Double-decker trains from London. Travel. Travel between London and major European cities is about to change. New double-decker trains are being planned, and they will make it easier and cheaper to visit places like Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam.
Double-decker trains from London: Why are these trains special?
These new trains can travel at 350 km/h – that’s faster than the current Eurostar trains. They will be modern Avelia Horizon trains, which have two levels, so they can carry more people. Thanks to this, ticket prices could go down by up to 30%. A ticket from London to Paris might cost only £27, instead of £39.
End of Eurostar monopoly?
For over 30 years, Eurostar has been the only train company using the Channel Tunnel. Now, that might change. French company Alstom wants to sell its new double-decker trains to other operators too. There are also rumours that Virgin Group, owned by Richard Branson, may join the market. This would mean more choice, lower prices, and better service for passengers.
More trains and more cities
Interest in train travel between the UK and Europe is growing. Eurostar hopes to carry 30 million passengers per year by 2030 – up from 19.5 million in 2023. There are also plans to start new train routes from London to Frankfurt, Cologne, Zurich, Geneva, Marseille, and even Milan. The Italian train company Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane also wants to offer a London–Paris route by 2029.
When will the new trains start running?
There’s no exact date yet, but experts say it could take a few more years. The Channel Tunnel has strict safety rules, and there is a lot of demand for the Avelia Horizon trains across Europe – over 100 have already been ordered.
Read also: Direct train from Poland to Croatia launches in July – Ticket prices revealed
A greener future for travel
Many believe that trains like these are the future of travel in Europe. They are eco-friendly, faster, and could help reduce short flights. What once seemed like a dream is slowly becoming real. If everything goes as planned, double-decker trains could soon become the best way to travel between London and Europe.