Eurostar is celebrating a historic year in 2024, with a record 19.5 million passengers marking a 5% increase compared to the previous year. This unprecedented growth translates to an additional 850,000 travelers, making it one of the company’s most successful years to date.

The boost was significantly driven by strong demand for international rail travel during the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, showcasing Eurostar’s capacity to meet surging passenger needs. According to CEO Gwendoline Cazenave, “2024 has been a year of unprecedented growth, breaking records and proving the rising demand for sustainable international train travel.”

A Year of Achievements and Milestones

Olympic Demand Fuels Growth

The largest increases in passengers occurred on routes connecting London and Paris (+280,000), London and Brussels (+250,000), Paris and Brussels (+160,000), and Paris and the Netherlands (+140,000). During the Games, Eurostar played a pivotal role, transporting seven teams, including 2,000 athletes and support staff, across more than 900 trains.

Reintroduction of the ‘Snap’ Programme

Eurostar’s ‘Snap’ initiative, aimed at spontaneous travelers, contributed to its growth. Offering discounts of up to 50%, it appealed to last-minute adventurers and budget-conscious passengers, further boosting ridership.

SkyTeam Partnership for Intermodal Travel

Eurostar’s Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SkyTeam opens new doors for integrated air and rail travel, allowing passengers to combine long-haul flights with sustainable train journeys under a single booking. As the first non-airline partner on the SkyTeam network, Eurostar positions itself as a leader in the shift toward greener travel.

Challenges Along the Way

Despite its successes, Eurostar faced operational challenges in 2024:

Amsterdam-London Disruption: Due to Brexit-related border checks, passengers traveling from Amsterdam to London were required to disembark in Brussels for security screenings. This interruption will persist until February 2025, when Amsterdam will reintroduce full pre-departure checks.
Sabotage During the Olympics: Deliberate arson targeting French railways (SNCF) disrupted high-speed train routes from Paris, impacting Eurostar’s services during the Games.
Reputation Concerns: Eurostar was controversially ranked the worst of 26 rail operators in Europe, highlighting the need for improvements in customer satisfaction.

Looking Ahead: Expansion and Sustainability

Ambitious Growth Targets

Eurostar plans to expand its annual passenger base to 30 million and invest in up to 50 new trains by 2030. This initiative will increase its fleet size by 30%, raising the total number of trains to 67. The new designs, while yet to be confirmed, promise enhanced customer comfort and a superior travel experience.

Sustainability at the Core

With rail travel recognized as one of the most eco-friendly modes of transportation, Eurostar’s focus on sustainability aligns with global trends. Its partnership with SkyTeam and commitment to modernizing its fleet underscore the carrier’s dedication to reducing its carbon footprint while offering efficient, high-quality travel.

A Competitive Horizon

Competition is heating up in the Channel Tunnel travel sector, with new operators eyeing opportunities in this lucrative market. However, Eurostar’s strategic investments, record-breaking growth, and focus on innovation position it strongly for the future.

Celebrating a Win Amid Challenges

As Eurostar marks its 30th anniversary, its record-breaking growth in 2024 is a testament to its resilience and adaptability. While challenges remain, the company’s forward-looking initiatives promise a bright future for sustainable train travel across Europe.

Congratulations, Eurostar—you’ve earned this win.