Eurostar transported 18.6 million passengers in 2023, a 22% increase over 2022 and marking a return to pre-pandemic passenger levels.
The rail operator, created through the 2022 merger of Eurostar and Thalys, credits strong demand on routes connecting London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Belgian cities for growth.
“Eurostar demonstrated its capability to grow in 2023. Our journey to 30 million passengers by 2030 continues in 2024,” said Eurostar CEO Gwendoline Cazenave.
The company carried over three million passengers between Belgium and France, a 12% increase, while the Brussels to London route saw 33% growth to 2.2 million travelers.
Nearly one million passengers took Eurostar trains between Brussels and Amsterdam, a 22% rise.
Infrastructure Projects Could Temporarily Slow 2024 Growth
While Eurostar expects continued strong demand in 2024, some infrastructure projects could temporarily limit growth.
The Channel Tunnel at Amsterdam’s central station will close for six months beginning in June for renovation to boost capacity.
During this period, Eurostar will reroute London-Amsterdam trains through Brussels.
Eurostar also forecasts carrying close to two million passengers on Paris routes during the 2024 Summer Olympics.
The Belgian, British, Dutch, and German Olympic teams will travel via Eurostar trains to the French capital.
Despite these expected ridership gains, the Amsterdam station closure could restrain some growth next year.
The project will require the relocation of passport and baggage checks to Brussels, forcing London-Amsterdam travelers to change trains.
Environmental Groups Compare Train and Flying Emissions
While Eurostar aims to serve 30 million annual passengers by 2030, some environmental advocates say that rail travel needs to be more affordable compared to flying to reduce emissions further.
According to Greenpeace, holiday train fares between London and Paris were recently more than twice as expensive as flying the route.
However, air travel can generate up to 80 times more carbon emissions per passenger when compared to high-speed rail.
ETIAS Requirements Apply to Most Non-EU Visitors
The rebound in Eurostar ridership will lead to more travelers needing to meet Europe’s new visa requirements.
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) goes into effect in May 2025, applying to non-EU citizens from over 60 countries visiting Europe’s Schengen area.
ETIAS does not change existing visa policies.
Still, it adds a requirement for eligible travelers to obtain authorization before arriving in Europe.
The multiple-entry ETIAS allows stays up to 90 days over a 180-day period.
As Eurostar passenger numbers continue rising, a growing share of visitors from the UK, the US, and other countries will need authorized ETIAS status to ride the trains or enter Europe.
Obtaining approval only requires completing an online application form.
Surging Rail Travel Could Shape Immigration Policy Debates
The post-pandemic rebound in cross-border rail journey figures arrives amid ongoing debates over immigration policy across Europe.
Eurostar’s growth could influence discussions in several ways.
Rising business and leisure passenger traffic highlights Europe’s interconnected tourism markets and economies.
Meanwhile, swelling rider numbers show the demand for sustainable travel alternatives to flying.
Both factors may increase pressure on governments to ensure immigration rules adequately meet economic and environmental goals.
Additionally, the influx of new travelers from abroad challenges perceptions of Europe as inaccessible or isolating for immigrants and expats.
Thriving multinational rail networks demonstrate the growing accessibility linking major European hubs.
As policymakers continue targeting expanded legal migration, Eurostar’s thriving ridership numbers reveal a Europe open for travel and business across borders.
The environmental benefits of train transit could also compel reassessing how to align tourism, sustainability, and immigration objectives.
Balancing Capacity, Affordability, and Sustainability
As rail operators like Eurostar aim to continually expand ridership, they will have to strike a delicate balance in the coming years.
Projects that boost passenger capacity can facilitate growth, yet sustainable tourism advocates argue that competitive pricing versus air travel is also essential to reduce environmental impacts.
With airports often operating near full capacity, high-speed rail has an opportunity to meet rising European travel demand.
However, infrastructure constraints can only temporarily dampen further growth.
Rail companies will have to implement capacity expansion initiatives while keeping fares affordable on key routes if they hope to hit ridership targets for 2030 and beyond.
Achieving these simultaneous objectives will ultimately determine the long-term viability of sustainable train travel across Europe.