/press_release/press_archive_2006/09_01_06_Eurostar_celebrates_10_years.jsp |title= Eurostar celebrates 10 years at Ashford International |publisher= Eurostar |date= 9 January 2006 |access-date= 25 April 2009|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120522090109/http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/about_eurostar/press_release/press_archive_2006/09_01_06_Eurostar_celebrates_10_years.jsp |archive-date= 22 May 2012 |url-status= dead}}</ref> and on 29 June announced year-round services from London to Disneyland. 

In 1997, Eurostar introduced services to the French Alps during the winter.<ref name="The Guardian 2014">{{Cite web |date=14 November 2014 |title=Eurostar at 20: how has the service grown? |url=http://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2014/nov/14/eurostar-at-20-how-has-the-service-grown |access-date=29 August 2022 |website=The Guardian |language=en |archive-date=27 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240527004730/https://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2014/nov/14/eurostar-at-20-how-has-the-service-grown |url-status=live}}</ref> On December 14, the Belgian HSL 1 opened, connecting Brussels to the French LGV Nord at Lille. The line was {{convert|88|km|mi|abbr=on}} long (of which {{convert|71|km|mi|abbr=on}} dedicated high-speed tracks, and {{convert|17|km|mi|abbr=on}} modernised lines), and brought down London-Brussels travel times by 45 minutes.<ref name=":0" />

On 20 July 2002 a summer seasonal service from London to [[Avignon-Centre station|Avignon-Centre]] was launched.<ref name="The Guardian 2014" /> 

=== High Speed 1 and St Pancras relocation (2003–2007) ===
[[File:Eurostar Class 374 on HS1.jpg|thumb|Eurostar train on High Speed 1 near [[Sellindge]] in Kent]]The first decade of operations was somewhat rocky, with one commentator summarising it thus:<ref>{{Cite news |last=Charles |first=Paul |date=1 June 2005 |title=Rebuilding Eurostar's brand and reputation |work=Strategic Communication Management |location=Chicago & London |url= http://www.allbusiness.com/human-resources/workforce-management/1061023-1.html |url-status=dead |access-date=7 April 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100225173448/http://www.allbusiness.com/human-resources/workforce-management/1061023-1.html |archive-date=25 February 2010 |issn=1363-9064}}</ref>
{{Blockquote |In June 2003, Eurostar was battling to recover from the worst period in its 10-year history. Negative media coverage combined with poor sales and the general public's low opinion of the British rail industry, created a major challenge... Eurostar was finding it difficult to pick itself up from one of the worst periods in its decade-long history. The period post [[September 11 attacks|9/11]] had sent the business into a downturn. Passenger numbers were drying up due to worries over international travel. Several management changes had led to a pause in strategy. Punctuality had suffered badly because of wider problems with the UK's rail infrastructure.}}
Over the next few years, the gradual opening of the [[High Speed 1]] tracks in the UK made Eurostar increasingly competitive with airlines on speed, and led to improvements in overall service.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6" /> On 23 September 2003, passenger services began running on the first completed section of High Speed 1 (shortening travel times by 21 minutes),<ref name="Eurost His" /> with the full line open on 14 November 2007 (further shortening journeys by 20 minutes).<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |title=High Speed 1, United Kingdom |publisher=railway-technology.com |url=http://www.railway-technology.com/projects/highspeedone/ |access-date=11 May 2009 |archive-date=11 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170611115158/http://www.railway-technology.com/projects/highspeedone/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.transport.alstom.com/pr_transp_v2/2007/33632.EN.php?languageId=EN&dir=/pr_transp_v2/2007/&idRubriqueCourante=13931 |title=With the new Eurostar high speed rail link, Alstom participates in the European rail network |date=7 November 2007 |location=Paris |publisher=[[Alstom]] |access-date=10 May 2009 |archive-date=30 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130014001/https://www.alstom.com/?languageId=EN&dir=%2Fpr_transp_v2%2F2007%2F&idRubriqueCourante=13931 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Rudd |first=Matt |date=28 October 2007 |title=Eurostar to Brussels |work=The Times |url-access=subscription |location=London |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/destinations/europe/article2744141.ece |access-date=10 May 2009 |archive-date=30 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130014001/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>  [[File:Eurostar at St Pancras Jan 2008.jpg|thumb|Eurostar trains in the renovated train shed at [[St Pancras railway station|London St Pancras International]]]]Following a high-profile glamorous opening ceremony<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Carmichael |first1=Sri |last2=Low, Valentine |date=7 November 2007 |title=The royal pride of reborn St Pancras |work=Evening Standard |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/hp/front/the-royal-pride-of-reborn-st-pancras-6680267.html |access-date=24 May 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230524121247/https://www.standard.co.uk/hp/front/the-royal-pride-of-reborn-st-pancras-6680267.html |archive-date=24 May 2023}}</ref> and a large advertising campaign,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sweney |first=Mark |date=14 July 2007 |title=Eurostar launches St Pancras ads |work=The Guardian |location=London |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2007/nov/14/advertising1 |access-date=24 May 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527133050/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2007/nov/14/advertising1 |archive-date=27 May 2022}}</ref> on 14 November 2007, Eurostar services in London transferred from Waterloo to the extended and extensively refurbished [[St Pancras railway station|London St Pancras International]].<ref name="transpancras">{{Cite news |last=Higham |first=Nick |date=6 November 2007 |title=The transformation of St Pancras |work=BBC News |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7079915.stm |access-date=14 December 2007 |archive-date=10 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110000828/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7079915.stm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=14 November 2007 |title=Eurostar arrives in Paris on time |work=BBC News |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/7093761.stm |access-date=14 December 2007 |archive-date=20 February 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090220001431/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7093761.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> The redevelopment cost {{FXConvert|GBR|800|M|cursign=[[£]]|year=2007|to=EUR|showdate=no}} notably to cope with the {{convert|394|m|yd|abbr=on}} long Eurostar trains.<ref name="transpancras" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Millward |first=David |date=3 November 2007 |title=Eurostar will cross London — in 15 hours |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/eurostar/738722/Eurostar-will-cross-London---in-15-hours.html |archive-url= https://archive.today/20120911192834/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/eurostar/738722/Eurostar-will-cross-London---in-15-hours.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 September 2012 |access-date=16 April 2009}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Dyckhoff |first=Tom |date=24 July 2007 |title=St Pancras regains the Gothic glamour |work=The Times |location=London |url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/visual_arts/architecture_and_design/article2125027.ece |access-date=29 April 2009 |archive-date=6 July 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080706015310/http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/visual_arts/architecture_and_design/article2125027.ece |url-status=dead }}</ref> From St Pancras, the journey to Paris Nord reached its current travel time of 2 hours and 15 minutes.<ref name=":2" />

=== Network expansion (2008–2019) ===
In 2009, the UK government nationalised [[London and Continental Railways|London and Continent Railways]], including the UK's stake in Eurostar.<ref name=":8">{{Cite news |date=8 June 2009 |title=UK Government Nationalises London & Continental Railways |url=https://railwayjobs.uk/railwayjobs-blog/uk-government-takes-control-of-london-continental-railways/ |access-date=9 June 2009 |work=The Wall Street Journal |location=New York}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> In 2014, the government sold this stake for {{FXConvert|GBR|760|M|cursign=£|lk=off|year=2014|to=EUR|r=0|showdate=no}},<ref name="BBC2015" /><ref name="NAO2015" /> leaving Eurostar to be owned by France's [[SNCF]] (55%) and Belgium's [[NMBS/SNCB|SNCB]] (5%), with the rest between [[Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec]] (CDPQ) (30%) and [[Hermes Infrastructure]] (10%).<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":10" /><ref name=":11" />

On 1 May 2015, the operator launched a year-round service from London to [[Lyon]], [[Avignon]], and [[Marseille]] in southern France, replacing an earlier seasonal service to Avignon that had run from 2002 to 2014.<ref name="The Guardian 2014" /> The new service brought Lyon within 4.5 hours of London, Avignon within 6 hours and Marseille in 6.5 hours.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20150501-eurostar-london-marseille-six-hour-opens-lyon-avignon|title=Eurostar debuts London to Marseille high-speed rail link|date=1 May 2015|access-date=28 January 2026|work=[[France 24]]}}</ref>

On 4 April 2018, Eurostar launched direct services from London to [[Amsterdam]] (3h41) and [[Rotterdam]] (3h01), marking the first extension of Eurostar services to a new country since the original routes to France and Belgium in 1994.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Launch of Eurostar London-Amsterdam direct service - Newsroom Getlink|url=https://press.getlinkgroup.com/news/launch-of-eurostar-london-amsterdam-direct-service-b2f1-0791e.html|website=press.getlinkgroup.com|access-date=2026-01-28|language=en}}</ref> The service initially operated as a one-way journey, with return passengers required to change trains at Brussels until [[#Controls and security|juxtaposed border controls]] could be established at Dutch stations; the full direct return service commenced on 26 October 2020.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/aug/24/coronavirus-eurostar-says-london-to-amsterdam-direct-is-back-on-track|title=Eurostar to launch direct Amsterdam to London route in October|newspaper=The Guardian|date=24 August 2020|accessdate=1 July 2023|archive-date=17 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117190905/https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/aug/24/coronavirus-eurostar-says-london-to-amsterdam-direct-is-back-on-track|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{clear left}}

=== COVID-19 pandemic impact (2020–2022) ===
The [[COVID-19]] pandemic, and notably international travel restrictions, led to an existential crisis for Eurostar.<ref>{{cite news |last=Wood |first=Zoe |date=17 January 2021 |title=Eurostar warns of 'risk to survival' without government help |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |location=London |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/jan/17/eurostar-warns-of-risk-to-survival-without-government-help-covid-pandemic |access-date=19 January 2021 |archive-date=26 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126044708/https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/jan/17/eurostar-warns-of-risk-to-survival-without-government-help-covid-pandemic |url-status=live }}</ref> By January 2021, Eurostar ridership went down to less than 1% of pre-pandemic levels.<ref name="travelleisure2">{{cite news |last=Rizzo |first=Cailey |date=19 January 2021 |title=Eurostar Rail Service Facing Financial Woes Due to COVID-19 |magazine=Travel + Leisure |publisher=Dotdash Meredith |location=London |url=https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/bus-train/eurostar-railway-requests-government-funding-pandemic-ridership |access-date=19 January 2021 |archive-date=26 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126094617/https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/bus-train/eurostar-railway-requests-government-funding-pandemic-ridership |url-status=live }}</ref> 

During the COVID-19 crisis, the company was "seen as French by the British government and as British by the French," meaning that it mostly did not benefit from state support given to airlines or other train companies.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://travelweekly.co.uk/news/eurostar-not-ours-to-rescue-insists-uk-transport-secretary|title=Eurostar ‘not ours to rescue’ insists UK transport secretary|last=Taylor|first=Ian|date=5 February 2021|access-date=28 January 2026|work=TravelWeekly}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Man in Seat 61: October 2025 |url=https://www.seat61.com/news.htm |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=www.seat61.com}}</ref> Indeed, even though Eurostar continued to be headquartered in London, the British had sold their stake in the company in 2015, leaving France's SNCF as the main shareholder.<ref name=":13">{{Cite news|url=https://www.railway-technology.com/news/pandemic-hit-eurostar-seeks-financial-aid/?cf-view|title=Pandemic-hit Eurostar seeks financial aid from UK Government|date=20 January 2021|access-date=28 January 2026|work=Railway Technology}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Jasper |first=Christopher |date=17 January 2021 |title=Eurostar Survival Concern Grows as U.K. Firms Lobby for Rescue |agency=[[Bloomberg News]] |location=London |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-01-17/eurostar-survival-concern-grows-as-u-k-firms-lobby-for-rescue |access-date=19 January 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=19 January 2021 |title=Eurostar finances near collapse as Covid cuts cross-channel train traffic |publisher=[[Radio France Internationale]] |agency=[[Agence France-Presse]] |location=Paris |url=https://www.rfi.fr/en/business/20210119-eurostar-finances-near-collapse-as-covid-cuts-cross-channel-train-traffic-economy |access-date=19 January 2021 |archive-date=26 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126073817/https://www.rfi.fr/en/business/20210119-eurostar-finances-near-collapse-as-covid-cuts-cross-channel-train-traffic-economy |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="travelleisure2" />  In the end, Eurostar was able to borrow {{FXConvert|GBR|250|M|cursign=£|lk=off|year=2021|to=EUR|r=0|showdate=no}} from the French government, but was forced to also borrow {{FXConvert|GBR|500|M|cursign=£|lk=off|year=2021|to=EUR|r=0|showdate=no}} from commercial lenders at higher rates.<ref name=":13" /> 

By the end of 2022, Eurostar had debts of €964m, but had finally returned to pre-COVID ridership levels.<ref name=":FT20232">{{Cite news |last=Wright |first=Robert |date=5 July 2023 |title=Eurostar in recovery: is there light at the end of the tunnel? |newspaper=[[Financial Times]] |publisher=[[Nikkei, Inc.]] |location=London |url=https://www.ft.com/content/a34d2fbd-15b8-428c-9070-b953e05cb0fd |access-date=20 September 2023 |archive-date=2 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002161414/https://www.ft.com/content/a34d2fbd-15b8-428c-9070-b953e05cb0fd |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2022/23, Eurostar returned to profitability.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.swlondoner.co.uk/news/05122025-eurostar-hits-record-profits-of-200-million-as-high-speed-rail-competition-intensifies#:~:text=Eurostar%20made%20a%20record%20%C2%A3,Income%20(%C2%A3%20millions)|title=Eurostar hits record profits of £200 million as high-speed rail competition intensifies|last=Brann|first=Rich|date=5 December 2025|access-date=28 January 2026|work=SW Londoner}}</ref> Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Eurostar has ended service to certain stations and routes, with a strategic focus on the most profitable routes.<ref name="BBC News-2023">{{Cite web |date=5 September 2023 |title=Eurostar: Petition for return of Kent services backed by 30,000 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cxw4p4pwldxo |access-date=20 September 2023 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB |archive-date=9 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230909113134/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cxw4p4pwldxo |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":FT20232" />

=== Merger with Thalys (2019–2023) ===
[[File:Eurostar Thalys and TGV.JPG|right|thumb|Two Eurostar trains, a [[Thalys]] train, and a [[TGV]] train side by side at [[Gare du Nord|Paris Nord]]]]On 27 September 2019, the heads of two of Eurostar's major shareholders, [[Guillaume Pepy]] of SNCF, and the chair of SNCB, {{ill|Sophie Dutordoir|fr|Sophie Dutordoir|nl|Sophie Dutordoir}}, publicised that Eurostar was planning to come together with its sister company the Franco-Belgian transnational rail service [[Thalys]].<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Green Speed: A project to combine Eurostar and Thalys has been presented to the boards of their shareholders to meet the demand for sustainable travel in Europe |date=27 September 2019 |url=https://mediacentre.eurostar.com/mc_view?language=uk-en&article_Id=ka33z0000008cpNAAQ |access-date=1 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731030934/https://mediacentre.eurostar.com/mc_view?language=uk-en&article_Id=ka33z0000008cpNAAQ |archive-date=31 July 2020 |work=Eurostar Media Centre |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=27 September 2019 |title=Eurostar-Thalys merger proposal revealed |url=https://www.railjournal.com/passenger/high-speed/eurostar-thalys-merger-proposal-revealed/ |language=en |access-date=1 October 2019 |last=Briginshaw |first=David |work=International Railway Journal |publisher=Simmons-Boardman Publishing |location=Falmouth |archive-date=23 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923153703/https://www.railjournal.com/passenger/high-speed/eurostar-thalys-merger-proposal-revealed/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The arrangement is to merge their operations under the working title of "''Green Speed''" and expand services outside the core London-Paris-Brussels-Amsterdam service, to create a grand Western European high-speed rail service covering the UK, France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany, serving up to 30{{nbsp}}million customers by 2030.<ref name="SNCF Thalys Rebrand" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Posaner |first=Joshua |date=27 September 2019 |title=Eurostar, Thalys merger floated to create high-speed rail giant |work=[[Politico Europe|Politico]] |publisher=[[Axel Springer SE]] |location=Brussels |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/eurostar-thalys-merger-floated-to-create-high-speed-rail-giant/ |access-date=1 October 2019 |archive-date=22 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022153102/https://www.politico.eu/article/eurostar-thalys-merger-floated-to-create-high-speed-rail-giant/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Wright |first=Robert |date=5 July 2023 |title=Eurostar in recovery: is there light at the end of the tunnel? |newspaper=[[Financial Times]] |location=London |publisher=[[Nikkei, Inc.]] |url=https://www.ft.com/content/a34d2fbd-15b8-428c-9070-b953e05cb0fd |access-date=20 September 2023 |archive-date=27 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240527004851/https://www.ft.com/content/a34d2fbd-15b8-428c-9070-b953e05cb0fd |url-status=live }}</ref>

In September 2020, the merger between Thalys and Eurostar International was confirmed,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2020/09/16/eurostar-and-thalys-to-merge-in-2021/ |title=Eurostar and Thalys to merge in 2021 |last=McWhriter |first=Alex |work=Business Traveller |location=London |date=16 September 2020 |access-date=10 October 2020 |archive-date=4 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004054803/https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2020/09/16/eurostar-and-thalys-to-merge-in-2021/ |url-status=live}}</ref> a year after Thalys announced its intention to merge with the cross-Channel provider subject to gaining [[European Commission]] clearance, to form "Green Speed". SNCF and SNCB already hold a controlling shareholding in Eurostar. In October 2021, it was announced that, following the completion of the merger, the Thalys brand would be discontinued, with all of the new operation's services to be operated under the Eurostar name but with each service's own liveries.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.railwaygazette.com/high-speed/eurostar-brand-to-remain-after-thalys-merger/60033.article|title=Eurostar brand to remain after Thalys merger|magazine=Railway Gazette International|location=London|publisher=[[DVV Media Group]]|date=5 October 2021|access-date=5 October 2021|archive-date=4 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211004200159/https://www.railwaygazette.com/high-speed/eurostar-brand-to-remain-after-thalys-merger/60033.article|url-status=live}}</ref>

In October 2023, the Eurostar brand replaced [[Thalys]], operating as one network and combining ticket sales in a single system.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Eurostar and Thalys have become one |url=https://www.eurostar.com/uk-en/about-eurostar/eurostar-thalys-join-forces |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031111003/https://www.eurostar.com/uk-en/about-eurostar/eurostar-thalys-join-forces |archive-date=31 October 2023 |access-date=3 October 2023 |publisher=Eurostar International |location=London }}</ref>
=== Debt refinancing, new trains and potential expansion ===
In April 2024, Eurostar refinanced its existing debt of €964m, leading to a new total debt level of €650m. This new deal was the result of strong revenues, and a new green term loan.<ref name=":16" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Preston |first=Robert |date=16 May 2024 |title=Eurostar to order 50 new trains as revenue reaches €2bn in 2023 |url=https://www.railjournal.com/passenger/high-speed/eurostar-to-order-50-new-trains-as-revenue-reaches-e2bn-in-2023/ |access-date=24 February 2026}}</ref> 

In 2025, Eurostar announced that the purchase of 50 new trains would also allow for the creation of new routes by the early 2030s, including direct services from London to Frankfurt, from London to Switzerland, and from Amsterdam/Brussels to Geneva.<ref name="ianVisits-2025">{{Cite web |date=10 June 2025 |title=Eurostar planning direct London to Frankurt and Geneva train services |url=https://www.ianvisits.co.uk/articles/eurostar-planning-direct-london-to-frankurt-and-geneva-train-services-81707/ |access-date=16 June 2025 |website=ianVisits |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2026, an agreement between Eurostar, SBB and SNCF paved the way for potential connections from London to Geneva, Zurich and Basel.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Howe |first=Megan |date=12 May 2026 |title=London to Geneva direct by train set to launch in Eurostar deal |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/london-to-geneva-direct-by-train-set-to-launch-in-eurostar-deal-b1281952.html |access-date=14 May 2026 |work=[[The Standard (London newspaper)]]}}</ref> 

== Routes and infrastructure ==
[[File:Networks of Major High Speed Rail Operators in Europe.gif|thumb|Networks of major high speed rail operators in Europe. Eurostar shown in dark yellow]]Following Eurostar's merger with Thalys in 2023, Eurostar serves the following destinations as of January 2026<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|title=Routemap|url=https://www.eurostar.com/uk-en/destinations/routemap|website=Eurostar|access-date=2026-01-28|language=en}}</ref> [daily frequencies in each direction specified for the week of 2 February 2026]:<ref>{{Cite web|title=Train timetable info London St Pancras Int'l to Paris Gare du Nord|url=https://www.eurostar.com/uk-en/travel-info/timetable/7015400/8727100/london-st-pancras-intl/paris-gare-du-nord|website=Eurostar|access-date=2026-01-28|language=en}}</ref> 

