- Mr Plane Guy
- Oct 26
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 27
Plane News: Eurostar to Launch Britain’s First Double-Decker Trains in £1.7bn Deal
By Mr Plane Guy, Plane Travel News & Reviews with Altitude
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A New Era for Train Travel Between London and Europe
Eurostar has just announced plans to launch Britain’s first-ever double-decker trains, a huge leap forward for high-speed travel and a major milestone for anyone planning a quick city break from London.
Under a new £1.7 billion deal with Alstom, up to 50 new two-storey trains will join the fleet with the first expected to enter service by May 2031. These fully electric, next-generation trains will run between London St Pancras and Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam, offering 20 percent more seats, extra legroom, and dedicated areas for bikes and wheelchair users.
Not getting the train to Europe? Then fly in style instead, take a look at my top airport lounges across the continent in my full guide to the Best Airport Lounges in Europe.
Why This Matters for Eurostar Snap Travellers
If you’ve ever used Eurostar Snap, the low-fare deal that lets you score cheap last-minute tickets to Europe this upgrade is exciting news.More seats mean more Snap availability, and with new destinations like Frankfurt and Geneva planned, cheap European city breaks by train are about to get even better.
For those chasing last-minute city breaks by train or sustainable alternatives to short-haul flights, Eurostar’s expansion could make it easier (and more stylish) than ever to hop between European capitals without the airport stress.
Inside the New Eurostar Fleet
Compared to the current Siemens e320 trains, the new design adds a lower floor, 16 cm taller body, and two spacious decks.Passengers will be able to choose seats on the upper or lower deck with no price difference, meaning you can pick the view that suits your mood.
Eurostar CEO Gwendoline Cazenave said the new trains are key to the company’s goal of 30 million passengers per year (up from 19.5 million in 2024).She described them as part of an “ambitious growth strategy” to meet rising demand for sustainable city travel perfectly timed for Europe’s push toward greener transport.
Top Eurostar + Hotel Deals with LASTMINUTE.COM
What It Means for Plane-to-Train Travellers
Eurostar’s high-speed line between London and the Channel Tunnel already meets European clearance standards meaning it can handle taller double-deckers, unlike most of the UK network.
That opens the door for seamless “Plane City Break” combos thing: Fly into London Gatwick or Heathrow, then take the train to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, or even Lille for a weekend.
If you’re planning your next city break under 2 hours from the UK, why not mix things up?
🇧🇪 24 Hours in Brussels Where to stay and what to eat.
🇳🇱 24 Hours in Amsterdam Quick escape guide by train or plane.
🇫🇷 24 Hours in Lille The underrated French city that’s perfect for a spontaneous getaway.
🇧🇪 Why Ghent Should Be Your Next Belgian Destination Fairytale vibes, cobbled streets, and canal cafés.
Prefer festive vibes? 🎄 Check out Europe’s Best Christmas Markets many are just a Eurostar ride away.
Planning your next Plane City Break? Whether you fancy a spontaneous weekend escape or a luxury-for-less getaway, Lastminute Holidays has some of the best city breaks from London and beyond, including flights, hotels, and short-break packages at prices that make spontaneity a smart move.
From last-minute city breaks by train to quick hops across Europe, take a look at some Plane City Break picks below, featuring stylish stays, great value deals, and flexible booking options you can actually trust.
Eurostar vs the Competition
Eurostar’s double-decker move comes as competition heats up through the Channel Tunnel, with potential rivals like Virgin, Italy’s FS Group, and Gemini Trains exploring new routes.To stay ahead, Eurostar will expand its Temple Mills depot in East London to handle the new fleet another sign that Europe’s high-speed race is only just taking off.
Final Boarding Call
The arrival of Eurostar’s new double-deckers marks a heavenly new chapter for train travel from London to Europe.With more seats, more routes, and a renewed focus on comfort and sustainability, this could redefine the future of weekend city breaks from the UK whether you travel by plane or train.
So next time you’re hunting for cheap European city breaks from London, don’t just check the flight deals, check the next Eurostar departure too.
Related Plane Blog Reading
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Thanks for reading, Eurostar to Launch Britain’s First Double-Decker Trains in £1.7bn Deal.
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