What is the Chunnel? Also known at the Euro Tunnel or the Channel Tunnel. Simply it is the train that runs between London and Paris through a tunnel under the English Channel. It is the most convenient and efficient way to travel between the two capital cities.
Recently, I was in London and needed to go to Paris for a few days. Other times I have flown between the two countries. But since I was staying very close to St. Pancras International Train Station, I decided to check out the Chunnel Tunnel. The Tunnel is an engineering marvel connecting southern England to northern France beneath the English Channel. Spanning approximately 31 miles (50 kilometers), it is one of the longest undersea tunnels in the world. It is a testament to international collaboration. Completed in 1994 after five years of construction by over 13,000 workers. It has since been named one of the seven wonders of the modern world (Eurotunnel).
Where do the trains start?
Maybe you assume air travel is the best and most efficient way to get from one major European city to the next. Well, think again. Traveling through the Chunnel Tunnel is quick and convenient. The Eurostar high-speed passenger train takes just 2 hours and 16 minutes to travel between London and Paris. This makes it a preferred option for both business and leisure travelers. Considering travel to and from the airport, complex security procedures, and waiting time until take-off, flying is not quicker. This is especially true since Eurostar trains depart from and arrive in London from St. Pancras/King’s Cross Train Station. In Paris, they arrive at Gare du Nord Station located in central Paris, making it much easier to start exploring each city.
Both in London and Paris, local subway stations (London Underground and Paris Metro trains) directly connect to each train station. This makes it easy to get to your departure point. In Paris, Gare du Nord is additionally served by commuter-line train RER B.
How much does it Cost?
Ticket prices vary depending on the service and booking time. A standard Eurostar ticket from London to Paris starts around $70 US. However, the closer the days get to departure time, the higher the price goes. I paid about $110 US one-way because I bought just a couple of days ahead. Yet, fares can be very competitive compared to air travel, especially if you book in advance. You can even get good deals on first-class seats if you start looking several months ahead. While it’s admittedly easier to find $30 one-way airfares because of the cheap commuter airlines in Europe, it isn’t always cheaper. Once you factor in the cost of transportation to and from airports and plus airlines taxes, the Eurostar can often prove less expensive.
Plus you are allowed two bags free of charge. This is far more than on many airlines these days. Another great point is that you can check in as late as 40 to 45 minutes before your train leaves. Therefore, you won’t have to spend hours inside the departure zone.
How do you check in?
Check-in procedures are much the same as at airports. However, security procedures are generally quicker than in major airports. Passengers are expected to check-in at least 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time. They must do so in person (online check-in is not available). Either print your ticket in advance, use an e-ticket by downloading the Eurostar app on your phone, or print your tickets using your reservation reference at dedicated hubs next to the check-in kiosks. Entrance is through automatic gates. Scan your ticket’s barcode and go through.
You will be routinely scanned along with your bags. Most of the time, you will not be asked to take off shoes. However, you will need to remove coats, coins, other items from pockets, and sometimes jewelry.
Once through the security area, you will need to present your passport to immigration authorities. Currently, you will have to pass through immigration checks with both French and U.K. border authorities.
Services at Eurostar Stations.
Eurostar stations on both sides of the English Channel are equipped with various services. These include restaurants and cafés, duty-free shops, outlets for plugging in phones and laptops, and free Wi-Fi.
Business-class travelers and “Carte Blanche” members benefit from dedicated, fast-track lines and a Business Premier lounge. Meals, snacks, hot and cold drinks, newspapers, and power outlets at most seats are available in the lounges.
Top Advantages of Taking the Eurostar.
There are many reasons to take the high-speed service when trying to get between Paris and London. These are the main advantages to consider:
- Trains to Paris can take as little as two hours, 16 minutes. Journeys are a little longer for trains that briefly stop at Ebbsfleet or Ashford in the U.K.
- Trains go from city center to city center, saving you time.
- Trains depart about once every hour daily, except on Dec. 25.
- If you wish to book for onward travel to other destinations in France beyond Paris, the Eurostar reservation system allows this. You can reserve seats for high-speed trains to Avignon, Strasbourg, Lyon, Troyes, Antibes, Nice, and Bordeaux. Some are now direct from London.
- For those driving, the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle service transports vehicles between Folkestone and Calais in just 35 minutes (Eurostar).
- Travelers often praise the tunnel for its speed, comfort, and eco-friendliness. Eurotunnel claims to emit 73 times less greenhouse gas than equivalent ferry crossings. This makes it a sustainable choice for environmentally conscious travelers (Eurotunnel).
Brief History of the Chunnel.
Modern Development
- 1964: British and French governments agreed to build a tunnel
- 1973: Work began but was abandoned in 1975 due to cost concerns
- 1984: British and French governments agreed to revive the project
- 1986: Treaty of Canterbury signed, allowing private funding
Construction Phase
- 1988: Construction officially began
- 1990: British and French tunneling teams met under the Channel
- 1991: Railway tracks installation began
- 1994: Official opening by Queen Elizabeth II and President Mitterrand
Key Technical Details
- Length: 50.45 km (31.35 miles)
- Average depth: 50 meters below seabed
- Construction cost: approximately USD 15 billion
- Three tunnels built: two rail tunnels and one service tunnel.
Modern Operations
- Carries high-speed Eurostar passenger trains.
- Handles freight trains and vehicle shuttle services.
- Connects Folkestone (UK) to Coquelles (France)
- Journey time: approximately 35 minutes between terminals
Notable Achievements
- Longest underwater tunnel in the world
- One of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World
- Carries over 20 million passengers annually.
- Has significantly improved UK-France connectivity
The tunnel continues to operate as a crucial transport link between Britain and continental Europe. This is despite occasional operational challenges and security concerns.