On 14 November 2024, Eurostar celebrated a milestone in European transport history: the 30th anniversary of its first commercial service through the Channel Tunnel.
Since that inaugural journey between London and Paris, the high-speed rail operator has carried over 380 million passengers and transformed international travel between the UK and mainland Europe.
The completion of the Channel Tunnel in 1994 paved the way for Eurostar’s success. The company began operating high-speed trains through the tunnel, providing a direct and efficient link between the UK, France, and Belgium.
In the years that followed, Eurostar expanded its services to include other major European cities such as Amsterdam and, more recently, Brussels, its central hub for operations.
In 2023, Eurostar reported a total of 18.6 million passengers, a significant increase following its merger with Thalys, which has helped consolidate its presence across the European rail network.
The expanded service now connects five countries: Belgium, Germany, France, the Netherlands, and the UK, making Eurostar a key player in the growing European rail transport sector.
“Eurostar has played a pivotal role in strengthening Europe’s rail network,” said CEO Gwendoline Cazaux. “Over the past three decades, we’ve not only connected cities but also brought people closer together, contributing to the development of sustainable travel across the continent.”
The company has ambitious plans for the next decade. By 2030, Eurostar aims to increase its annual passenger count to 30 million.
To achieve this target, Eurostar has announced plans to order up to 50 new trains, increasing its fleet from 51 to 67. These new trains, expected to debut in 2030, will feature improved efficiency and enhanced passenger comfort.
“Eurostar is continuously exploring new routes from hubs like London and Brussels,” added Cazaux. “We are committed to providing even more direct connections to key European cities, meeting the growing demand for fast, sustainable rail travel.”
In addition to its expansion, Eurostar remains deeply integrated into the Belgian rail system, with Brussels serving as its operational and administrative center.
The company’s headquarters are located in the Belgian capital, from where it manages its day-to-day operations and coordinates services across its network.
Brussels is strategically positioned, with major destinations like London, Paris, and Amsterdam just a few hours away by train, making it a vital hub for international rail travel.
Belgium’s SNCB, the country’s national railway company, holds an 18.5% stake in Eurostar, further solidifying the strong ties between the two nations.
The largest shareholder in the company is France’s SNCF, which owns 55.75% of Eurostar shares, with the remainder held by a Canadian pension fund and a US-based infrastructure investor.
As Eurostar celebrates its 30th anniversary, it reflects on its pivotal role in shaping European travel while looking forward to future growth.
The company remains committed to sustainability and innovation, ensuring that its trains continue to offer fast, comfortable, and eco-friendly travel options for millions of passengers across Europe.
