12 April 2017
Travellers making tracks to Europe this Easter
- Eurostar is expecting its busiest ever Easter with over 163,000 passengers booked to travel
- 12% rise year on year over the Easter bank holiday weekend
- Friday 14th April is the busiest day for UK departures
Eurostar is expecting over 163,000 passengers to travel over its busiest ever Easter weekend, a 12% rise in passenger numbers for the high-speed rail operator compared to the equivalent period in 2016*.
Friday 14th April is the busiest day for departures from the UK, with over 20,000 people travelling to Europe as they make the most of the long weekend. Over 82,000 departures are expected from the UK across the four days.
Paris is the most popular destination, with over 48,000 Brits escaping the UK for a mini break in France’s capital and the home of some of Europe’s most famous master chocolatiers.
Mary Walsh, Director of Communications, Eurostar, said: “As travellers set off for the Easter weekend, our station teams are looking forward to making their journeys even more memorable. We’ll be handing out activities to keep the children entertained, free upgrades for lucky passengers and are expecting some visits from the Easter bunny with Easter eggs to deliver.”
Eurostar’s new e320 trains with 20% more capacity can take more people under the channel to Europe. Travellers can relax in more spacious surroundings and enjoy free wi-fi and over 300 hours of entertainment – all streamed straight to their phone, tablet or laptop.
With quick and convenient check-in, a seamless city-centre to city-centre journey, generous baggage allowance, free travel for under fours and space to relax on board, high speed rail is the perfect way to start a holiday.
For more information or to book Eurostar tickets visit www.eurostar.com or call the Eurostar contact centre on 08432 186 186.
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors
- *Period from Thursday 13 April 2017 – Monday 17 April 2017 compared to Thursday 24 March 2016 – Monday 28 March 2016
Customers travelling by Eurostar can enjoy a range of benefits including:
- Seamless city centre to city centre travel, with stations located in the heart of our destinations
- Fast and convenient check-in - passengers are asked to arrive only 30 minutes before departure (or 10 minutes if travelling Business Premier)
- Generous, free-of-charge baggage allowance with each passengers allowed 2 bags/suitcases and 1 piece of hand luggage
- No queues or baggage reclaim upon arrival - simply take your bag with you on board
- Comfort and space on board to work or unwind
About Eurostar
- Eurostar is the high-speed train service linking St Pancras International, Ebbsfleet International, Ashford International, Paris, Brussels, Lille, Calais, Disneyland Resort Paris, Lyon, Avignon, Marseille and the French Alps.
- The current Eurostar train was first introduced into service in 1994 carrying 750 passengers and operating at speeds of up to 300kph. Since then, the fleet of 28 trains has carried more than 150 million passengers between London and the Continent. Following their refurbishment these trains will continue to form a core part of the Eurostar fleet. The new e320 will carry around 900 passengers at speeds of up to 320kph.
- Eurostar was established in 1994 as a partnership between three railway companies: SNCF, SNCB and LCR (London and Continental Railways). On 1 September 2010, Eurostar became a single, unified corporate entity owned by three shareholders: SNCF, SNCB and LCR. LCR’s holding was transferred to the Treasury in 2014, and sold by the UK government to a consortium comprising Caisse de Depot et Placement du Quebec (CDPQ) and Hermes Infrastructure on 28th May 2015.
- Eurostar is a founder member of Railteam, a partnership between Europe’s leading high-speed train operators that is developing simpler ways to book and travel on the fast-expanding, European high-speed rail network.
- Eurostar and Eurotunnel are entirely separate companies. Eurostar operates high-speed passenger trains, while Eurotunnel operates vehicle shuttle services and the Channel Tunnel itself. Eurostar is Eurotunnel’s biggest customer.
For more information:Eurostar Press Office 020 7843 5500press.office@eurostar.com