Eurostar consolidates online bookings

Seven domestic train operators can now book through tickets to continental Europe

Eurostar's joined-up system allows booking of entire journeys from UK stations to continental Europe

Eurostar is linking its electronic ticketing facility with seven UK train operators’ systems so domestic and international trips no longer need to be booked separately.

Chiltern Railways, East Midlands Trains, First Capital Connect, Hull Trains, London Midland, National Express East Coast and Virgin Trains are now part of the network following integration work by supplier Fujitsu.

The goal is to link all the 25 members of the UK's Association of Train Operating Companies and a second wave of operators, including Great First Western and East Anglia are expected to be linked to the system by the end of the year.

"With this new ticketing system many travellers can now book their entire journey from their local mainline station to Continental Europe through one joined-up service," said Eurostar head of distribution and commercial systems Jamel Chandoul.

"This is one of a number of key customer service initiatives designed to make the whole travelling experience for passengers as easy as possible," he said.

The consolidation of Eurostar's booking system means that travellers from 68 cities across the UK can book through-tickets to destinations in France, Belgium and Holland. By 2009, the operator will aim to add Germany, Switzerland and Austria to its network.

"Our goal is to make Eurostar a gateway to Continental Europe for UK travellers, so there will be other European countries added to our system in the near future."