* Departing from London St Pancras (the historic Eurostar network):
** Paris-Nord [12 daily non-stop services],
** Lille-Europe [6 weekday, 8 weekend services] (with structured connections to Bourg-Saint-Maurice on Saturdays in the winter, as part of ''Eurostar Snow''),<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 September 2024 |title=What we know about Eurostar's re-launched ski train services to French Alps |url=https://www.thelocal.fr/20240904/what-we-know-about-eurostars-re-launched-ski-train-services-to-french-alps |access-date=9 January 2025 |website=The Local France |language=en}}</ref>
** Brussels-South [8-9 services],
** Amsterdam-Central via Rotterdam-Central [5 services],
[[File:Eurostar PBKA 4322 - 9357 Brussels-South - Amsterdam-Central.jpg|thumb|PBKA stock passing through Schaerbeek station between Brussels-South and Amsterdam-Central]]
* Departing from Paris-Nord (historically Thalys):
** Brussels-South, [22-32 services],
** Amsterdam-Central via Brussels-South, Antwerp-Central, Rotterdam-Central and Schiphol-Airport [12-15 services],
** Cologne via Brussles-South, Liège-Guillemins and Aachen [4-6 services], 
** after Cologne: Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf Airport, Duisbourg, Essen and Dortmund,
* departing from Amsterdam-Central and Brussels-South (historically Thalys):
** Marne-la-Vallée - Chessy via Charles-de-Gaulle 2 Airport - TGV [2-3 services],
** Bourg-Saint-Maurice via Chambéry - Challes-les-Eaux, Albertville, Moûtiers - Salins - Brides-les-Bains, Aime-La Plagne and Landry (as part of ''Eurostar Snow'' on Saturdays in the winter) [weekly service during the winter]

=== Key high-speed lines used ===
{| class="wikitable"
!Line
!Country
!Connecting
!Length
!Max speed
!Opened
!Reference
|-
|'''[[Channel Tunnel]]'''
|UK-France
|Folkstone – Coquelles
|{{convert|50.46|km|mi|2|abbr=on}}
|{{convert|160|km/h|mph||abbr=on|round=5}} (safety)
|1994
|<ref name="AE2">{{cite web |last=Dumitrache|first=Alina|date=24 March 2010|title=The Channel Tunnel – Traveling Under the Sea|url=http://www.autoevolution.com/news/the-channel-tunnel-traveling-under-the-sea-18461.html|access-date=2 August 2014|work=AutoEvolution|archive-date=10 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810204912/http://www.autoevolution.com/news/the-channel-tunnel-traveling-under-the-sea-18461.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="eurotunnrules">{{Cite web |date=18 March 2008 |title=Eurotunnel Network Statement 2008 |url=http://www.eurotunnel.com/NR/rdonlyres/116B61C1-A669-4503-872C-FA1356B38F1F/0/DRR_NS_2008_EN_Final.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081125022335/http://www.eurotunnel.com/NR/rdonlyres/116B61C1-A669-4503-872C-FA1356B38F1F/0/DRR_NS_2008_EN_Final.pdf |archive-date=25 November 2008 |access-date=7 April 2012 |publisher=Eurotunnel}}</ref>
|-
|'''[[High Speed 1]]'''
|UK
|Channel Tunnel – London
|{{convert|108|km|mi||abbr=on}}
|{{convert|300|km/h|mph||abbr=on|round=5}}
|2003/2007
|<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=The need for a Channel Tunnel Rail Link |url=http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/ctrl/theneedforachanneltunnelrailli1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080613165413/http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/ctrl/theneedforachanneltunnelrailli1 |archive-date=13 June 2008 |access-date=10 May 2009 |publisher=[[Department for Transport]]}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="3" |'''[[LGV Nord]]'''
| rowspan="3" |France
|Channel Tunnel – [[Lille]]
|{{convert|111|km|mi|abbr=on}}
| rowspan="3" |{{convert|300|km/h|mph||abbr=on|round=5}}
| rowspan="3" |1993
| rowspan="3" |<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=TGVweb - LGV Nord-Europe|url=http://www.railfaneurope.net/tgv/tgvnord.html|website=www.railfaneurope.net|access-date=2026-01-28}}</ref>
|-
|Belgian Border – Lille
|{{convert|12|km|mi|abbr=on}}
|-
|Lille – [[Gonesse]]
|{{convert|198|km|mi|abbr=on}}
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''[[HSL 1]]'''
| rowspan="2" |Belgium
|French border – [[Lembeek]]
|{{convert|71|km|mi|abbr=on}}
|{{convert|300|km/h|mph||abbr=on|round=5}}
| rowspan="2" |1997
| rowspan="2" |<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.belrail.be/F/tgv/ligne1.html|title=Le reseau TGV belge -- La branche Ouest|date=8 August 2004|access-date=28 January 2026}}</ref>
|-
|Lembeek – [[Brussels]]
|{{convert|17|km|mi|abbr=on}}
|{{convert|200|km/h|mph||abbr=on|round=5}}
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''[[HSL 2]]'''
| rowspan="2" |Belgium
|Brussels – [[Leuven]]
|{{convert|34|km|mi|abbr=on}} 
|{{convert|200|km/h|mph||abbr=on|round=5}}
| rowspan="2" |2002
| rowspan="2" |<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.belrail.be/F/tgv/ligne2.html|title=La branche Est|date=8 August 2004|access-date=28 January 2026|website=Le reseau TGV belge|language=fr}}</ref>
|-
|Leuven – [[Ans, Belgium|Ans]]
|{{convert|61|km|mi|abbr=on}}
|{{convert|300|km/h|mph||abbr=on|round=5}}
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''[[HSL 3]]'''
| rowspan="2" |Belgium
|Brussels – [[Antwerp]]
|{{convert|47|km|mi|abbr=on}}
|{{convert|160|km/h|mph||abbr=on|round=5}}
| rowspan="2" |2009
| rowspan="2" |<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ligne 3|url=https://www.belrail.be/F/tgv/ligne3.html|website=www.belrail.be|access-date=2026-01-28|date=2 April 2003}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=10 December 2009 |title=Le Premier Réseau à Grande Vitesse Complet d'Europe est en Service |url=https://www.railpassion.fr/infrastructure/011-12695-le-premier-reseau-a-grande-vitesse-complet-deurope-est-en-service/ |access-date=26 January 2026 |website=RailPassion |language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Delmer |first=Sylvie |last2=Facchinetti-Mannone |first2=Valérie |last3=Menerault |first3=Philippe |last4=Richer |first4=Cyprien |date=2012 |title=L’appropriation locale de la grande vitesse ferroviaire en Europe |url=https://shs.hal.science/halshs-01388845v1 |journal=Revue d’histoire des chemins de fer |pages=46-47}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=31 December 2007 |title=Infrabel Rapport Annuel 2007 |url=https://infrabel.be/sites/default/files/generated/files/report/rapport_annuel_infrabel_2007_0.pdf |access-date=26 January 2026 |page=54 |language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=27 May 2008 |title=Belgian High Speed Line Network |url=https://www.railway-technology.com/projects/belgiumhighspeed/ |access-date=2026-01-26 |website=Railway Technology |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
|Antwerp – Dutch border
|{{convert|40|km|mi|abbr=on}}
|{{convert|300|km/h|mph||abbr=on|round=5}}
|-
|'''[[HSL-Zuid]]'''
|Netherlands
|[[Amsterdam]] – Belgian border
|{{convert|125|km|mi|abbr=on}}
|{{convert|300|km/h|mph||abbr=on|round=5}}
|2009
|<ref>{{cite web |date=7 September 2009 |title=NS Hispeed launches HSL-Zuid services |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/10/ns-hispeed-launches-hsl-zuid-services.html |publisher=[[Railway Gazette International]] |access-date=25 November 2023 |archive-date=2 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100702043118/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/10/ns-hispeed-launches-hsl-zuid-services.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''[[Cologne–Aachen high-speed railway|Cologne–Aachen Line]]'''
| rowspan="2" |Germany
|[[Aachen]] – [[Düren]]
|{{convert|31|km|mi|abbr=on}}
|sections at {{convert|160|km/h|mph||abbr=on|round=5}}
|
| rowspan="2" |<ref name="db-2002">{{cite book|title=Ausbaustrecke (ABS) 4. Köln – Düren – Aachen – Paris/Amsterdam: 1. Baustufe Köln – Düren|type=16-page brochure|date=August 2002|language=de}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=High-speed bypass line Düren|url=https://infrastruct.wordpress.com/2008/05/29/high-speed-bypass-line-dueren/|website=Infrastruct|date=2008-05-29|access-date=2026-01-28|language=en|last=infrastruct|archive-date=10 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310025432/https://infrastruct.wordpress.com/2008/05/29/high-speed-bypass-line-dueren/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
|Düren – [[Cologne]]
|{{convert|39|km|mi|abbr=on}}
|{{convert|250|km/h|mph||abbr=on|round=5}}
|2003
|}

=== Connections ===

====Same-station transfers====
Since the merger between Eurostar and Thalys, Brussels-South has emerged as a central node of the Eurostar network, notably allowing for transfers for passengers from cities that are not directly connected by Eurostar (such as Western German cities and London, for example).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Routemap |url=https://www.eurostar.com/uk-en/destinations/routemap |access-date=2026-03-02 |website=Eurostar |language=en}}</ref> In addition, as of January 2026, transfers are possible to local trains and services with these operators:  
* At [[Brussels-South railway station|Brussels-South]], transfers are possible with [[Deutsche Bahn]], [[National Railway Company of Belgium|SNCB]], [[SNCF]], [[Nederlandse Spoorwegen|NS]] and [[European Sleeper]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Brussels-Midi railway station |author=SNCB International|url=https://www.b-europe.com/EN/Stations/Brussels-Midi|website=www.b-europe.com|access-date=2026-01-28}}</ref>
* At [[St Pancras railway station|London St. Pancras]], same-station connections are possible with [[Southeastern (train operating company)|Southeastern]], [[East Midlands Railway]] and [[Govia Thameslink Railway|Thameslink]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=St. Pancras International Train Station Official Website|url=https://stpancras-highspeed.com/st-pancras-international/|website=London St. Pancras Highspeed|access-date=2026-01-28|language=en}}</ref> The construction of a new concourse at the adjacent [[London King's Cross railway station|London King's Cross]] improved interchange with London St Pancras and provided easier connections to [[London North Eastern Railway]], [[Govia Thameslink Railway|Great Northern]], [[Hull Trains]] and [[Grand Central (train operating company)|Grand Central]] services.<ref>{{Cite web|title=London King's Cross - Facilities, Shops and Parking Information|url=https://www.networkrail.co.uk/rail-travel/our-stations/london-kings-cross/|website=www.networkrail.co.uk|access-date=2026-01-28}}</ref>
* At [[Amsterdam Centraal station|Amsterdam Centraal]], connections are possible with [[Deutsche Bahn]], [[Nederlandse Spoorwegen|NS]], [[Austrian Federal Railways|ÖBB]], [[Arriva]] and [[European Sleeper]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Stations Information - Amsterdam Centraal |url=https://www.ns.nl/en/station-information/asd/amsterdam-centraal|website=ns.nl|access-date=2026-01-28 |author=Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)|author-link=Nederlandse Spoorwegen}}</ref>
* [[Gare du Nord|Paris Gare du Nord]] offers a number of SNCF services.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Paris Gare du Nord {{!}} Gares & Connexions|url=https://www.garesetconnexions.sncf/en/stations-services/paris-gare-du-nord|website=Gares & Connexions|access-date=2026-01-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250531155116/https://www.garesetconnexions.sncf/en/stations-services/paris-gare-du-nord|archive-date=31 May 2025|language=en|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[File:Eurostar Class 373 at Lille-Europe.jpg|thumb|Eurostar Class 373 at Lille-Europe, an interchange with other TGV services]]At [[Lille-Europe station|Lille-Europe]], transfers are possible with SNCF routes.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Lille Europe|author=Gares & Connexions|url=https://www.garesetconnexions.sncf/en/stations-services/lille-europe|website=Gares & Connexions|access-date=2026-01-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250814183123/https://www.garesetconnexions.sncf/en/stations-services/lille-europe|archive-date=14 August 2025|language=en|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Lille-Flandres station|Lille-Flandres]] is also 500 meters away with SNCB services, as well as  additional SNCF services.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.garesetconnexions.sncf/en/stations-services/lille-flandres|title=Lille Flandres|access-date=28 January 2026}}</ref>
* At [[Rotterdam Centraal station|Rotterdam Centraal]], transfers are possible to [[Nederlandse Spoorwegen|NS]], and [[European Sleeper]] services.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Stations Information - Rotterdam Centraal|url=https://www.ns.nl/en/station-information/rtd/rotterdam-centraal|website=ns.nl|access-date=2026-01-28|last=Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)|author-link=Nederlandse Spoorwegen}}</ref>
* At [[Köln Hauptbahnhof|Cologne Central Station]], transfers are possible with [[Deutsche Bahn]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Köln Hbf|url=https://www.bahnhof.de/en/koeln-hbf|website=www.bahnhof.de|access-date=2026-01-28|language=en}}</ref>
==== Through-tickets ====
Eurostar offers a [[through-ticket]] to specific destinations by train, that is a single contract for multi leg journeys with certain passenger rights and protections.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Through fares to the continent with Eurostar |url=http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations_destinations/eurostar_through_tickets.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090525004441/http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations_destinations/eurostar_through_tickets.html |archive-date=25 May 2009 |access-date=13 May 2009 |publisher=National Rail}}</ref> Through-tickets are available from 68 British towns and cities to destinations in France and Belgium.<ref>{{cite press release | date = 18 December 2007 | url = http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/about_eurostar/press_release/press_archive_2007/through_fares_UK_continental_europe_available_eurostar.jsp | title = Through-fares from 68 UK towns and cities to continental Europe now available on eurostar.com | publisher = Eurostar | access-date = 28 December 2007| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090529061234/http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/about_eurostar/press_release/press_archive_2007/through_fares_UK_continental_europe_available_eurostar.jsp | archive-date = 29 May 2009 | url-status = dead}}</ref> Standard Eurostar tickets no longer include free onward connections to or from any other station in Belgium: this is available for a flat-rate supplement, as of 2011 for {{FXConvert|GBR|5.50||cursign=£|lk=off|year=2011|to=EUR|r=1|showdate=no}}.<ref>{{cite magazine |last= Fender |first= Keith |title= Eurostar changes Belgian tickets and connections |magazine=[[Modern Railways]] |issue=759 |date=December 2011 |page=82}}</ref>

In May 2009 Eurostar announced that a formal connection to Switzerland had been established in a partnership between Eurostar and [[TGV Lyria|Lyria]], which will operate TGV services from Lille to the Swiss Alps for Eurostar connection.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 May 2009 |title=Eurostar Connecting to Switzerland |url=http://news.holidayhypermarket.co.uk/Eurostar-Connecting-to-Switzerland-2009052814113536.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110823052411/http://news.holidayhypermarket.co.uk/Eurostar-Connecting-to-Switzerland-2009052814113536.html |archive-date=23 August 2011 |access-date=28 May 2009 |website=holidayhypermarket.co.uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mycroft |first=Dave |date=29 May 2009 |title=New Eurostar Link Up Opens Easier, Cheaper Travel |url=http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/news/article/mps/uan/6072 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091203174027/http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/news/article/mps/uan/6072 |archive-date=3 December 2009 |access-date=2 June 2009 |website=outdoorsmagic.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Take the ski train to the Swiss Alps |url=http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/destinations/swiss_alps.jsp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020035739/http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/destinations/swiss_alps.jsp |archive-date=20 October 2012 |access-date=16 October 2012 |publisher=Eurostar}}</ref>

In May 2019, Eurostar ended its agreement with Deutsche Bahn that allowed passengers to travel on a through-ticket by train from the UK via Brussels to Germany and further to Austria and Switzerland. Under the agreement, passengers could travel on a single through-ticket with passenger rights in case of disruption of one train. However, the through-tickets ceased to be sold from 9 November 2019.<ref>{{Cite news|date=7 May 2019|title=Eurostar ends agreement allowing passengers to travel from London to Germany, Austria and Switzerland|work=The Independent|last=Calder|first=Simon|location=London|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/eurostar-train-rail-brussels-germany-austria-switzerland-through-ticket-a8902431.html|access-date=8 May 2019|archive-date=23 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123015203/https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/eurostar-train-rail-brussels-germany-austria-switzerland-through-ticket-a8902431.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Railteam, air-rail alliances ====
Eurostar is a member of [[Railteam]], an alliance formed in July 2007 of seven European [[high-speed rail]] operators.<ref name="highspeedrev">{{Cite news |date=5 July 2007 |title=A high-speed revolution |url=http://www.economist.com/business/displaystory.cfm?story_id=9441785 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070714143643/http://www.economist.com/business/displaystory.cfm?story_id=9441785 |archive-date=14 July 2007 |access-date=17 July 2007 |newspaper=The Economist |location=London}}</ref> The alliance allows passengers to benefit from "HOTNAT" (''hop on the next available train'') in case of a missed connection, even when travelling with separate tickets.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Mark |title=TRAIN TRAVEL IN EUROPE - A beginner's guide |url=https://www.seat61.com/european-train-travel.htm#HOTNAT |access-date=2022-10-29 |website=www.seat61.com |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":12">{{Cite web |title=Railteam services |url=https://www.railteam.eu/en/for-your-journey/railteam-services/ |access-date=2022-10-31 |website=www.railteam.eu}}</ref> Frequent travellers also benefit from mutual recognition of frequent traveller programmes – Eurostar Carte Blanche and Étoile members have access, for example, to a network of 30+ lounges.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lounges - Railteam |url=https://www.railteam.eu/en/services-on-your-journey/lounges/ |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=www.railteam.eu |language=en}}</ref> 

In September 2024, Eurostar signed a [[memorandum of understanding]] to join [[SkyTeam]] as its first non-airline partner. This cooperation will enable integrated [[Intermodal passenger transport|intermodal transport]] ([[Air-rail alliance|air-rail]]) in the UK, France and the Netherlands.<ref name=":17">{{cite web|access-date=26 September 2024 |date=25 September 2024 |first=André |language=en-GB |last=Orban |title=Eurostar joins SkyTeam: Pioneering integrated Air-Rail Travel partnership |url=https://www.aviation24.be/alliances/skyteam/eurostar-joins-skyteam-pioneering-integrated-air-rail-travel-partnership/ |work=Aviation24.be}}<!-- auto-translated from Dutch by Module:CS1 translator --></ref><ref>{{cite web|access-date=26 September 2024 |date=25 September 2024 |language=nl |title=Eurostar set to join SkyTeam as first non-airline partner |url=https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2024/09/25/eurostar-set-to-join-skyteam-as-first-non-airline-partner/ |work=Business Traveller}}<!-- auto-translated from Dutch by Module:CS1 translator --></ref> Eurostar also has a [[codeshare agreement]] with [[KLM]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=AirRail: Amsterdam Schiphol |url=https://www.eurostar.com/be-en/deals/airrail|website=Eurostar}}</ref> and [[Interlining|interline agreements]] with: 

{{div col|colwidth=17em}} 
*[[EVA Air]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.evaair.com/en-fr/plan-and-book/additional-service/europe-rail-and-fly-packages/eurostar/|title=Plan & Book- Eurostar - EVA Air &#124; France (English)|website=www.evaair.com}}</ref>
*[[Hahn Air]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Eurostar|url=https://www.hahnair.com/en/carrier/9f|website=Hahn Air}}</ref>
*[[KLM]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Air&Rail: flight with train journey|url=https://www.klm.com.my/information/ticket-services/air-rail}}{{Dead link|date=May 2026 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref>
*[[United Airlines]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Eurostar|url=https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/company/transportation-partners/eurostar.html|website=United}}{{Dead link|date=May 2026 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref>
{{div col end}}In 2024, an estimated 13% of Eurostar passengers flying long-haul into a principal European SkyTeam hub, already connect to another Eurostar destination by rail.<ref name=":17" /> 

=== Controls and security ===
{{multiple image
| align             = right
| image1            = Uk paris entry.jpg
| width1            = 150
| alt1              = A UK passport stamp issued in Paris
| caption1          = 
| image2            = France london entry.jpg
| width2            = 150
| alt2              = A Schengen (French) passport stamp issued in London
| caption2          = Entering the UK in Paris (left) and France in London using the Eurostar
}}

{{Main|Juxtaposed controls}}

Because the UK is no longer a member of the [[European Union]] and was never part of the [[Schengen Area]],<ref name="Schengen">{{Cite news |date=15 December 2008 |title=Q&A: Schengen Agreement |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13194723 |access-date=26 April 2009 |archive-date=30 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090330212214/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4738063.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> and because the Netherlands, Belgium and France are not part of the [[Common Travel Area]], all cross-channel Eurostar passengers must go through [[border control]]s before the channel crossing, and often in their embarkation station using [[juxtaposed controls]].<ref name=":15">{{Cite news |last=Houghton |first=Amy |date=19 February 2026 |title=Eurostar could massively cut boarding times at St Pancras International – slashing waiting times by 30 minutes |url=https://www.timeout.com/london/news/eurostar-could-massively-cut-boarding-times-at-st-pancras-international-slashing-waiting-times-by-30-minutes-021926 |access-date=23 February 2026 |work=[[Time Out (magazine)|TimeOut]]}}</ref> 

