Project Profile: Gare du Nord Expansion and Modernisation

The Gare du Nord modernisation project represents a critical infrastructure upgrade for Europe’s busiest railway station, transforming the historic Parisian hub to accommodate future passenger growth. This €600 million programme has expanded the station’s footprint nearly threefold, enhancing operational capacity, passenger flow, and intermodal connectivity. The project delivers a high-capacity terminal prepared for projected traffic increases through 2030 and beyond, integrating state-of-the-art facilities while preserving its 19th-century architectural heritage.

Technical Specifications

The core of the expansion involved the construction of a new departure terminal on the station’s eastern side, effectively separating passenger departure and arrival flows to mitigate congestion. This structural addition increased the station’s total area to 110,000m², designed to handle a projected capacity of 900,000 passengers daily by 2030. The Eurostar terminal was significantly enlarged by 1,500m², streamlining border control and check-in processes for international high-speed rail services. Enhanced vertical circulation, including new escalators and lifts, improves access to all platforms and intermodal connections.

Intermodal integration was a key design pillar. The station provides seamless interchange with Paris Métro lines 4 and 5 and the RER (Réseau Express Régional) lines B, D, and E. The upgraded layout improves signage and accessibility to these networks, reducing transfer times for commuters and international travellers. The project also delivered expanded commercial and service areas, including new retail spaces, passenger lounges, and public amenities, transforming the station from a simple transit point into a comprehensive urban facility.

Key Takeaways

• Massive Capacity Enhancement: The project nearly tripled the station’s size, future-proofing it for decades of anticipated passenger growth and enabling it to efficiently manage traffic from major international events like the 2024 Paris Olympics.
• Optimised Passenger Flow: By creating distinct departure and arrival zones and expanding international terminals, the redesign directly addresses historical bottlenecks, improving operational efficiency and the overall passenger experience.
• Advanced Multi-Modal Hub: The modernisation strengthens Gare du Nord’s role as a critical European transport node by improving the integration of high-speed rail (Eurostar), regional express services (RER), and urban transit (Métro).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When did the new Gare du Nord expansion open?

The major phases of the Gare du Nord expansion were completed by 2024 to support the Paris Olympic Games. This delivered a significant increase in station capacity and introduced new passenger facilities, with final ancillary work continuing into the following years.

Who operates the Gare du Nord station?

Gare du Nord is owned and operated by SNCF Gares & Connexions, a subsidiary of the French national railway company, SNCF. It serves as a primary hub for national TGV services and international operators, most notably the Eurostar Group, which runs high-speed services to the UK, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany.