Published on
October 25, 2025
UK, Netherlands, Germany, France, and Belgium are set to experience faster, greener, and more efficient travel as Alstom introduces its innovative double-deck Avelia Horizon trains for Eurostar. Scheduled for delivery from 2031, these high-speed trains will carry over 1,000 passengers each while cutting energy consumption by 20 percent compared with previous models. Operating through the Channel Tunnel, the fleet combines advanced technology, enhanced comfort, and sustainable design, marking a major step forward for international rail travel across Europe.
Alstom has secured a landmark €1.4 billion contract to supply 30 cutting-edge Avelia Horizon trains to Eurostar, reinforcing its role as a leader in high-speed rail innovation and sustainable transport across Europe. The first trains are scheduled for delivery in 2031, with an option to expand the fleet by an additional 20 units, allowing Eurostar to adapt to growing demand while modernizing its international services.
These advanced trains will serve major European corridors connecting the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany. Notably, they will be the first double-deck trains to operate through the Channel Tunnel, representing a milestone in European rail engineering. The design focuses on maximizing passenger capacity without compromising comfort, catering to increasing cross-border travel and providing a modern alternative to air travel.
Each Avelia Horizon train is engineered for a top speed of 320 km/h and can carry more than 1,000 passengers. They deliver up to 20 percent lower energy consumption than earlier-generation models, emphasizing environmental efficiency. The fleet incorporates state-of-the-art remote diagnostic technology, allowing for predictive maintenance and reduced downtime, enhancing both reliability and operational efficiency.
The new trains mark a major step forward in sustainable mobility, providing Eurostar with a fleet that combines high performance, energy savings, and superior passenger experience. By adopting the Avelia Horizon series, Eurostar is strengthening its commitment to environmentally responsible travel, ensuring that technological advancement goes hand in hand with operational sustainability.
Alstom’s manufacturing strategy involves ten of its fourteen French facilities, including locations in Belfort, La Rochelle, Villeurbanne, and Le Creusot. These sites will produce critical components such as power cars, interiors, bogies, and control systems, showcasing France’s extensive engineering capabilities and reinforcing its industrial base.
To meet the growing demand for the Avelia Horizon trains, Alstom is investing €150 million to expand production capacity. This investment will allow the company to maintain quality while scaling up operations, supporting Europe’s increasing need for modern, eco-friendly rail solutions. The enhanced manufacturing capabilities also underline Alstom’s role as a global provider of sustainable rail technology.
Beyond the technical and operational benefits, the project reflects a broader vision for high-speed rail in Europe, combining innovation, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. The Avelia Horizon trains are designed not just to transport passengers quickly, but to do so with minimal environmental impact, offering a new benchmark for green mobility across international routes.
The upgrade of the Eurostar fleet demonstrates how collaboration between manufacturers and rail operators can drive innovation while meeting sustainability goals. By modernizing its rolling stock, Eurostar is creating a more efficient, high-capacity network capable of supporting Europe’s growing demand for environmentally responsible travel.
UK, Netherlands, Germany, France, and Belgium will soon enjoy faster, greener travel as Alstom rolls out innovative double-deck Avelia Horizon trains for Eurostar, boosting capacity, comfort, and energy efficiency.
This initiative represents a transformative step for European rail, combining technological excellence, operational reliability, and reduced carbon emissions. As the first double-deck trains to cross the Channel Tunnel, the Avelia Horizon fleet sets a precedent for the future of international rail travel, offering passengers faster, greener, and more comfortable journeys while strengthening Europe’s sustainable transport infrastructure.
