Eurostar to launch Celestia double-decker trains with two-story bars

Eurostar has announced the introduction of a new generation of double-decker high-speed trains, named ‘Celestia’, which are expected to enter service starting in May 2031. The company has placed a firm order for 30 units with Alstom, with an option for 20 more, representing an investment of approximately two billion euros.

A standout feature of the Celestia fleet is a two-story bar designed as a social space. Unlike premium-only amenities on other services, this bar will be accessible to all passengers. The new trains are expected to offer roughly 20 percent more seating capacity than current models. Additionally, the fleet is being designed to withstand extreme heat, with air conditioning systems capable of operating in temperatures up to 55 °C.

In terms of network expansion, Eurostar plans to use these new trains to establish direct connections between London and Frankfurt, as well as service to Geneva, in the early 2030s. These routes aim to provide direct travel options that currently require transfers in cities like Brussels.