Ebbsfleet International Station is to open to travellers on November 19, Eurostar has announced.
The firm said the new station's position just off the M25 will enable it to compete head-to-head with the South East's airports for the first time.
It will be the fastest way to reach mainland Europe for a catchment of 10 million people, said Eurostar.
The station will have up to 2,500 parking spaces within five minutes' walk of the check-in gates. The parking charge will be £11.50 a day. Travellers in Business Premier and holders of Eurostar's frequent traveller card, Carte Blanche, will be given free parking for trips of up to four days at both stations.
From Ebbsfleet travellers will be able to reach Paris in just over two hours and Brussels in one hour 41 minutes. The opening of the new French high-speed rail line TGV Est this weekend will also make Ebbsfleet a gateway to Strasbourg, with a journey time of just over five hours, and other destinations in southern Germany. Ebbsfleet will also offer easy access to cities such as Amsterdam and Cologne - via a simple change at Brussels Midi.
There will be seven trains a day from Ebbsfleet International to Paris and five a day to Brussels.
Richard Brown, Eurostar's chief executive, said: "Ebbsfleet's strategic position means that for the first time Eurostar will not only challenge the airlines on customer service but also on location.
"For 10 million people across southern England, Ebbsfleet International will be the fastest way to Europe - much quicker than flying."
Eurostar’s decision to cut services at Ashford has led to huge anger across Kent and Sussex, with MPs from across the political divide joining forces to oppose the controversial move.
POSTED: 08/06/2007 12:34:28
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