The thermometer keeps climbing across Europe, and it's starting to disrupt how people travel. A relentless heatwave pushed by scorching Saharan air is driving temperatures five to ten degrees above normal, triggering health warnings in France, the UK, Spain, and beyond. Both locals and tourists are feeling the burn, and now the rail network is cracking under the pressure.

Eurostar, the high-speed rail operator connecting London and Paris, has announced it will cancel a portion of its services between June 23 and June 25, 2026. The operator released a statement on its website: "Due to expected adverse weather on the Eurostar network, your train is cancelled. We're so sorry for the disruption and any inconvenience caused. We understand how much this affects your travel plans, and we're here to help you find the best way forward."

Which trains are cancelled

Six services have been removed from the schedule across the three-day period:

  • Tuesday, June 23: 10:07 departure from Paris Gare du Nord to London St Pancras
  • Tuesday, June 23: 13:31 departure from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord
  • Wednesday, June 24: 13:31 departure from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord
  • Wednesday, June 24: 18:08 departure from Paris Gare du Nord to London St Pancras
  • Thursday, June 25: 15:31 departure from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord
  • Thursday, June 25: 20:08 departure from Paris Gare du Nord to London St Pancras

While six trains may sound modest, Eurostar emphasizes that the vast majority of its timetable remains intact. The extreme heat is simply making it unsafe to run these specific services, as the high temperatures directly damage rail infrastructure and create safety risks for passengers.

What travellers need to know

If your journey falls within these windows, Eurostar is offering affected passengers free rebooking on alternative trains. The operator is actively encouraging customers to reschedule their trips to dates outside the heatwave window if possible. Vulnerable passengers and those with health concerns related to heat exposure are being urged to postpone their travel entirely.

Beyond the London-Paris cancellations, Eurostar is also responding to infrastructure challenges elsewhere. From Thursday, June 25 onwards, trains running between Brussels and the French border will operate at reduced speeds during daylight hours, adding extra time to journeys in that region. This slowdown is a request from Infrabel, Belgium's rail infrastructure operator, designed to protect the network during peak heat stress. Fortunately, this speed reduction does not apply to London-Paris services.

Staying safe on your journey

Eurostar is rolling out its Solstice hot weather plan to keep passengers comfortable. Complimentary water will be distributed both on trains and at stations, helping travellers stay hydrated throughout their journey. The operator is also urging passengers to take extra precautions, dress appropriately, and listen to crew instructions regarding heat safety.

For those planning a trip to Paris or London during this period, it's worth checking your booking in advance. If you've booked one of the cancelled services, Eurostar will contact you directly. Travel outside the heat window if you can, or if you're already committed to these dates, allow extra time for rescheduled trains and bring plenty of water for the crossing.

This heat-driven disruption is a stark reminder that extreme weather doesn't just complicate your sightseeing plans, it can genuinely affect how the entire European transport network operates. Keep an eye on your email and Eurostar's website as the dates approach, and stay flexible if you can. Europe's summer heat is no joke.