The first of Eurostar's refreshed trains rolls out of the workshop this week, and is expected to make its debut darting between London and Paris in early August.
It's a much-needed make-over for the trains, which entered service when the cross-channel tunnel opened in 1994.
In addition to refreshed seats and interiors (above), carried out by Italian design house Pininfarina, there's an updated livery to match the new e320 trains (below left) due to start running by year's end as part of a £700 million (A$1.47 billion) fleet upgrade.
Also fitted during the refurb: wireless Internet kit, to allow travellers to stay online throughout the trip, including their brief 20 minute undersea trek through the tunnel, plus several live channels of news, music and entertainment.
However, Eurostar won't be hitting the ON switch on the current carriages – dubbed the e300s – until the launch of the similarly connected e320s. (Those numbers refer to each train's maximum speed in km/h).
The e320s will also sport reclining seats with increased legroom and at-seat AC and USB sockets...
...larger luggage areas...
... and a decidedly swish buffet car.
Also read:
- Review: Eurostar Business Premier class, London to Paris
- Eurostar – Business Premier vs Standard Premier vs Standard class
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David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
American Airlines - AAdvantage
13 Jul 2015
Total posts 273
That looks quite nice actually, might be worth a trip on this sometime over a flight just for a nice view and lack of 'customs and security'
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
04 Mar 2014
Total posts 38
Used the Eurostar earlier this year Paris to London and security screening and passport checks are still required.
American Airlines - AAdvantage
13 Jul 2015
Total posts 273
Sorry - don't think I was clearm that's why I put it in apostrophes. I didn't mean to say it was NONE existent, it is just less of a hastle as compared to airports (especially travelling to and from airports - while trainstations are generally quote close the the main city center). You can also walk around freely and are generally more comfortable.
I recall my flight from London to Paris was a complete pain, and had major delays and I was incredibly cramped on the flight. Further trains from that was much more pleasant, even if they were longer.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
15 Mar 2015
Total posts 59
Beat me to it NZFlyer!
Qantas
19 Apr 2012
Total posts 1424
The Paris Eurostar terminal is not very flash with most people crorded in (after passport control security) and sitting on the floor for the 20mins before they board. Still better than the plane though
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
03 Oct 2014
Total posts 6
I've only ever travelled First Class on the Eurostar - it's worth the extra bucks - and you get a dedicated waiting area/lounge rather than having to brave the normal terminal :-)
American Airlines - AAdvantage
13 Jul 2015
Total posts 273
How much was First when you went?
21 Apr 2012
Total posts 3012
Shame there wasn't a direct service from London to Berlin. Paris is overrated!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
12 Jul 2014
Total posts 113
You can get to Berlin from London with a 1 or 2 train change (through Brussels or Lille), but at that distance, flying becomes much quicker.
If anything, being a somewhat regular Eurostar user, it about time they upgraded them. Germany's ICE is a much superior product, yet this is supposed to be the 'Flag Ship' of travel in Euro as it connect the main continent with GB.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
07 Jul 2013
Total posts 12
If I remeber correctly, Pininfarina worked on the design of the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta. A stunning looking car, and perhaps a stunning looking interior (if there are some more pictures)
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