In addition, to comply with UK law around the tunnel's security,<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 March 2012 |title=The Channel Tunnel (Security) Order 1994 (especially point 13) |url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1994/570/contents/made |access-date=7 April 2012 |publisher=Legislation.gov.uk |archive-date=7 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107212057/http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1994/570/contents/made |url-status=live }}</ref> there are full security checks similar to those at airports, consisting of bag [[X-ray detector|X-rays]] and walk-through metal detectors. The recommended check-in time is 90–120{{nbsp}}minutes except for business class where it is 45–60{{nbsp}}minutes; these are much longer than previously because of extra checks in place due to [[Brexit]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Checking in |url=https://www.eurostar.com/uk-en/travel-info/your-trip/check-in |website=eurostar.com |access-date=13 October 2021 |archive-date=12 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211012120241/https://www.eurostar.com/uk-en/travel-info/your-trip/check-in |url-status=live }}</ref> In February 2026, Eurostar and St. Pancras officials proposed a plan to cut boarding times by 30 minutes to make them more similar to other train journeys.<ref name=":15" /> 

Eurostar passengers travelling within the Schengen area on trains towards London bypass border checks, and enter the pre-allocated cars at the rear of the train, which are reserved for these passengers. This area is then searched at Lille and all passengers removed. This arrangement was set up after numerous people entered the UK without prior authorisation, by buying a ticket from Brussels to Lille or Calais but remaining on the train until London.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cox |first=Simon |date=8 December 2011 |title=UK border staff in arrest threat over 'Lille loophole' |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-16058860 |work=BBC News |access-date=21 June 2018 |archive-date=12 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112012554/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-16058860 |url-status=live}}</ref>  

When the Amsterdam to London route began, it was direct in only one direction: passengers had to disembark in Brussels to go through the [[juxtaposed controls]]. The direct connection was subject to talks between the UK and Dutch governments, and juxtaposed controls buildings were constructed on platforms at [[Amsterdam Centraal station|Amsterdam Centraal]] and [[Rotterdam Centraal station|Rotterdam Centraal]], opening on 26 October 2020.<ref name="BBC News 2020">{{Cite news |date=24 August 2020 |title=Eurostar to launch £40 Amsterdam to London trains |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-53890139 |access-date=29 August 2020 |archive-date=16 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201016220402/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-53890139 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |date=4 February 2020 |title=Eurostar transforms link between London and Amsterdam with services now direct both to and from the Netherlands |url=https://mediacentre.eurostar.com/mc_view?language=uk-en&article_Id=ka33z0000008fVpAAI |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328084201/https://mediacentre.eurostar.com/mc_view?language=uk-en&article_Id=ka33z0000008fVpAAI |archive-date=28 March 2020 |access-date=28 March 2020 |publisher=Eurostar}}</ref> These were closed for renovations on 15 June 2024, and re-opened on 10 February 2025.<ref>{{cite news |date=14 April 2022 |title=Amsterdam to London Eurostar services to be suspended for six months |url= https://www.railvolution.net/news/amsterdam-to-london-eurostar-services-to-be-suspended-for-six-months |access-date=2 July 2024 |website=Railvolution}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=13 February 2025 |title=Higher capacity UK terminal opens at Amsterdam Centraal station |url=https://www.railwaygazette.com/high-speed/higher-capacity-uk-terminal-opens-at-amsterdam-centraal-station/68307.article |access-date=2026-02-23 |website=Railway Gazette International |language=en}}</ref> [[File:Eurostar Lille 2.jpg|thumb|A Eurostar pulling into [[Gare de Lille-Europe|Lille-Europe]]|297x297px]]

Travel from Calais or Lille towards Brussels and the Netherlands has no border or security control. On 7 July 2020, a modified agreement was signed in Brussels that includes The Netherlands in the previous agreement. This allows for juxtaposed controls in Amsterdam and Rotterdam like those in Brussels and Paris.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=New Eurostar treaties open up direct travel from Amsterdam to London |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-eurostar-treaties-open-up-direct-travel-from-amsterdam-to-london |date=7 July 2020 |access-date=9 July 2020 |website=GOV.UK |publisher=HM Government |archive-date=8 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708102035/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-eurostar-treaties-open-up-direct-travel-from-amsterdam-to-london |url-status=live }}</ref> When the tripartite agreements were signed, the [[Belgian federal government|Belgian Government]] said that it had serious questions about the compatibility of this agreement with the Schengen Convention and the principle of free movement of people enshrined in various European treaties.<ref>{{cite web |lang=fr |url=http://www.senaat.be/www/?MIval=/publications/viewPub&COLL=S&LEG=1&NR=396&PUID=16778954&LANG=fr |title=Document législatif du Sénat belge n°1-396/1, Déclarations du Gouvernement belge |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090213181133/http://www.senaat.be/www/?MIval=/publications/viewPub&COLL=S&LEG=1&NR=396&PUID=16778954&LANG=fr |archive-date=13 February 2009 |publisher=Belgian Senate |date=23 July 1996}}</ref> On 30 June 2009, Eurostar raised concerns at the [[House of Commons of the United Kingdom|UK House of Commons]] Home Affairs Select Committee that it was illegal under French law to collect the information required by the UK government under the [[Border control|e-Borders]] scheme, and the company would be unable to cooperate.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ford |first=Richard |date=30 June 2009 |title=New British £750 million electronic border control plan 'breaks EU law' |work=The Times |location=London |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article6610209.ece |access-date=30 June 2009 |archive-date=30 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130014035/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Williams |first=Chris |date=30 June 2009 |title=Eurostar tunnels through UK border ring of steel |work=[[The Register]] |url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/06/30/eborders_eurostar |access-date=30 June 2009 |archive-date=4 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090704220419/http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/06/30/eborders_eurostar/ |url-status=live }}</ref> 

On the northbound Marseille-London train, there was no facility for security or passport checks at the southern French stations, so passengers left the train at Lille-Europe, taking all their belongings with them, and underwent security and border checks there before rejoining the train which waited at the station for just over an hour.<ref name="dowd-bbc-052015">{{Cite news |last=Dowd |first=Vincent |date=30 May 2015 |title=Direct train to Europe |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-32916197 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150530091011/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-32916197 |archive-date=30 May 2015 |access-date=30 May 2015 |work=BBC News}}</ref>

On several occasions, people have tried to stow away illegally on board the train,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Landesman |first=Peter |date=14 April 2002 |title=The Light at The End of the Chunnel |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/04/14/magazine/the-light-at-the-end-of-the-chunnel.html?pagewanted=1 |access-date=26 April 2009 |archive-date=30 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130014056/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/04/14/magazine/the-light-at-the-end-of-the-chunnel.html?pagewanted=1 |url-status=live }}</ref> sometimes in large groups,<ref>{{Cite news |date=3 August 2001 |title=Police find Eurostar stowaways |work=BBC News |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/1472136.stm |access-date=26 April 2009 |archive-date=2 October 2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021002141050/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/1472136.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> trying to enter the UK; border monitoring and security is therefore extremely tight.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Safety and security: Border controls |url= http://www.eurotunnel.com/ukcP3Main/ukcFreight/ukcsafetysecurity/ukpbordercontrols.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101125163402/http://www.eurotunnel.com/ukcP3Main/ukcFreight/ukcsafetysecurity/ukpbordercontrols.htm |archive-date=25 November 2010 |access-date=1 September 2009 |publisher=Eurotunnel}}</ref> Eurostar claims to have good and well-funded security measures.<ref>{{cite press release |url= http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/about_eurostar/press_release/press_archive_2007/Eurostar_boosts_passenger_security.jsp |date=6 June 2007 |title=Eurostar boosts passenger security at Ashford International |publisher=Eurostar |access-date=26 April 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081029110659/http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/about_eurostar/press_release/press_archive_2007/Eurostar_boosts_passenger_security.jsp |archive-date=29 October 2008 |url-status=dead  }}</ref>

=== Former stations and routes ===
Eurostar previously served London [[Waterloo International railway station|Waterloo International]] (1994–2007). There had been plans to retain some Eurostar services at Waterloo International, but this was ruled out on cost grounds.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Webster |first=Ben |date=14 November 2007 |title=Five Waterloo platforms left in limbo by Eurostar pullout |work=The Times |location=London |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article2865114.ece |access-date=2 May 2009 |archive-date=5 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805105319/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article2865114.ece |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Eurostar also previously served: 
* [[Ashford International railway station|Ashford International]] (1996–2020), [[Calais-Fréthun station|Calais-Fréthun]] (1994–2020), and [[Ebbsfleet International railway station|Ebbsfleet International]] (2007–2020). Services to these stations was interrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic, and were never resumed <ref name="BBC News-2023" /><ref name=":FT20232" />
* [[Lyon-Saint-Exupéry TGV station|Lyon Saint-Exupéry]], [[Avignon TGV station|Avignon TGV]], and [[Marseille-Saint-Charles station|Marseille Saint-Charles]] (2015-2020). Service to these stations stopped after the cancellation of the direct route to Southern France.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Topham |first=Gwyn |date=23 June 2023 |title=Adieu Mickey Mouse: Eurostar's shrinking ambitions seven years on from the Brexit vote |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/jun/23/eurostar-brexit-cross-channel-tunnel-disneyland-paris-amsterdam |access-date=28 January 2026 |work=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref>
* [[Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 TGV station|Paris CDG Airport]] and [[Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy station|Disneyland Paris Marne-la-Vallée]] (1996-2023). Services to these stations were cancelled as Eurostar focused on its most profitable routes.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Eurostar runs final direct Disneyland Paris service while Amsterdam route faces suspension {{!}} The Railway Hub|url=https://www.therailwayhub.co.uk/67439/eurostar-runs-final-direct-disneyland-paris-service-while-amsterdam-route-faces-suspension/|date=2023-06-05|access-date=2026-01-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218142303/https://www.therailwayhub.co.uk/67439/eurostar-runs-final-direct-disneyland-paris-service-while-amsterdam-route-faces-suspension/|archive-date=18 December 2023|language=en-GB|url-status=live}}</ref>
Eurostar also used to offer direct "Snow trains"<ref>{{Cite web |title=Eurostar Snow Train |url= http://www.eurostar.com/static/micro_site/eurostar_snow_train.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121210031016/http://www.eurostar.com/static/micro_site/eurostar_snow_train.htm |archive-date=10 December 2012 |access-date=16 October 2012 |publisher=Eurostar}}</ref> from London aimed at skiers, to [[Bourg-Saint-Maurice]], [[La Plagne|Aime-la-Plagne]] and [[Moûtiers]] in the [[Alps]]; these ran weekly, arriving in the alps in the evening and leaving the same evening to arrive in London the following morning.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Eurostar winter ski tickets |url= http://www.thisfrenchlife.com/thisfrenchlife/2008/07/eurostar-winter.html |access-date=11 May 2009 |website=thisfrenchlife.com |archive-date=2 May 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100502090256/http://www.thisfrenchlife.com/thisfrenchlife/2008/07/eurostar-winter.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> <!--Intermediate stations are Ebbsfleet International in northwest Kent, Ashford International in southeast Kent, and [[Gare de Calais-Fréthun|Calais-Fréthun]] and Lille-Europe in Nord-Pas-de-Calais.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Eurostar's other UK stations |url= http://www.eurostar.com/UK/be/leisure/about_eurostar/on_the_move/other_uk_stations.jsp |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090925173312/http://www.eurostar.com/UK/be/leisure/about_eurostar/on_the_move/other_uk_stations.jsp |archive-date=25 September 2009 |access-date=11 May 2009 |publisher=Eurostar}}</ref>--> This service was suspended at the time of the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Eurostar Ski Train 2024/25 {{!}} Times, fares, tickets |url=https://www.seat61.com/trains-and-routes/eurostar-ski-train.htm |access-date=9 January 2025 |website=www.seat61.com |language=en}}</ref> It resumed for the 2023/24 ski season, but with no direct/through train. Instead, passengers travelling to/from London change to a domestic Eurostar train at [[Lille-Europe station|Lille-Europe]]. Direct Eurostar Snow services still exist from Belgium and the Netherlands.<ref name=":3" />

=== Proposed services ===
====Extensions to cross-Channel services====
Over the years, a number of potential cross-Channel services have been proposed. In 2012, an interview in the ''Financial Times'' revealed that [[Cologne]], [[Lyon]], and [[Marseille]] had been considered, alongside a secondary hub in Brussels.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ft.com/content/5349aa20-9ad4-11e1-94d7-00144feabdc0 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210201240/https://www.ft.com/content/5349aa20-9ad4-11e1-94d7-00144feabdc0#axzz1vMoegVJt |archive-date=10 December 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |first=Mark |last=Odell |work=Financial Times |location=London |date=13 May 2012 |format=paywall |title=Eurostar eyes expansion across Europe |access-date=20 May 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=13 June 2012 |title=Eurostar to add new destinations |url=http://www.connexionfrance.com/Eurostar-new-destinations-Lyon-Marseille-view-article.html |website=connexionfrance.com |access-date=13 June 2012 |archive-date=5 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205111635/http://www.connexionfrance.com/Eurostar-new-destinations-Lyon-Marseille-view-article.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>  In March 2016, in an interview with Bloomberg, Eurostar's Chief Executive had also expressed interest in operating a direct train service between London and Bordeaux. Journey time was said to be around 4.5{{nbsp}}hours using the new [[LGV Sud Europe Atlantique]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/mar/16/eurostar-mulls-direct-trains-london-bordeaux-wine|title=Wine line: Eurostar mulls direct trains to Bordeaux from London|first=Gwyn|last=Topham|date=16 March 2016|website=The Guardian|access-date=6 April 2017|archive-date=8 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108134617/http://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/mar/16/eurostar-mulls-direct-trains-london-bordeaux-wine|url-status=live}}</ref>

The 2025 purchase of 50 new trains should allow for the creation of new routes by the early 2030s, including potential services from London to Frankfurt, from London to Geneva, and from Amsterdam/Brussels to Geneva.<ref name="ianVisits-2025" />
=====Challenges to further cross-Channel services=====
{{Quote box
| align = right
| width = 25%
| quote = "We know we can go to most places in France physically, because our trains are compatible with French infrastructure, but then you've got to look at impact on fleet utilisation, you've got to have a station that's got the spare capacity to have a train stood for a number of hours, for all the security, screening, passport control passes. So it's not possible to go just anywhere. And you've got to be able to get the control authorities to agree that there's a big enough market for it to be worthwhile for them to set up there."
| source = <small>Richard Brown, former Chief Executive of Eurostar (2008).<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.railpro.co.uk/issues/pdfs/feb08_interview.pdf |last=Silvester |first=Katie |location=Cambridge |title=Interview with Richard Brown, Chief Executive of Eurostar |work=Rail Professional |date=February 2008 |access-date=31 December 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090304040145/http://www.railpro.co.uk/issues/pdfs/feb08_interview.pdf |archive-date=4 March 2009}}</ref></small>
}}
[[File:Eurostars 373 210 and 373 205 Brussels-South, June 2014.JPG|thumb|right|Eurostar ''e300'' trains, in their former livery at [[Brussels-South railway station|Brussels-South]]]]

The e320 trains allow Eurostar the possibility of London to Germany services in the future, but implementing such new services is complex. The UK is neither part of the [[Schengen Agreement]],<ref name="Schengen" /> which allows unrestricted movement across borders of member countries, nor a member of the EU. This means that travellers between the UK and EU must pass through full border identification, visa and customs controls for their departure and arrival countries, while travellers between stations within the Schengen area do not. The logistics of providing space and time for these controls while conforming to the requirements of free travel within the Schengen area makes implementing new services operationally complex.<ref>{{cite news |last=Topham |first=Gwyn |date=24 January 2023 |title=Eurostar trains forced to run with empty seats due to Brexit passport rules |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/jan/24/eurostar-trains-empty-seats-brexit-passport-rules-london-paris-brussels |access-date=28 February 2024 |work=The Guardian |location= London |archive-date=27 May 2024 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240527004147/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/jan/24/eurostar-trains-empty-seats-brexit-passport-rules-london-paris-brussels |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=6 February 2024 |title=Possible restrictions on Eurostar services due to future post-Brexit passport controls |url= https://www.belganewsagency.eu/possible-restrictions-on-eurostar-services-due-to-future-post-brexit-passport-controls |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240228141023/https://www.belganewsagency.eu/possible-restrictions-on-eurostar-services-due-to-future-post-brexit-passport-controls |archive-date=28 February 2024 |access-date=28 February 2024 |website= Belga News Agency |location= Brussels }}</ref> 

The difficulties that Eurostar faces in expanding its services between the UK and the EU would also be faced by any potential [[#Potential competition|competitors]] to Eurostar. Trains must use platforms that are physically isolated,<ref name="highspeedwho" /> a constraint which other intra-EU operators do not face. In addition, the British authorities are required to make security and passport checks on passengers before they board the train,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/travel_information/before_you_go/travel_documents/passports_visas.jsp
|title=Passports & Visas |publisher=Eurostar |access-date=15 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080521081418/http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/travel_information/before_you_go/travel_documents/passports_visas.jsp |archive-date=21 May 2008}}</ref> which might deter domestic passengers. Compounding the difficulties in providing a similar service are the Channel Tunnel safety rules, the major ones being the "half-train rule" and the "length rule". The "half-train rule" stipulated that passenger trains had to be able to split in an emergency.<ref name="eurotunnrules" /> Class 373 trains were designed as two half-sets, which when coupled form a complete train, enabling them to be split easily in the event of an emergency while in the tunnel, with the unaffected set able to be driven out. The half-train rule was finally abolished in May 2010. However, the "length rule", which states that passenger trains must be at least {{convert|375|m|abbr=on}} long with a through corridor (to match the distance between the safety doors in the tunnel), was retained, preventing any potential operators from applying to run services with existing fleets, as the majority of both TGV and ICE trains are only {{convert|200|m|abbr=on}} long.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.channeltunneligc.co.uk/spip.php?action=acceder_document&arg=152&cle=afc9f895b3a111e715b8cca09821c197&file=pdf%2F100331_-_D15012_Parent-consultees_cons_conclusions.pdf |title= Unified Safety Rules Consultation conclusions |date=31 March 2010 |publisher= Channel Tunnel Intergovernmental Commission |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200805085613/https://www.channeltunneligc.co.uk/spip.php?action=acceder_document&arg=152&cle=afc9f895b3a111e715b8cca09821c197&file=pdf%2F100331_-_D15012_Parent-consultees_cons_conclusions.pdf |archive-date=5 August 2020 }}</ref>
====Stratford International====
[[File:British Rail Class 374 (eurostar e320).jpg|thumb|right|Eurostar service passing [[Stratford International station|Stratford International]]]]Eurostar trains also do not currently call at {{stnlnk|Stratford International}}, which was intended to be a London stop for the regional Eurostars when the station was constructed.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article1082863.ece |title= Ghost train station that cost £210m |work= The Times |location= London |access-date= 22 December 2007 |date= 21 April 2006 |last= Webster |first= Ben |archive-date= 3 December 2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081203110129/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article1082863.ece |url-status= dead }}</ref> This was to be reviewed following the 2012 Olympics.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10154343 |title= Eurostar 'will not stop' at Stratford International |date= 25 May 2010 |work= BBC News |access-date= 25 May 2010 |archive-date= 30 January 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210130014042/https://www.bbc.com/news/10154343 |url-status= live }}</ref> However, in 2013, Eurostar claimed that its 'business would be hit' by stopping trains there.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/boris-johnson-urges-eurostar-to-start-using-olympic-park-station-8736582.html|title=Boris Johnson urges Eurostar to start using Olympic Park station|date=29 July 2013|website=Evening Standard|access-date=14 August 2016|archive-date=4 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204234633/http://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/boris-johnson-urges-eurostar-to-start-using-olympic-park-station-8736582.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
====Regional Eurostar and Nightstar====
{{Further|Regional Eurostar |Nightstar (train)}}

The original proposals for Eurostar included direct services to Paris and Brussels from cities north of London: [[Manchester Piccadilly railway station|Manchester Piccadilly]] via [[Birmingham New Street railway station|Birmingham New Street]] on the [[West Coast Main Line]] and [[Leeds railway station|Leeds]] and {{rws|Glasgow Central}} via [[Edinburgh Waverley railway station|Edinburgh Waverley]], [[Newcastle railway station|Newcastle]] and {{rws|York}} on the [[East Coast Main Line]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=n.d. |title=Review of regional Eurostar services: summary report |url=http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/passenger/europe/reviewofregionaleurostarserv3325?page=10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101214082434/http://dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/passenger/europe/reviewofregionaleurostarserv3325?page=10 |archive-date=14 December 2010 |publisher=[[Department for Transport]]}}</ref>

