METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Eurostar reduces London to Paris travel time

Forty-six miles of new tracks allow Eurostar to achieve the same top operating speed of 186 mph as it does on high-speed tracks in Belgium.

September 29, 2003
1 min to read


Regular commercial service on the Eurostar train, using a recently-completed section of high-speed tracks in England, which began Sunday, reduces travel time between London and Paris to 2 hours and 35 minutes--20 minutes faster than previously. Travel times between London and Brussels, reduced to 2 hours and 20 minutes, have benefited as well. The 46 miles of new tracks, called Channel Tunnel Rail Link 1 or CTRL 1, allow Eurostar to achieve the same top operating speed of 186 mph as it does on high-speed tracks in Belgium. Until now, Eurostar has only been able to travel at that speed on the continent, since it shared the same tracks as regular non high-speed trains in England. CTRL 2, the second and final 24-mile section of high-speed track on Eurostar's route in England, will reduce travel times by another 15 minutes when completed in 2007 and will include a tunnel to bring Eurostar to the St. Pancras rail station in London.

Topics:Rail

More Rail

An MBTA commuter rail at a station.
Railby StaffMarch 31, 2026

Massachusetts Announces Summer Savings for Commuter Rail Riders

With major events and increased travel expected across the state this summer, the Administration is focused on making sure people have a reliable, affordable alternative to driving so we can reduce congestion, support daily commuters, and keep Massachusetts moving.

Read More →
A Sound Transit Crosslake Connection Link light rail vehicle
Railby StaffMarch 30, 2026

Sound Transit Opens Crosslake Connection, Completing Link 2 Line

The final seven-mile segment of the 2 Line includes new stations at Mercer Island and Judkins Park and connects to the 1 Line at the International District/Chinatown Station. The Link light rail system now spans 63 miles and includes 50 stations.

Read More →
SEPTA M vehicle on bridge
Railby StaffMarch 30, 2026

SEPTA Set to Begin Major Rehabilitation Project Along M Line

From March 29 through May 9, shuttle buses will replace train service between Bridgeport Station and Norristown Transit Center. Train service will operate as normal between Bridgeport Station and 69th Street Transit Center.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Supervisor and LA Metro Board Member Lindsey P. Horvath stands at a podium with a crowd of community members behind her.
Railby Staff and News ReportsMarch 27, 2026

LA Metro Board Advances K Line Northern Extension Through Fairfax and West Hollywood

The project will create the first continuous north-south rail line in the LA basin, connecting major job centers, transit lines, and communities.

Read More →
Nadine S. Lee
Managementby StaffMarch 26, 2026

DART's President/CEO Announces Departure from Agency

Nadine S. Lee, who has served as president/CEO since July 2021, said the decision comes after careful reflection on the agency’s progress and its path forward.

Read More →
A Houston automated people mover manufactured by Alstom.
Technologyby Staff and News ReportsMarch 26, 2026

Biz Briefs: Alstom in Houston, DATTCO Makes Acquisition, and More

In this edition of Biz Briefs, we highlight the latest developments shaping the future of mobility — from manufacturers and technology providers to transit agencies and motorcoach service operators.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
An Amtrak Acela train at New York Penn Station
Railby StaffMarch 24, 2026

Transportation Secretary Duffy, Amtrak Announce Progress on New York Penn Station Project

As part of the contract, the AECOM-LiRo NYPennT Joint Venture will work with Amtrak and the selected Master Developer to completely transform Penn Station, improving safety and operational efficiency, making the system more family-friendly, accommodating increased train and passenger capacity, and delivering a world-class experience to its growing passenger base, according to Amtrak officials.

Read More →
A screenshot of ZeroEyes AI gun detection technology.
Railby Staff and News ReportsMarch 24, 2026

ZeroEyes Launches ZeroLink to Expand AI Gun Detection Beyond Traditional Networks

New edge-based solution enables real-time threat detection and situational awareness in remote, mobile, and infrastructure-limited environments.

Read More →
A Chicago rail and rail car in the city.
Railby Staff and News ReportsMarch 23, 2026

UPDATED: Chicago Transit Authority Granted Temporary Restraining Order against FTA Over Paused Funding for Red Line Extension, Modernization

The Chicago agency seeks restoration of nearly $2 billion in federal funding, warning halted projects could impact transit access and economic growth.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
GO Transit railcars
Railby StaffMarch 20, 2026

Alstom Awarded 5-Year Extension for GO Transit, UP Express Services

Company officials said that this latest contract extension with Metrolinx consolidates the company’s position as the leading private provider of Operations and maintenance services in North America.

Read More →