EUROSTAR says passengers will be able to travel free on any Southeastern train to local stations once Ebbsfleet International Station opens - provided they show both their passport and ticket.

The joint deal to provide international travellers with free connections between Ebbsfleet and Ashford and other stations nearby will begin on Monday, November 19.

Passengers will also be offered free travel on the Fastrack bus service that connects Dartford, Gravesend and Greenhithe stations to Ebbsfleet, as well as Bluewater.

Chief executive Richard Brown said the company would be in competition with airlines.

He said: "For 10 million people across southern England, Ebbsfleet will be the fastest way to Europe - much quicker than flying.

"From the M25, it will be easier to reach Ebbsfleet than any of London's airports or free to get there via Southeastern rail services."

Eurostar's director of communications, Simon Montague, said: "We want to help Eurostar travellers cut their environmental impact, so we've made sure they can reach either of our international stations in Kent at no extra cost to themselves."

Southeastern's managing director, Charles Horton, said: "This is a great deal for international travellers."

Eurostar has also revealed that the parking charge at Ebbsfleet will be £11.50 a day to match the charge at the international station in Ashford.