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Re: An update on Eurostar (Reply to this comment)
by jsquarejj
Thanks for the great updates.
On a different note, I find it ironic that a European would object to Americans calling the channel tunnel "the chunnel." After all, European colonizers and tourists regularly changed local names to mask their linguistic shortcomings.
To wit: Bombay, Peking, China, Japan, etc. etc.
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Aug 17 '04
2:09 pm PDT
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An update on Eurostar (Reply to this comment)
by simon57
The original epinion, though positive about the 'Eurostar' high-speed train, contains several inaccuracies and omissions. Here is an update:
- A new high-speed track opened in England in September 2003, between the Channel Tunnel and the edge of London. It enables trains to travel up to 300km/hour (186 mph). It has cut 20 to 25 minutes off the journey time. Paris to London now takes about 2 hours 40 minutes.
- In 2007, phase 2 of the British high-speed line will open, running right through to the center of London and a new terminal at St Pancras station (which is currently under construction). This will cut a further 15 to 20 minutes off the journey time.
- Since September 11, minimum check-in time has been increased to 30 minutes. The only exception is premium/business class passengers who have bought full-fare tickets; they get a 15-minute check-in.
- All Eurostar trains are now completely non-smoking.
- The UK is a member of the EU (European Union), and has been since 1973. There are still passport checks because the UK is not in the 'Schengen' area. However, under a new agreement, there are now British immigration officials stationed in Paris (and French officials in London), so the formalities are completed at the start of your journey.
- Round-trip fares are cheapest if you buy them at least 21 days in advance. Currently, the cheapest second-class round-trip tickets cost approximately $100 for adults. There are no cheap one-way fares. Ticket prices are lower in France and Belgium than they are in the UK. You can get up-to-date schedules and prices, and buy tickets on-line, at the official website www.eurostar.com - unlike with air travel, you can't get cheaper tickets by going through a travel agent.
- The Channel Tunnel is not called the 'Chunnel'. No-one in Europe calls it that. Why do Americans persist in using this term?
- Eurostar also connects London and Brussels. The journey time is about 2 hours 25 minutes. There is no 'Premium' class service on this route, otherwise the standard of service is the same. There are about ten trains a day in each direction.
- If you are traveling business class or premium class, you can use the business lounges at the three Eurostar terminals - Paris (Gare du Nord), London (Waterloo International) and Brussels (Midi/Zuid station) - these offer similar facilities to airport business lounges. You need to show your ticket to get in.
- The car transporter service through the Channel Tunnel is no longer called 'Le Shuttle' but is simply branded 'Eurotunnel'. It connects Calais (France) and Folkestone (England); the journey time is 35 minutes. It runs up to four times an hour during the day, and once an hour at night. It carries only passengers with vehicles and does not carry foot passengers. You drive your car onto the train and (unlike the car ferries) you stay with your car throughout the journey. You can just show up at the toll booth and buy a ticket immediately before your trip, but it's cheaper to book in advance on-line (at www.eurotunnel.com). All passport, customs and security checks are completed before you board; on arrival, you just drive off straight on to the highway.
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May 23 '04
5:46 pm PDT
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Thorough and useful review (Reply to this comment)
by knilaus
I have just one correction, though: The UK is in fact a member of the European Union. However, they are not party to the Schengen agreement of the European Union, which would otherwise have made it possible to travel from France to the UK without having to show your passport.
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Oct 20 '02
4:57 am PDT
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Wow! (Reply to this comment)
by LordBalfor
Well, I've found my travel review idol.
Absolutely stupendous.
Ken
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Apr 17 '01
5:04 pm PDT
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Don't forget about Disneyland! (Reply to this comment)
by katykev
We used to live in London and would frequently take the Eurostar over to Paris to see my daughter's godfather and, of course, to go to Disneyland, Paris. It is a fabulous ride! And thanks for the great review!
Kathleen
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Mar 28 '01
5:59 pm PST
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