Seven 14-coach "North of London" Eurostar trains for these [[Regional Eurostar]] services were built, but these services never came to fruition. Predicted journey times of almost nine hours for Glasgow to Paris at the time of growth of low-cost air travel during the 1990s made the plans commercially unviable against the cheaper and quicker airlines.<ref>{{Cite news |date=28 April 1999 |title=Eurostar extension in doubt |work=BBC News |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/the_economy/330888.stm |access-date=31 December 2007 |archive-date=25 September 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030925102628/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/the_economy/330888.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Other reasons that have been suggested for these services having never been run were both government policies and the disruptive [[privatisation of British Rail]].<ref name="regionfail">{{Cite journal |last1=Knowles |first1=Richard |last2=Farrington |first2=John |date=December 1998 |title=Why Has the Market Not Been Created for Channel Tunnel Regional Passenger Rail Services? |journal=Area |publisher=Royal Geographical Society |volume=30 |issue=4 |pages=359–366 |doi=10.1111/j.1475-4762.1998.tb00080.x |jstor=20003928|bibcode=1998Area...30..359K }}</ref> Three of the Regional Eurostar units were leased by [[Great North Eastern Railway]] (GNER) to increase domestic services from [[London King's Cross railway station|London King's Cross]] to York and later Leeds.<ref>{{Cite news |date=16 January 2002 |title=High-speed GNER trains scrapped |work=BBC News |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/1763438.stm |access-date=10 May 2009 |archive-date=28 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090528180636/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/1763438.stm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title= White Rose to run to Leeds with extra trains |magazine=[[Rail Magazine]] |issue=428 |date=6 February 2002 |page=16}}</ref> The lease expired in December 2005, and most of the North of London sets were transferred to [[SNCF]] for [[TGV]] services in northern France.<ref name="CTRLrailtec" /><ref>{{cite magazine |title= SNCF prepares to use Eurostar sets |magazine=[[Today's Railways UK]] |issue=64 |date=April 2007 |page=68}}</ref>

An international [[Nightstar (train)|Nightstar]] sleeper train was also planned; this would have travelled the same routes as Regional Eurostar, plus the [[Great Western Main Line]] to {{rws|Cardiff Central}}.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Guerra |first=Michael |date=December 2003 |title=Second chance for Eurostar sleepers |pages=10–11 |work=Railwatch |publisher=RailFuture |issue=93 |url=http://www.railwatch.org.uk/backtrack/rw098/rw098p10.pdf |url-status=dead |access-date=28 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090620081753/http://www.railwatch.org.uk/backtrack/rw098/rw098p10.pdf |archive-date=20 June 2009}}</ref> These were also deemed commercially unviable, and the scheme was abandoned with no services ever operated. In 2000, the coaches were sold to [[Via Rail]] in Canada.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Middleton |first=William D. |date=August 2003 |title=Via Rail's renaissance: "Renaissance" is the name Via Rail Canada has given its new fleet of European-built passenger cars, but it applies equally well to the entire operation |work=[[Railway Age]] |location=New York |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1215/is_8_204/ai_108114496/pg_2/?tag=content;col1 |access-date=19 June 2009}}{{dead link|date=May 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Hickling |first=Michael |date=1 November 2007 |title=Fast track to Europe – old track to Yorkshire |work=Yorkshire Post |location=Leeds |url=http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/features/Fast-track-to-Europe-.3439321.jp |access-date=10 May 2009 |archive-date=5 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805231331/https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/features/Fast-track-to-Europe-.3439321.jp |url-status=live }}</ref>

Although the original plan for Regional Eurostar services to destinations north of London was abandoned,<ref name="regionfail" /> the significantly improved journey times available since the opening of [[High Speed 1]] — which is physically connected to both the [[East Coast Main Line]] and the [[North London Line]] (for the [[West Coast Main Line]]) at [[St Pancras railway station|London St Pancras International]] – and the increased maximum speeds on the West Coast Main Line since the 2000s may make potential Regional Eurostar services more commercially viable. This would be even more likely if proposals are adopted for a new high-speed line from London to the north of Britain.<ref>{{cite press release |url= http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/about_eurostar/press_release/press_archive_2007/Eurostar_welcomes_greengauge_21.jsp |date= 20 June 2007 |title= Eurostar welcomes greengauge 21's call for high speed 2 |publisher= Eurostar |access-date= 31 December 2007|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101228150716/http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/about_eurostar/press_release/press_archive_2007/Eurostar_welcomes_greengauge_21.jsp |archive-date= 28 December 2010 |url-status= dead}}</ref> Simon Montague, Eurostar's Director of Communications, commented that: "...International services to the regions are only likely once High Speed 2 is built."<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/letters-to-the-editor/Rail-investments-that-will-last.5248147.jp |last= Montague |first= Simon |format= Letter to the Editor |title=Rail investments that will last for 200 years |newspaper= Yorkshire Post |location= Leeds |date=8 May 2009 |access-date=14 May 2009 |archive-date=30 January 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210130014040/https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/letters-to-the-editor/rail-investments-that-will-last.5248147.jp |url-status=live }}</ref> However, as of 2014 the current plans for [[High Speed 2]] do not allow for a direct rail link between that new line and High Speed 1, meaning passengers would still be required to change at [[London Euston]] and take some form of transportation to London St Pancras.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/hs2-plans-revived-to-connect-london-terminus-of-high-speed-two-with-channel-tunnel-rail-link-10382994.html |title=HS2: Plans revived to connect London terminus of High Speed Two with Channel Tunnel Rail Link |website=The Independent |location= London |date=11 July 2015 |access-date=27 August 2017 |archive-date=3 July 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190703062903/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/hs2-plans-revived-to-connect-london-terminus-of-high-speed-two-with-channel-tunnel-rail-link-10382994.html |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Key pieces of infrastructure still belong to LCR via its subsidiary London & Continental Stations and Property, such as the [[Manchester International Depot]], and Eurostar (UK) still owns several track access rights and the rights to paths on both the [[East Coast Main Line]] and the [[West Coast Main Line]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/272.pdf |title=Train Access Rights necessary to operate additional passenger services on the East Coast Main Line |date=27 January 2006 |publisher=Office of the Rail Regulator |access-date=26 April 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090304040143/https://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/272.pdf |archive-date=4 March 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.railwaysarchive.co.uk/documents/NR_EastCoastCapacity2005.pdf | title = Consultation on capacity study for East Coast Main Line | date = 19 December 2005 | publisher = Railways Archive | access-date = 26 April 2009 | archive-date = 4 March 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090304040145/http://www.railwaysarchive.co.uk/documents/NR_EastCoastCapacity2005.pdf | url-status = live }}</ref>
====LGV Picardie====
{{Main|LGV Picardie}}

LGV Picardie is a proposed high-speed line between Paris and Calais via [[Amiens]]. By cutting off the corner of the LGV Nord at Lille, it would enable Eurostar trains to save 20{{nbsp}}minutes on the journey between Paris and Calais, bringing the London–Paris journey time under 2{{nbsp}}hours. In 2008, the French Government announced its future investment plans for new LGVs to be built up to 2020; LGV Picardie was not included but was listed as planned in the longer term.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view//long-term-tgv-plans.html |title=Long-term TGV plans |location=London |work=Railway Gazette International |date=2 June 2008 |access-date=18 April 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091217085555/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/long-term-tgv-plans.html |archive-date=17 December 2009}}</ref>

== Corporate structure ==
{{Main|Eurostar Group}}

[[File:Eurostar departure information - Brussels.JPG|thumb|Eurostar departure information – Brussels]]From its origins in 1994, Eurostar was originally operated as a collaboration of three separate French, British and Belgian corporate entities.  

In June 2009 London and Continental Railways, and the Eurostar UK operations they held ownership of, became fully [[nationalised]] by the UK government.<ref name=":8" /> On 1 September 2010, Eurostar was incorporated as a single corporate entity, [[Eurostar International Limited]] (EIL), replacing the joint operation between EUKL, SNCF and SNCB/NMBS.<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 August 2009 |title=Eurostar confirms plans for senior management changes |work=Breaking Travel News |url=http://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/eurostar-confirms-plans-for-senior-management-changes/ |access-date=7 January 2010 |archive-date=27 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027095429/https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/eurostar-confirms-plans-for-senior-management-changes/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Once all Eurostar assets were transferred to EIL, the holdings in the company were amended to SNCF (55%), LCR (40%), and NMBS/SNCB (5%).{{R|NAO2015|pages=12–13}} 

In 2014, the British Government transferred LCR's 40% stake in EIL to [[HM Treasury]] to enable its sale.<ref name="BBC2014">{{Cite news |title=Eurostar rail stake touted for sale by UK government|date=2014-10-13|work=[[BBC News]]|publisher=[[British Broadcasting Corporation]]|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-29588412|access-date=2016-08-14}}</ref> The following year, the shareholding was sold for {{FXConvert|GBR|760|m|cursign=£|lk=off|year=2014|to=EUR|r=0|showdate=no}},<ref name="BBC2015">{{Cite news |title=UK government sells Eurostar stake for £757.1m|date=2015-03-04|work=[[BBC News]]|publisher=[[British Broadcasting Corporation]]|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-31721334|archive-date=2019-02-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190216104058/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-31721334|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="NAO2015">{{Cite report |title=The sale of Eurostar|date=2015-11-06|author=Comptroller and Auditor General|author-link=Comptroller and Auditor General (United Kingdom)|url=https://www.nao.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/The-sale-of-Eurostar.pdf|publisher=[[National Audit Office (United Kingdom)|National Audit Office]]|location=London}}</ref> leading to the following ownership structure: [[SNCF]] (55%), [[Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec]] (CDPQ) (30%), [[Hermes Infrastructure]] (10%) and [[NMBS/SNCB|SNCB]] (5%).<ref name=":9">{{Cite news |date=4 March 2015 |title=UK government sells Eurostar stake for £757.1m |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-31721334 |access-date=4 March 2015 |quote=Patina Rail LLP will acquire the UK Treasury's entire share ... consortium is made up of two companies: Canadian-based Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) and the UK's Hermes Infrastructure ... will own 30% and 10% of Eurostar respectively |archive-date=16 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190216104058/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-31721334 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":10">{{Cite web |title=Behind the scenes |url=http://www.eurostar.com/uk-en/about-eurostar/our-company/behind-the-scenes |publisher=[[Eurostar Group]] |location=Brussels |access-date=1 November 2016 |archive-date=17 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170117213413/http://www.eurostar.com/uk-en/about-eurostar/our-company/behind-the-scenes |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":11">{{Cite web |title=Hermes secures Eurostar ownership for pension funds after UK sell-off |url=https://realestate.ipe.com/news/infrastructure/hermes-secures-eurostar-ownership-for-pension-funds-after-uk-sell-off/10006975.fullarticle |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161103235215/https://realestate.ipe.com/news/infrastructure/hermes-secures-eurostar-ownership-for-pension-funds-after-uk-sell-off/10006975.fullarticle |archive-date=3 November 2016 |access-date=1 November 2016 |website=Realestate.jpe.com}}</ref>

Following the approval of Eurostar's merger with Thalys, EIL became part of a new holding company, Eurostar Group, in April 2022. Ownership of Eurostar Group was split between the previous shareholders of EIL and THIF, with SNCF retaining its majority stake (55.75%), and other shareholders having the following: CDPQ (19.31%), SNCB (18.50%), and Hermes (6.44%).<ref name="RailwayTechnology2022">{{Cite web |date=2022-05-02|title=Eurostar, Thalys merge to bring more high-speed rail routes to Europe|url=https://www.railway-technology.com/news/eurostar-thalys-high-speed-rail/|access-date=2022-05-02|website=Railway Technology|language=en-US|archive-date=2022-09-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929054903/https://www.railway-technology.com/news/eurostar-thalys-high-speed-rail/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-15 |title=Eurostar Group: strong momentum across Europe |url=https://www.groupe-sncf.com/en/group/about-us/companies/sncf-voyageurs/thalys-rebrands-as-eurostar |access-date=2026-02-24 |website=SNCF Group |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=14 January 2026 |title=Eurostar transported 18% more passengers between Amsterdam and London in 2025 |url=https://nltimes.nl/2026/01/14/eurostar-transported-18-passengers-amsterdam-london-2025 |access-date=24 February 2026 |work=NL Times}}</ref> 

=== Logos ===
Following the merger, the new six-pointed star logo was designed, inspired by the [[Étoile du Nord (train)|Étoile du Nord]].<gallery perrow="3" class="center" caption="Eurostar logo timeline">
File:Eurostar.svg|1994 to 2011
File:Eurostar e320 passant à Aime-la-Plagne (janvier 2023).jpg|2011 to 2023
File:Eurostar logo (2023).svg|Since 2023
</gallery>
== Performance and market position ==
In 2024, [[Transport & Environment|T&E]] ranked Eurostar last among 27 European train companies based on a number of service-related indicators.<ref name="Transport & Environment-2024">{{cite book|access-date=23 January 2026 |author1=Transport & Environment |date=2024 |language=en |title=Mind the gap! Europe's Rail Operators: a Comparative Ranking |url=https://www.transportenvironment.org/uploads/files/Embargo-lifted-09122024-European-Ranking-of-Rail-operators-REPORT-Updated-20122024-2.pdf}}<!-- auto-translated from French by Module:CS1 translator --></ref> Eurostar landed 26th in terms of prices, tied last for cycling friendliness, and scored below average in terms of reliability, its traveller experience, and its compensation policies.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=20 December 2024 |title=Mind the gap! Europe's Rail Operators: A Comparative Ranking |url=https://www.transportenvironment.org/uploads/files/updated_ranking_open_data_20_December_2024-3.xlsx |access-date=23 January 2026 |website=T&E}}</ref> On pricing in particular, the report called on the EU to make international rail travel cheaper by dropping international tolls, and VAT on international trips.<ref name=":4" />

=== Travel classes ===
Over the years, Eurostar has changed its travel classes a number of times.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Eurostar – Classes of Travel – Business Premier |url=http://www.raileurope.co.uk/Default.aspx?tabid=395 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080502210949/http://www.raileurope.co.uk/Default.aspx?tabid=395 |archive-date=2 May 2008 |access-date=14 May 2009 |publisher=Rail Europe}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Eurostar means Business |url=http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/business/10_reasons.jsp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090312093119/http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/business/10_reasons.jsp |archive-date=12 March 2009 |access-date=14 May 2009 |publisher=Eurostar}}</ref> As of January 2026, there are three [[First class travel|classes]]: Standard, Plus and Premier. In Plus, passengers benefit from "extra comfy seating," additional work space, and a meal service. Premier passengers benefit from additional ticket flexibility, dedicated priority boarding lanes, premium food, and lounge access.<ref name=":7">{{Cite news |last=Perrin |first=Lucy |last2=Xie |first2=Qin |date=20 May 2025 |title=Eurostar guide: everything you need to know before you travel |url=https://www.thetimes.com/travel/advice/eurostar-guide-everything-you-need-to-know-before-you-travel-0p3hnbrfv?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqczAsWNTbwfzJsxU1clO4M_Xuvm26OA_c9xcnMjo-PtTs0LLMdzUPPJeNxdfd0%3D&gaa_ts=697b4979&gaa_sig=2aPkfiJ_yIzTsHgtg_eK25328JPhlH7BNlUb-QKUajdYo8HLAfr0RmIUrHmFkti_HBA_DU0FDvL4sUhUTUob0A%3D%3D |archive-date= |access-date=29 January 2026 |work=[[The Times]]}}</ref>

=== Fares ===
Eurostar's fares were significantly higher in its early years; the cheapest fare in 1994 was {{FXConvert|GBR|99||cursign=£|lk=off|year=1994|to=EUR|r=0|showdate=no}} return.<ref name="savtrav">{{Cite news |last=Trend |first=Nick |date=29 October 2004 |title=The savvy traveller: Training makes a difference |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/731565/The-savvy-traveller-Training-makes-a-difference.html |access-date=14 May 2009 |archive-date=4 May 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080504142148/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/731565/The-savvy-traveller-Training-makes-a-difference.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2002, Eurostar was planning cheaper fares, an example of which was an offer of £50-day returns from London to Paris or Brussels. By March 2003, the cheapest fare from the UK was £59 return, available all year around.<ref name="savtrav" /> In June 2009 it was announced that one-way single fares would be available at £31 at the cheapest. Competition between Eurostar and airline services was a large factor in ticket prices being reduced from the initial levels.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Frary |first=Mark |date=12 September 2008 |title=Scramble for seats as Eurostar remains suspended |work=The Times |location=London |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/business/article4741666.ece |access-date=14 May 2009 |archive-date=30 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130014003/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Martin |first=Andrew |date=18 November 2007 |title=St Pancras is a start, but it takes more to stop us flying |work=The Independent |location=London |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/andrew-martin-st-pancras-is-a-start-but-it-takes-more-to-stop-us-flying-400796.html |access-date=14 May 2009 |archive-date=20 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100420175200/http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/andrew-martin-st-pancras-is-a-start-but-it-takes-more-to-stop-us-flying-400796.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> As of January 2026, adult single tickets start from £39, though Eurostar Snap (a last-minute, non-refundable service) may offer cheaper tickets.<ref name=":7" /> [[Interrail]] and [[Eurail]] passes can be used on Eurostar services for a special fare.<ref name=":14" />

Business fares also slightly undercut air fares on similar routes.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rodgers |first=Paul |date=17 May 1995 |title=6.57 office to Paris |work=The Independent |location=London |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/657-office-to-paris-1601420.html |access-date=14 May 2009 |archive-date=2 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110302110637/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/657-office-to-paris-1601420.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> Eurostar explicitly targets regular business travellers, including with the possibility of chartering a private carriage.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 June 2009 |title=Private train carriages 'become more popular' |url=http://mediacentre.laterooms.com/news/19216144-private-train-carriages-become-more-popular/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120723142623/http://mediacentre.laterooms.com/news/19216144-private-train-carriages-become-more-popular/ |archive-date=23 July 2012 |access-date=21 January 2016 |publisher=laterooms.com}}</ref> 

The Eurostar ticketing system is very complex, being distributed through no fewer than 48 individual sales systems.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Calder |first=Simon |date=20 October 2007 |title=The cost of the Eurostar train in Spain falls way below the plane |work=The Independent |location=London |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/the-man-who-pay-his-way-the-cost-of-the-eurostar-train-in-spain-falls-way-below-the-plane-397334.html |access-date=14 May 2009 |archive-date=26 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101126182826/http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/the-man-who-pay-his-way-the-cost-of-the-eurostar-train-in-spain-falls-way-below-the-plane-397334.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Eurostar is a member of the [[Amadeus CRS]] distribution system, making its tickets available alongside those of airlines worldwide.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/about_eurostar/press_release/press_archive_2006/05_07_2006_eurostar_on_gds_systems.jsp |title= Eurostar available alongside airlines on the GDS systems |publisher= Eurostar |date= 5 July 2006 |access-date= 28 December 2007|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081202011705/http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/about_eurostar/press_release/press_archive_2006/05_07_2006_eurostar_on_gds_systems.jsp |archive-date= 2 December 2008 |url-status= dead}}</ref>

