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=October 2025}}
{{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}}
   }}}}

'''Eurostar''' is an 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 transported 19.5{{nbsp}}million passengers in 2024.<ref name="Eurostar 2025">{{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 operator is exploring future network expansions and aims to double passenger numbers by 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>

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

=== Conception and planning ===
{{Main|Channel Tunnel |Getlink |TransManche Link}}The history of the Eurostar brand can be traced to the choice in 1986 of a rail tunnel to provide a cross-channel link between Britain and France.<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> A previous attempt to construct a tunnel between the two nations had begun in 1974, but was quickly aborted. Construction began afresh in 1988. [[Getlink|Eurotunnel]] was created to manage and own the tunnel, which was finished in 1993, the official opening taking place on 6 May 1994.<ref name="BBC openingceremony" />

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. France had been operating high-speed TGV services since 1981, and had begun construction of a new high-speed line between Paris and the Channel Tunnel, LGV Nord; French TGV technology was chosen as the basis for the new trains. An order for 30 trainsets, to be manufactured in France but with some British and Belgian components, was placed in December 1989.{{citation needed|date=April 2012}} 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>

=== Launch of service ===
[[File:Eurostar.svg|thumb|upright=0.5|The original Eurostar logo used from 1994 until 2011]]

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>

In 1995, Eurostar was 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 when [[Ashford International railway station|Ashford International]] was opened.<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>

Also in 1996, Eurostar commenced its year-round service from London to Disneyland with the first train running on 29 June. The following year saw the introduction of 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 20 July 2002 a summer seasonal service from London to [[Avignon-Centre station|Avignon-Centre]] was launched. The service ran until 2014 after which it was replaced on 1 May 2015 by an expanded service calling at [[Avignon TGV station|Avignon TGV]] and also serving [[Lyon]] and [[Marseille]].<ref name="The Guardian 2014" />

On 23 September 2003, passenger services began running on the first completed section of [[High Speed 1]].<ref name="Eurost His" /> 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" />

Direct services from London to Amsterdam (returning to Brussels only) were launched on 4 April 2018. This service was made a return service 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}}

=== Records achieved ===
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 it 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}} 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=in}} 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>

=== Regional Eurostar and Nightstar ===
{{Further|Regional Eurostar |Nightstar (train)}}
[[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]]

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">{{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>{{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>

=== Merger with Thalys ===
On 27 September 2019, the heads of two of Eurostar's major shareholders, [[Guillaume Pepy]] of SNCF, and the chair of SNCB, {{ill|vertical-align=sup|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>{{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>

{{As of|2019|post=,}} Thalys assisted Eurostar with onward connections between Amsterdam and Brussels, and to provide the Amsterdam to London service, in lieu of passport and customs checks at [[Amsterdam Centraal station]].

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>

=== Corporate structure ===
{{Main|Eurostar International Limited}}
Eurostar was originally operated as a collaboration of three separate French, British and Belgian corporate entities. 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> EIL is ultimately owned by [[SNCF]] (55%), [[Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec]] (CDPQ) (30%), [[Hermes Infrastructure]] (10%) and [[NMBS/SNCB|SNCB]] (5%).<ref>{{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>{{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>{{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>

=== Impact of COVID-19 ===
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> The combined financial troubles and lack of ridership caused by the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Europe|COVID-19 pandemic]] led to Eurostar seeking governmental assistance from [[HM Treasury|Britain's Treasury]] and [[Department for Transport]], even though Britain sold its 40% Eurostar holding in 2015.<ref name="travelleisure2" /><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>{{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> Eurostar's appeal included granting the company access to [[Bank of England]]-backed loans and a temporary reduction in track access charges for use of the UK's high-speed rail line.<ref name="travelleisure2" /> Despite being majority-owned by the French state railway, [[SNCF]], Eurostar was thought to have already exhausted options for governmental assistance from Paris,<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> but both the French transport minister and the UK Department for Transport confirmed they were working on further plans to maintain the service.<ref>{{cite news |date=21 January 2021 |title=France says Eurostar will get French and UK aid to ensure its future |newspaper=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/jan/21/eurostar-to-get-support-from-french-and-uk-governments-to-ensure-future |accessdate=21 November 2022 |archive-date=21 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121190944/https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/jan/21/eurostar-to-get-support-from-french-and-uk-governments-to-ensure-future |url-status=live }}</ref>

