New services from the new Ebbsfleet International station began yesterday (19 November).
Ebbsfleet International is the second new station on High- Speed 1, the UK”s first high-speed line, located near Junction 2 of the M25, close to the Dartford crossing and the Bluewater shopping centre.
”Ebbsfleet International is as close to the M25 as any London airport, and is the fastest way to Europe,” said Eurostar chief executive, Richard Brown.
Eurostar has revealed that sales at its Bluewater shop have now reached ”500,000 ($1.02m) in the six months since it opened.
There are 2,500 parking spaces within a five minute walk of the check- in gates, with a charge of ”11.50 a day, which Eurostar says is ”significantly” cheaper than London”s main airports.
Business Premier ticket holders and members of Eurostar”s Carte Blanche frequent traveller scheme can park free up to four days. While the station offer”s Avis car rental, taxi”s and valet parking and car wash services will be available soon.
Check-in times are 30min and only 10min for Business Premier travellers.
Brown added, ”Travellers can avoid congested airports; long check-in queues and baggage reclaim delays, and nip across to mainland Europe in relaxing style.”
”It enables business travellers to get up later, arrive earlier, and do a full day”s work.”
”Ebbsfleet International will appeal to many thousands of Eurostar travellers living south and south-west of the capital, who may prefer an alternative to St Pancras International, Eurostar”s new station in central London.”
In addition, Eurostar has also announced that it will be spending a further ”750,000 ($154,000) on improving facilities at Ashford International, taking total investment to more than ”1.5m.