A two-storey cocktail bar at 180mph? Inside Eurostar’s new double-decker trains

Eurostar is revamping cross-Channel travel with its new double-decker trains, dubbed 'Celestia'. These sleek trains, set to debut in May 2031, boast two-storey cocktail bars that promise to transform mundane journeys into glamorous experiences. Each train, measuring around 200 metres, will accommodate approximately 540 passengers, with a total capacity of 1,080 on a standard 400-metre formation.

This increased capacity is part of Eurostar's plan to boost annual passenger numbers from 20 million to 30 million. The two-level bars, designed to mimic the Premier lounge at London St Pancras, will serve cocktails and other drinks, offering an all-inclusive experience to all travellers. The name 'Celestia', meaning 'heavenly', encapsulates the brand's ambition to elevate the travel experience.

Delivery of the first trains is slated for May 2031, with six trains expected in service across existing routes and new lines to Geneva and Frankfurt. The fleet is built to last until 2060, with robust air conditioning systems capable of operating in extreme heat up to 55°C. As rival cross-Channel services emerge, Eurostar hopes its innovative approach and enhanced capacity will attract more passengers.