Eurostar has selected Alstom to supply 30 next-generation Avelia Horizon very high-speed trains, marking one of Europe’s largest rolling-stock investments in recent years and positioning the operator for its next phase of international expansion.
The order—valued at more than €1.4 billion—will see Eurostar adopt the Avelia Horizon, a double-deck TGV-M platform designed to improve energy efficiency, reduce operating costs, and boost passenger capacity across key European corridors.
Strengthening Europe’s Cross-Border Rail Network
The first trains are scheduled for delivery in 2030 and will operate across Eurostar’s core routes, including the UK–France–Belgium–Netherlands network. Designed for speeds of up to 350 km/h, the new fleet will replace older e320 and e300 units and bolster Eurostar’s capacity as passenger numbers continue to rebound post-pandemic.
Eurostar CEO Gwendoline Cazenave said the investment underscores the company’s commitment to sustainable mobility and long-term growth. “We are preparing for the future with trains that will deliver greater flexibility, reduced emissions, and a better experience for our customers,” she said.
Alstom’s Avelia Horizon: Lower Emissions, Higher Efficiency
Alstom’s Avelia Horizon platform incorporates lightweight materials and advanced aerodynamics, enabling up to 20% lower energy consumption compared to earlier high-speed models. The trains also feature modular interiors, allowing operators to adjust layouts based on passenger demand.
Henri Poupart-Lafarge, Chairman and CEO of Alstom, said the partnership reinforces France’s position as a leader in high-speed rail engineering. “The Avelia Horizon is designed for a new era of mobility—faster, cleaner, and more efficient,” he noted.
Meeting the Shift to Greener Travel
The investment aligns with Europe’s broader efforts to accelerate low-carbon transport adoption. Cross-border rail is increasingly viewed as a viable alternative to short-haul flights, with Eurostar reporting strong leisure and business travel demand in 2024 and 2025.
Industry analysts say the expanded fleet will help Eurostar capture this growth while navigating intensified competition from emerging high-speed operators across the continent.
A Strategic Bet on High-Speed Rail’s Future
The partnership with Alstom marks one of Eurostar’s most significant strategic moves since its merger with Thalys in 2022. With rising travel volumes, capacity constraints, and sustainability pressures, the company is positioning itself early for an expected surge in European rail demand through the next decade.
The first Avelia Horizon units will undergo extensive testing before entering service, gradually phasing into Eurostar’s network to support expanded frequencies and future route additions.
