Eurostar passengers have described being stuck on trains for hours overnight after a power outage in the Channel Tunnel sparked a day of chaos.
Travellers heading from London to Paris spent more than six hours stranded at the entrance to the tunnel.
Thousands of passengers faced hours of delays after the train operator cancelled all its London to Europe services on Tuesday when an overhead power supply problem and a failed LeShuttle train blocked all routes.
Passengers have been warned that continued delays and cancellations are possible on Wednesday, despite the resumption of services.
A statement on the Eurostar website said: "We plan to run all of our services today, however due to knock-on impacts there may still be some delays and possible last-minute cancellations."
Wednesday's first train from St Pancras to Gare du Nord station in Paris, scheduled for 6.01am, was cancelled but all other services were showing as scheduled on the company's website.
Follow the latest updates below...
Service resumes in London but disruptions remain elsewhere
09:50 , Georgia BellDespite service returning to normal for London, Eurostar trains continue to face disruption elsewhere.
Multiple services from Brussels to Paris have been cancelled entirely.
Passengers relying on the 1313 and 1843 services from Brussels to Paris will have to make alternative arrangements.
Normal LeShuttle service has resumed from Folkestone to Calais
08:47 , Georgia BellNormal service has mostly resumed on the LeShuttle service from Folkestone.
On the website, passengers were previously warned of a delay of around 30 minutes, but are encouraged to board as usual.
The website now says that the service is running on time.
This includes check-in, border controls, and departures, which are all now reportedly running on time.
There are still delays of an hour at Calais, a significant reduction from the six hour delays reported earlier this morning.
Photos taken yesterday show gridlocked traffic in Folkestone
08:45 , Georgia BellPassengers trying to travel from Folkestone to Calais yesterday faced gridlocked traffic, this photo posted to social media shows.
In the photo posted to X yesterday, drivers can be seen stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
One disgruntled traveller wrote: “We are stuck in lines of traffic waiting to board @Eurostar from #folkestone to #calais Going nowhere. Power failure apparently. One way to end the year!”
We are stuck in lines of traffic waiting to board @Eurostar from #folkestone to #calais Going nowhere. Power failure apparently. One way to end the year! @EurostarUK pic.twitter.com/K2jNGqTlZV
— Dean Pallant (@Dean_Pallant) December 30, 2025
Video show French travellers arguing with staff on Tuesday
08:26 , Georgia BellIn this video posted to X on Tuesday, French passengers hoping to travel to London for New Year’s can be seen.
The video, taken and posted yesterday, shows tensions rising in Paris.
The caption, originally written in French, says: ”At Gare du Nord, hundreds of people who had planned to celebrate the new year in London are stranded after the cancellation of their Eurostar.
“Only two trains are being maintained at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.
“Travelers are venting their anger after hours of waiting.”
Gare du Nord, des centaines de personnes qui avaient prévues de fêter le nouvel an à Londres sont bloquées après l’annulation de leur Eurostar. Seuls deux trains sont maintenus à 18 et 19h. Des voyageurs laissent éclater leur colère après des heures d’attente. Pour @Le_Figaro pic.twitter.com/ytCycRs8Kq
— Clara Hidalgo (@ClaraHidalgo99) December 30, 2025
Eurostar staff tried to manage crowds overnight
08:08 , Georgia BellSome unfortunate travellers took to social media to document their experience of the disruption on Tuesday evening.
One person described the efforts of Eurostar staff attempting to wrangle crowds, “trying to shout, and no one can hear”
They wrote on X: “Quite amazing scenes at St Pancras.
“Noones fault trains are cancelled but… staff are trying to shout info & noone can hear.
“One man has a tiny megaphone. Minimal info, tiny display board, no signs to indicate queue, no texts.
“Utter chaos. Should not be this way.”
@eurostar Quite amazing scenes at St Pancras. Noones fault trains are cancelled but… staff are trying to shout info & noone can hear. One man has a tiny megaphone. Minimal info, tiny display board, no signs to indicate queue, no texts. Utter chaos. Should not be this way. pic.twitter.com/axY1viOBrT
— Lloyd (@Lloydcommotion) December 30, 2025
LeShuttle has warned of six-hour-long queues at Calais
07:37 , Georgia BellLeShuttle, which transports passengers from Folkestone in the UK to Calais in France, has warned passengers of long wait times.
The disruption on Tuesday was partially due to a "failed" LeShuttle train, which blocked all routes, following a power supply problem in the Channel Tunnel.
The train has now been removed, but disruptions have continued into Wednesday morning.
On LeShuttle’s website, the service says that there are delays of around six hours for drivers in Calais.
