subject: Prone To Air Or Sea Sickness? Take The Eurotunnel To France [print this page] In the old days, the only way to travel from the U.K. to France was by airplane or boat. Those with fragile constitutions were doomed, especially given the typically rough waters of the English Channel. The construction of the Channel Tunnel, with the convenient options of Eurotunnel or Eurostar, spared many this disagreeable experience.
The first go at turning this idea into a reality was finally started in the mid-1800's, only to be stopped by political turmoil. In the 1970's economic troubles brought the second attempt to a standstill. The third attempt, started in 1988, was successful. Despite the financial, political and technical challenges, the Channel Tunnel was finally completed in 1994.
Though completely funded by private investors, the Channel Tunnel was considered a financial disaster by many, because the cost and debt associated with it ended up being much higher than originally anticipated. On the positive side, the completion of the Channel Tunnel provided competition with the other available modes of transportation, causing travel prices to lower and thus be more affordable for travelers.
Constructed of super strong, super thick concrete and steel, the Channel Tunnel is 50 km (or 31 miles) long, connecting Folkestone, England with Calais, France. The trip across takes 35 to 45 minutes to complete. The Channel Tunnel consists of two tunnels, with a smaller service tunnel in between used in case of an emergency. These tunnels are used by Eurostar, Eurotunnel and cargo trains.
Eurotunnel, in addition to providing electric rail ferry services for vehicles, is actually the company responsible for the construction of the Channel Tunnel (or Chunnel, as it is popularly known). Passenger cars and commercial lorries and vans can be trnsported from the U.K. to France much quicker than ferries. Service is provided 24 hours a day, with greater efficiency, greater speed and less hassle. Prices vary depending on how far ahead the trip is booked, the time of day and time of year, the type of vehicle and the intended length of stay.
Eurostar is a high speed electric passenger train service that operates in the U.K., France and Belgium. Eurostar contracts with Eurotunnel for the right run its commuter trains on Eurotunnel's railways. As with Eurotunnel service, a Eurostar tunnel crossing takes 35 to 45 minutes, with speeds up to 200 mph. Eurostar offers a choice of food and different passenger classes, and prices vary widely, depending on which class is booked, the time of year and how close the tickets are booked to the actual time of travel. Eurostar also offers the convenience of non-stop service between many locations, including London and Paris.
Regardless of whether you choose to travel with Eurotunnel or Eurostar from the U.K. to France, using the Channel Tunnel train most definitely offers more benefits to the traveler compared to other modes of transport.
by: Nick Gent
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