How to Take the Chunnel
The Channel Tunnel, popularly known by the portmanteau "Chunnel," is a passage carved under the English Channel that connects the coasts of France and England. Tunnel transit is highly regulated, and two forms of transport are available to individual travelers. They may travel through the Chunnel by riding a passenger train or by being carried in their own cars on a vehicle shuttle train. Rail fares are administered by Eurostar, and the vehicle shuttle operates under the name Eurotunnel.
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Instructions
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Plan your train trip as early as possible. Passenger fares through the Chunnel are generally expensive compared with other high-speed train services, but costs can be minimized by early planning. In the United Kingdom, the Eurostar line stops in London, Ebbsfleet and Ashford. The European terminals are Calais, Paris, Disneyland Paris and Avignon in France in addition to Brussels, Belgium. Choose the best departure and arrival locations to suit your schedule. The most popular passenger route is between Paris and London.
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If you are affiliated with any travel organizations, ask whether they have services or discounts associated with Eurostar. For instance, Eurail passes may be used to purchase Chunnel tickets at reduced rates. Such a discount is known as a passholder fare. However, keep in mind that passage on the Eurostar requires a paid reservation, which can be purchased several months in advance.
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Book your fare by visiting Eurostar's website. Making a reservation on the Chunnel train will require up-front payment, though it may be possible to buy a passholder fare through Eurostar at the reduced rate before buying an eligible rail pass. Eurostar processes your request as a round trip, but you can opt instead for a one-way passage.
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Prepare for your trip through the Chunnel as you would for an international flight. Arrive early to avoid crowds and delays, and check the Eurostar website to stay up to date on special concerns such as enhanced security or maintenance procedures. You will be crossing the international border between France and England, so you must produce a current passport at your departure and arrival.
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Tips & Warnings
Travel through the Chunnel in a vehicle via the shuttle train is similar to riding the passenger train, although the only stops are Folkestone, England, and Calais, France. Shuttle reservations are administered by Eurotunnel.
Check up-to-date travel guides for hints on reduced train fares and the least expensive times to book a reservation. Like air travel, reservations made for peak travel times may be significantly more expensive, so you can save money by booking at less popular times.
French is the spoken language of all the European Eurostar destination cities, including Brussels. Although knowing French is certainly helpful, Eurostar offers instructions in clear English, so there is no need to worry about a language barrier.
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