By the end of 2022, Eurostar had debts of €964m, following French bailouts and commercial loans.<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> Ridership levels returned to around 8{{nbsp}}million in 2022, however this figure was still 3{{nbsp}}million below 2019 levels.<ref name=":FT20232" /> Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Eurostar has not served the Ashford International or Ebbsfleet International stations in the UK, or Calais Frethun in France, and has withdrawn its Disneyland Paris and Avignon services, as part of plans to focus on the most profitable routes.<ref>{{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" />

== Mainline routes ==
[[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]]

=== LGV Nord (France) ===
{{Main|LGV Nord}}

The LGV Nord ({{langx|fr|Ligne à Grande Vitesse Nord}}, {{langx|en|north high-speed line}}) is a {{convert|333|km|mi|adj=mid|-long|abbr=out}} French [[high-speed rail]] line that connects Paris with the HSL 1 at the Belgium–France border and the Channel Tunnel. It opened in 1993.<ref>{{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> Of all French high-speed lines, LGV Nord sees the widest variety of high-speed rolling stock and is quite busy; a proposed cut-off bypassing [[Lille]], which would reduce Eurostar journey times between Paris and London, is called [[LGV Picardie]].

=== Channel Tunnel ===
{{Main|Channel Tunnel}}

The Channel Tunnel is the only rail connection between Great Britain and the European mainland. It joins LGV Nord in France with High Speed 1 in Britain. Tunnelling began in 1988, and the {{convert|50.5|km|adj=on|abbr=in}} tunnel was officially opened by British sovereign, [[Elizabeth II]], and the French President, [[François Mitterrand]], on 6 May 1994.<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>
It is owned by [[Getlink]], which charges a toll to Eurostar for its use.<ref>{{Cite news |last=O'Connell |first=Dominic |date=13 March 2008 |title=Fees for high-speed tunnel link derail Eurostar's gravy train |work=The Times |location=London |url=http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/transport/article3671706.ece |access-date=25 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110612141213/http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/transport/article3671706.ece |archive-date=12 June 2011}}</ref> Within the Channel Tunnel, Eurostar trains operate at a reduced speed of {{cvt|160|km/h|mph|sigfig=1}} for safety reasons.<ref name="railfaneurostar">{{Cite web |date=27 May 2001 |title=Eurostar article |url=http://www.railfaneurope.net/tgv/eurostar.html |access-date=28 April 2009 |publisher=railfaneurope.net |archive-date=24 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100424194930/http://www.railfaneurope.net/tgv/eurostar.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>
Since the launch of Eurostar services, severe disruptions and cancellations have been caused by fires breaking out within the Channel Tunnel, such as in [[1996 Channel Tunnel fire|1996]]<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Kirkland, C.J. |year=2002 |title=The fire in the Channel Tunnel |url=http://www.ita-aites.org/cms/fileadmin/filemounts/ovion/doc/safety/sydney/OS12.PDF |url-status=dead |journal=Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology |volume=17 |issue=2 |pages=129–132 |doi=10.1016/S0886-7798(02)00014-7 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100920093906/http://www.ita-aites.org/cms/fileadmin/filemounts/ovion/doc/safety/sydney/OS12.PDF |archive-date=20 September 2010}}</ref> and [[2008 Channel Tunnel fire|2008]].<ref name="Tunnelfire" />

=== HSL 1 (Belgium) ===
{{Main|HSL 1}}
HSL 1 connects [[Brussels]] with the French border. 88&nbsp;km (55&nbsp;mi) long (71&nbsp;km (44&nbsp;mi) dedicated high-speed tracks, 17&nbsp;km (11&nbsp;mi) modernised lines), it began service on 14 December 1997. The line has appreciably shortened rail journeys, the journey from [[Paris]] to [[Brussels]] now taking 1:22. In combination with the [[LGV Nord]], it has also impacted international journeys to [[France]] and [[London]].

