Report sets out Eurostar’s economic impact

By Andrew Grantham | 2026-07-14

RBUK

Eurostar has published a report commissioned from policy consultancy Public First which sets out the high speed train operator’s economic impact on the UK, and argues that expanding international high speed rail services would make the UK economy more competitive, more productive and better connected.

Eurostar said Fast track to growth: Boosting Britain through international high speed rail is ‘the most comprehensive assessment of international high-speed rail’s contribution to the UK to date. It shows Eurostar is not simply a transport operator but a piece of national infrastructure that boosts Britain’s economy, provides high-quality, high-pay jobs and builds deep cultural ties.’

Launching the report in London on July 8, Eurostar CEO Gwendoline Cazenave said ‘this research shows what Eurostar already delivers – and why international rail is worth investing in’.

She said ‘we want to show that international rail is worth investing in, through private money and through a bold public framework. It is a moment of great opportunity for the UK, not to be missed.’

She said ‘connection creates opportunity and growth’ and ‘the UK now needs a bold vision to match the private investment on the table – more depot capacity, a bold expansion of [London] St Pancras and a seamless border. Now is the time to act to ensure Britain plays a leading role in Europe’s high speed rail future.’

Report findings

Public First’s economic modelling shows that Eurostar supported 23 000 jobs and almost £2bn of gross value added economic activity in the UK in 2025. This is predicted to grow to 40 000 jobs and a £2.8bn economic contribution by 2035.

Eurostar’s direct economic footprint is valued at £213m/year, and its supply chain footprint with purchases from more than 650 businesses in the UK adds £770m/year.

Eurostar generated £339m in productivity benefits from uninterrupted work while travelling, saving the equivalent of 332 000 additional working days compared to air travel.

With the increased capacity from the future introduction of its Alstom double-deck trains and higher frequencies on existing routes, Eurostar has the potential to deliver £420m of productivity benefits per year by 2035.

Tim Leunig, director at Public First and Visiting Professor at the London School of Economics, said ‘we expected to find that Eurostar was good for the UK economy. What surprised us was how much of that value comes through competitiveness – more productive businesses, higher-quality jobs and connectivity that has made King’s Cross one of Europe’s leading investment destinations. The role of international rail in growing the UK economy is clear.’