Eurostar Sets New Heights: Record Growth and Ambitious Expansion Plans for European Rail Travel
Record-Breaking Performance and Network Expansion
Eurostar has achieved remarkable growth in 2024, with a 5% increase in passenger numbers compared to 2023, serving 19.5 million customers – the highest annual passenger count in the company’s history.
Following its network expansion through the Thalys merger, Eurostar now operates across 28 destinations in five countries. While its core customer base remains within these operating countries, the company is seeing significant growth from international travelers, with one in eight customers now coming from outside Europe – a number expected to increase in 2025.
Future Investment and Sustainability Commitments
In a landmark development, Eurostar is preparing to invest in up to 50 new high-speed trainsets, fully interoperable across five countries and beyond. These trains, scheduled to enter service from the early 2030s, will replace existing fleet units and increase the overall fleet from 51 to 67 trains.
Leading the railway industry in sustainability, Eurostar has become the first railway company to join the RE100 alliance, committing to 100% renewable and non-nuclear energy by 2030. The company already runs on 100% wind power in the Netherlands since 2017 and 40% renewable energy in the UK since 2023. They have also initiated studies with Belgian infrastructure manager Infrabel for innovative solar projects to power trains.
Customer Experience and Service Improvements
Eurostar has enhanced its customer service with a new flexible aftersales policy, allowing ticket exchanges without fees and refunds up to 7 days before departure. Premier customers enjoy even greater flexibility with exchange and refund options available up to two days post-departure.
Through its digital transformation project Delta, Eurostar Group has prioritized customer experience, aiming to deliver a faster, more seamless, and more accessible experience across its web and app platforms. The company has set an ambitious target of reaching 30 million passengers by 2030.