=== HSL 2 (Belgium) ===
{{Main|HSL 2}}
HSL 2 runs between [[Leuven]] and [[Ans, Belgium|Ans]]. 95&nbsp;km (59&nbsp;mi) long (61&nbsp;km (38&nbsp;mi) dedicated high-speed tracks, 34&nbsp;km (21&nbsp;mi) modernised lines) it began service on 15 December 2002. Combined with HSL 3 to the German border, the combined eastward high speed lines have greatly accelerated journeys between [[Brussels]], [[Paris]] and [[Germany]].

=== HSL 3 (Belgium) ===
{{Main|HSL 3}}
HSL 3 connects [[Liège]] to the [[Germany|German]] border. 56&nbsp;km (35&nbsp;mi) long (42&nbsp;km (26&nbsp;mi) dedicated high-speed tracks, 14&nbsp;km (8.7&nbsp;mi) modernised lines), it was completed on 15 December 2007, but trains did not start to use it until 14 June 2009. HSL 3 is used by international Eurostar and ICE trains only.

=== Cologne–Aachen high-speed line ===
{{Main|Cologne–Aachen high-speed railway}}
The Cologne–Aachen high-speed line is not a newly built railway line, but a project to upgrade the existing railway line which was opened in 1841 by the [[Rhenish Railway Company]].  The line inside Germany has a length of about 70 kilometres (43&nbsp;mi). The first 40&nbsp;km (25&nbsp;mi) from Cologne to [[Düren]] have been rebuilt. Since 2002 the line allows for speeds up to 250&nbsp;km/h (155&nbsp;mph). Separate tracks have been built parallel to the high-speed tracks for local [[Rhein-Ruhr S-Bahn|S-Bahn]] traffic. The remaining line from Düren to [[Aachen]] allows speeds up to 160&nbsp;km/h (100&nbsp;mph) with some slower sections.

=== High Speed 1 (United Kingdom) ===
{{Main|High Speed 1}}
[[File:Eurostar Class 374 on HS1.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Eurostar train on High Speed 1 near [[Sellindge]] in Kent]]
High Speed 1, formerly known as the Channel Tunnel Rail Link (CTRL), is a {{convert|108|km|mi|adj=mid|-long|abbr=on}} British high-speed rail line that connects London with the Channel Tunnel.<ref>{{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 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> It opened in two stages. The first section between the tunnel and north [[Kent]] opened in September 2003, cutting journey times by 21{{nbsp}}minutes. On 14 November 2007, commercial services began over the whole of the High Speed 1 reducing journey times by a further 20{{nbsp}}minutes.<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> The line's London terminal is [[St Pancras railway station|London St Pancras International]], which was redeveloped for the project.<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>

=== HSL-Zuid (Netherlands) ===
{{Main|HSL-Zuid}}
[[File:Eurostar PBKA 4322 - 9357 Brussels-South - Amsterdam-Central.jpg|thumb|PBKA stock passing through Schaerbeek station between Brussels-South and Amsterdam-Central]]The HSL-Zuid ({{langx|nl|Hogesnelheidslijn Zuid}}, {{langx|en|South high-speed line}}), is a {{convert|125|km|mi|adj=mid|-long|abbr=on}} Dutch high-speed railway line that connects Amsterdam with the HSL 4 at the Belgium-Netherlands border. It opened on 7 September 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>

== Services ==
=== Frequency ===
[[File:Eurostar departure information - Brussels.JPG|thumb|Eurostar departure information – Brussels]]