At the Folkestone terminal, there are delays of one hour.
Passengers on both sides are being told to check in as planned.
Passengers stuck on trains overnight
07:34 , Georgia BellPassengers were stuck on trains overnight due to Eurostar travel chaos on Tuesday.
One of those passengers, Dennis Van Der Steen, boarded a train for Amsterdam, which left London St Pancras at 20:49 last night. Before the train reached the Eurostar tunnel, it stopped.
Dennis said what followed was a six-hour wait at the entrance to the tunnel with no power, before the train turned back to London.
He told the BBC: "We hope to be home for New Year's Eve and celebrate with family and friends. The train is dark, and the passengers are sleeping and waiting, and they're also very worried".
Another passenger on their way to Paris on the 19:01 service on Tuesday night told the BBC that he was stuck on board until 03:00.
He described the mood on board as "pretty chill" with "people sleeping and kids playing".
But he added the challenges faced by Eurostar crew who "are on no sleep" and had to deal with "angry passengers".
Crew had told passengers there was a "50% chance we go to Paris, 50% chance we go back to London".
First train of the day to Paris cancelled
07:22 , Georgia BellThe first Eurostar service of the day to Paris has been cancelled, but following services are scheduled to go ahead.
The 0601 service from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord was cancelled.
The remaining services throughout the day are currently scheduled to go ahead.
The subsequent 0631 service was delayed to 0706 “due to a technical problem on another train in the Channel Tunnel”.
The 0731 service is currently scheduled to run on time.
What happened yesterday? A recap
06:59 , Georgia Bell
Thousands of passengers saw their New Year travel plans scuppered on Tuesday when a major power supply failure in the Channel Tunnel caused all Eurostar and Le Shuttle services to be cancelled.
The cancellations began in the morning eventually leading Eurostar to announce that all London-Paris-Brussels-Amsterdam services were suspended.
The issue was caused by an overhead power supply fault inside the tunnel, which was worsened by a failed LeShuttle train.
St Pancras International became increasingly crowded as passengers waited for updates, many of whom had travelled long distances or arrived after international flights only to learn their trains were no longer running.
Many were forced to rebook for later dates or even cancel their trips entirely.
Several reported receiving little information on cancellations, accommodations, or food, and others complained that New Year’s Eve plans in Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam were “ruined.”
By mid-afternoon, it was confirmed that services would restart “very gradually”, with only one tunnel line available, leading to long delays.
Eurostar later began boarding a small number of services, warning that severe delays and last-minute cancellations were likely to continue.
LeShuttle, which travels between Folkestone and Calais, also resumed services on a single track, with long waits on both sides of the Channel and heavy congestion around Folkestone.
Despite resuming services, Eurostar still strongly advised passengers to postpone travel, and said disruption would likely continue into Wednesday.
Eurostar said it plans to run a full timetable today, but has warned passengers to expect ongoing delays.
Passengers warned of more delays as Eurostar services resume
06:45 , Michael HowieFirst, the good news. Eurostar is saying it plans to run all of its services today, between London St Pancras and France, Belgium and the Netherlands.
All its services are currently showing as scheduled on the company’s website - although today's first train from St Pancras to Gare du Nord station in Paris, due to leave at 6.01am, was cancelled.
However, passengers are being warned that “knock-on impacts” may result in delays and last-minute cancellations.
Good morning
06:40 , Michael HowieThe Standard is resuming its coverage of the disruption to cross-Channel trains following a day of chaos for Eurostar and LeShuttle passengers.
We’ll bring you the latest developments as tens of thousands of people try to make the journeys on New Year’s Eve.
Coverage ends
Tuesday 30 December 2025 19:22 , Megan HoweDelayed passengers are finally boarding services to their chosen European destinations after hours of disruption caused by a power supply outage.
However, Eurostar has warned that further delays are likely, and some travellers have said the disruption has ruined their New Year’s plans.
Our live coverage is ending for the day, but join us again tomorrow for the latest updates.
What is the latest?
Tuesday 30 December 2025 18:43 , Megan HoweOnly one line in the Channel Tunnel is currently available for trains to run on due to ongoing overhead power supply issues.
This means that there will be continued delays and longer journey times.
Eurostar said earlier today that all of its London to Europe services for the day were cancelled, but it later said trains would resume after the tunnel was partially reopened.
However customers have been urged to rebook travel for a different date and not to come to London St Pancras station if their train's cancellation was confirmed.
A problem with the overhead power supply and a failed LeShuttle train blocked all routes earlier on Tuesday, causing travel chaos for thousands trying to get away to celebrate the new year.