=== Reliability and speed ===
Eurostar's punctuality has fluctuated from year to year. Historically, fewer than 10% of trains on trans-Channel services were late by more than 15 minutes,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rail travel you can rely on |url=http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/business/punctuality.jsp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090729032734/http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/business/punctuality.jsp |archive-date=29 July 2009 |access-date=15 May 2009 |publisher=Eurostar}}</ref> though the average over 2022-2025 has been around 15%. Eurostar's best punctuality record was 97.35%, between 16 and 22 August 2004.<ref name="Eurost His">{{Cite web |title=Our history |url=http://www.eurostar.com/UK/be/leisure/about_eurostar/company_information/eurostar_history.jsp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091029104058/http://www.eurostar.com/UK/be/leisure/about_eurostar/company_information/eurostar_history.jsp |archive-date=29 October 2009 |access-date=1 September 2009 |publisher=Eurostar}}</ref> Punctuality has helped Eurostar beat rival transit modes: in the first quarter of 2009 for example, 96% of Eurostar services were punctual, compared with rival air routes' 76%.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Desiderio |first=Matthieu |date=16 April 2008 |title=Eurotunnel and Eurostar 2008 1Q results: positive! |work=Transport Expertise |location=Paris |url=http://en.transport-expertise.org/index.php/2008/04/16/eurotunnel-and-eurostar-2008-1q-results-positive/ |url-status=dead |access-date=27 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120220031440/http://en.transport-expertise.org/index.php/2008/04/16/eurotunnel-and-eurostar-2008-1q-results-positive/ |archive-date=20 February 2012}}</ref> Continental services have been slightly less punctual. Between 2022 and 2025, they were late by at least 15 minutes 19% of the time. 
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="text-align:center;"
|+ class="nowrap" |Detailed reliability data on trans-Channel services (1999, 2006–2008, 2013–2025)
!Period
!Delays of at least 5 minutes
!Delays of at least 15 minutes
!Delays of at least 30 minutes
!Reference
|-
|April 2024-March 2025
|30.3%
|15.1%
|
|<ref name="Customer Charter-2025">{{cite web |access-date=23 January 2026 |date=19 November 2025 |language=en |title=Customer Charter |url=https://www.eurostar.com/be-en/customer-charter |archive-date=19 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251119112713/https://www.eurostar.com/be-en/customer-charter |url-status=bot: unknown }}<!-- auto-translated from French by Module:CS1 translator --></ref>
|-
|April 2023-March 2024
|27.2%
|13.5%
|
|<ref name="Customer Charter-2024">{{cite web |access-date=23 January 2026 |date=22 November 2024 |language=en |title=Customer Charter |url=https://www.eurostar.com/be-en/customer-charter |archive-date=22 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241122162524/https://www.eurostar.com/be-en/customer-charter |url-status=bot: unknown }}<!-- auto-translated from French by Module:CS1 translator --></ref>
|-
|April 2022-March 2023
|30.4%
|17.7%
|
|<ref name="Customer Charter-2023">{{cite web |date=24 October 2023 |language=en |title=Customer Charter |url=https://www.eurostar.com/be-en/customer-charter |access-date=23 January 2026 |archive-date=24 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231024043000/https://www.eurostar.com/be-en/customer-charter |url-status=bot: unknown }}<!-- auto-translated from French by Module:CS1 translator --></ref>
|-
|May 2021-April 2022
|14.7%
|7.6%
|
|<ref>{{cite web |access-date=23 January 2026 |date=7 October 2022 |language=en |title=Customer Charter |url=https://www.eurostar.com/be-en/customer-charter |archive-date=7 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007204535/https://www.eurostar.com/be-en/customer-charter |url-status=bot: unknown }}<!-- auto-translated from French by Module:CS1 translator --></ref>
|-
|June 2020-April 2021
|17.1%
|8.7%
|
|<ref>{{cite web |access-date=23 January 2026 |date=2 November 2021 |language=en |title=Customer Charter |url=https://www.eurostar.com/be-en/customer-charter |archive-date=2 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211102102854/https://www.eurostar.com/be-en/customer-charter |url-status=bot: unknown }}<!-- auto-translated from French by Module:CS1 translator --></ref>
|-
|June 2019-May 2020
|29.4%
|10.5%
|
|<ref>{{cite web |access-date=23 January 2026 |date=24 June 2021 |language=en |title=Customer Charter |url=https://www.eurostar.com/be-en/customer-charter |archive-date=24 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624191526/https://www.eurostar.com/be-en/customer-charter |url-status=bot: unknown }}<!-- auto-translated from French by Module:CS1 translator --></ref>
|-
|June 2018-May 2019
|27.5%
|16.5%
|
|<ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201217222118/https://www.eurostar.com/be-en/customer-charter |title=Customer Charter |archive-date=17 December 2020 |access-date=23 January 2026 |url=https://www.eurostar.com/be-en/customer-charter}}</ref>
|-
|February 2016-December 2018*
|18.5%
|9.1%
|
|<ref>{{cite web|access-date=23 January 2026 |archive-date=20 February 2016 |title=Customer Charter |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220012930/https://www.eurostar.com/be-en/customer-charter |url=https://www.eurostar.com/be-en/customer-charter}}<!-- auto-translated from French by Module:CS1 translator --></ref><ref>{{cite web|access-date=23 January 2026 |archive-date=30 December 2018 |title=Customer Charter |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181230145455/http://www.eurostar.com/be-en/customer-charter |url=http://www.eurostar.com/be-en/customer-charter}}<!-- auto-translated from French by Module:CS1 translator --></ref>
|-
|November 2013-January 2016*
|18%
|8%
|
|<ref>{{cite web|access-date=23 January 2026 |archive-date=24 November 2013 |title=Customer Charter |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131124130138/https://www.eurostar.com/be-en/customer-charter#.UpH4t-zP1qY |url=https://www.eurostar.com/be-en/customer-charter#.UpH4t-zP1qY}}<!-- auto-translated from French by Module:CS1 translator --></ref><ref>{{cite web|access-date=23 January 2026 |archive-date=27 January 2016 |title=Customer Charter |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127134409/https://www.eurostar.com/be-en/customer-charter |url=https://www.eurostar.com/be-en/customer-charter}}<!-- auto-translated from French by Module:CS1 translator --></ref>
|-
|March-May 2016
|25.82%
|
|3.04%
|<ref name="Russel-2016">{{Cite news |last=Russel |first=Géraldine |date=2 June 2016 |title=SNCF, Eurostar, Thalys : le palmarès des retards de trains |url=https://www.lefigaro.fr/economie/le-scan-eco/dessous-chiffres/2016/06/03/29006-20160603ARTFIG00018-sncf-eurostar-thalys-le-palmares-des-retards-de-trains.php |access-date=23 January 2026 |work=[[Le Figaro]] |language=fr}}</ref>
|-
|2008
|
|7.5%
|
|<ref>{{cite web|access-date=23 January 2026 |archive-date=29 July 2009 |title=Rail travel you can depend on |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090729032734/http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/business/punctuality.jsp |url=http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/business/punctuality.jsp}}<!-- auto-translated from French by Module:CS1 translator --></ref>
|-
|2007
|
|8.5%
|
|<ref>{{cite web|access-date=23 January 2026 |archive-date=29 May 2009 |title=High Speed 1 delivers a record year for Eurostar |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090529061806/http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/about_eurostar/press_release/press_archive_2008/high_speed_1_record_year_eurostar.jsp |url=http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/about_eurostar/press_release/press_archive_2008/high_speed_1_record_year_eurostar.jsp}}<!-- auto-translated from French by Module:CS1 translator --></ref>
|-
|August-October 2006
|
|7.3%
|
|<ref>{{cite web|access-date=23 January 2026 |archive-date=28 December 2010 |title=Eurostar achieves best ever punctuality performance |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101228142854/http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/about_eurostar/press_release/press_archive_2006/02_10_06_punctuality.jsp |url=http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/about_eurostar/press_release/press_archive_2006/02_10_06_punctuality.jsp}}<!-- auto-translated from French by Module:CS1 translator --></ref>
|-
|January-June 1999
|
|8% (Q1); 11% (Q2)
|
|<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 July 1999 |title=Eurostar trains beat planes |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/the_company_file/387237.stm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030418192712/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/the_company_file/387237.stm |archive-date=18 April 2003 |access-date=23 January 2026 |work=[[BBC]]}}</ref>
|-
| colspan="5" |<small>Note: *</small><small>The report doesn't specify the time period selected for delay estimations between 2013 and 2018.</small>
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="text-align:center;"
|+ class="nowrap" | Detailed reliability data on other services (2016, 2022–2025)
!Période
!Delays of at least 5 minutes
!Delays of at least 15 minutes
!Delays of at least 30 minutes
!Delays between 60-119 minutes
!Delays of over 2 hours
!Référence
|-
|April 2024-March 2025
|
|23.1%
|
|
|
|<ref name="Customer Charter-2025" />
|-
|April 2023-March 2024
|
|19.4%
|
|2.2%
|0.5%
|<ref name="Customer Charter-2024" />
|-
|2022
|
|15.4%
|
|
|
|<ref name="Customer Charter-2023" />
|-
|March-May 2016
|13.17%
|
|3.77%
|
|
|<ref name="Russel-2016" />
|}
[[File:Eurostar market shares.svg|thumb|right|Eurostar market share and punctuality]]An advantage held by Eurostar is the convenience and speed of the service: with shorter check-in times than at most airports and hence quicker boarding and less queueing<ref name=":5">{{Cite news |date=8 August 2006 |title=Eurostar Booms Thanks to Airport Security |work=Air, Business and Travel News |location=London |url=http://www.abtn.co.uk/news/eurostar-booms-due-to-airport-security |url-status=dead |access-date=26 April 2009 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130419161442/http://www.abtn.co.uk/news/eurostar-booms-due-to-airport-security |archive-date=19 April 2013}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=10 Good Reasons to Travel Eurostar |url=http://www.eurostar4agents.com/travel/before_you_go/why_travel_eurostar.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090831111857/http://www.eurostar4agents.com/travel/before_you_go/why_travel_eurostar.htm |archive-date=31 August 2009 |access-date=27 April 2009 |publisher=Eurostar}}</ref> and high punctuality, it takes less time to travel between central London and central Paris by high-speed rail than by air.<ref name=":14">{{Cite web|url=https://www.seat61.com/trains-and-routes/london-to-paris-by-eurostar.htm|title=A guide to Eurostar trainsLondon to Paris & Brussels|access-date=28 January 2026|website=Man in Seat 61|last=Smith|first=Mark}}</ref>

=== Passenger numbers ===
Eurostar has a dominant share of the combined rail–air market on a number of its routes, notably its legacy links. On London-Paris, it now has 80-90% of the market, up from 66% in 2004 and 71% in 2007.<ref name="Wright 2023">{{Cite news |last=Wright |first=Robert |date=5 July 2023 |title=Eurostar in recovery: is there light at the end of the tunnel? |url=https://www.ft.com/content/a34d2fbd-15b8-428c-9070-b953e05cb0fd |access-date=30 June 2025 |work=Financial Times}}</ref><ref name="Eurostar 2004">{{cite press release |title=Eurostar achieves record market share |date=14 September 2004 |publisher=Eurostar |url=http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/about_eurostar/press_release/press_archive_2004/14_09_04.jsp |access-date=2 May 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090808084210/http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/about_eurostar/press_release/press_archive_2004/14_09_04.jsp |archive-date=8 August 2009}}</ref><ref name="Wright 2008">{{Cite news |last=Wright |first=Robert |date=10 January 2008 |title=Eurostar passenger numbers surge |url=https://www.ft.com/content/67ed5b0c-bf1e-11dc-8c61-0000779fd2ac |access-date=6 August 2009 |work=Financial Times |location=London}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Avogadro |first1=Nicolò |last2=Redondi |first2=Renato |date=1 September 2023 |title=Diverted and induced demand: Evidence from the London-Paris passenger market |journal=Research in Transportation Economics |volume=100 |article-number=101304 |doi=10.1016/j.retrec.2023.101304 |issn=0739-8859|doi-access=free }}</ref> On London-Brussels, it now has 80% of the market up from 59% in 2004, and 65% in 2007.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dickinson |first=Greg |date=16 January 2025 |title=Eurostar has been a disappointment – a rival is long overdue |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/news/eurostar-rival-long-overdue/ |access-date=30 June 2025 |work=The Telegraph |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235}}</ref><ref name="Eurostar 2004" /><ref name="Wright 2008" /> On the historic Thalys routes, it has a dominant position on Paris-Amsterdam (80%),<ref name="Wright 2023" /> and had a dominant position on point-to-point journeys between Paris and Brussels/West Germany (80%) as of 2014.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Garland |first=Cecilia |date=24 February 2014 |title=FRENCH RAIL OPERATOR WANTS TO TAKE MARKET SHARE IN AIRLINES |url=https://www.tourism-review.com/french-rail-operator-continues-gaining-market-share-news4035 |work=Tourism Review}}</ref> This dominant position may shift as competitors enter the market.<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 April 2025 |title=Eurostar competition could slash fares from London to Europe |url=https://www.euronews.com/travel/2025/04/10/eurostar-competition-reduced-fares-channel-tunnel |access-date=30 June 2025 |website=euronews |language=en}}</ref>

Eurostar's passenger numbers initially failed to meet predictions. In 1996, [[London and Continental Railways]] forecast that passenger numbers would reach 21.4{{nbsp}}million annually by 2004,<ref name="LCR fore">{{Cite web |date=4 May 2006 |title=Select Committee on Public Accounts Thirty-Eighth Report |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmselect/cmpubacc/727/72705.htm |access-date=15 December 2007 |publisher=House of Commons |archive-date=16 October 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061016205534/http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmselect/cmpubacc/727/72705.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> but only 7.3{{nbsp}}million was achieved. Eighty-two million passengers used Waterloo International Station from its opening in 1994 to its closure in 2007.<ref name="waterloovid" /> 2008 was a record year for Eurostar, with a 10.3% rise in passenger use, which was attributed to the use of High Speed 1 and the move to London St Pancras International.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Clark |first=Nick |date=15 April 2008 |title=Eurostar credits move to St Pancras for boosting ticket revenues by 25 per cent |work=The Independent |location=London |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/eurostar-credits-move-to-st-pancras-for-boosting-ticket-revenues-by-25-per-cent-809042.html |access-date=10 May 2009 |archive-date=17 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090417043238/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/eurostar-credits-move-to-st-pancras-for-boosting-ticket-revenues-by-25-per-cent-809042.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> The following year, Eurostar saw an 11.5% fall in passenger numbers<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lane |first=Michael |date=16 April 2009 |title=Eurostar suffers 5.8% fall in sales |work=Travel Trade Gazette |location=London |url=http://www.ttglive.com/c/portal/layout?p_l_id=61139&CMPI_SHARED_articleId=2355561&CMPI_SHARED_ImageArticleId=2355561 |url-status=dead |access-date=29 April 2009 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130205051355/http://www.ttglive.com/c/portal/layout?p_l_id=61139&CMPI_SHARED_articleId=2355561&CMPI_SHARED_ImageArticleId=2355561 |archive-date=5 February 2013}}</ref> during the first three months of 2009, attributed to the [[2008 Channel Tunnel fire]]<ref name="Tunnelfire">{{Cite news |date=16 April 2009 |title=Tunnel fire eats into Eurostar's passenger numbers |work=Kent Online |location=Maidstone |url=http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kentonline/newsarchive.aspx?articleid=60499 |access-date=18 April 2009 |archive-date=29 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120229171715/http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kentonline/newsarchive.aspx?articleid=60499 |url-status=live }}</ref> and the [[Great Recession]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Clark |first=Nicola |date=16 April 2009 |title=Eurostar hit by recession |work=Marketing Magazine |location=London |url=http://www.marketingmagazine.co.uk/news/898785/Eurostar-hit-recession |access-date=18 April 2009 |archive-date=19 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090419143951/http://www.marketingmagazine.co.uk/news/898785/Eurostar-hit-recession |url-status=live }}</ref>

As a result of the poor economic conditions, Eurostar received state aid in May 2009 to cancel out some of the accumulated debt from the High Speed 1 construction programme.<ref>{{Cite news |date=13 May 2009 |title=EU approves British state aid for high-speed Eurostar line |work=EU Business |agency=Agence France-Presse |location=Richmond, Surrey |url=http://www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1242212522.48 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605110211/http://www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1242212522.48 |archive-date=5 June 2011}}</ref> Later that year, during snowy conditions in the run-up to Christmas, thousands of passengers were left stranded as several trains broke down and many more were cancelled. In an independent review commissioned by Eurostar, the company came in for serious criticism about its handling of the incident and lack of plans for such a scenario.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sturcke, James |date=12 February 2010 |title=Eurostar 'had no plan' to deal with train breakdown delays |work=The Guardian |location=London |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2010/feb/12/eurostar-no-plan-travel-chaos-report |access-date=11 December 2016 |archive-date=22 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201122095400/https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2010/feb/12/eurostar-no-plan-travel-chaos-report |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2006, the [[Department for Transport]] predicted that, by 2037, annual cross-channel passenger numbers would probably reach 16{{nbsp}}million,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Delivering a Sustainable Railway — White Paper. Part 8: International |url=http://www.dft.gov.uk/about/strategy/whitepapers/whitepapercm7176/multideliversustainrailway?page=24#5b |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20100513193639/http://www.dft.gov.uk/about/strategy/whitepapers/whitepapercm7176/multideliversustainrailway?page=24#5b |archive-date=13 May 2010 |access-date=1 September 2009 |publisher=Department for Transport |location=London}}</ref> considerably less optimistic than London and Continental Railways's original 1996 forecast.<ref name="LCR fore" /> In 2007 Eurostar set a target of carrying 10{{nbsp}}million passengers by 2010.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Channel Tunnel Traffic Forecasting |url=http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/transportissues/uktp_forecast.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090523180819/http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/transportissues/uktp_forecast.shtml |archive-date=23 May 2009 |access-date=1 September 2009 |website=Transport Issues |publisher=Nottingham University}}</ref> The company cited several factors to support this objective, such as improved journey times, punctuality and station facilities. Passengers in general, it stated, are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental effects of air travel, and Eurostar services emit much less [[carbon dioxide]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/travel_information/before_you_go/Green_Eurostar.jsp |title= Eurostar generates ten times less CO<sub>2</sub> than flying the same routes |publisher= Eurostar |access-date= 1 September 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090826113148/http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/travel_information/before_you_go/Green_Eurostar.jsp |archive-date= 26 August 2009 |url-status= dead}}</ref> and that its remaining carbon emissions are now [[Carbon offset|offset]], making its services [[carbon neutral]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=17 April 2007 |title=Eurostar plans 'greener' trains |work=BBC News |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/6562391.stm |access-date=26 April 2009 |archive-date=24 September 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080924010337/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/6562391.stm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Michael |last=Lane |url=http://www.ttglive.com/c/portal/layout?p_l_id=61139&CMPI_SHARED_articleId=2406032&CMPI_SHARED_ImageArticleId=2406032&CMPI_SHARED_articleIdRelated=2406032&CMPI_SHARED_ToolsArticleId=2406032&CMPI_SHARED_CommentArticleId=2406032&articleTitle=Eurostar%20reports%2031%%20fall%20in%20CO2%20emissions |date=28 April 2009 |location=London |title=Eurostar reports 31% fall in CO<sub>2</sub> emissions |work=Travel Trade Gazette |access-date=29 April 2009 }}{{dead link|date=August 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> 

By 2026, cumulative ridership since 1994 surpassed 400{{nbsp}}million.<ref name="mediacentre.eurostar.com-2026" /> Eurostar transported 20{{nbsp}}million passengers in 2025, the highest ever, surpassing the pre-pandemic high in 2019.<ref name="mediacentre.eurostar.com-2026" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=23 January 2025 |title=Eurostar Reports Record Growth in 2024 with Ambitious Future Plans for Sustainable Travel |url=https://mediacentre.eurostar.com/mc_view?article_Id=ka4Rz00000CMy3WIAT |access-date=16 June 2025 |publisher=Eurostar}}</ref> The following chart presents the estimated number of passengers annually transported by the Eurostar service since 1995:
<ref>{{Cite news |date=13 January 2009 |title=Eurostar travel hits record level |work=BBC News |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7825737.stm |access-date=18 April 2009 |archive-date=21 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090121162505/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7825737.stm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=20 January 2010 |title=Eurostar sales up in 2009 despite travel chaos |work=BBC News |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8469399.stm |access-date=22 January 2010 |archive-date=21 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100121032603/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8469399.stm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=14 January 2011 |title=Eurostar sales rise on recovery in business travel |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-12188996 |access-date=14 January 2011 |archive-date=15 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110115053439/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-12188996 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=8 March 2012 |title=Eurostar sales boosted by visitors from outside EU |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-17296527 |access-date=27 April 2012 |archive-date=6 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120506030113/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-17296527 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=25 March 2013 |title='Strong' 2012 for Eurostar |work=Rail.co |url=http://www.rail.co/2013/03/25/strong-2012-for-eurostar/ |url-status=dead |access-date=25 March 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130410050527/http://www.rail.co/2013/03/25/strong-2012-for-eurostar/ |archive-date=10 April 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=5 March 2014 |title=Eurostar passenger figures topped 10 million in 2013 |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-26444689 |access-date=5 March 2014 |archive-date=7 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307155235/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-26444689 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=18 February 2015 |title=Eurostar growth continues in 2014 |work=Railwaygazette.com |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/high-speed/single-view/view/eurostar-growth-continues-in-2014.html |access-date=19 February 2015 |archive-date=19 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219215743/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/high-speed/single-view/view/eurostar-growth-continues-in-2014.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=15 March 2016 |title=Eurostar passenger numbers steady but profit down |work=Railwaygazette.com |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/high-speed/single-view/view/eurostar-passenger-numbers-steady-but-profit-down.html |access-date=16 March 2016 |archive-date=17 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160317072313/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/high-speed/single-view/view/eurostar-passenger-numbers-steady-but-profit-down.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

{{#chart:Annual_ridership_for_Eurostar_Group.chart|data=Annual_ridership_for_Eurostar_Group.tab}}

=== Potential competition ===
{{Further|High Speed 1#Future operations|Temple Mills Depot capacity allocation (2025)}}

[[File:ICE 3 Oberhaider-Wald-Tunnel.jpg|thumb|right|DB ICE 3 service]]

Following the liberalisation of international rail travel by [[European Union]] directives in 2010,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mordiglia.it/convegno040306/Mordiglia%20_eng.pdf |title=Liberalisation of railway transport: European directives on railway transport and Access to infrastructure |publisher=Enrico Mordiglia
 |access-date=11 May 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100202104945/http://www.mordiglia.it/convegno040306/Mordiglia%20_eng.pdf |archive-date=2 February 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.euractiv.com/en/transport/eu-agrees-liberalise-rail-2010/article-164880 |title= EU agrees to liberalise rail by 2010 |work= EurActiv.com |location= Brussels |date= 29 June 2007 |access-date= 11 May 2009 |archive-date= 11 December 2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081211090136/http://euractiv.com/en/transport/eu-agrees-liberalise-rail-2010/article-164880 |url-status= dead }}</ref> various operators have announced proposals for competition with Eurostar.

