Eurostar is preparing to introduce up to 50 next-generation Celestia double-decker trains, manufactured by Alstom, that will be capable of operating in temperatures as high as 55°C starting in 2031. This upgrade increases the heat tolerance from the initial 45°C design to address rising temperatures in Europe.
Each approximately 200-metre-long Celestia train will accommodate around 540 passengers and will serve key international routes including London to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, with potential future expansions to Geneva and Frankfurt. These trains will be the first double-decker sets to run through the Channel Tunnel and on Britain’s high-speed rail network, with an expected
operational lifespan extending into the 2060s.
The enhanced heat resistance follows operational challenges caused by severe summer heatwaves across Europe. Extreme temperatures have previously disrupted railway operations by warping tracks, damaging electrical signaling systems, and causing onboard air-conditioning failures. The European Union Agency for Railways reports that about 70% of EU infrastructure managers have observed growing operational impacts from extreme weather hazards, underscoring the need for climate-resilient rail infrastructure.
For passengers on London-Europe routes, the deployment of the Celestia fleet promises improved service reliability during extreme heat events. The upgraded air-conditioning systems and mechanical components are designed to maintain functionality
under 55°C, reducing the likelihood of cancellations and delays caused by heat-related disruptions.
This initiative aligns with broader European efforts to adapt rail transport to climate change. The European Commission and railway authorities have emphasized preparing rail systems to withstand heatwaves, floods, and storms due to infrastructure lifespans spanning decades. The Celestia trains also support the growing preference for high-speed rail as a low-carbon alternative to short-haul flights, enhancing connectivity between major cities during rising temperature challenges.
