Eurostar saw passenger numbers rose by 5% last year to a record 19.5 million.
The increase was 850,000 more than in 2023, the Channel Tunnel high speed rail company’s most successful year yet.
The performance was driven by strong demand, particularly during the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Eurostar carried 1.9 million travellers during the Olympics, a 5% uplift compared to summer 2023, and transported seven teams and 2,000 athletes on more than 900 trains.
Eurostar is set to invest in up to 50 new trains, expanding its fleet by 30% from 2030 following €2 billion in revenue in 2023.
Routes with most growth on the Eurostar network were:
- London-Paris (+280,000 passengers)
- London-Brussels (+250,000 passengers)
- Paris-Brussels (+160,000 passengers)
- Paris–The Netherlands (+140,000 passengers)
Chief executive 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.”