Eurostar offers up to 15 weekday London – Paris services (19 on Fridays) including nine non-stop (13 on Fridays). There are also nine (ten on Friday) London–Brussels services, of which two run non-stop (continuing to Amsterdam) and a further two call at Lille only. Four services daily operate to Amsterdam via Brussels and Rotterdam, some calling at Lille.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Eurostar service from 16 December 2019 to 16 May 2020 |url=https://content-static.eurostar.com/documents/Timetables%20Core%20Destinations_Issue_84_EN_0.pdf |access-date=15 December 2019 |publisher=Eurostar |archive-date=30 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130013959/https://content-static.eurostar.com/documents/Timetables%20Core%20Destinations_Issue_84_EN_0.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Destinations |url=http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/destinations.jsp |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090627013836/http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/destinations.jsp |archive-date=27 June 2009 |access-date=15 May 2009 |publisher=Eurostar}}</ref> <!--In addition, there was a return trip from London to [[Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy station|Marne-la-Vallée – Chessy]] for [[Disneyland Resort Paris|Disneyland Paris]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Disneyland by Eurostar |work= Travel Empire |url= http://www.travelempire.co.uk/disneyresort_byeurostar.phtml |access-date=16 October 2012}}</ref> which ran four times a week with increased frequency during school holidays, however this ceased from 6 June 2023 and its future is unknown.<ref>{{cite news |title=Eurostar confirms end of Disneyland service |url= https://www.railwaygazette.com/high-speed/eurostar-confirms-end-of-disneyland-service/62445.article |access-date=26 August 2022 |work=Railway Gazette International |location= London}}</ref>--> There were also seasonal services: <!--an up-to-4-times-a-week service to Marseille via Lyon and Avignon in the summer; and, -->in the winter, "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> 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]].<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>

In February 2018, Eurostar announced the start of its long-planned service from London to Amsterdam, with an initial two trains per day from April of that year running between London St Pancras International and [[Amsterdam Centraal station|Amsterdam Centraal]]. This launched as a one-way service, with return trains carrying passengers to Rotterdam and Brussels Midi/Zuid, making a 28-minute stop (which was not deemed long enough to process UK-bound passengers) and then carrying different passengers from Brussels to London.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Direct Eurostar from London to Amsterdam – Starts 4 April 2018 – Timetable, fares, tickets |url=https://www.seat61.com/trains-and-routes/direct-eurostar-london-to-amsterdam.htm |website=seat61.com |access-date=18 May 2018 |archive-date=5 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201005203740/https://www.seat61.com/trains-and-routes/direct-eurostar-london-to-amsterdam.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Initially passengers travelling back took a [[Thalys]] service to Brussels Midi/Zuid where they could join the Eurostar. This was due to the lack of facilities for [[juxtaposed controls]] by the [[UK Border Force]] at Amsterdam Centraal and Rotterdam Centraal. On 4 February 2020, the Dutch [[Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management|Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management]], [[Cora van Nieuwenhuizen]], and the UK [[Secretary of State for Transport|Transport Secretary]], [[Grant Shapps]], announced that juxtaposed controls would be established at Amsterdam Centraal and Rotterdam Centraal. The direct train from Amsterdam was originally due to launch on 30 April 2020, and from Rotterdam on 18 May 2020,<ref>{{Cite press release |date=4 February 2020 |title=Transport Secretary hails new horizons for rail travel across Europe |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/transport-secretary-hails-new-horizons-for-rail-travel-across-europe |access-date=28 March 2020 |website=Gov.uk |publisher=Department for Transport |archive-date=28 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328083413/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/transport-secretary-hails-new-horizons-for-rail-travel-across-europe |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> although it was later postponed to 26 October 2020 for both cities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hampson |first=Laura |date=30 April 2020 |title=Amsterdam to London Eurostar launch delayed due to coronavirus pandemic |work=[[Evening Standard]] |location=London |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/travel/travel-news/amsterdam-to-london-eurostar-launch-delayed-a4428056.html |access-date=1 May 2020 |archive-date=3 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200503022917/https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/travel/travel-news/amsterdam-to-london-eurostar-launch-delayed-a4428056.html |url-status=live }}</ref><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>

Since 14 November 2007, all Eurostar trains have been routed via High Speed{{nbsp}}1 to or from the redeveloped London terminus at London St Pancras International, which at a cost of £800{{nbsp}}million was extensively rebuilt and extended to cope with {{convert|394|m|yd|adj=on|abbr=in}} long Eurostar trains.<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 |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>
It had been intended to retain some Eurostar services at [[Waterloo International railway station|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>
Completion of High Speed{{nbsp}}1 increased the potential number of trains serving London. Separation of Eurostar from British domestic services through Kent meant that timetabling was no longer affected by peak-hour restrictions.

