Case Study: Eurostar delivers real-time offline journey tracking and destination planning with Google Cloud Platform

Eurostar helping passengers track their journey and plan destinations

Eurostar, the high‑speed rail service linking major European cities, wanted its 2012 onboard digital upgrade (Wi‑Fi, entertainment and mapping) to do more than show location — it needed to inspire travellers with local recommendations and direction info while coping with unique technical challenges like 186 mph speeds and long tunnels that cause intermittent connectivity. The challenge was to deliver a smooth, familiar map experience that worked reliably both online and offline.

Working with Snowdrop Solutions, Nomad Digital and GoMedia, Eurostar used Google Maps and its APIs to build a hybrid solution: Maps JavaScript and Static APIs plus an on‑train Wi‑Fi server that caches map tiles and location pages for offline use. The fully integrated system lets passengers track journeys in real time, view points of interest and get walking, driving and transit directions even with limited connectivity — a world‑first deployment that enhanced the onboard travel experience.

Eurostar

Neil Roberts

Head of Digital