In a statement, Eurostar said: "As the Channel Tunnel has partially reopened we will start to resume services.
"The overhead power supply issue remains, and we strongly advise all our passengers to postpone their journey to a different date.
"Please don't come to the station if your train is confirmed as cancelled.
"We regret that trains that can run will be subject to severe delays and possible last-minute cancellations.
"Please check for live updates on the status of your train on the train status and timetables page."
Trains boarding at St Pancras after today's power outage
Tuesday 30 December 2025 17:46 , Megan HoweTrains appear to be boarding at London’s St Pancras station after the power outage earlier today.
The 17:31 service to Paris has fully boarded, while the 18:01 service is currently welcoming passengers aboard.
Later trains are also due to start boarding over the next hour or so.
Australian family's European tour trip 'up in the air' after cancellations
Tuesday 30 December 2025 17:09 , Megan HoweA trip across Europe for a family from New Zealand has turned into an "absolute nightmare" after their Eurostar train to Paris was cancelled.
Talea Uluakiola was visiting his daughter for Christmas in Manchester and was booked on the 9.30am train on Tuesday morning to spend New Year's Eve in Paris before travelling onwards to Brussels, Amsterdam and Germany.
He said: "We showed up, they held us - there was cancellations there, but they didn't tell us it was cancelled for about sort of two hours and they really didn't help us a lot.
"There was no help from the from the staff - they just basically shuffled us out and said 'you need to click on your app', but there's no seats anywhere, claim for reimbursements, and sort of said, 'right, you can get out now'."
He added: "We're pretty much stuck, there are no flights, there are no trains, and we have ongoing transportation from Paris, from the second of January, which carries right through on a European tour which is completely sort of up in the air and the costs if we want to book flights for us, being New Zealanders, is about 5-6000 New Zealand dollars.
"So, yeah, absolute nightmare."
He said their hotel in Paris had already told them they were not eligible for a refund and added: "We're tired, pretty despondent, we don't know what to do or where to go and there's no help from the staff really."
Passengers must be 'properly compensated', shadow transport secretary says
Tuesday 30 December 2025 17:04 , Megan HoweRail authorities must make sure passengers are "properly compensated" after Tuesday's Channel Tunnel power failure, the shadow transport secretary has said.
Conservative MP Richard Holden said: "It's incredibly frustrating to see so many people left stranded, with their travel plans thrown into chaos ahead of the new year.
"The Government must get ahead of this, work closely with Eurostar, Network Rail, and French partners to get passengers to their destinations, and ensure they are properly compensated for the disruption."
LeShuttle also restarts service
Tuesday 30 December 2025 15:46 , Nuray BulbulThe LeShuttle service, which carries vehicles through the Channel Tunnel, has started running again, though Eurostar says it is doing so “very gradually”. Services are operating in both directions on a single track, with “significant delays”.
Eurostar added, “Additional shuttles will be added in the evening and until tomorrow morning.”
Boarding announced for 15:04 Brussels service
Tuesday 30 December 2025 15:31 , Nuray BulbulEurostar services appear to be gradually resuming.
The company has just announced the 15:04 service to Brussels is now boarding.
Passengers are advised to proceed to the platform and have their tickets ready.
Eurostar to restart some services, passengers advised to delay travel
Tuesday 30 December 2025 15:14 , Nuray BulbulEurostar has issued a new update following the partial reopening of the Channel Tunnel:
“As the Channel Tunnel has partially reopened we will start to resume services.
The overhead power supply issue remains, and we strongly advise all our passengers to postpone their journey to a different date. Please don't come to the station if your train is confirmed as cancelled.
We regret that trains that can run will be subject to severe delays and possible last-minute cancellations.
Please check for live updates on the status of your train on the Train status and timetables page.”
What to do if your Eurostar train has been cancelled?
Tuesday 30 December 2025 15:02 , Nuray BulbulIf your Eurostar train has been impacted today, you have a few options:
- Rebook for another day: Eurostar allows you to reschedule your journey for a later date without extra charges.
- Get a refund: You can claim a full refund for your cancelled ticket.
- Check LNER connections: If you were travelling via LNER, you’re eligible to use your ticket to return home from London King’s Cross at no extra cost.
Check the Eurostar website or speak to staff for the latest updates before heading to the station.
LeShuttle services 'expected to resume gradually'
Tuesday 30 December 2025 14:45 , Megan HoweLeShuttle services through the Channel Tunnel are "expected to resume gradually" after an earlier power supply incident, the operator of the tunnel said.
