Eurotunnel is a high-speed train under the English Channel.
It's a quick and easy way to travel between London and Paris.
The journey takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Today, I'm going to tell you all about it in this article.
Here we go!
Channel Tunnel: article summary
- Channel Tunnel: book your ticket online
- Passing customs and security checks at Paris Gare du Nord
- Channel Tunnel: wait in the Eurostar departure lounge
- Train under the Channel: find your place
- Enjoy a good meal during your crossing
- Train under the Channel: connect to Wi-Fi during your journey
- Arrival at London St Pancras International
Channel Tunnel: book your ticket online
To begin with, I advise you to book your seats a few weeks before your trip on Eurostar.com.
You don't need to book your tickets in advance, but the later you book them, the more expensive they will be.
If you need to cancel your tickets, Eurostar offers a fairly flexible cancellation policy. Be sure to check their policies before booking your ticket, because they differ depending on the type of ticket you book.
There are three different types of class services:
- Standard
- Standard Premier
- Business Premier
Passing customs and security checks at Paris Gare du Nord
Before you leave, you'll have to pass through an airport-style security checkpoint. The UK is not a country in the Schengen zone.
It is therefore necessary to pass Eurostar's customs and security checks, located on the upper level of the station.
The queue for the Standard ticket is considerably longer than the Business Class queue, so it's best to allow yourself plenty of time here.
If you arrive at the station more than two hours before your departure, you will not yet be able to queue. customs and security control.
Channel Tunnel: wait in the Eurostar departure lounge
Once through customs and security, you'll be in the Eurostar departure lounge. Here you can sit back and relax waiting for the doors to open for your train.
The show features :
- Duty-free stores
- Restaurants
- Free Wi-Fi connection for 20 minutes
If you have purchased a Business Premier ticket, there is a separate Business Premier lounge.
Prepare for boarding
As the clock approaches your departure time, it's best to start queuing at the gate. closest to your train carriage.
Gates usually open 20 to 30 minutes before departure time. Once the gates have opened, you are free to enter the train platform.
Train under the Channel: find your place
To find your seat, you'll need to locate the train's car number. This can be a bit tricky for beginners.
If you have any problems, there are station agents nearby to help you. When you find your car, you'll find space to store your luggage.
The luggage rack is quite small, so if you have a large suitcase, you may find it hard to use the available space.
There are also luggage racks above your seat, but you don't have to worry about them. to fit a small suitcase or hand luggage.
Enjoy a good meal during your crossing
Your ticket is sometimes accompanied by a light meal and drinks, including alcohol, served at your seat.
However, I recommend that you get something to eat at the station in advance. It will be much more satisfying.
Train under the Channel: connect to Wi-Fi during your journey
The Wi-Fi signal is quite strong at first, but as the train approaches rural areas, the signal becomes rather weak and it can be difficult to use.
It's perfect for checking e-mail. However, you won't be able to view photos or videos online. Don't expect to be able to surf too much with the train's Wi-Fi.
Arrival at London St Pancras International
When you leave the Eurostar station at St Pancras InternationalYou can either take the Underground or a cab to your final destination in London.
Taking the train under the English Channel is a real little adventure. During your crossing, you can enjoy the calm of the clattering rails and take a moment to relax. before setting off to discover London!
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