=== Fares ===
[[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]]]]
Eurostar's fares were significantly higher in its early years; the cheapest fare in 1994 was £99 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>
Business Premier fares also slightly undercut air fares on similar routes, targeted at regular business travellers.<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>
In 2009, Eurostar greatly increased its budget ticket availability to help maintain and grow its dominant market share.{{citation needed|date=December 2019}}
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>

Eurostar has two sub-classes of [[First class travel|first class]]: Standard Premier and Business Premier; benefits include guaranteed faster checking-in and meals served at-seat, as well as the improved furnishings and interior of carriages.<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>
The rebranding is part of Eurostar's marketing drive to attract more business professionals.<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> Increasingly, business people in a group have been chartering private carriages as opposed to individual seats on the train.<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>

=== Service connections ===
[[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]]]]
[[File:Eurostar Class 373 at Lille-Europe.jpg|thumb|Eurostar Class 373 at Lille-Europe, an interchange with other TGV services]]

Without the operation of [[Regional Eurostar]] services using the North of London trainsets across the rest of Britain, Eurostar has developed its connections with other transport services instead, such as integrating effectively with traditional UK rail operators' schedules and routes, making it possible for passengers to use Eurostar as a quick connection to further destinations on the continent.<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>
All four main terminals used by the Eurostar service – London St Pancras International, Paris Nord, Brussels-South and Amsterdam Centraal – are served by domestic trains and by local urban transport networks such as the [[London Underground]], [[Paris Metro]], [[Brussels Metro]] and [[Amsterdam Metro]].

=== Integration with other operators ===
Standard Eurostar tickets no longer include free onward connections to or from any other station in Belgium: this is now available for a flat-rate supplement, currently £5.50.<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>

==== 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.

Eurostar has announced several partnerships with other rail services,<ref name="bahneuroally">{{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>
most notably [[Thalys]] connections at Lille and Brussels for passengers to go beyond current Eurostar routes towards the Netherlands and Germany.<ref>{{Cite journal |date=1 December 2005 |title=Eurostar/Thalys partnership deal |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-140410540.html |url-status=dead |journal=[[International Railway Journal]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025133519/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-140410540.html |archive-date=25 October 2012 |access-date=13 May 2009}}</ref>
In 2002, Eurostar initiated the Eurostar-Plus program, offering through-tickets for onward journeys from Lille and Paris to dozens of destinations in France.

Through-tickets are also 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>

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 ====
Eurostar is a member of [[Railteam]], a marketing 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 plans to allow tickets to be booked from one end of Europe to the other on a single website.<ref name="highspeedrev" /> In June 2009 London and Continental Railways, and the Eurostar UK operations they held ownership of, became fully [[nationalised]] by the UK government.<ref>{{Cite news |date=8 June 2009 |title=UK Government Nationalizes 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>

==== Air-rail alliances ====
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>{{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 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>

Eurostar has [[Interlining|interline agreements]] with the following airlines: 
{{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}}</ref>
*[[United Airlines]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Eurostar|url=https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/company/transportation-partners/eurostar.html|website=United}}</ref>
{{div col end}}
=== 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. Both the British Government and the Schengen governments concerned (Belgium, Netherlands and France) have legal obligations to check the travel documents of those entering and leaving their respective countries.

To allow passengers to walk off the train without arrival checks in most cases, [[juxtaposed controls]] ordinarily take place at the embarkation station.

To comply with UK law,<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-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]] and the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<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>

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 – an issue exacerbated by Belgian police threatening to arrest UK Border Agency staff at Brussels-South if they tried to prevent passengers whom they suspected of attempting to exploit this loophole from boarding Eurostar trains.<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> 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>{{in lang|fr}} [http://www.senaat.be/www/?MIval=/publications/viewPub&COLL=S&LEG=1&NR=396&PUID=16778954&LANG=fr Document législatif du Sénat belge n°1-396/1, Déclarations du Gouvernement belge] {{Webarchive|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 |date=13 February 2009 }}. Belgian Senate. 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 Disneyland and ski trains, the security check and French passport check took place at the origin, while the UK passport check took place at the UK arrival stations. These were the only routes where passengers are not cleared by UK border officials before crossing the Channel.