[[Deutsche Bahn]] (DB) intended to run services between London to Frankfurt and Amsterdam (two of the biggest air travel markets in Europe), with trains 'splitting & joining' in Brussels. In July 2010, DB announced that it intended to make a test run with a high-speed ICE-3MF train through the Channel Tunnel in October 2010 in preparation for possible future operations.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/10/deutsche-bahn-to-run-ice3-to-britain-this-year.html |title= Deutsche Bahn to run ICE3 to Britain this year |work= Railway Gazette International |location= London |date= 29 July 2010 |access-date= 29 July 2010 |archive-date= 1 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201082947/https://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/10/deutsche-bahn-to-run-ice3-to-britain-this-year.html |url-status= dead }}</ref> The trial ran on 19 October 2010 with a [[ICE 3#Class 406|Class 406]] ICE train specially liveried with a British "Union flag" decal, later put on display for the press at London St Pancras International (though the proposed service would in fact have used [[Siemens Velaro#Velaro D (DB Class 407)|Class 407]] ICE units, adapted for the Channel Tunnel).<ref>{{Cite news |last=Otley |first=Tom |date=19 October 2010 |title=Deutsche Bahn trains at St Pancras |url=https://www.businesstraveller.com/news/deutsche-bahn-trains-at-st-pancras/ |access-date=16 March 2026 |work=Business Traveller}}</ref> DB scrapped the plan, mainly due to advance passport check requirements. DB had hoped that immigration checks could be done on board, but British authorities required immigration and security checks to be done at Lille-Europe station, taking at least 30{{nbsp}}minutes.<ref name="dowd-bbc-052015" />

In 2021, [[Renfe]], the national operator of Spain announced it was proposing competing London to Paris services.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/transport/renfe-channel-tunnel-high-speed-service-london-paris-eurostar-b962795.html| title=Spain's state-owned train operator Renfe plans to launch high-speed London to Paris service| date=28 October 2021| work=Evening Standard| location=London| access-date=3 October 2023| archive-date=17 October 2023| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017123214/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/transport/renfe-channel-tunnel-high-speed-service-london-paris-eurostar-b962795.html| url-status=live}}</ref> 

In 2022, [[Getlink]], the owner of the [[Channel Tunnel]] had reportedly considered purchasing trains suitable for competing services, leasing them to rival operations,<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/rivals-to-eurostar-in-advanced-talks-264580/ | title=Eurostar could face rival high speed rail service as Getlink in talks with Spanish rail firm Renfe | date=27 March 2022 | work=Kent Online | access-date=3 October 2023 | archive-date=17 October 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017122104/https://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/rivals-to-eurostar-in-advanced-talks-264580/ | url-status=live }}</ref> while in 2023, [[Mobico Group]], the owner of [[National Express]] has also been reported to be considering cross-Channel services named 'Evolyn'.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.railtech.com/all/2023/08/02/channel-tunnel-hopefuls-mount-another-challenge-to-eurostar/|title=Channel Tunnel hopefuls mount another challenge to Eurostar|date=2 August 2023|work=Rail Tech|access-date=3 October 2023|archive-date=17 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017121237/https://www.railtech.com/all/2023/08/02/channel-tunnel-hopefuls-mount-another-challenge-to-eurostar/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.railtech.com/rolling-stock/2022/03/25/how-getlink-wants-to-clear-a-hurdle-for-new-operators-to-run-trains-through-the-channel-tunnel/|title=How Getlink wants to clear a hurdle for new operators to run trains through the Channel Tunnel|date=25 March 2022|work=Rail Tech|access-date=3 October 2023|archive-date=17 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017121613/https://www.railtech.com/rolling-stock/2022/03/25/how-getlink-wants-to-clear-a-hurdle-for-new-operators-to-run-trains-through-the-channel-tunnel/|url-status=live}}</ref> From August 2024 to March 2025, the [[Office of Rail and Road]] (ORR) solicited final proposals on whether competition should be added through the Channel Tunnel, with [[Virgin Trains Europe]], Evolyn, Gemini, and [[Trenitalia]] submitting plans. 

On 30 October 2025, ORR announced that there was enough maintenance space at Temple Mills Depot to allow a second competitor to run through the Channel Tunnel, and it had approved ''Virgin Trains Europe'' to begin operations within the next five years.<ref>{{cite web | last=Edwards | first=Charlotte | title=Virgin set to challenge Eurostar on Channel Tunnel route | website=BBC News | date=30 October 2025 | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy8v5z15551o| access-date=30 October 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite letter|url=https://www.orr.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2025-10/2025-10-30-tmi-decision-letter-final.pdf|first=Stephanie |last=Tobyn|recipient=Antonio Urda, Adrian Quine, Gareth Williams, Phil Whittingham, and Marco Caposciutti|date=30 October 2025|access-date=30 October 2025|subject=Applications for access to Temple Mills International Depot }}</ref> Virgin Trains Europe has purchased 12 [[Avelia Stream]] trains from [[Alstom]] for the route, and plans to begin services by 2030.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Houghton |first=Amy |date=6 January 2026 |title=First look at Virgin’s new trains that will run direct from the UK to Europe |url=https://www.timeout.com/uk/news/first-look-at-virgins-new-trains-that-will-run-direct-from-the-uk-to-europe-010626 |access-date=16 March 2026 |work=[[Time Out (magazine)|Time Out]]}}</ref> 

== Environmental initiatives ==

===Tread Lightly===
[[File:DSC 7230-voies-de-la-gare-d.jpg|thumb|right|Eurostars at [[Gare du Nord|Paris Nord]] running late night services]]
In 2006, Eurostar's Environment Group was set up,<ref name="greennetrail">{{Cite web |title=Winners of 2007 |url=http://www.networkrail.co.uk/aspx/4681.aspx |url-status= dead |archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20090106195310/http://www.networkrail.co.uk/aspx/4681.aspx |archive-date=6 January 2009 |access-date=7 April 2012 |publisher=[[Network Rail]]}}</ref> with the aim of making changes in the Eurostar services' daily running to decrease negative environmental impact.<ref name="greeneuro">{{Cite news |last=Kanter |first=James |date=5 May 2009 |title=French Nuclear Power Cleans Up Eurostar – Green Inc. blog |work=The New York Times |url=http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/05/french-nuclear-power-cleans-up-eurostar |access-date=8 May 2009 |archive-date=23 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090523005546/http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/05/french-nuclear-power-cleans-up-eurostar/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2007, Eurostar said they would become the world's first carbon-neutral train service through its launch of "Tread Lightly," an environmental programme with the goal of reducing the service's carbon-dioxide emissions by 25% by 2012.<ref name="greeneuro" /><ref name="greenlight">{{Cite news |last=McCarthy |first=Michael |date=15 November 2007 |title=A green light for Eurostar: The train that takes the eco-strain |work=The Independent |location=London |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/a-green-light-for-eurostar-the-train-that-takes-the-eco-strain-400430.html |access-date=15 December 2020 |archive-date=20 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220124517/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/a-green-light-for-eurostar-the-train-that-takes-the-eco-strain-400430.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="industryweekeco">{{Cite news |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=17 April 2007 |title=Eurostar Trains To Go Carbon Neutral |work=ET Energy World |url=https://www.industryweek.com/the-economy/environment/article/21933578/eurostar-trains-to-go-carbon-neutral |access-date=15 December 2020 |archive-date=30 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130014010/https://www.industryweek.com/the-economy/environment/article/21933578/eurostar-trains-to-go-carbon-neutral |url-status=live }}</ref> In the grand opening ceremony of London St Pancras International, one of the Eurostar trains was given the name 'Tread Lightly', said to symbolise their smaller impact on the environment compared to planes.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/newsenglish/witn/2007/11/071116_eurostar.shtml|title=High Speed One opens|date=15 November 2007|access-date=28 January 2026|work=[[BBC]]}}</ref>

The programme included: reducing power consumption on its rolling stock; sourcing more electricity from lower-emission generators; adding new controls on lighting, heating, and air conditioning; reducing paper usage via electronic tickets; recycling water and employee uniforms; sourcing all food on board from Britain, France, or Belgium.<ref name="industryweekeco" /> Drivers were trained in techniques to achieve maximum energy efficiency, and lighting was minimised; the provider of the bulk of the energy for the Channel Tunnel was switched to nuclear power stations in France.<ref name="greeneuro" /> Eurostar also funded three renewable energy projects in developing regions around the world: a windfarm in Tamil Nadu, India; a micro-hydropower project in China; and a plan specifying improvements on fuel consumption of three-wheeler taxis in Indonesia.<ref name="greenlight" /> By 2008, Eurostar's environmental credentials had become a key branding component.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Grant, John |url= https://archive.org/details/greenmarketingma0000gran/page/94 |title=The green marketing manifesto |publisher=John Wiley |year=2008 |isbn=978-0-470-72324-1 |location=Chichester, Sussex |page=[https://archive.org/details/greenmarketingma0000gran/page/94 94]}}</ref>

=== Single-use plastics reduction ===
In 2019, Eurostar removed all single-use plastics from its trains between London and Paris.<ref name="globalrailwayrev">{{Cite news |date=14 November 2019 |title=Eurostar announces new environmental commitments for 25th anniversary |work=Global Railway Review |url=https://www.globalrailwayreview.com/news/92546/eurostar-environmental-commitments/#:~:text=Marking%20its%20commitment%20to%20environmentally,trains%20between%20London%20and%20Paris.&text=The%20journey%20will%20feature%20wooden,and%20eco%2Dfriendly%20food%20packaging |access-date=15 December 2020 |archive-date=30 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930053743/https://www.globalrailwayreview.com/news/92546/eurostar-environmental-commitments/#:~:text=Marking%20its%20commitment%20to%20environmentally,trains%20between%20London%20and%20Paris.&text=The%20journey%20will%20feature%20wooden,and%20eco%2Dfriendly%20food%20packaging |url-status=live }}</ref> Now the trains serve only wooden cutlery, recyclable cans of water, glass wine bottles, paper-based coffee cups, and eco-friendly food packaging.<ref name="globalrailwayrev" /><ref name="businesseco">{{Cite news |last=Brandler |first=Hannah |date=26 November 2019 |title=Eurostar announces eco-friendly initiatives |work=Business Traveller |url=https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2019/11/26/eurostar-announces-eco-friendly-initiatives/ |access-date=15 December 2020 |archive-date=24 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024234948/https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2019/11/26/eurostar-announces-eco-friendly-initiatives/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="lonelyplanet">{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Andrea |date=18 November 2019 |title=How Eurostar plans to become more eco-friendly |work=Lonely Planet |url=https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/eurostar-eco-friendly-initiatives |access-date=15 December 2020 |archive-date=2 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201102165603/https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/eurostar-eco-friendly-initiatives |url-status=live }}</ref> Eurostar partnered with the Woodland Trust, ReforestAction, and Trees for All in 2020, with the goal of planting 20,000 trees each year in woodlands along its routes across the UK, Belgium, and the Netherlands. 

=== Cycles ===
Its friendliness to cycles remains a missing part of its environmental strategy. In 2023, its cycle booking was described as "farcical,"<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tims |first=Anna |date=17 August 2023 |title=Eurostar derailed my efforts to book a bike on to one of its trains |url=https://www.theguardian.com/money/2023/aug/17/eurostar-derailed-my-efforts-to-book-a-bike-on-to-one-of-its-trains |access-date=3 June 2024 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> and in 2024 it scored a 0 for cycling accessibility in T&E's report, alongside [[Ouigo]], [[Italo train|Italo]], [[Renfe]] and [[SJ AB|SJ]].<ref name="Transport & Environment-2024" /> As of January 2026, the only trans-Channel services allowing assembled bikes were London-Brussels services – such bikes had to be dropped off with luggage services, and incurred a fee.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eurostar.com/uk-en/travel-info/travel-planning/luggage/bikes|title=Travelling with your bike on Eurostar|access-date=29 January 2026|website=Eurostar}}</ref> The forthcoming Avelia Horizon trains should have bicycle racks included.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Eurostar Orders 50 Double-Decker Trains, Boosting Cross-Border Capacity by 40 %|url=https://www.visahq.com/news/2025-10-22/be/eurostar-orders-50-double-decker-trains-boosting-cross-border-capacity-by-40/|website=VisaHQ|access-date=2026-01-29|language=en}}</ref>

=== Effect ===
By 2015, Eurostar had reduced its carbon emissions by 32% since Tread Lightly launched.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.climateaction.org/news/eurostar-to-drastically-reduce-plastic-waste-under-new-sustainability-targe#:~:text=The%20new%20plan%20targets%20energy,percent%20over%20the%20same%20period.&text=More%20detail%20on%20the%20plan%20can%20be%20found%20here.|title=Eurostar to drastically reduce plastic waste under new sustainability targets|date=8 February 2018|access-date=28 January 2026|work=ClimateAction}}</ref> By 2019, it had reduced its carbon footprint by over 40%. Eurostar trains now emit up to 90% less greenhouse gas emissions than the equivalent flight.<ref name="globalrailwayrev" /><ref name="businesseco" /><ref name="lonelyplanet" />

In 2024, it announced new goals to run all trains by renewable energy by 2030.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://traveltomorrow.com/eurostar-trains-to-be-100-run-on-renewables-by-2030/#:~:text=Eurostar%20has%20announced%20its%20intention,more%20than%2020%25%20in%202023|title=Eurostar trains to be 100% run on renewables by 2030|last=O'Donoghue|first=Deborah|date=3 May 2024|access-date=28 January 2026|work=Travel Tomorrow}}</ref> 

== Records and awards ==
[[File:Eurostar trainsets at Paris Nord.jpg|thumb|right|Several Eurostar trains at platforms at Paris Nord]]
===Records===
The Channel Tunnel used by Eurostar services holds the record for having the longest underwater section of any tunnel in the world,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gilbert |first=Jane |date=1 December 2006 |title='Chunnel' workers link France and Britain |work=The Daily Post |publisher=APN New Zealand |location=Rotorua, New Zealand}}</ref> and is the third-longest railway tunnel (behind the [[Seikan Tunnel]] and the [[Gotthard Base Tunnel]]) in the world.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Minus |first=Jodie |date=26 January 2007 |title=Eurostar an underground force |work=The Australian |location=Sydney |url=http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,,21153042-5013280,00.html |access-date=27 May 2009 |archive-date=10 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110000807/https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

On 30 July 2003, a Eurostar train set a new British [[List of vehicle speed records|speed record]] of {{convert|334.7|km/h|mph||abbr=on|round=5}} on the first section of the "High Speed 1" railway between the Channel Tunnel,<ref name="Eurost His" /><ref name="waterloovid" /> and Fawkham Junction in north Kent, two months before official public services began running.

On 16 May 2006, Eurostar set a new record for the longest non-stop high-speed journey, a distance of {{convert|1421|km|mi|abbr=on}} from London to [[Cannes]] taking 7{{nbsp}}hours 25{{nbsp}}minutes.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Eurostar sets new Guinness World Record with cast and filmmakers of Columbia Pictures' The Da Vinci Code |date=17 June 2006 |publisher=Eurostar |url=https://www.eurostar.com/uk-en/about-eurostar/press-office/press-releases/2006/eurostar-sets-new-guinness-world-record-with-cast |access-date=27 May 2009 |archive-date=22 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822174445/https://www.eurostar.com/uk-en/about-eurostar/press-office/press-releases/2006/eurostar-sets-new-guinness-world-record-with-cast |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 4 September 2007, a record-breaking train left Paris Nord at 10:44 (09:44{{nbsp}}[[British Summer Time|BST]]) and reached London St Pancras International in 2{{nbsp}}hours 3{{nbsp}}minutes 39{{nbsp}}seconds,<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.eriksrailnews.com/archive/eurostar_ctrl_pr.html |access-date=12 April 2007 |title=Eurostar breaks UK high speed record |publisher=Eurostar |date=30 July 2003 |archive-date=13 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081013043541/http://eriksrailnews.com/archive/eurostar_ctrl_pr.html |url-status=live }}</ref> carrying journalists and railway workers. This record trip was also the first passenger-carrying arrival at the new London St Pancras International station.<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 September 2007 |title=Eurostar sets Paris-London record |work=BBC News |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6977211.stm |access-date=14 December 2007 |archive-date=17 November 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071117113849/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6977211.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> On 20 September 2007, Eurostar broke another record when it completed the journey from Brussels to London in 1{{nbsp}}hour 43{{nbsp}}minutes.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Williams |first=Michael |date=21 September 2007 |title=Eurostar puts Brussels within the 'two-hour club' after record rail journey |work=The Independent |location=London |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/eurostar-puts-brussels-within-the-twohour-club-after-record-rail-journey-403044.html |access-date=27 August 2017 |archive-date=19 June 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080619022350/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/eurostar-puts-brussels-within-the-twohour-club-after-record-rail-journey-403044.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
===Awards===
Eurostar has been hailed as having set new, high standards for international rail travel, especially starting in its second decade, accumulating accolades across environmental, travel and industry categories.<ref>{{Cite journal |date=March 2005 |title= Eurostar — A seamless journey to the continent |url= http://www.jrtr.net/jrtr40/pdf/f29_eur.pdf |url-status=dead |journal=Japan Railway & Transport Review |volume=40 |pages=29–33 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090620081929/http://www.jrtr.net/jrtr40/pdf/f29_eur.pdf |archive-date=20 June 2009 |access-date=1 May 2009}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Davidson |first=Max |date=14 November 2007 |title=Eurostar: welcome to the new age of trains |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/citybreaks/738818/Eurostar-welcome-to-the-new-age-of-trains.html |access-date=2 May 2009 |archive-date=6 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206113012/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/citybreaks/738818/Eurostar-welcome-to-the-new-age-of-trains.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Eurostar Company Awards page |url= http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/about_eurostar/company_information/awards.jsp |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090528043914/http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/about_eurostar/company_information/awards.jsp |archive-date=28 May 2009 |access-date=11 May 2009 |publisher=Eurostar}}</ref> 

Following its 2006 environmental strategy, it won a number of '''environmental awards''', with [[Network Rail]] awarding Eurostar its Efficiency Award,<ref name="greennetrail" /> the [[The Sunday Times|Sunday Times]] placing it on its Best Green Companies List (2009),<ref>{{Cite news |last=Montague |first=Simon |date=4 December 2010 |title=Climate Change and Business: Eurostar's Environmental Action Plan and its Communication – Lessons Learnt and Guidelines |publisher=Elcano Royal Institute |location=Madrid |url=http://www.realinstitutoelcano.org/wps/portal/rielcano_en/contenido?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=%2Felcano%2Felcano_in%2Fzonas_in%2Fclimate-change%2Fari68-2010 |access-date=10 December 2020 |archive-date=30 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130014056/http://www.realinstitutoelcano.org/wps/portal/rielcano_en/contenido?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=%2Felcano%2Felcano_in%2Fzonas_in%2Fclimate-change%2Fari68-2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Institute of Travel Management presenting it with an ICARUS Environmental Award for Best Rail Provider (2009),<ref>{{Cite news |year=2009 |title=Eurostar Case Study |publisher=Allen & York |url=https://www.allen-york.com/case-studies/building-energy-services/eurostar-case-study |access-date=10 December 2020 |archive-date=30 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130014006/https://www.allen-york.com/case-studies/building-energy-services/eurostar-case-study |url-status=dead }}</ref> and the World Travel Market awarding it a Responsible Tourism Award for Best Low Carbon Initiative (2011).<ref>{{Cite news |last=Francis |first=Justin |year=2011 |title=2011 Responsible Tourism Award Winners |work=Responsible Travel |url=https://www.responsibletravel.com/holidays/responsible-tourism/travel-guide/2011-awards-winners |access-date=10 December 2020 |archive-date=27 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127014228/https://www.responsibletravel.com/holidays/responsible-tourism/travel-guide/2011-awards-winners |url-status=live }}</ref> [[People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals|PETA]] named it its Best Travel Experience in 2019,<ref>{{Cite press release |last=Camilli |first=Sascha |date=2 December 2019 |title=Malmaison, Eurostar, Virgin Trains Among Winners of PETA's First-Ever Travel Awards |publisher=PETA UK |location=London |url=https://www.peta.org.uk/media/news-releases/malmaison-eurostar-virgin-trains-among-winners-of-petas-first-ever-travel-awards/ |access-date=10 December 2020 |archive-date=30 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130014035/https://www.peta.org.uk/media/news-releases/malmaison-eurostar-virgin-trains-among-winners-of-petas-first-ever-travel-awards/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and Ecovadis awarded it a Gold Medal for its sustainability across its supply chain,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Go greener with Eurostar |url=https://www.eurostar.com/uk-en/sustainability#On-board |access-date=16 March 2026 |website=Eurostar}}</ref> while since 2019 Eurostar has held a three-star rating from the [[Sustainable Restaurant Association]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Eurostar |url=https://thesra.org/news-insights/case-studies/eurostar/ |access-date=16 March 2026 |website=Sustainable Restaurant Association}}</ref> The [[World Travel and Tourism Council#Awards|World Travel Awards]] has recognised Eurostar repeatedly in its sustainability category with nominations for World's Leading Green Transport Solution Company in every year from 2008 to 2025, and with wins in 2020 and 2022.<ref name=":18">{{Cite web |title=Eurostar -- Wolrd Travel Awards |url=https://www.worldtravelawards.com/profile-629-eurostar |access-date=16 March 2026 |website=World Travel Awards}}</ref> It was nominated in the successor category of World's Leading Sustainable Mobility Solution Company in 2024 and 2025.<ref name=":18" /> In 2022, a joint partnership between Avanti West Coast and Eurostar for their COP26 Climate Train won a Golden Whistle Award from [[Modern Railways|Modern Railways magazine]] and the [[Chartered Institution of Railway Operators]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 February 2022 |title=Avanti West Coast and Eurostar recognised with special award for Climate Train |url=https://newsdesk.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/news/avanti-west-coast-and-eurostar-recognised-with-special-award-for-climate-train |access-date=16 March 2026 |website=Avanti West Coast}}</ref>