Getlink, which manages and operates the tunnel, said in a statement: "An incident related to the power supply to trains occurred last night in part of the Channel Tunnel, affecting train and shuttle traffic.
“A technical intervention is required, which is currently underway.
"The service is temporarily suspended in both directions. Traffic is expected to resume gradually around 1500 CET for LeShuttle customers.
"Our teams are working to restore the situation as quickly as possible.
"Waiting times will be adjusted throughout the day.
"Eurotunnel apologises for the inconvenience and thanks its customers for their patience and understanding."
Travellers' New Year's Eve plans up in the air
Tuesday 30 December 2025 14:33 , Michael HowieEdie Nixon, 17, and Caitlin Tandy, 18, had planned to spend New Year’s Eve in Paris, with transport booked from December 30 to January 2.
But they arrived at St Pancras to find out their train was cancelled.
The next train with free seats was on January 1.
“Even on the app now it says it's not canceled, it's still running, but people here have just said everything's canceled,” Edie said.
“We don't actually know what we're doing now for New Year’s.”
'My New Year's Eve party in Paris is ruined'
Tuesday 30 December 2025 14:11 , Michael HowieOne traveller, Ronan, 28, told The Standard that he’d planned to spend New Year’s Eve “partying” with his friends in Paris, but had to reschedule his train to January 1.
“Every year, something seems to happen around this time of year,” he said.
In 2023, his journey was also disrupted when the Eurostar cancelled trains due to flooding. “This is the second year this has happened in the last three years.”
Channel Tunnel operator confirms train services will slowly restart this afternoon
Tuesday 30 December 2025 13:46 , Nuray BulbulTrain operations through the Channel Tunnel are expected to restart gradually this afternoon, according to the tunnel operator’s latest statement.
The company explained that a technical team is currently addressing the problem.
While all services remain suspended in both directions for now, normal traffic is anticipated to resume gradually around 2pm (GMT).
The operator said its teams are working to resolve the situation as quickly as possible and that waiting times will continue to be updated throughout the day.
Earlier, Eurostar confirmed that all trains were halted “until further notice” and advised passengers to avoid travelling. Le Shuttle, which transports vehicles and passengers, has also reported significant delays.
St Pancras crowded with Eurostar passengers
Tuesday 30 December 2025 13:34 , Nuray BulbulSt Pancras International is exceptionally busy today as travellers wait for updates on cancelled Eurostar services.
The atmosphere appears to be a mix of frustration and fatigue, with many travellers having arrived after long flights or journeys and now facing uncertainty about when — or if — they will be able to continue to Paris.
Eurostar cancellations cause congestion in the Folkestone area
Tuesday 30 December 2025 13:19 , Nuray BulbulThe Channel Tunnel handles both Eurostar passenger trains and LeShuttle freight and vehicle-carrying services between the UK and France.
The disruption has also impacted LeShuttle, with services between Folkestone and Calais currently suspended.
Reports indicate severe traffic congestion in the Folkestone area as travellers are unable to board the trains.
LNER offers free return travel for passengers affected by cancellations
Tuesday 30 December 2025 13:06 , Nuray BulbulPassengers on LNER whose journeys have been cancelled can travel back from London King’s Cross without paying extra.
According to the company, “any customers forced to cut their trip short at London King’s Cross can return to their home station on the next available LNER service at no extra charge.”
Additionally, LNER travellers who decide to postpone their Eurostar journey to another day can use their current LNER ticket to make the return trip on the same day, the statement notes.
Passengers left waiting at St Pancras as all Eurostar trains cancelled
Tuesday 30 December 2025 12:57 , Nuray BulbulPassengers have been left waiting at St Pancras International Station after all Eurostar services were cancelled today.
Crowds gathered trying to get information or rebook their journeys.
Frustration and uncertainty are evident as travellers navigate the disruption, with some having arrived after long international flights and now facing extended delays.
All Eurostar trains cancelled today
Tuesday 30 December 2025 12:48 , Nuray BulbulPassengers have been informed that all Eurostar trains are cancelled today, with staff advising them to rebook for a later date.
“We don’t know what we’re going to do”: Eurostar passengers left waiting
Tuesday 30 December 2025 12:45 , Nuray Bulbul
Isabela Morotti, 17, and Luan Castro, 23, from Brazil say their plans to travel to Paris were thrown into uncertainty after their Eurostar train was cancelled shortly after they arrived in London.
The pair had just completed an 11-hour flight and were planning to spend the week in Paris, including New Year’s Eve. “We already had a hotel booked in Paris,” Morotti said, “Now we don’t know if we can go.” Castro added.
