From Dailymail · · 2m
Eurostar Unveils Luxury Cocktail Bars on New Double-Decker Trains
Eurostar's 2031 double-decker trains feature free cocktail bars for all passengers, boosting comfort and style in Europe's rail travel.
In brief
Eurostar's 2031 double-decker trains feature free cocktail bars for all passengers, boosting comfort and style in Europe's rail travel. Eurostar will launch free cocktail bars on its new double-decker trains starting in May 2031 to improve passenger experience. Originally reported by Dailymail.
New Eurostar Cocktail Bars
Eurostar launches free cocktail bars on its new double-decker trains starting in May 2031.
“We want to create something really special for customers, with a different ambience and vibe upstairs and downstairs, making the most of the double-decker views.”
Celestia Train Fleet
The new Celestia trains, named after Latin 'heavenly', will run across five countries and new destinations.
“This new-generation train, designed to meet the demands of international very high-speed traffic, embodies our vision of sustainable and competitive European mobility.”
Electric Train Design
The fully electric trains feature air conditioning for up to 55 degrees and 20% more capacity than current models.
“The trains have also been designed with increasingly hot European summers in mind; they feature air conditioning systems capable of operating in temperatures of up to 55 degrees.”
Competing Rail Services
Virgin trains gain approval for London-Paris services from October 2030, challenging Eurostar's dominance.
“The Office of Rail and Road gave Virgin trains the green light for a track access agreement, allowing it to operate up to 20 international daily return services between London and Paris, Brussels or Amsterdam from October 2030.”
Alstom Investment
Eurostar orders 30 trains from Alstom for €2 billion, with options to buy 20 more.
“Eurostar has confirmed an initial order for 30 trains from French manufacturer Alstom, with the option to buy a further 20, as a part of a €2 billion investment in its network.”
Eurostar's Vision
Eurostar CEO says the new trains will offer exceptional comfort and a unique travel experience.
“Customers can expect a very special new train with Eurostar Celestia, which will offer exceptional comfort, a unique Eurostar experience and new surprises to be revealed.”
Competing Rail Services
Trenitalia France aims to launch London-Paris services as early as 2029 with 19 high-speed trains.
“Italy’s state-backed Trenitalia France, owned by Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane (FS Group), is also in the running, with talks of aiming to launch London-Paris services as early as 2029.”
Double-Decker Benefits
The new trains provide more seating, better air conditioning, and a second deck for passengers.
“Compared with Eurostar’s existing fleet of 17 single-decker Siemens-built e320s, the Celestia trains will have around 20 per cent more capacity, will be 16cm taller in height, and of course, will feature two decks.”
Cocktail Bar Details
Passengers can enjoy Margaritas and Bloody Marys in the new bars without premium tickets.
“The bars will feature on Eurostar's new double-decker 'Celestia' trains, expected for commercial use in May 2031.”
Sustainable Travel
Eurostar emphasizes sustainable travel as part of its new train fleet strategy.
“This is a golden age for international sustainable travel, and Eurostar is leading the race.”
Virgin Train Competition
Virgin trains will operate up to 20 international daily services from London to Paris, Brussels, or Amsterdam.
“The Office of Rail and Road gave Virgin trains the green light for a track access agreement, allowing it to operate up to 20 international daily return services between London and Paris, Brussels or Amsterdam from October 2030.”
Alstom's Role
Alstom, a French train manufacturer, is building the new Eurostar trains with sustainable features.
“Chief Executive Officer of Alstom, Henri Poupart-Lafarge, said: 'This new-generation train, designed to meet the demands of international very high-speed traffic, embodies our vision of sustainable and competitive European mobility'.”
New Train Capacity
The Celestia trains will have 20% more capacity than Eurostar's current single-decker trains.
“Compared with Eurostar’s existing fleet of 17 single-decker Siemens-built e320s, the Celestia trains will have around 20 per cent more capacity, will be 16cm taller in height, and of course, will feature two decks.”
European Expansion
The new trains will serve the UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, plus new destinations like Geneva and Frankfurt.
“They will run across the five countries already served by Eurostar: the UK, France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany, plus new destinations such as Geneva and Frankfurt.”
Cocktail Bar Experience
The bars will be open to all passengers, not just those with premium tickets.
“And unlike Eurostar’s Premier lounges, passengers won't need a premium ticket to enjoy these stylish hangout spots; hosted by Eurostar staff, both bars will be open to everyone on board.”
2031 Launch Date
Commercial services for the new trains begin in May 2031 with six trains initially.
“Commercial services are anticipated to begin from May 2031, with six Celestia trains in operation.”
What to remember
Eurostar will launch free cocktail bars on its new double-decker trains starting in May 2031 to improve passenger experience.
