Eurostar has welcomed the highest ever number of passengers transported in one month, with one million customers having travelled in July 2015.

This milestone marks a year-on-year increase of 5.1 per cent in passengers compared with the same period last year.

With the introduction of the new direct service from London to the South of France, and ticket sales for core destinations at an all-time high, Eurostar sales are going from strength to strength as travellers choose the train over the plane.

Nicolas Petrovic, chief executive, Eurostar, said: “We have seen unprecedented demand over the summer months as customers are taking advantage of our frequent services and new routes.

“With passenger numbers increasing year-on-year, we are looking forward to the arrival of our new trains.

“The combination of more seats, superior comfort and state-of-the art design is set to transform the travel experience.”

August bank holiday weekend sales

Eurostar is set for a cracking August bank holiday weekend as over 148,000 passengers are expected to travel with the high-speed rail operator.

Friday August 28th is the busiest day for departures from the UK, with over 38,000 people travelling on this day alone, looking to make the most of long weekend.

Only four months after Eurostar’s new all year round direct service from London to the South of France embarked on its inaugural journey on May 1st, the high-speed rail operator has sold over 100,000 tickets to date.

Eurostar has seen a strong response for the route, which runs between London and Lyon, Avignon and Marseille, as passengers are drawn by the wide-ranging gastronomic and cultural attractions of the region.

The new service, which offers UK travellers a seamless, leisurely journey from the heart of London to the Mediterranean, has revolutionised cross-channel travel offering a more convenient alternative to flying.

As summer is coming to an end, many customers are now booking the service to Lyon for their winter ski trips.

With its proximity to the French Alps, the gastronomic capital of France provides a convenient gateway with easy road and rail connections to a range of popular ski resorts.