Driving through the Eurotunnel is one of the fastest and cheapest ways to cross the English Channel. If you’re thinking of going to France for a trip but don’t want to fly or take the ferry, driving through the Eurotunnel is not only a convenient option for getting there, but it also means that you can take your own car along on your journey and not have to worry about things such as figuring out public transport or hiring a car once you’re there. We’ve put together some top tips to help you make sure that your drive through the Channel Tunnel is a pleasant one.
Checking In
Since you will be driving through the UK border and into another country, you will need to check in and go through border controls before you can drive through the Channel Tunnel. It’s important to make sure that you arrive at least half an hour before your scheduled departure in order to make sure that you have allowed yourself enough time to check in, get into the right boarding lanes and go through the British and French security controls.
What to Take
Making sure that you have everything that you need in order to have a hassle free journey through the Channel Tunnel is important. Since you will be leaving the country, you will need to make sure that you have passports for yourself and any other passengers in the car, along with any Visa documentation if necessary. Along with this, you will also be required to show registration documents and proof of insurance for your vehicle.
Driving on the Left and Right
One of the main things that British drivers worry about when driving through the Channel Tunnel for the first time is whether they’re going to suddenly find themselves driving on the other side of the road to what they’re used to. Thankfully, there’s no need to worry about this when you cross the Eurotunnel, as it’s been cleverly designed to make sure that you’re guided into a lane that’s on the side of the road that you’re used to. Still if you want to brush up your knowledge of UK road signs and markings before you set off, you can use Top Tests to find free learning and revision materials.
Tunnel Shuttles
When you travel through the Channel Tunnel by car, you’re not actually driving along a road. Instead, you’ll drive your car into what is known as the Euroshuttle, a train that will then transport you and your vehicle through the tunnel. Once on the shuttle, you can choose whether you stay in your car or get out and walk along the sides of the train. There are ten Euroshuttles per day, and it’s always best to make sure that you pre-book your space on one.
Taking your car through the Channel Tunnel in order to quickly get from the UK to France can be a great road trip idea and a cheaper alternative to flying.
