Three decades of high-speed under the Channel: Eurostar celebrates this Thursday, 14 November, the 30th anniversary of the launch of its connections between Paris and London via the undersea tunnel. Around 8 million passengers travel between the British and French capitals every year with the rail company, which offers around fifteen daily return journeys between the two cities. In just two and a quarter hours for the fastest trains.
In addition to the flagship Paris-London link, cross-Channel Eurostar trains now serve Amsterdam and Brussels. Several German cities such as Cologne and Düsseldorf are now part of the company’s network following its merger with Thalys.
The company’s cross-Channel network has continued to evolve for three decades, despite significant challenges.
► November 14, 1994: the beginning of a business
On 6 May 1994, Queen Elizabeth II and President François Mitterrand inaugurated the Channel Tunnel, after six years of work. Eurostar’s first commercial services will begin on 14 November, connecting Paris North station to London Waterloo in just three hours. Initially the company offered four daily return journeys, then five starting in February 1995. In November 1994 the Brussels-London connection was also launched.
► 2007: new station in London, Paris-London in 2 hours and 15 minutes
Travel time between Paris and London has been progressively reduced since 2003, thanks to the construction of the UK’s first high-speed line. In November 2007, the new line was fully commissioned and the Eurostar’s London terminus was moved to St Pancras station. The Paris-London journey now takes 2 hours and 15 minutes, the one from Lille to London in 1 hour and 22 minutes.
In August 2009, Eurostar surpassed the mark of 100 million passengers carried since its creation. Not only have its trains become the most efficient means of transport between Paris and London, but since 1994 the company has also held a monopoly on rail passenger transport between the UK and mainland Europe. On the Paris-London route it gradually established itself as the main player, reaching two-thirds of the market share in 2004, then 80% in 2014.
► 2018: extension of the network to Amsterdam
A quarter of a century after the launch of the Paris-London and Brussels-London lines, Eurostar inaugurates a permanent connection to Amsterdam via Rotterdam in April 2018. Initially the journey is direct only from London. From October 2020 the service becomes completely direct in both directions.
► 2021: Eurostar on the verge of bankruptcy
Hard hit by the consequences of Brexit and Covid-19, Eurostar is on the verge of bankruptcy in 2021, after losing more than 80% of its passengers. The company was narrowly saved in May 2021 thanks to a financing deal of around 290 million euros concluded with its shareholders and banks.
As a result, Eurostar will stop all its direct seasonal services from London to south-east France. With 14.8 million travelers in 2022, then 18.6 million in 2023, the British airline returns to the level of presence before Brexit and the health crisis.
► 2022: merger with Thalys
The British airline will merge in May 2022 with the operator Thalys which provides connections between Paris, Benelux and north-west Germany. The Thalys brand disappears in October, although its trains remain red.
At the origin of this merger, SNCF, the majority shareholder of the two companies, wanted to better exploit the 51 trains in the fleet of the two railway companies: 25 for Eurostar and 26 for Thalys. By 2025, current Eurostars will be able to travel across the entire network, for example between Paris and Brussels. Thalys are not intended to cross the Channel Tunnel.
What impact has Eurostar had on travel patterns between London and Paris since its launch?
Interview Title: Commemorating 30 Years of Eurostar: A Journey through Time
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Good day, and welcome to this special interview commemorating the 30th anniversary of Eurostar. We have with us today Dr. Emily Carter, a transport historian and expert on European rail travel. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Carter!
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time to reflect on such a significant milestone in rail history.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely! It’s hard to believe it has been 30 years since the first Eurostar services began. Can you take us back to November 14, 1994? What was the significance of Eurostar’s launch for travel between Paris and London?
Dr. Emily Carter: The launch of Eurostar was groundbreaking. It not only connected two of Europe’s most vibrant capitals under the Channel but also marked the beginning of a new era for international rail travel. The service provided an efficient, comfortable, and fast alternative to flights, fundamentally changing how people traveled between these cities.
Time.news Editor: Indeed. And with around 8 million passengers traveling yearly, Eurostar has made its mark. Given that it started with just four daily return journeys, how has the service evolved over the years?
Dr. Emily Carter: Yes, it started modestly, but as demand grew, so did their services. By gradually increasing frequency and reducing travel times—thanks to infrastructure improvements like the UK’s first high-speed line—they’ve become integral to cross-Channel connectivity. Now, with services to Amsterdam and Brussels, the network has truly expanded.
Time.news Editor: It’s interesting to note the competitive advantage Eurostar has established over the years. How did they manage to capture such a large market share, particularly between Paris and London?
Dr. Emily Carter: Eurostar smartly positioned itself as the quickest and most convenient method of transport between these cities. By 2014, they held 80% of the market share, which is impressive. They have not only focused on speed but also on service quality—which includes increased comfort and amenities—making them the preferred choice for many travelers.
Time.news Editor: Fast forward to today, with significant advancements in technology and shifting travel patterns due to recent global events. How do you see the future of Eurostar and high-speed rail travel in general?
Dr. Emily Carter: High-speed rail travel will continue to play a crucial role in sustainable transport solutions. With growing concerns about climate change, rail offers a more environmentally friendly option compared to air travel. Eurostar has opportunities to further innovate—perhaps integrating more advanced technology or expanding their services even more within Europe.
Time.news Editor: That’s a vital point, especially as we navigate issues surrounding sustainability. And what about the recent expansion to cities like Amsterdam? What can we expect next from Eurostar?
Dr. Emily Carter: The Amsterdam connection is a significant milestone, paving the way for potential services to other European destinations. I think we can expect Eurostar to explore high-speed routes to more cities and invest in improvements that enhance the passenger experience, making rail travel even more appealing.
Time.news Editor: Exciting times ahead indeed! Before we conclude, what does the 30th anniversary of Eurostar represent in the broader context of European integration and transport?
Dr. Emily Carter: The Eurostar initiative is a symbol of European unity and connectivity. It demonstrates how transport infrastructure can bring people together, fostering cultural exchange and economic growth across borders. Celebrating 30 years shows us how far we have come, and it lays the groundwork for a hopeful future in cross-border travel.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for your insights and sharing your expertise on this momentous occasion! Here’s to another 30 years of Eurostar and the continued evolution of high-speed rail travel in Europe!
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing this important topic. I look forward to seeing how Eurostar will continue to shape the future of international travel.