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>

=== Operational performance ===
[[File:Eurostar Lille 2.jpg|thumb|A Eurostar pulling into [[Gare de Lille-Europe|Lille-Europe]]]]
[[File:Eurostar market shares.svg|thumb|right|Eurostar market share and punctuality]]
Eurostar's punctuality has fluctuated from year to year, but usually remains over 90%;<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> in the first quarter of 1999, 89% of services operated were on time, and in the second quarter it reached 92%.<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 July 1999 |title=The Company File: Eurostar trains beat planes |work=BBC News |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/387237.stm |access-date=2 May 2009 |archive-date=18 April 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030418192712/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/the_company_file/387237.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> 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> In 2006, it was 92.7%,<ref>{{cite press release |date=2 October 2006 |url=http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/about_eurostar/press_release/press_archive_2006/02_10_06_punctuality.jsp |title=Eurostar achieves best ever punctuality performance |publisher=Eurostar |access-date=27 April 2009|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 |archive-date=28 December 2010 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> and in 2007, 91.5% were on time.{{refn|group=note| Eurostar uses the airlines' definition of 'on-time': within 15{{nbsp}}minutes of scheduled arrival time. The measure used for long-distance services in the UK rail industry is within ten{{nbsp}}minutes.}}<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/about_eurostar/press_release/press_archive_2008/high_speed_1_record_year_eurostar.jsp |title=High Speed 1 delivers a record year for Eurostar |publisher=Eurostar |date=9 January 2008 |access-date=10 January 2008|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 |archive-date=29 May 2009 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> In the first quarter of 2009, 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>

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>{{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>{{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.

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> Further expansion of the high-speed rail network in Europe, such as the [[HSL-Zuid]] line between Belgium and the Netherlands, continues to bring more destinations within rail-competitive range, giving Eurostar the possibility of opening up new services in future.

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>

In 2019, cumulative ridership since 1994 surpassed 200{{nbsp}}million.<ref>{{Cite web |title=25 Eurostar facts |url=https://www.eurostar.com/uk-en/25years/25-things-about-Eurostar |access-date=9 May 2023 |website=Eurostar |language=en-GB |archive-date=9 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230509095701/https://www.eurostar.com/uk-en/25years/25-things-about-Eurostar |url-status=live }}</ref> Eurostar transported 19.5{{nbsp}}million passengers in 2024, the highest ever, surpassing the pre-pandemic high in 2019.<ref name="Eurostar 2025" />

{{Chart|definition=Annual ridership on Eurostar's London to Paris service.chart|data=Annual ridership on Eurostar's London to Paris service.tab|Width=600}}

=== Awards and accolades ===
[[File:Eurostar trainsets at Paris Nord.jpg|thumb|right|Several Eurostar trains at platforms at Paris Nord]]
[[File:DSC 7230-voies-de-la-gare-d.jpg|thumb|right|Eurostars at [[Gare du Nord|Paris Nord]] running late night services]]
Eurostar has been hailed as having set new standards in international rail travel and has won praise several times over for its high standards.<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> However, Eurostar had previously struggled with its reputation and brand image. One commentator had defined the situation at the time as:<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.}}

Eurostar won the [[Train Operator of the Year]] award in the [[HSBC]] Rail Awards for 2005.<ref name="bahneuroally" /> 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> The organisation set itself a target of reducing carbon emissions per passenger journey by 25% by 2012.<ref name="greeneuro" /> 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's target was to reduce emissions by 35 per cent per passenger journey by 2012, putting itself beyond the efforts of other railway companies in this field and thereby winning the 2007 [[Network Rail]] Efficiency Award.<ref name="greennetrail" /> 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. By 2008, Eurostar's environmental credentials had become highly developed and promoted.<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>