They were offered a refund or a rescheduled ticket for the next day, but said no accommodation or food was provided. “Probably not,” Morotti said when asked if a hotel would be covered. “Not even a place to sit.”
The group, made up of nine people — many of them under 18 and travelling as part of an exchange programme — said they only learned their train might be cancelled once they were already at the station. “We were really disappointed,” Morotti said.
Despite the frustration, they said they understood staff were under pressure, but felt communication could have been better. For now, they plan to stay overnight and try again the following day. “It’s terrible,” Castro said. “It’s our first time here in London — our first big trip.”
Eurostar passengers face extended waits amid disruption
Tuesday 30 December 2025 12:28 , Nuray BulbulPassengers waiting to board Eurostar services report extended waits due to delays and cancellations.
Many remain in stations awaiting further updates on whether their journeys will go ahead.
One user took to social media: “We are stuck in lines of traffic waiting to board @Eurostar from #folkestone to #calais Going nowhere. Power failure apparently. One way to end the year!.”
We are stuck in lines of traffic waiting to board @Eurostar from #folkestone to #calais Going nowhere. Power failure apparently. One way to end the year! @EurostarUK pic.twitter.com/K2jNGqTlZV
— Dean Pallant (@Dean_Pallant) December 30, 2025
Another user said: “Still stalled for 3 hours going to Belgium. Waiting for a train stuck in the only operating tunnel to be moved. Other trains are currently in the same situation behind us. Left London at 07. @Eurostar”
Still stalled for 3 hours going to Belgium. Waiting for a train stuck in the only operating tunnel to be moved. Other trains are currently in the same situation behind us. Left London at 07. @Eurostar pic.twitter.com/KBtpnI5ZlY
— Jay (@ojayslawyer) December 30, 2025
Le Shuttle is warning customers to prepare for long delays
Tuesday 30 December 2025 12:13 , Nuray Bulbul
Significant disruption is affecting vehicle shuttle services at both Channel Tunnel terminals.
Le Shuttle, which carries cars and other road vehicles between the UK and France, is experiencing long waiting times.
Drivers departing from the UK should expect queues of roughly three and a half hours beyond their scheduled crossing.
In France, delays are currently estimated at about two hours.
Despite the disruption, passengers using either terminal are advised to arrive and check in at their originally allocated time.
Which trains are delayed?
Tuesday 30 December 2025 12:05 , Nuray BulbulLondon to Paris
06:01 – London St Pancras Int’l - 7:31 / 10:39 – Paris Gare du Nord
07:01 – London St Pancras Int’l - 10:19 / 14:19 – Paris Gare du Nord
08:01 – London St Pancras Int’l - 11:19 / 13:39 – Paris Gare du Nord
Paris to London
07:12 / 07:22 – Paris Gare du Nord - 08:32 / 09:42 – London St Pancras Int’l
07:42 – Paris Gare du Nord - 09:00 / 09:45 – London St Pancras Int’l
08:42 – Paris Gare du Nord → 10:00 / 12:00 – London St Pancras Int’l
09:12 – Paris Gare du Nord - 10:30 / 12:00 – London St Pancras Int’l
10:12 – Paris Gare du Nord - 11:30 / 13:30 – London St Pancras Int’l
11:12 – Paris Gare du Nord - 12:30 / 14:30 – London St Pancras Int’l
12:12 – Paris Gare du Nord - 13:30 / 16:00 – London St Pancras Int’l
Eurostar urges passengers to reschedule
Tuesday 30 December 2025 11:56 , Nuray BulbulTravellers are being urged by Eurostar to reschedule their trips due to a fault in the overhead power system in the Channel Tunnel.
In a statement written online, the company said:
“Due to a problem with the overhead power supply in the Channel Tunnel and a subsequent failed Le Shuttle train, we strongly advise all our passengers to postpone their journey to a different date.
Please don't come to the station unless you already have a ticket to travel.
We regret that trains that can run are subject to severe delays and last-minute cancellations.”
Which trains are cancelled?
Tuesday 30 December 2025 11:49 , Nuray BulbulLondon to Paris
07:31 - 10:49 (Train number ES 9006) — Cancelled
14:31 - 17:49 (Train number ES 9032) — Cancelled
15:31 - 18:49 (Train number ES 9036) — Cancelled
20:01 - 23:19 (Train number ES 9054) — Cancelled
Paris to London
15:12 - 16:30 (Train number ES 9039) — Cancelled
17:12 - 18:30 (Train number ES 9047) — Cancelled
20:12 - 21:30 (Train number ES 9059) — Cancelled
21:12 - 22:30 (Train number ES 9063) — Cancelled
