Lightning fast via the Eurotunnel from Calais to Dover
Travel to England can be done in several ways: by plane, ferry and the train! In this blog we give some extra attention to the train journey (with car) via the Eurotunnel from Calais to Dover. And for a good reason: it is one of the fastest way to cross the Channel!
Nice to know about the Eurotunnel:
- History: In the late 1980s, this unique tunnel was dug under the English Channel to connect French Calais and English Dover. At the time, three tunnel tubes no less than 50 km long were dug into the stone layers under the seabed: two tunnels for freight and passenger trains and one maintenance tunnel. The official name is the Channel Tunnel, but popularly called the Eurotunnel or "Chunnel.
- Speed: In just 35 minutes you are across the canal using a very frequent timetable (up to 4 departures per hour). The big advantage is that the shuttles run 24 hours a day and every day of the week with an average of between 2 and 4 departures per hour.
- Eurostar: Eurostar is the largest customer of the Eurotunnel and also have the company 'LeShuttle": a rail link between Calais and Folkestone that carries trucks, passenger cars and other vehicles through the tunnel. Eurostar is the high-speed train which transports passengers and connects London with several cities: Brussels, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Lille, Calais, Paris, Lyon, Avignon, Marseille....
- One of the seven modern wonders of the world: yes you read it right! The Channel Tunnel one of the seven modern wonders of the world because of its impressive engineering achievement, the scale of the project and the impact it has had on international travel and trade.
Source: GetLinkGroup
How does the Eurotunnel work?
The terminals in Calais and Dover are easy to reach: from the freeway, follow the signs "Tunnel sous la Manche." Using your reservation number, you can check in at the check-in machines and receive a hanger (ticket) to be attached to your rear-view mirror. Make sure this hanger is always clearly visible at the terminal and on board.
- Take your time: For business travel, the check-in process has been streamlined to save time. Starting at least one hour before scheduled departure, check-in is available at the terminal. Check-in includes vehicle checks and identity verification. Boarding begins 25 minutes before departure.
- Terminal: Once you have checked in and passed border control, you can check out the shopping options or take a seat at one of the catering outlets. Flexiplus travelers have access to the special Flexiplus lounge where one can relax, enjoy free snacks, refreshments and Wi-Fi.
- On board - relax - off board: During the ride you can stay comfortably in your own car, where you can even intune to the special Eurotunnel radio station! For electric and hybrid cars, there are universal charging points available in both terminals. And for Tesla drivers, there are even special Tesla charging points. In addition, there is 5G coverage throughout the tunnel and toilets aboard the trains. Relax and enjoy the 35-minute crossing.
Travel green! - Environmentally friendly business travel via the Eurotunnel
In addition to its practical benefits, Eurotunnel is also an environmentally friendly option for business travel. All trains running through Eurotunnel are generally more energy efficient and emit less CO2 than many other modes of transportation.
To keep in mind
- Remember to complete an Advance Passenger Information (API) prior to travel. This will be checked at both the Calais and Folkestone terminals;
- Only a valid passport can be used for travel;
- Eurotunnel has no baggage restrictions and there are no fuel surcharges;
- Carry a green card or other proof of insurance in the car;
- Watch your speed when you enter the highway or drive into town in England: convert miles to mph.
Are you planning a business trip to England this year? Then take contact with us and we will be happy to help you achieve a worry-free business trip!
Prefer to read more about ferry travel to England directly? Then also read my earlier blog. Or read all the ins & outs about London's six airports? We take you through an overview of the airports, which airlines fly here from the Netherlands and the transportation options to central London.
Travel Well!
Mariska den Hartogh,
Business Travel Consultant