Since then, Eurostar has received multiple awards. It was declared the Best Train Company in the joint [[The Guardian|Guardian]]/[[The Observer|Observer]] Travel Awards 2008<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> and earned a spot on the Sunday Times' 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> Other awards include: 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> Guardian & Observer Travel Award for Best Train Company (2009),<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> 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> World Travel Market's 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> 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> World Travel Awards Europe's Leading Passenger Rail Operator (2011),<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> National Rail Awards Train of the Year (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> PETA's Travel Award for Best Travel Experience (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> Mobile Industry Awards' Distributor of the Year (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>

=== Environmental initiatives ===
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="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>{{Update inline|date=June 2024|reason=are they now carbon heutral}} 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" /> 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" />

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. Since Tread Lightly launched, Eurostar has reduced its carbon footprint by over 40% and now emits up to 90% less greenhouse gas emissions than the equivalent flight.<ref name="globalrailwayrev" /><ref name="businesseco" /><ref name="lonelyplanet" />

But in 2023 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>

=== Domestic journeys on London services ===
Eurostar is not permitted to carry passengers on London services for journeys within one country, so passengers cannot travel (for example) from Lille to Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy, London to Ashford, or Rotterdam to Amsterdam on a London service.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} Lille to Brussels is the only international intra-Schengen journey that Eurostar is offering for sale on London services.<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 June 2022 |title=Stopping ticket sales between Belgium and the Netherlands |url=https://eurostar4agents.com/news/stopping-ticket-sales-between-belgium-and-the-netherlands |access-date=14 August 2022 |website=Eurostar4Agents |language=en |archive-date=1 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701160553/https://eurostar4agents.com/news/stopping-ticket-sales-between-belgium-and-the-netherlands |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" |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="10" | Pre-merger Eurostar
|-
|[[British Rail Class 373|''Eurostar e300'']]
|[[File:Eurostar d'hiver en stationnement à Albertville (2018) (cropped).JPG|frameless|125px]]
|300
|186
|2 power cars + 18 coaches
|11
|{{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:Rotterdam Lombardijen Eurosta rPBA 4033-4034 trein 9145 London St. Pancras Int (51414943453).jpg|frameless|125px]]
|320
|200
|8 self-propelled coaches & 8 non-powered coaches
|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="10" | Ex-Thalys
|-
| [[SNCF TGV Réseau|PBA]]
| [[File:TGV Thalys Amsterdam-Alpes quittant Landry en Savoie (hiver 2019).JPG|frameless|125px]]
| rowspan="2" | 320
| rowspan="2" | 200
| rowspan="2" |2 power cars + 8 coaches
| 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:Horrem Thalys 4304 Paris Nord (52131234467).jpg|frameless|125px]]
| 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 {{cvt|394|m}} 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 {{cvt|320|m}} 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 {{cvt|300|km/h|mph|0}} on high-speed lines, and {{cvt|160|km/h|mph|round=10}} in the Channel Tunnel.<ref name="railfaneurostar" /><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" /><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. Eleven remain in regular service with 17 scrapped and ten in storage.

===== 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.

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.

==== 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 trainsets.<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" /> trainsets 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=out|adj=mid}} trainsets 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 trainsets is {{cvt|320|km/h|abbr=on|round=10}} with 902 seats, compared to the e300 fleet which has a top speed of {{cvt|300|km/h|0|abbr=on}} and a seating capacity of 750. Total traction power will be rated at {{Convert|16|MW|hp|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 trainsets 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>

=== Eurostar Celestia ===
In May 2024, Eurostar announced its intention to order up to 50 new trains. Although it was speculated that the company would select Alstom’s double-decker [[Avelia Horizon]] units, no firm order had been placed at that time.<ref name="EurostarNewOrder">{{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 trainsets]] 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=2025-10-22 |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 name="Stubbings-2025">{{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 are scheduled for delivery by January 2031, with entry into service planned for May 2031.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2025-10-22 |title=Introducing “Eurostar Celestia” - new double-decker, sustainable trains |url=https://mediacentre.eurostar.com/mc_view?language=&article_Id=ka4WS0000000YBNYA2 |access-date=2025-10-23 |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=2025-10-22 |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=2025-10-22 |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=":0" />

