High-Speed Trains

The Fleet

Eurostar currently operates a fleet of e320 trains — officially designated as the Siemens Velaro e320. These trains entered service from 2015 onwards, replacing the original Eurostar e300 fleet that had been running since the Channel Tunnel opened in 1994.

Key Specifications

• Top speed: 320 km/h (200 mph), typically operating at up to 300 km/h (186 mph) in commercial service
• Length: 200 metres (16 carriages)
• Capacity: approximately 900 passengers per train
• Power: electric traction, drawing power from overhead catenary wires
• Multi-voltage: designed to operate across the UK, French, Belgian, and Dutch rail networks, each of which uses different electrical systems

The Route Infrastructure

The Eurostar travels on three types of track during a London–Paris journey:

1. HS1 (High Speed 1) — the dedicated high-speed line from St Pancras to the Channel Tunnel entrance near Folkestone. Maximum speed: 300 km/h.
2. The Channel Tunnel — the 50.45 km undersea tunnel. Trains travel at a reduced speed of about 160 km/h in the tunnel for safety and ventilation reasons.
3. LGV Nord — the French high-speed line (Ligne à Grande Vitesse) from the tunnel exit to Paris. Maximum speed: 300 km/h.

This combination of purpose-built high-speed infrastructure is what makes the 2 hour 16 minute London–Paris time possible. The train spends about 35 minutes in the tunnel and the remainder on high-speed track on either side.

Inside the Train

The e320 interior was designed by Pininfarina (the Italian design house famous for Ferrari). It features:

• LED lighting that adjusts based on time of day
• Improved soundproofing for a quieter ride
• Power outlets at every seat (UK and European)
• Free on-board Wi-Fi
• Electronic seat reservation displays
• Accessible spaces for wheelchair users
• A café bar car

Safety

Eurostar trains are built to operate safely in the Channel Tunnel's unique environment. They can split in half in an emergency, allowing one section to be evacuated while the other is moved out of the tunnel. The trains have fire detection and suppression systems, and the Channel Tunnel itself has a dedicated service tunnel running between the two rail tunnels for emergency access and evacuation.