Eurostar, the cross-channel train service, has introduced measures to alleviate overcrowding at London’s St Pancras station. Passengers can now board trains 30 minutes earlier than previously allowed, reducing the need to wait in an overcrowded departure lounge. This initiative is part of a three-stage plan aimed at increasing capacity at the station, which has been under pressure due to a significant rise in demand for international rail travel. Predictions indicate that demand could triple in the coming years, prompting Eurostar to take proactive steps to enhance the passenger experience.
The rise in Eurostar’s popularity is reflected in their passenger counts, with a notable increase of 4.23 percent year-on-year, translating to an additional 101,000 travelers in the first half of the year alone. St Pancras has witnessed some of its busiest weeks with passenger numbers peaking at 136,000. This success, however, has brought challenges, as the historic station struggles with limited space, leading to long queues for check-in, security, and border checks. The situation has often left passengers with little choice but to stand in congested waiting areas, highlighting the urgent need for operational adjustments.
The response to these challenges includes allowing passengers to board earlier, which is a crucial step in a broader initiative to not only manage current traffic but also prepare for future increases. Eurostar, in collaboration with station authorities, aims to bolster capacity from 1,800 to 5,000 passengers per hour, showcasing a competitive service comparable to Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 5. Richard Thorp, the chief operating officer of London St Pancras High Speed, emphasized the commitment to enhancing the overall experience for international travelers, reinforcing the significance of a seamless journey between city centers.
Looking ahead, the growth forecast for St Pancras is significant, with projections estimating a rise in passenger numbers from 11 million to 35 million annually by 2040. Thorp’s comments underline a keen awareness of the competitive landscape, compelling Eurostar and station management to refine their services to provide an attractive alternative to traveling through airports. The enhancements aim to promote the convenience of train travel as a superior option for passengers connected to city centers.
In addition to addressing passenger capacity, Eurostar is preparing for the implementation of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), set to debut in October. The EES is designed to streamline border checks that have become increasingly complicated post-Brexit, particularly with the current delays during passport checks. The new system will replace traditional passport stamping with electronic processes that necessitate updated technology at borders. At St Pancras, this transition will involve the doubling of both border staff and manual booths to cope with the new requirements.
As part of the EES rollout, Eurostar has made logistical adjustments to accommodate new kiosks, which can’t all be placed in their traditional locations due to space constraints. An increase in kiosks from 24 to 49 will be needed, and thus they will be positioned throughout the station, adjacent to current domestic rail and HS1 services. Furthermore, passengers will benefit from the presence of specially-trained staff to assist with the new booths. This EU initiative will be followed by the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) in late 2026, introducing pre-registration requirements for non-EU travelers, further altering the travel experience for passengers crossing the Channel.