=== 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 and 37604 At Clapham Junction.jpg|100px]]
| [[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:Class 73s at Dereham in 2008.jpg|100px]]
| [[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:92027 George Eliot at Stafford.jpg|100px]]
| [[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 sets 3206 3205 at Ashford international 14961954169.jpg|100px]]
| [[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>

=== 2000 ===
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|0|abbr=on}}. Fourteen people were treated for light injuries or shock, with no fatalities or major injuries. The articulated nature of the trainset 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>

=== 2009 ===
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 [[winterised]], the systems had not coped 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 failed 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 from Saturday 19 December to Monday 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>

== Future developments ==
=== Eurostar expansion ===

Eurostar and Thalys merged in 2023, with the intention to double combined passenger numbers from 14.8{{nbsp}}million to 30{{nbsp}}million.<ref name="SNCF Thalys Rebrand" />

In an interview with Eurostar's former Chief Executive [[Nicolas Petrovic]] in the ''Financial Times'' in May 2012, an intention for cross-Channel Eurostar to serve ten new destinations was expressed, including Amsterdam, [[Frankfurt]], [[Cologne]], [[Lyon]], [[Marseille]] and [[Geneva]], along with a likely second hub to be created 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> London-Amsterdam services launched in 2018.

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 Geneva, and from Amsterdam/Brussels to Geneva.<ref>{{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 March 2016, in an interview with Bloomberg, Eurostar's Chief Executive 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>

=== Operational difficulties with UK–Schengen trains ===
{{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.<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 Midi]]/Zuid/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 "[[Juxtaposed controls#Lille loophole|Lille loophole]]" solution requires Eurostar customers travelling from Brussels to Lille to be segregated and guarded from other passengers for their journey. Similarly, 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" /><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 both closed on 15 June 2024 and are planned to remain closed until 9 February 2025 due to major track works at Amsterdam Centraal. Eurostar stated direct Rotterdam to London services could not be maintained due to the much smaller customs facility at Rotterdam, leaving around 760 of the 902 seats on each train empty.<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>

The difficulties that Eurostar faces in expanding its services between the UK and the EU would also be faced by any potential 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 {{cvt|375|m}} 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 {{cvt|200|m}} 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>

=== 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, similar to which was displayed in London]]

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=Liberalization 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. The train was then put on display for the press at London St Pancras International. However, this was not the class of train planned for the proposed service, instead proposing to use [[Siemens Velaro#Velaro D (DB Class 407)|Class 407]] ICE units, specially adapted for stronger Channel Tunnel safety standards.

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 Eurostar, [[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 name="Edwards 2025">{{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 name="ORR letter 2025">{{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=2025-10-30|access-date=2025-10-30|subject=Applications for access to Temple Mills International Depot }}</ref>

=== Long term possibilities ===
==== Stratford International station ====
[[File:British Rail Class 374 (eurostar e320).jpg|thumb|right|Eurostar service passing Stratford International]]

Eurostar trains 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 ====
{{Main|Regional Eurostar}}

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>
While no announcement has been made of plans to start Regional Eurostar services, it remains a possibility for the future. In the meantime, the closest equivalent to Regional Eurostar services are same-station connections with [[East Midlands Railway]] and [[Govia Thameslink Railway|Thameslink]], changing at London St Pancras. 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 [[London North Eastern Railway]], [[Govia Thameslink Railway|Great Northern]], [[Hull Trains]] and [[Grand Central (train operating company)|Grand Central]] services with easier connections to Eurostar.

==== 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>

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

==References==
=== Notes ===
{{Reflist|group=note}}

=== Citations ===
{{Reflist}}

=== Sources ===
{{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| 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=1997
 |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}}

{{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:Railteam]]
[[Category:Railway services introduced in 1994]]
[[Category:SNCF]]
[[Category:Transport in Ashford, Kent]]