Eurostar

Eurostar is a high-speed rail service that links the United Kingdom with mainland Europe through the Channel Tunnel. It operates passenger trains between London and major European cities, notably Paris and Brussels, with a direct route to Amsterdam. Since the late 2010s, services have expanded to include routes formerly operated by Thalys, broadening its continental coverage.

The service began in 1994, following the opening of the Channel Tunnel, offering a faster alternative to air and sea travel between the UK and continental Europe. Trains cross the tunnel and connect with high-speed networks in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, railways designed for rapid intercity travel and centralized city-center terminals.

Eurostar is operated by Eurostar International Limited, with ownership by the French rail group SNCF and the Belgian rail operator SNCB. The Channel Tunnel infrastructure is managed separately by Getlink. The current fleet comprises modern high-speed trainsets built by Siemens (the Velaro E320), and the service has expanded through the integration of assets formerly operated by Thalys, enabling direct services to Amsterdam.

Typical journey times are around 2 hours from London to Paris and London to Brussels. London to Amsterdam services take longer, generally several hours depending on routing and stops. Check-in requirements and border controls vary by destination and current regulations, so travelers should verify up-to-date guidance before travel.

Eurostar competes with air travel on similar routes but offers city-center to city-center convenience and, for some journeys, lower emissions per passenger compared with flying. It has played a significant role in cross-channel mobility and European high-speed rail integration.