In the '''travel press''', Eurostar has twice won the [[The Guardian|Guardian & Observer]] Travel Award for Best Train Company (2008 and 2009),<ref>{{Cite news |date=12 October 2008 |title=Travel Awards 2008 winners |work=The Guardian |location=London |url=https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2008/oct/12/travel-awards2008?page=all |access-date=1 May 2009 |archive-date=20 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150120013923/http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2008/oct/12/travel-awards2008?page=all |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=20 October 2009 |title=Travel Awards 2009 Winners |work=The Guardian |location=London |url=https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2009/oct/20/travel-awards-2009-winners |access-date=10 December 2020 |archive-date=12 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201212015551/https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2009/oct/20/travel-awards-2009-winners |url-status=live }}</ref> and in 2012 won [[TNT (magazine)|TNT Magazine]]'s Gold Backpack Award for Favourite Travel Transport (2012).<ref>{{Cite news |date=29 October 2012 |title=TNT Golden Backpack Awards – the winner revealed |work=TNT Magazine |url=https://www.tntmagazine.com/travel/news/tnt-golden-backpack-awards---the-winners-revealed |access-date=10 December 2020 |archive-date=24 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200424034853/http://www.tntmagazine.com/travel/news/tnt-golden-backpack-awards---the-winners-revealed |url-status=live }}</ref> Eurostar also took home Travel Weekly's Golden Globes Award for Best Rail Operator (2010)<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cusing |first=Karl |date=3 September 2009 |title=Globe Travel Awards:2010 The categories |work=Travel Weekly |url=https://www.travelweekly.co.uk/articles/31787/globe-travel-awards-2010-the-categories |access-date=10 December 2020 |archive-date=30 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130014050/https://www.travelweekly.co.uk/articles/31787/globe-travel-awards-2010-the-categories |url-status=live }}</ref> and for Sustainable Future (2026).<ref>{{Cite news |date=16 January 2026 |title=Globe Travel Awards 2026 winners revealed |url=https://travelweekly.co.uk/news/globe-travel-awards-2026-winners-revealed |access-date=16 March 2026 |work=Travel Weekly}}</ref> Business Travel Awards Europe named Eurostar Travel Partner of the Year in the Rail Operator category in 2010, 2012, 2024, and 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Previous Winners -- Business Travel Awards |url=https://www.businesstravelawardseurope.com/previous-winners |access-date=16 March 2026 |website=BusinessTravelAwards}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Longhorn |first=Danny |date=30 October 2025 |title=Eurostar named Best Rail Company in Europe at the Business Traveller Awards |url=https://news.railbusinessdaily.com/eurostar-named-best-rail-company-in-europe-at-the-business-traveller-awards/ |access-date=16 March 2026 |work=Rail Business Daily}}</ref> 

Within the '''rail industry''' itself, Eurostar won the 2005 [[Train Operator of the Year]] award in the Rail Awards,<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Eurostar unveils new rail alliance with European high-speed train operators, Thalys and Deutsche Bahn's ICE |date=5 April 2005 |publisher=Eurostar |url=http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/about_eurostar/press_release/press_archive_2005/05_04_05_2.jsp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061110231351/http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/about_eurostar/press_release/press_archive_2005/05_04_05_2.jsp |archive-date=10 November 2006 |url-status=dead}}</ref> and European Cross Border Operator of the Year at the 2014 European Rail Congress Awards.<ref>{{Cite news |date=12 November 2014 |title=Winners Announced for the 2014 European Rail Congress Awards |url=https://www.masstransitmag.com/rail/press-release/12018318/european-rail-congress-winners-announced-for-the-2014-european-rail-congress-awards |access-date=19 March 2026 |work=Mass Transit}}</ref> The [[World Travel and Tourism Council#Awards|World Travel Awards]] has named Eurostar the World's Leading Passenger Rail Operator (1998-2009, 2011-2012) and Europe's Leading Passenger Rail Operator (2015-2016).<ref name=":18" /><ref>{{Cite news |year=2015 |title=Europe's Leading Passenger Rail Operator 2015 |work=World Travel Awards |url=https://www.worldtravelawards.com/award-europes-leading-passenger-rail-operator-2015 |access-date=10 December 2020 |archive-date=19 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819134318/http://www.worldtravelawards.com/award-europes-leading-passenger-rail-operator-2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> The National Rail Awards named it Train of the Year in 2017,<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 September 2017 |title=National Rail Awards 2017: Siemens Eurostar e320 wins Train of the Year award |work=Rail |location=Peterborough |url=https://www.railmagazine.com/news/network/national-rail-awards-2017-train-of-the-year-winner-siemens-eurostar-e320#:~:text=More%20most%20read-,National%20Rail%20Awards%202017%3A%20Siemens%20Eurostar%20e320,Train%20of%20the%20Year%20award&text=The%20winning%20entry%20is%20described,National%20Rail%20Awards%20judging%20panel |access-date=10 December 2020 |archive-date=12 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112043222/https://www.railmagazine.com/news/network/national-rail-awards-2017-train-of-the-year-winner-siemens-eurostar-e320#:~:text=More%20most%20read-,National%20Rail%20Awards%202017%3A%20Siemens%20Eurostar%20e320,Train%20of%20the%20Year%20award&text=The%20winning%20entry%20is%20described,National%20Rail%20Awards%20judging%20panel |url-status=live }}</ref> and the Mobile Industry Awards honoured it as Distributor of the Year in 2020.<ref>{{Cite news |date=21 September 2020 |title=Mobile Industry Awards 2020: Eurostar Global Electronics is Distributor of the Year |work=Tech Radar Pro |url=https://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-industry-awards-2020-eurostar-global-electronics-is-distributor-of-the-year |access-date=10 December 2020 |archive-date=1 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101004719/https://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-industry-awards-2020-eurostar-global-electronics-is-distributor-of-the-year |url-status=live }}</ref> 

== Fleet ==
=== Fleet details ===

{| class="wikitable"
|- style="background:#f9f9f9;"
! rowspan="2" |Class
! rowspan="2" |Image
! colspan="2" |Top speed
! rowspan="2" |Carriages
! rowspan="2" |Seating capacity
! rowspan="2" |Number in use
! rowspan="2" |Unit numbers
! rowspan="2" |Electric systems
! rowspan="2" |Routes operated
! rowspan="2" |Built
|- style="background:#f9f9f9;"
!km/h
!mph
|-
! colspan="11" | Cross-channel routes (pre-merger Eurostar)
|-
|[[British Rail Class 373|''Eurostar e300'']]
|[[File:3015 at Calais Frethun.jpg|frameless|upright=0.6]]
|300
|186
|2 power cars + 18 coaches
|750
|8
|{{indented plainlist|
* 373001–373022
* 373101–373108
* 373201–373202
* 373205–373224
* 373229–373232
}}
|{{Unbulleted list|{{25 kV 50 Hz}}|{{1,500 V DC}}|{{3,000 V DC}}}}
|{{indented plainlist|
* [[St Pancras railway station|London]]{{snd}}Paris
* London{{snd}}Brussels
}}
|1992–1996
|-
|[[British Rail Class 374|''Eurostar e320'']]
|[[File:British Rail Class 374 (eurostar e320).jpg|frameless|upright=0.6]]
|320
|200
|8 self-propelled coaches & 8 non-powered coaches
|894
|17
|{{indented plainlist|
* 374001–374034
}}
|{{Unbulleted list|{{25 kV 50 Hz}}|{{15 kV AC}}|{{1,500 V DC}}|{{3,000 V DC}}}}
|{{indented plainlist|
* London{{snd}}Paris
* London{{snd}}Brussels{{snd}}Amsterdam
* Paris{{snd}}Brussels{{snd}}Amsterdam
* Paris{{snd}}Brussels{{snd}}[[Köln Hauptbahnhof railway station|Cologne]]{{snd}}[[Dortmund Hauptbahnhof|Dortmund]]
}}
|2011–2018
|-
! colspan="11" | Continental routes (pre-merger Thalys)
|-
| [[SNCF TGV Réseau|PBA]]
| [[File:Thalys TGV PBA 4533 High Speed Train at Brussel-Zuid (Ank Kumar) 02.jpg|frameless|upright=0.6]]
| rowspan="2" | 320
| rowspan="2" | 200
| rowspan="2" |2 power cars + 8 coaches
|371
| 9
| 4532–4540
|{{Unbulleted list|{{25 kV 50 Hz}}|{{1,500 V DC}}|{{3,000 V DC}}}}
| {{indented plainlist|
* [[Gare du Nord|Paris]]{{snd}}[[Brussels-South railway station|Brussels]]{{snd}}[[Amsterdam Centraal station|Amsterdam]]
}}
| 1996
|-
| [[PBKA]]
| [[File:Köln Hbf Thalys PBKA 4331 (50127171171).jpg|frameless|upright=0.6]]
|371-399
| 17
|{{indented plainlist|
* 4301–4307
* 4331–4332
* 4341–4346
}}
|{{Unbulleted list|{{25 kV 50 Hz}}|{{15 kV AC}}|{{1,500 V DC}}|{{3,000 V DC}}}}
|{{indented plainlist|
* Paris{{snd}}Brussels{{snd}}Amsterdam
* Paris{{snd}}Brussels{{snd}}[[Köln Hauptbahnhof railway station|Cologne]]{{snd}}[[Dortmund Hauptbahnhof|Dortmund]]
}}
| 1997
<!---
|-
! colspan="10" | Post-merger Eurostar
--->
|}

=== Current fleet ===

==== Eurostar e300 ====
[[File:Eurostar 373999 at St Pancras International.jpg|thumb|Eurostar e300 at [[St Pancras railway station|London St Pancras International]], [[London]]]]
[[File:Eurostar trains at St Pancras.jpg|thumb|right|Three Eurostar trains waiting at [[St Pancras railway station|London St Pancras International station]]]]
{{Main|British Rail Class 373}}

Built between 1992 and 1996, Eurostar's fleet consisted of 38 [[Electric Multiple Unit|EMU]] trains, designated Class 373 in the United Kingdom and TGV TMST in France. The units have also been branded as the Eurostar e300 by Eurostar since 2015. There are two variants:
* 31 "Inter-Capital" sets consisting of two [[power car]]s and eighteen passenger carriages. These trains are {{convert|394|m|abbr=on}} long and can carry 750 passengers: 206 in first class, 544 in standard class.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Eurostar seating plan |url=http://www.raileurope.co.uk/DOCUMENTS/PDFS/TRAIN%20SEATING%20PLANS/EUROSTAR/EUROSTAR%20SEATING%20PLAN.PDF |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091001014310/http://www.raileurope.co.uk/DOCUMENTS/PDFS/TRAIN%20SEATING%20PLANS/EUROSTAR/EUROSTAR%20SEATING%20PLAN.PDF |archive-date=1 October 2009 |access-date=30 April 2007 |website=RailEurope.com}}</ref>
* Seven shorter "North of London" sets which have two [[power car]]s and fourteen passenger carriages and are {{convert|320|m|abbr=on}} long. These sets have a capacity of 558 seats: 114 first class, 444 standard and which were designed to operate the aborted [[Regional Eurostar]] services.

Each train has a unique four-digit number starting with "3" (3xxx). This designates the train as a Mark 3 TGV (Mark 1 being [[SNCF TGV Sud-Est]]; Mark 2 being [[SNCF TGV Atlantique]]). The second digit denotes the country of ownership:
* 3'''0'''xx UK
* 3'''1'''xx Belgium
* 3'''2'''xx France
* 3'''3'''xx Regional Eurostar

The trains are essentially modified [[TGV]] sets,<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Wilckens, Martin |last2=Ellewanger, Gunther |date=October 1994 |title=High speed for Europe |url=http://www.jrtr.net/jrtr03/pdf/f17_ell.pdf |url-status=dead |journal=Japan Railway & Transport Review |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090620081858/http://www.jrtr.net/jrtr03/pdf/f17_ell.pdf |archive-date=20 June 2009 |access-date=1 May 2009}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=French Railway Industry: The paths of excellence |url=http://www.dgcis.gouv.fr/files/files/directions_services/secteurs-professionnels/etudes/ferrogb.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106201921/http://www.dgcis.gouv.fr/files/files/directions_services/secteurs-professionnels/etudes/ferrogb.pdf |archive-date=6 January 2014 |access-date=6 January 2014 |publisher=DGE/[[UBIFRANCE]]}}</ref> and can operate at up to {{convert|300|km/h|mph||abbr=on|round=5}} on high-speed lines, and {{convert|160|km/h|mph|abbr=on|round=5}} in the Channel Tunnel.<ref name="eurotunnrules" /> It is possible to exceed the 300{{nbsp}}km/h speed limit, but only with special permission from the safety authorities in the respective country.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Nash |first=Emily |date=5 September 2007 |title=Eurostar sets new Paris-London record |work=The Mirror |location=London |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2007/09/05/eurostar-sets-new-paris-london-record-115875-19736230/ |access-date=21 May 2009 |archive-date=5 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605215719/http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2007/09/05/eurostar-sets-new-paris-london-record-115875-19736230/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Speed limits in the Channel Tunnel are dictated by air-resistance, energy (heat) dissipation and the need to be used with other, slower trains. The trains were designed with Channel Tunnel safety in mind, and consist of two independent "half-sets" each with its own power car.<ref name="CTRLrailtec">{{Cite web |date=n.d. |title=Channel Tunnel Rail Link (CTRL), United Kingdom |url=http://www.railway-technology.com/projects/chunnel/ |access-date=11 May 2009 |publisher=Railway-technology-com |archive-date=26 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126030956/https://www.railway-technology.com/projects/chunnel/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="eurotunnrules" /> In the event of a serious fire on board while travelling through the tunnel, passengers would be transferred into the undamaged half of the train, which would then be detached and driven out of the tunnel to safety.<ref name="highspeedwho">{{Cite news |last=Wolmar |first=Christian |author-link=Christian Wolmar |date=23 November 2007 |title=Who is going to use the new high speed line? |work=Rail |issue=579 |location=Peterborough |url=http://www.christianwolmar.co.uk/2007/11/rail-579-who-is-going-to-use-the-new-high-speed-line/ |access-date=11 May 2009 |archive-date=21 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721000227/http://www.christianwolmar.co.uk/2007/11/rail-579-who-is-going-to-use-the-new-high-speed-line/ |url-status=live }}</ref> If the undamaged part were the rear half of the train, this would be driven by the Chef du Train ([[Conductor (rail)|conductor]]), who is a fully authorised driver and occupies the rear driving cab while the train travels through the tunnel for this purpose.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Millward |first=David |date=27 November 2008 |title=Eurostar services could be disrupted by strike in run up to Christmas |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/3531375/Eurostar-services-could-be-disrupted-by-strike-in-run-up-to-Christmas.html |access-date=11 May 2009 |archive-date=14 February 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090214162301/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/3531375/Eurostar-services-could-be-disrupted-by-strike-in-run-up-to-Christmas.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

As the Class 374 units have entered service the Class 373 fleet has gradually been reduced. Eight remain in regular service with at least 17 scrapped and ten in storage.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 May 2024 |title=Eurostar to invest in up to 50 new trains as it reports strong financial performance |url=https://mediacentre.eurostar.com/mc_view?language=uk-en&article_Id=ka4Rz000007RgGrIAK |access-date=24 February 2026 |website=eurostar.com}}</ref>

===== Fleet updates =====
[[File:Eurostar Leisure Select Seats.jpg|thumb|Interior of a ''Leisure Select'' Eurostar carriage]]
In 2004–2005 the "Inter-Capital" sets still in daily use for international services were refurbished with a new interior designed by [[Philippe Starck]].<ref name="Eurost His" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=27 May 2003 |title=Multi-million facelift for Eurostar |work=BBC News |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/kent/2940864.stm |access-date=27 December 2007 |archive-date=2 July 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040702065730/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/kent/2940864.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> The original grey-yellow scheme in Standard class and grey-red of First/Premium First were replaced with a grey-brown look in Standard and grey-burnt-orange in First class. Power points were added to seats in First class and coaches 5 and 14 in Standard class. Premium First class was renamed BusinessPremier.{{cn|date=January 2026}}

In 2008, Eurostar announced that it would be carrying out a mid-life refurbishment of its Class 373 trains to allow the fleet to remain in service beyond 2020.<ref>{{Cite news |date=8 September 2008 |title=Eurostar invites bidders to undertake major interior refurbishment of fleet |page=5 |work=Rail Management |location=Dunstable, Beds. |url=http://viking.eukhost.com/~keepingt/rm/162/RMAN_162.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090620081818/http://viking.eukhost.com/~keepingt/rm/162/RMAN_162.pdf |archive-date=20 June 2009}}</ref> This will include the 28 units making up the Eurostar fleet, but not the three Class 373/1 units used by SNCF or the seven Class 373/2 "North of London" sets.<ref>{{Cite news |date=8 September 2008 |title=Eurostar to tender for refurbishment |work=RailNews |location=London |url=http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2008/09/08-eurostar-refurbishment.html |access-date=7 April 2012 |archive-date=3 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150903223233/http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2008/09/08-eurostar-refurbishment.html |url-status=live }}</ref> As part of the refurbishment, the Italian company [[Pininfarina]] was contracted to redesign the interiors,<ref>{{Cite news |date=8 April 2009 |title=Eurostar refurbishment design contract awarded |work=[[Railway Gazette International]] |location=London |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view//eurostar-refurbishment-design-contract-awarded.html |url-status=dead |access-date=9 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120414235334/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/eurostar-refurbishment-design-contract-awarded.html |archive-date=14 April 2012}}</ref> and The Yard Creative was selected to design the new buffet cars.<ref>{{Cite news |date=14 May 2009 |title=The Yard creates 'drastically different' Eurostar buffet cars |work=Design Week |location=London |url=http://www.designweek.co.uk/the-yard-creates-drastically-different-eurostar-buffet-cars/3000572.article |access-date=21 May 2009 |archive-date=26 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130326234354/http://www.designweek.co.uk/the-yard-creates-drastically-different-eurostar-buffet-cars/3000572.article |url-status=live }}</ref> On 11 May 2009 Eurostar revealed the new look for its first-class compartments.<ref>{{Cite news |date=11 May 2009 |title=Eurostar unveils new first class layout |publisher=Opodo Travel News |url=http://news.opodo.co.uk/NewsDetails/2009-05-11/Eurostar_unveils_new_first_class_layout |url-status=dead |access-date=7 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230070457/http://news.opodo.co.uk/NewsDetails/2009-05-11/Eurostar_unveils_new_first_class_layout |archive-date=30 December 2013}}</ref> The first refurbished train was due in service in 2012,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Smithers |first=Rebecca |date=9 April 2009 |title=Eurostar interiors to get makeover by Italian luxury car designer |work=The Guardian |location=London |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2009/apr/09/eurostar-interiors-italian-design |access-date=1 April 2010 |archive-date=16 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816153534/https://www.theguardian.com/business/2009/apr/09/eurostar-interiors-italian-design |url-status=live }}</ref> and Eurostar planned to complete the entire process by 2014. On 13 November 2014 Eurostar announced the first refurbished trains would not re-enter the fleet until the 3rd or 4th quarter of 2015 due to delays at the completion centre. The last refurbished ''e300'' eventually re-entered service in April 2019.{{cn|date=January 2026}}

==== Eurostar e320 ====
{{Main|Eurostar e320}}

In addition to the announced mid-life update of the existing Class 373 fleet, Eurostar in 2009 began looking to purchase eight new train sets.<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 April 2009 |title=Eurostar considering larger fleet? |work=Railway Gazette International |location=London |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view//eurostar-considering-larger-fleet.html |access-date=18 April 2009 |archive-date=9 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809105717/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/eurostar-considering-larger-fleet.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Any new trains would need to meet the same safety rules governing passage through the Channel Tunnel as the existing Class 373 fleet. The replacement to the Class 373 trains has been decided jointly between the French Transport Ministry and the UK [[Department for Transport]].  The new trains will be equipped to use the new [[ERTMS]] in-cab signalling system, due to be fitted to High Speed 1 around 2040.<ref>{{Cite news |date=9 October 2007 |title=2017 start date for Great Western ERTMS upgrade |publisher=The National Union of Rail, Maritime & Transport workers (RMT) |url=http://www.rmtbristol.org.uk/2007/10/2017_start_date_for_great_west.html |url-status=dead |access-date=8 September 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071226182631/http://www.rmtbristol.org.uk/2007/10/2017_start_date_for_great_west.html |archive-date=26 December 2007}}</ref>

