What Is The Difference Between the Eurotunnel and Eurostar?

Now life is returning to some kind of normal, travel is becoming a hot subject once again! I know I have itchy feet to go on holiday! If you are looking to travel to Europe why not take the Channel Tunnel? I know personally at the moment I would prefer not flying and being able to drive or take the train would be a great option. So this brings us to the Eurotunnel and Eurostar. If you are a little confused between the two, this post will have you on the right track in no time!

Even though the Channel Tunnel linking the UK to mainland Europe has been open for 27 years, there still seems to be abundant confusion between the two popular train services that use it – Eurotunnel Le Shuttle and Eurostar. Not sure which is which, or how to choose between the two options? It really depends on where you want to go and how you want to travel. We clear up some myths…

What is the Eurotunnel?

The Eurotunnel, also known as the Channel Tunnel, is a railway tunnel that runs underneath the English Channel, connecting Folkestone, Kent in the United Kingdom to Coquelles, Pas-de-Calais in France. It is one of the longest undersea tunnels in the world, measuring about 31 miles (50 kilometres) in length.

The Eurotunnel is made up of three tunnels: two for trains and a service tunnel in between. It consists of two rail tunnels, one for each direction of travel, and a smaller service tunnel. Cars and other vehicles are transported on specially designed trains that run through the tunnel, allowing passengers to travel to France or England with their own cars.

The Eurotunnel service is used by people travelling for leisure, as well as by freight and commercial vehicles. It offers a fast, efficient and convenient way to cross the Channel and it is an alternative to the ferry services.

Are Eurotunnel Le Shuttle & Eurostar the same company?

No – Eurostar uses Eurotunnel’s tunnel and is one of their biggest customers. The Channel Tunnel is the longest undersea tunnel in the world at 38km long.

Where can I board?

Eurotunnel’s UK boarding point is in Folkestone, Kent. 

Eurostar runs from three UK stations on the same line: St Pancras International, Ebbsfleet International and Ashford International. 

Where can I go?

The main Eurostar routes go to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, with some seasonal routes and connections across France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. 

Eurotunnel Le Shuttle runs solely between Folkestone and Calais. 

Eurotunnel Foot Passengers – By foot or by vehicle?

Travelling on foot is great if you’re visiting a busy city for the weekend, but driving might be more suitable for a longer trip and allows for greater baggage allowances. 

Eurostar trains are for foot passengers only, so are ideal if you don’t need or want a vehicle for your trip. 

Eurotunnel Le Shuttle carries freight and all forms of vehicle, including cars, motorbikes, campervans, caravans, coaches and lorries. You cannot travel as a foot passenger on Eurotunnel, but you are able to take a bicycle. 

The Eurotunnel service is primarily designed for vehicles, but it is also possible for foot passengers to use the service. However, it is not as common as travelling by ferry or Eurostar.

Foot passengers travelling on Eurotunnel must first book a Eurotunnel crossing, which can be done on the Eurotunnel website or through a travel agent. They must then check in at the terminal and go through passport control before boarding the train. Once on the train, foot passengers must remain in the designated foot passenger carriage. They cannot access the car deck or other areas of the train.

The Eurotunnel crossing for foot passengers is 35 minutes and it connects Folkestone, Kent in the United Kingdom to Coquelles, Pas-de-Calais in France. The price for a foot passenger is usually higher than for vehicles. The Eurotunnel website offers a booking system where you can check the prices for your specific travel dates.

It’s worth noting that once in France, foot passengers will need to arrange their own transportation to their final destination, such as by taxi or public transport.

Covid measures

Eurostar carriages are cleaned regularly, and some seats are left free to allow for social distancing. Masks should be worn for the duration of the journey and in the stations. 

Eurotunnel allows you to remain in the comfort of your vehicle at all times, so no contact with staff or other passengers. You are not required to wear a mask in your vehicle unless travelling by motorcycle or a convertible car with the roof down. 

Animals

Only assistance dogs are allowed on Eurostar trains.

Eurotunnel allows you to travel with a pet for an additional cost of £22 each way (assistance dogs are exempt), providing you have the necessary paperwork. You can also travel with your horse!

With so many new pet owners emerging from the pandemic, it’s not surprising to see that more than 25,000 pets have joined their families on Eurotunnel in August 2021 (one way).

Journey length

Eurotunnel takes just 35 minutes between Folkestone and Calais.

Eurostar takes approximately 2.5 hours to reach Paris from London. 

Frequency

Eurotunnel runs up to 4 shuttle departures per hour during peak times. 

Eurostar generally runs a service every 30 minutes during peak times but is currently running a reduced service due to Covid restrictions. 

• Book your getaway with Eurotunnel Le Shuttle from as little as:
  • £91 per vehicle (up to 9 passengers) for a standard ticket (for any duration). One way
  • £249 per vehicle (up to 9 passengers) for a Flexiplus ticket, turn up any time and get on the next available train, and access to the club lounge (for any duration). One way
• Take your furry four legged friend from just £22 each way!

For more information please visit www.eurotunnel.com

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