These days, Eurostar passengers are enjoying a long-awaited service upgrade. That's because the famous English Channel tunnel train is moving at a faster clip. Introduction of the UK's first true high-speed line has been much anticipated. It means a greener, more convenient travel experience... along with shorter trip times between Southeast England and Europe.
 

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It has been over a dozen years since Eurostar initiated direct passenger rail linking London with Brussels and Paris. In that time, the train has become the preferred choice for crossing between Britain and the Continent -- more popular than either channel ferries or travel by air. Now, with new high-speed track between London and the coast cutting at least 20 minutes off travel times, the under-sea shuttle is already more popular than ever.

The skinny on the project is High Speed 1 (HS1), a 68-mi/109-km fast track formerly called the Channel Tunnel Rail Link. Over a decade in the making, the line will enable Eurostar to sustain speeds of up to 208 mph/334.7 km/h. In practical terms that means London to Paris Gare du Nord in two-and-a-quarter hours; Brussels and other points in even less. Also, for the first time, early morning trains enable UK business travelers to reach Paris, Brussels or Lille in time to do a full day's work.

At the head of the line, Eurostar has traded its Waterloo terminus near London's South Bank for the brilliantly restored St. Pancras Station in King's Cross. St. Pancras, together with neighboring King's Cross and Euston now forms a transport nexus befitting 21c London. High-speed Eurostar trains converge with six Underground (Tube) lines and trains from Edinburgh, Newcastle, Brighton and the east coast.

HS1 is a boon for south-east suburban passengers looking to avoid the nasty slog into London.

The new station at Ebbsfleet incorporates a long-term car park and will be served by high-frequency shuttles to local railway stations and to the nearby Bluewater shopping centre. A second station at Stratford is due to come on line in time for the 2012 Olympics, while the existing station at Ashford will continue to serve international passengers.

High-speed service from London is not limited to Paris and Brussels. Depending upon one's departure point, a day in Calais -- with its bargain shopping and authentic bistros -- is an hour's journey or less. Minutes away are Lille -- a historic urbanity with a young and cosmopolitan flavor -- and Disneyland Resort Paris. Seasonal runs hit the Alpine slopes in winter and escape to sunny Provence in summer.

For Eurostar passengers, long delays associated with air travel are replaced by fast, secure check-in procedures. Departure lounges offer a range of airport-style services and amenities. Customized coaches cater to the separate needs of executive and pleasure travelers and all coaches benefit from spacious layouts and comfortable seating. Service levels range from economy-fare travel to a variety of first class options.

Speed, convenience and comfort are just part of the overall Eurostar experience. An independent study has shown that air passengers generate ten times greater greenhouse gas emissions than travelers who choose high-speed rail. And, thanks to HS1, Eurostar is committed to achieving "carbon neutrality" by reducing carbon dioxide emmissions by 25% by 2012.

Passengers may choose among four travel classes:

First Class - Premier: Exchangeable ticket includes oversized reclining seat (night trains: private sleeper with toilet/shower), complimentary fine dining service and access to exclusive in-station lounge.

First Class - Comfort: Non-exchangeable ticket includes oversized reclining seat (night trains: shared sleeper compartment), complimentary fine dining service.

Second Class - Freedom:Exchangeable ticket includes standard class seat (night trains: berth in shared compartment), bar-buffet car access.

Second Class - Economy:Non-exchangeable ticket includes standard class seat (night trains: reclining seat), bar-buffet car access.

Wheelchair users (including one travel companion) as well as rail pass holders, children, seniors, groups are eligible for reduced fares. Travel by unaccompanied children ages 13 to 17 is sometimes permitted. Assistance dogs are permitted on all trains. All trains house baby changing facilities. Special meal must be requested by email or fax (48 hours notice for Kosher, Halal, gluten free, diabetic, low fat or low salt; 12 hours notice for vegan or vegetarian).

Eurostar maintains a Frequent Traveller program to reward regular users. Passengers detraining at Brussels may continue travel to any other Belgian Station at no additional charge. Travelers desiring motorail/auto train service should contact EuroTunnel which operates drive-on and drive-off shuttles between Folkestone and Sangatte (Calais/Coquelles).

Eurostar HS1 service is popular and tickets sell-out fast. Order early to avoid disappointment. To book Eurostar travel, please visit your Rail Europe Eurostar Booking Center: USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia/New Zealand.