Eurostar enjoys record year as Paris Olympics boosts passenger numbers

Eurostar trains carried a record 19.5 million passengers last year as traffic was boosted by the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Latest figures from the international high speed train operator showed passenger numbers up 5%, representing an extra 850,000 journeys compared with 2023, the company’s previous busiest year.

Eurostar has ambitions to carry 30 million passengers annually by 2030.

Eurostar CEO Gwendoline Cazenave, said: “Eurostar continued its strong growth in 2024, breaking its own previous passenger records. I would like to thank our customers and recognise the efforts of our teams for this excellent result in the company’s 30th year.

“Looking ahead, this is further proof of the huge demand for international rail and the great potential of sustainable travel. Eurostar is targeting growth to 30 million passengers and investing in up to 50 new trains as a direct result, with the aim of delivering a unique and exceptional service long into the future.”

Routes that saw the biggest growth were London/Paris (up 280,000 passengers), London/Brussels (250,000 passengers) and Paris/Brussels 160,000 passengers.

Nearly 2 million passengers travelled on Eurostar trains during the Olympic and Paralympic Games in July, August, and September a 5% uplift compared to summer 2023. Eurostar transported 7 teams and 2,000 athletes on more than 900 trains.

After hitting €2 billion in revenue in 2023, Eurostar is set to invest in up to 50 new trains, expanding its fleet by 30%. The first of these new trains are expected to be in service by 2030.

The figures come amid growing pressure on Eurostar to restore services from two stations in Kent.

Transport research group Enroute and the grassroots campaign “Bring Back Euro Trains” said on Monday that suspending international rail services from Ashford International and Ebbsfleet during the pandemic had had “significant repercussions” for Kent’s economy and undermined its position as a “gateway to Europe.”

Critics have also warned of overcrowding at St Pancras and longer security queues. Eurostar has refused the claim insisting it has doubled border capacity at the London terminal station in recent years with additional border positions and e-gates.