New report highlights Eurostar’s growing contribution to the UK economy
A new independent report by Public First highlights the significant role international high-speed rail plays in supporting the UK economy, with Eurostar contributing £2 billion in economic activity and supporting around 23,000 jobs each year. The report, Fast track to growth, identifies Eurostar as a key driver of productivity, tourism and sustainable connectivity between the UK and continental Europe. Looking ahead, Eurostar’s economic contribution is expected to grow to £2.8 billion and support 40,000 jobs by 2035, underpinned by the company’s £1.7 billion investment in its future fleet.
Investing in the future of international rail
Eurostar’s investment in up to 50 new double-decker Celestia trains will increase capacity by around 20%, helping meet growing demand for international rail travel. The first trains are expected to enter service in 2031.
The expanded fleet will also support the launch of new direct services from London to Frankfurt and Geneva, further strengthening rail connections between the UK and mainland Europe.
More value for business and leisure travel
The report highlights the wider benefits of international rail, including:
- 500,000 additional leisure visitors travelling to the UK each year thanks to Eurostar, generating £370 million in tourism spending.
- 150,000 additional business travellers arriving annually by rail, contributing £115 million to the UK economy.
- £339 million in annual productivity gains, as travellers can continue working throughout their journey compared with air travel.
The research also shows that Eurostar’s shift from air to rail helped avoid more than 233,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions in 2025, with rail producing on average 96% fewer emissions than an equivalent flight*.
*Calculations taken from an independent study carried out by EcoRes SCRL in November 2024. For full details, see here
Discover the full report
Read the full Fast track to growth report to discover all the key findings and learn more about Eurostar’s vision for the future of international rail.