Eurostar Announces Future Plans Following Growth in 2024
Throughout the year, the company transported 19.5 million customers, representing its highest annual passenger total to date. This marks an increase of 850,000 passengers over 2023, which had previously been the company’s best-performing year.
Eurostar has reported notable growth in 2024, with a 5% increase in passenger numbers compared to 2023.
Throughout the year, the company transported 19.5 million customers, representing its highest annual passenger total to date. This marks an increase of 850,000 passengers over 2023, which had previously been the company’s best-performing year.
This growth was bolstered by strong demand during the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“Eurostar continued its strong growth in 2024, breaking its own previous passenger records. I would like to thank our customers and recognise the efforts of our teams for this excellent result in the company’s 30th year. Looking ahead, this is further proof of the huge demand for international rail and the great potential of sustainable travel. Eurostar is targeting growth to 30 million passengers and investing in up to 50 new trains as a direct result, with the aim of delivering a unique and exceptional service long into the future.”
The routes with the highest growth in passenger numbers included:
- London to Paris: +280,000 passengers
- London to Brussels: +250,000 passengers
- Paris to Brussels: +160,000 passengers
- Paris to the Netherlands: +140,000 passengers
“Once again, this year, Eurostar has demonstrated its ability to attract new customers, driven by an ever-present desire to travel by train, particularly internationally. With its many customer services, Eurostar proves that it is constantly thinking about how to meet their needs and offer ever more innovative and comfortable services and commercial offers.”
To help drive this growth, Eurostar introduced several initiatives to enhance the customer experience in 2024.
Flexible Aftersales Policy : Customers can now exchange tickets without a fee and refund tickets up to seven days before departure. Premier customers have the added benefit of making exchanges and receiving refunds up to two days after departure.
Olympics and Paralympics : Eurostar transported 1.9 million passengers during the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, a 5% increase compared to summer 2023. The company also facilitated the travel of seven teams and 2,000 athletes on more than 900 trains.
Club Eurostar Growth : Membership in Eurostar’s loyalty programme grew by 39% in 2024 to 3.96 million members. Over 300 million loyalty points were redeemed during the year.
Culinary Enhancements : Renowned chefs Jérémy Chan, Jessica Préalpato, and Honey Spencer collaborated on new menus for Eurostar Premier passengers, offering sustainable, locally sourced ingredients.
Reintroduction of “Snap” Service : The “Snap” service, which offers discounted last-minute tickets, was relaunched. Travellers can book journeys at up to 50% off and confirm train details 48 hours before departure.
Eurostar’s Future Plans
Eurostar remains committed to sustainability, with a pledge to use 100% renewable energy by 2030. Its onboard catering service now exclusively features seasonal ingredients sourced from the countries Eurostar operates in, further reducing the company’s environmental impact.
In addition, Eurostar has entered into a memorandum of understanding with SkyTeam to integrate rail and air travel. This partnership positions Eurostar as the first non-airline member of SkyTeam and offers passengers more flexible, intermodal travel options.
What’s more, following revenues of 2 billion EUR in 2023, Eurostar has announced plans to invest in up to 50 new trains, expanding its fleet by 30%. The first of these trains is expected to be operational by 2030, enhancing both capacity and passenger comfort.