[[File:Eurostar in Amsterdam CS 2024 2.jpg|thumb|Eurostar e320 in [[Amsterdam Centraal station|Amsterdam CS]]]]
On 7 October 2010, it was reported that Eurostar had selected [[Siemens]] as preferred bidder to supply 10 [[Siemens Velaro]]<ref name="rgi320kmhtrains" /> train sets at a cost of €600{{nbsp}}million<ref>{{Cite news |date=7 October 2010 |title=Eurostar unveils £700m train deal |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11491048 |access-date=21 June 2018 |archive-date=25 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125004555/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11491048 |url-status=live }}</ref> These would be sixteen-car, [[Electric multiple unit|self-propelled]], {{Convert|400|m|ft|-long|abbr=on|adj=mid}} train sets built to meet Channel Tunnel requirements.<ref name="rgi20101001">{{Cite news |date=1 October 2010 |title=Eurostar picks Velaro to expand fleet |work=Railway Gazette International |location=London |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/eurostar-picks-velaro-to-expand-fleet.html |access-date=2 October 2010 |archive-date=7 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101007102149/http://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/eurostar-picks-velaro-to-expand-fleet.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> The top speed of the e320 train sets is {{convert|320|km/h|abbr=on|round=10}} with 902 seats, compared to the e300 fleet which has a top speed of {{convert|300|km/h|0|abbr=on}} and a seating capacity of 750. Total traction power will be rated at {{Convert|16|MW|hp|lk=on|abbr=on}}.<ref name="rgi320kmhtrains">{{Cite web |date=7 October 2010 |title=320 km/h train order as Eurostar sets sights on expansion |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/320-kmh-train-order-as-eurostar-sets-sights-on-expansion.html |website=Railway Gazette International |location=London |access-date=4 January 2012 |archive-date=11 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101011092354/http://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/320-kmh-train-order-as-eurostar-sets-sights-on-expansion.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=21 October 2010 |title=Carbon efficient Eurostar fleet going green |work=Silicon Republic |location=Dublin |url=http://www.siliconrepublic.com/green-tech/item/18446-carbon-efficient-eurostar/ |url-status=dead |access-date=8 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111220104831/http://siliconrepublic.com/green-tech/item/18446-carbon-efficient-eurostar/ |archive-date=20 December 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=31 October 2011 |title=Siemens weathering economic storm as work begins on new Eurostar |work=International Railway Journal |location=London |url=http://www.railjournal.com/newsflash/siemens-weathering-economic-storm-as-work-begins-on-new-eurostar-1375.html |url-status=dead |access-date=7 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120319012931/http://www.railjournal.com/newsflash/siemens-weathering-economic-storm-as-work-begins-on-new-eurostar-1375.html |archive-date=19 March 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |year=2011 |title=Siemens Mobility References |url=http://www.mobility.siemens.com/apps/references/index.cfm?z=1&do=app.detail&referenceID=1718&lID=1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120524131015/http://www.mobility.siemens.com/apps/references/index.cfm?z=1&do=app.detail&referenceID=1718&lID=1 |archive-date=24 May 2012 |access-date=7 April 2012 |publisher=Siemens}}</ref> The e320 train sets would also be quadri-current, adding the ability to run on the {{15 kV AC}} system used in Germany, allowing for an expanded route network, including services between London and [[Cologne]].<ref name="rgi20101001" />

The selection of Siemens would see it break into the French high-speed market for the first time, as all French high-speed operators use TGV derivatives produced by [[Alstom]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wright |first=Robert |date=1 October 2010 |title=Row breaks out over Eurostar train order |work=Financial Times |location=London |url=https://www.ft.com/content/5696688c-cd4c-11df-ab20-00144feab49a |access-date=1 October 2010 |archive-date=2 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101002115916/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/5696688c-cd4c-11df-ab20-00144feab49a.html?ftcamp=rss |url-status=live }}</ref> Alstom attempted legal action to prevent Eurostar from acquiring the German-built trains, claiming that the Siemens sets would breach Channel Tunnel safety rules,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wright |first=Robert |date=19 October 2010 |title=Alstom heads for court over Eurostar trains |work=Financial Times |location=London |url=https://www.ft.com/content/d9258852-db64-11df-ae99-00144feabdc0 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/d9258852-db64-11df-ae99-00144feabdc0.html |archive-date=10 December 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live}}</ref> but the case was thrown out by the [[High Court of Justice|High Court]] in London.<ref>{{Cite news |date=30 October 2010 |title=Alstom fails to block Eurostar contract |work=International Railway Journal |location=London |url=http://www.railjournal.com/newsflash/alstom-fails-to-block-eurostar-contract.html |access-date=30 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101101061536/http://www.railjournal.com/newsflash/alstom-fails-to-block-eurostar-contract.html |archive-date=1 November 2010}}</ref> On 4 November 2010, Alstom lodged a complaint with the [[European Commission]] over the tendering process.<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 November 2010 |title=Alstom lodges Eurostar complaint in Brussels |work=Financial Times |location=London |url=https://www.ft.com/content/30191634-e843-11df-8995-00144feab49a |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210201224/https://www.ft.com/content/30191634-e843-11df-8995-00144feab49a#axzz14zoLF4h2 |archive-date=10 December 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=11 November 2010 }}</ref> Alstom then started legal action claiming that the Eurostar tender process was "ineffective",<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wendlandt |first=Astrid |date=11 November 2010 |title=Alstom says Eurostar tender hearing in Oct 2011 |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSLDE6AA1T720101111 |access-date=11 November 2010 |archive-date=30 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130014011/https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSLDE6AA1T720101111 |url-status=live }}</ref> the High Court rejected the second suit in July 2011.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Milmo |first=Dan |date=15 July 2011 |title=Siemens keeps €600m Eurostar order after Alstom legal challenge fails |page=29 |work=The Guardian |location=London |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2011/jul/14/siemens-keeps-eurostar-order-from-alstom |access-date=15 August 2012 |archive-date=30 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930122230/http://www.theguardian.com/business/2011/jul/14/siemens-keeps-eurostar-order-from-alstom |url-status=live }}</ref>  In April 2012, Alstom said it would call off court actions against Siemens.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Topham |first=Gwyn |date=3 April 2012 |title=Alstom drops Eurostar legal action after SNCF orders more trains |work=The Guardian |location=London |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2012/apr/02/eurostar-siemens |access-date=15 August 2012 |archive-date=30 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130014102/https://www.theguardian.com/business/2012/apr/02/eurostar-siemens |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 13 November 2014, Eurostar announced the purchase of an additional seven e320s for delivery in the second half of 2016. At the same time, Eurostar announced the first five e320s from the original order of ten would be available by December 2015, with the remaining five entering service by May 2016. Of the five sets ready by December 2015, three of them were planned to be used on London-Paris and London-Brussels routes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=UK |first=DVV Media |title=Eurostar orders seven more e320s |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/news/europe/single-view/view/eurostar-orders-seven-more-e320s.html |access-date=14 August 2016 |website=Railwaygazette.com |archive-date=29 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160629221124/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/news/europe/single-view/view/eurostar-orders-seven-more-e320s.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Future fleet additions: Eurostar Celestia ===
In May 2024, Eurostar announced its intention to order up to 50 new trains.<ref name=":16">{{Cite news |last=Jasper |first=Christopher |date=16 May 2024 |title=Eurostar to order 50 new trains in race to expand |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2024/05/16/eurostar-order-50-new-trains-race-expand/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516084514/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2024/05/16/eurostar-order-50-new-trains-race-expand/ |archive-date=16 May 2024 |access-date=16 May 2024 |work=The Telegraph}}</ref> In October 2025, [[SNCF Voyageurs]], acting on behalf of Eurostar, confirmed an order for 30 Avelia Horizon [[Bilevel rail car|double-decker train sets]] with a four-voltage configuration, under its existing framework agreement with Alstom, with options for an additional 20 units.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Eurostar chooses Alstom for 30 Avelia Horizon very high-speed trains |url=https://www.alstom.com/press-releases-news/2025/10/eurostar-chooses-alstom-30-avelia-horizon-very-high-speed-trains |access-date=22 October 2025 |website=Alstom |language=en |quote=This optional tranche of the framework contract between SNCF Voyageurs and Alstom represents an amount of close to 1.4 billion euros ... The SNCF Voyageurs Board of Directors has approved an additional order for 30 new-generation Avelia Horizon...}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Stubbings |first=David |date=22 October 2025 |title=Eurostar confirms order for Alstom double-decker trains - first due in service in 2031 |url=https://www.railmagazine.com/news/eurostar-confirms-order-for-alstom-double-decker-trains-first-due-in-service-in-2031 |access-date=22 October 2025 |website=Rail Magazine}}</ref>

The new fleet will be marketed as ''Eurostar Celestia'', a name chosen by Eurostar staff derived from the Latin ''caelestis'', meaning “heavenly". The {{Convert|200|m|ft|abbr=on}} trains will each have 540 seats and will be able to run in pairs as a 400m unit with 1,080 seats. They are scheduled for delivery by January 2031, with entry into service planned for May 2031.<ref name="Eurostar-2025">{{Cite web |date=22 October 2025 |title=Introducing "Eurostar Celestia" - new double-decker, sustainable trains |url=https://mediacentre.eurostar.com/mc_view?language=&article_Id=ka4WS0000000YBNYA2 |access-date=23 October 2025 |website=Eurostar}}</ref>

If introduced on services to London, they would represent the first major fleet of double-decker trains to operate in the UK.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 October 2025 |title=Eurostar orders UK's first fleet of double-decker trains |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/10/22/eurostar-orders-double-decker-trains-to-run-from-london/#:~:text=A%20major%20fleet%20of%20double,Amsterdam%20via%20the%20Channel%20Tunnel. |access-date=22 October 2025 |website=The Telegraph}}</ref> Eurostar announced its intention to maintain the entire fleet at [[Temple Mills Depot]] in London which would be modified at a cost of €80 million to accommodate these trains, creating around 350 jobs.<ref name="Eurostar-2025" />

=== Past fleet ===
{| class="wikitable"
|- style="background:#f9f9f9;"
! rowspan="2" | Class
! rowspan="2" | Image
! rowspan="2" | Type
! colspan="2" | Top speed
! rowspan="2" | Number<br />operated
! rowspan="2" | Notes
|- style="background:#f9f9f9;"
! mph
! km/h
|-
| [[British Rail Class 37|Class 37]]
| [[File:37603 at North Pole A.jpg|frameless|upright=0.6]]
| [[Diesel locomotive]]
| 90
| 145
| 12
| Intended to operate sleeper services over non-electrified parts of the railway network in Britain. Eurostar retained three locomotives for the rescue of failed trains, route learning and driver training, but sold them to [[Direct Rail Services]] when the new Temple Mills Depot opened in November 2007.<ref>{{cite web |date=10 December 2004 |url=http://www.railwaypeople.com/rail-news-articles/eurostar-depot-for-stratford-217.html |title=Eurostar Depot for Stratford |publisher=railwaypeople.com |access-date=28 April 2009 |archive-date=15 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715152718/http://www.railwaypeople.com/rail-news-articles/eurostar-depot-for-stratford-217.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-
| [[British Rail Class 73|Class 73]]
| [[File:73130 eurostar 73 on railtour 28956614145.jpg|frameless|upright=0.6]]
| [[Electro-diesel locomotive]]
| 90
| 145
| 2
| Were used primarily to rescue failed trains. Eurostar operated two of these from its [[North Pole depot]] until 2007, when they were loaned to a pair of educational initiatives having become redundant following the move to Temple Mills.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/about_eurostar/press_release/press_archive_2007/Eurostar_loans_a_class_73_locomotive.jsp |date=20 June 2007 |title=Eurostar loans a class 73 locomotive for South Wales regeneration initiative |publisher=Eurostar |access-date=21 August 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090529053908/http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/about_eurostar/press_release/press_archive_2007/Eurostar_loans_a_class_73_locomotive.jsp |archive-date=29 May 2009 |url-status=dead  }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/about_eurostar/press_release/press_archive_2007/2007_06_26_railschool.jsp |date=26 June 2007 |title=Eurostar teams up with Railschool in East London to create training opportunities for young people |publisher=Eurostar |access-date=21 August 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090529060334/http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/about_eurostar/press_release/press_archive_2007/2007_06_26_railschool.jsp |archive-date=29 May 2009 |url-status=dead  }}</ref>
|-
| [[British Rail Class 92|Class 92]]
| [[File:British Rail Class 92 92018 at Bescot.jpg|frameless|upright=0.6]]
| [[Electric locomotive]]
| 87
| 140
| 7
| Intended to operate the [[Nightstar (train)|Nightstar]] sleeper services. Eurostar owned seven units of this class, which never saw service until they were sold in 2007 to [[Europorte 2]].<ref>{{cite press release
|url=http://www.eurotunnel.com/ukcP3Main/ukcCorporate/ukcMediaCentre/ukcNewsReleases/ukcNews2007/ukcFebruary2007/ukpPr0702DevelopmentForEuroporte2.htm
|title=Development for Europorte 2: Eurotunnel buys five Class 92 locomotives
|publisher=Eurotunnel
|access-date=21 April 2009
|date=15 February 2007
|archive-date=13 January 2010
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100113124311/http://eurotunnel.com/ukcP3Main/ukcCorporate/ukcMediaCentre/ukcNewsReleases/ukcNews2007/ukcFebruary2007/ukpPr0702DevelopmentForEuroporte2.htm
|url-status=live
}}</ref>
|-
| [[British Rail Class 373|Class 373 ''Eurostar e300'']]
| [[File:Eurostar (SNCF TGV-TMST - British Rail Class 373) - Flickr - skinnylawyer.jpg|frameless|upright=0.6]]
| [[Electric multiple unit|EMU]]
| 186
| 300
| 38
| 11 in operation, 10 in storage, 17 scrapped, 4 power cars preserved.
|}

== Accidents and incidents ==
A number of technical incidents have affected Eurostar services over the years, but {{As of|2009|alt=up to the present}} there has only been one major accident involving a service operated by Eurostar, a derailment in June 2000. Other incidents in the Channel Tunnel – such as the [[1996 Channel Tunnel fire|1996]] and [[2008 Channel Tunnel fire]]s – have affected Eurostar services but were not directly related to Eurostar's operations. However, the breakdowns in the tunnel, which resulted in cessation of service and inconvenience to thousands of passengers, in the run-up to Christmas 2009, proved a public-relations disaster.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kentonline/news/2009/december/22/eurostar_faces_up_to_bad_press.aspx |title=Eurostar faces up to bad press after PR disaster |first=Trevor |last=Sturgess |date=22 December 2009 |newspaper=Kent Messenger |location=Maidstone |access-date=25 December 2009 |archive-date=14 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314062110/http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kentonline/news/2009/december/22/eurostar_faces_up_to_bad_press.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== June 2000 derailment ===
On 5 June 2000, a Eurostar train travelling from Paris to London derailed on the [[LGV Nord]] high-speed line while travelling at {{convert|290|km/h|mph||abbr=on|round=5}}. Fourteen people were treated for light injuries or shock, with no fatalities or major injuries. The articulated nature of the train set was credited with maintaining stability during the incident and all of the train stayed upright.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/778669.stm |title= Eurostar train derails in France |date= 5 June 2000 |work= BBC News |access-date= 10 May 2009 |archive-date= 4 March 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090304235848/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/778669.stm |url-status= live }}</ref> The incident was caused by a traction link on the second bogie of the front power car coming loose, leading to components of the transmission system on that bogie impacting the track.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.trainweb.org/tgvpages/wrecks.html |title= TGVweb TGV Accidents article |publisher= trainweb.org |access-date= 10 May 2009 |archive-date= 18 February 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200218033350/http://www.trainweb.org/tgvpages/wrecks.html |url-status= live }}</ref>

=== December 2009 snowfall breakdowns ===
During the [[December 2009 European snowfall]], five Eurostar trains broke down inside the [[Channel Tunnel]], after leaving France, and one in Kent on 18 December. Although the trains had been [[Winterization|winterised]], the systems did not cope with the conditions.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/6856009/Eurostar-launches-independent-review.html |title=Eurostar launches independent review |first=Caroline |last=Gammell |date=21 December 2009 |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |access-date=4 April 2018 |archive-date=22 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201122161921/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/6856009/Eurostar-launches-independent-review.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Over 2,000{{nbsp}}passengers were stuck inside trains inside the tunnel, and over 75,000 had their services disrupted.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.lefigaro.fr/flash-actu/2009/12/21/01011-20091221FILWWW00634-eurostar-ameliorer-l-info-dans-le-tunnel.php |title=Eurostar: "améliorer l'info dans le tunnel" |date=21 December 2009 |work=Le Figaro |location=Paris |language=fr |access-date=21 December 2009 |archive-date=5 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805175100/https://www.lefigaro.fr/flash-actu/2009/12/21/01011-20091221FILWWW00634-eurostar-ameliorer-l-info-dans-le-tunnel.php |url-status=live }}</ref> All Eurostar services were cancelled over 19–21 December 2009.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2009/dec/21/eurostar-inquiry-passengers-stranded-trains |title=Eurostar services suspended for third day as bad weather hits flights |last=Gabbatt |first=Adam |author2=agencies |date=21 December 2009 |work=The Guardian |access-date=21 December 2009 |location=London |archive-date=7 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107015457/http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2009/dec/21/eurostar-inquiry-passengers-stranded-trains |url-status=live }}</ref> An independent review, published on 12 February 2010, was critical of the contingency plans in place for assisting passengers stranded by the delays, calling them "insufficient."<ref>{{cite news |url= https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8511857.stm |title= Eurostar handling of snow delays criticised |date= 12 February 2010 |work= BBC News |access-date= 13 February 2010 |archive-date= 30 January 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210130014112/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8511857.stm |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.icpem.net/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=Q6EG8pYfIeQ%3D&tabid=107&mid=588|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140106235121/http://www.icpem.net/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=Q6EG8pYfIeQ%3D&tabid=107&mid=588|url-status= dead|archive-date= 6 January 2014|title= Eurostar Independent Review|date= 12 February 2010|access-date= 6 January 2014}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Rail transport in Europe]]
* [[High-speed rail in Europe]]
* [[Train categories in Europe]]
* [[National Rail]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== Bibliography ==
{{Refbegin}}
* {{cite book |last=Brunhouse |first=Jay |title=Traveling Europe's Trains |year=1999 |publisher=Pelican Publishing Company |isbn=1-56554-854-X}}
* {{cite book |last=Comfort |first=Nicholas |title=The Channel Tunnel and its High Speed Links |year=2007 |publisher=Oakwood Press |isbn=978-1-56554-854-1}}
* {{cite book | title = Megaprojects and Risk: An Anatomy of Ambition |last1=Flyvbjerg |first1=B. |last2=Buzelius |first2=N. |last3=Rothengatter |first3=W. |title-link=Megaprojects and Risk: An Anatomy of Ambition | year = 2003 | publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]] | location = Cambridge | isbn = 0-521-00946-4 }}
* {{cite book| last= Grant| first= John| publisher= John Wiley| year= 2008| title= The green marketing manifesto| isbn= 978-0-470-72324-1| url-access= registration| url= https://archive.org/details/greenmarketingma0000gran}}
* {{cite book |last=Griffiths |first=Jeanne |title=London to Paris in Ten Minutes: The Eurostar Story |year=1995 |publisher=Images |isbn=1-897817-47-9}}
* {{cite book |last=Mitchell |first=Vic |title=Ashford: From Steam to Eurostar |year=1996 |publisher=Middleton Press |isbn=1-873793-67-7}}
* {{cite book |last=Parliament: House of Commons Transport Committee |title=Delivering a Sustainable Railway |year=2008 |publisher=The Stationery Office |isbn=978-0-215-52222-1}}
* {{cite book |last=Penny |first=Charles |title=Channel Tunnel Transport System |year=1996 |publisher=Thomas Telford |isbn=0-7277-2515-7}}
* {{cite book |last=Pielow |first=Simon |title=Eurostar |year=1999 |publisher=Ian Allan |isbn=0-7110-2451-0}}
* {{cite book |last1=Piggott |first1=Reginald |last2=Thompson |first2=Matt |title=Mile by Mile London to Paris: the entire railway journey by historic Golden Arrow and modern Eurostar mapped for the interested traveller |year=2012 |publisher=Aurum |location=London |isbn=978-1-84513-772-4 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/milebymilelondon0000pigg}}
* {{cite book |last=Roza |first=Greg |title=The Incredible Story of Trains |year=2004 |publisher=Rosen Publishing |isbn=0-8239-6712-3 |url=https://archive.org/details/incrediblestoryo0000roza}}
* {{cite book |last=Sievert |first=Terri |title=The World's Fastest Trains |year=2002 |publisher=Capstone Press |isbn=0-7368-1061-7}}
* {{cite book | title = The Tunnel under the Channel | last=Whiteside | first=Thomas | year = 1962 | oclc= 498438 | url = https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/66685 | publisher=Rupert Hart-Davis | location=London }}
* {{cite book | last = Wilson | first = Jeremy |author2=Spick, Jerome | title = Eurotunnel – The Illustrated Journey | publisher = HarperCollins | year = 1994 |isbn= 0-00-255539-5}}
{{Refend}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website}}
* [https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/travel-information/operators/eurostar/ National Rail]

{{Eurostar navbox}}
{{Channel tunnel}}
{{UK TOCs|current|state=collapsed}}
{{High-speed rail in France}}
{{High-speed rail}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Eurostar| ]]
[[Category:Channel Tunnel]]
[[Category:High-speed rail in Belgium]]
[[Category:High-speed rail in France]]
[[Category:High-speed rail in the Netherlands]]
[[Category:High-speed rail in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Named passenger trains of British Rail]]
[[Category:France–Netherlands relations]]
[[Category:France–United Kingdom relations]]
[[Category:Belgium–Netherlands relations]]
[[Category:Belgium–United Kingdom relations]]
[[Category:Belgium–France relations]]
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[[Category:Railteam]]
[[Category:Railway services introduced in 1994]]
[[Category:SNCF]]
[[Category:Transport in Ashford, Kent]]