A high-speed Eurostar train exits the Channel tunnel in Coquelles, near Calais, May 5, 2014.
A high-speed Eurostar train exits the Channel tunnel in Coquelles, near Calais Reuters

Eurotunnel has revealed the UK economic recovery led to more Britons travelling out of the country and taking the Eurostar, leading to a rise in passenger traffic and revenue.

In the French group's third-quarter results announcement, Eurotunnel revenue rose by 7% to €343.9m (£271.7m, $437.5m) after Eurostar trains carried 2.8 million passengers, a 3% rise from the previous period.

"This summer Eurotunnel set new records for traffic and this momentum is continuing," said Jacques Gounon, CEO at Eurotunnel, in a statement.

Truck traffic also rose 6% while rail freight tonnage rocketed 17% year-on-year. Even the loss-making MyFerryLink ferry service has turned around and now accounts for 8% of the group's revenue after raking in 20% more revenue growth.

However, traffic fell 7% on coaches compared with the same period last year.