Record numbers of passengers are expected to use Eurostar through the Channel Tunnel this Christmas and new year.
The high-speed passenger service expects its busiest December ever with more than 370,000 people booked to travel during the festive period, up 2% on last year.
The rise is driven by an 8% surge in sales of inbound visitors to London, boosted by the weak pound.
Christmas markets in France and Belgium continue to attract UK travellers to the continent,
A 22% rise is expected on Eurostar’s direct service to Disneyland Paris over the holidays as the park marks its 25th anniversary year
An 18% increase in winter sports passengers is projected on the high-speed rail service to the Alps.
December 29 is the peak day in the Christmas period, with more than 35,000 expected to travel across the Channel for new year’s eve celebrations.
This is closely followed by tomorrow (Friday), when more than 34,000 are expected to make the getaway ahead of Christmas.
A Eurostar spokeswoman said: “Throughout the year we’ve seen an increase in travellers coming to London from the continent.
“This trend has continued into December as visitors cash in on the favourable exchange rate and combine retail therapy with a city break.”