You may be surprised to learn that Eurostar passenger numbers have dramatically increased in the last 12 years but not at the cost of air travel as overall passenger numbers have actually more than doubled for routes such as London to Paris and London to Brussels !

There is no doubt that the success of the high speed train Eurostar service which connects London to Paris, Lille and Brussels has been a major factor in reducing air travel cost and also increasing the quality of city break and package holiday deals.

You can travel on the Eurostar for as little as £59 return which is superb value considering that you leave London and in just over 2 hours you have arrived in France ! The channel tunnel was a remarkable achievement that involved over 15,000 workers and cost an estimated £10 billion to complete but the long term economy benefits are now starting to show.

Unlike many rail routes in the UK that are infamous for poor punctuality records, the Eurostar service has been a real star in this area with record breaking figures including a 97% punctuality rate ! And another advantage over the airlines is the 30 minute check in for leisure passengers and even an express 10 minute check in for business travel !

When you think of transport and technological success stories in the modern era you must put the Eurostar service at the very top. Named the worlds leading rail service for nine years in a row, record breaking passenger numbers and for the eco friendly did you know that independent research has shown that a passenger who flies between London and Paris or Brussels generates ten times more emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) than one who goes by Eurostar high-speed train !

And if like myself you are scared of flying then the Eurostar is the dream journey offering cheap fares online, comfort and a reliable service !

Kevin McNally
www.booktrain.co.uk