The next-generation high speed train to join Eurostar’s fleet next year is set to shorten travel times and offer passengers more legroom and free wifi.
The latest Eurostar train, called the e320 because it can reach speeds of up to 320 km/hr, was unveiled at St. Pancras International station in London Thursday where media were given a preview of the shiny new, state-of-the-art trains that will enter commercial service at the end of 2015.
For passengers, that means access to free wifi during their trip from London to Paris, Lille, Brussels, Geneva or the French Alps, as well as increased legroom, ergonomically-designed reclining seats, and increased luggage areas.
In addition to faster travel times, the e320 can also carry 900 passengers, representing a 20 percent boost in capacity per train.
Both the interior and external livery were designed by Italian design house Pininfarina, known for its work with luxury designer cars.
Beginning next May, Eurostar will also be expanding its network with year-round service to Provence, stopping at Lyon, Avignon and Marseilles.
At the end of 2016, the high speed rail service will launch a direct route from London to Amsterdam, with stops in Antwerp, Rotterdam and Schiphol along the way.
A total of 17 new e320s will join Eurostar’s fleet.
The unveiling comes on the eve of Eurostar’s 20th anniversary.
The first Channel Tunnel service began November 14, 1994, with trains traveling between Waterloo International station in London to Paris and Brussels.
As a special anniversary promotion, Eurostar has launched a seat sale for travel from London to Paris or Brussels starting at £59/€69.
