Channel Tunnel, England
A high-speed link beneath the sea.
A high-speed link beneath the sea.
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Overview
The Channel Tunnel, often informally called the "Chunnel," is a 50.46-kilometer (31.35-mile) undersea railway tunnel that forms a fixed link between southern England (Folkestone, Kent) and northern France (Coquelles, Pas-de-Calais, near Calais) beneath the English Channel at the Strait of Dover. Opened in 1994, it is a remarkable feat of engineering and serves as a vital artery for rail freight and high-speed passenger services (Eurostar) and vehicle shuttles (Le Shuttle). The tunnel consists of three parallel tunnels: two for rail traffic and a central service tunnel.
It is important to note that the Channel Tunnel is NOT a route for cruise ships or any type of seagoing vessel. It is a railway tunnel designed exclusively for trains. Therefore, it is not a cruise port of call in the traditional sense, nor can cruise ships physically pass through it. However, passengers on European cruises (ocean or river) might use the Channel Tunnel as part of their pre- or post-cruise travel to connect between the UK and mainland Europe, particularly if flying into or out of London and embarking/disembarking a cruise in a European port like Southampton, Dover, or continental ports accessible by train.
The Channel Tunnel is exclusively for rail traffic, including high-speed passenger trains (Eurostar) and vehicle shuttles (LeShuttle). Cruise ships and other sea vessels sail over it through the English Channel, completely independent of the tunnel's operation.
Tip: The tunnel is not a tourist destination; there are no tours or visitor centers for cruise passengers to explore the tunnel itself.
The English entrance to the tunnel is located in Folkestone, Kent, just a short distance from the major cruise port of Dover. This proximity means cruise passengers sailing from Dover are in a prime location to appreciate the tunnel's impact on cross-channel travel, even though they cannot visit it.
Tip: Consider the tunnel's significance while viewing the White Cliffs of Dover, understanding the history of both sea and rail links between England and the continent.
For those traveling by rail, the journey through the tunnel takes approximately 35 minutes. The tunnels run an average depth of 45 meters (148 feet) below the seabed, a remarkable engineering achievement
Tip: When on a train, you won't see the sea, only the interior of the tunnel as you pass through.
While you can't go inside, you can get a sense of the scale of the project from the land. The Shakespeare Cliff near Dover is where the British part of the tunnel was dug, a location now home to a country park (Samphire Hoe) created from the tunnel's spoil.
Tip: A visit to Samphire Hoe offers views of the coastline and an appreciation for the vast amount of material that was removed to create the tunnels.
The Channel Tunnel revolutionized travel between the UK and mainland Europe, offering a fast and efficient alternative to ferries and flights. It is a critical piece of infrastructure for both passengers and freight, and its operation is integral to the region's economy.
Tip: This engineering feat symbolizes the close geographical and economic ties between the UK and France, a topic often explored in the museums of nearby Dover.
It's important to clarify that the Channel Tunnel is not a feature or stop on any cruise itinerary. Cruises will either sail to nearby ports like Dover or through the English Channel, often with an onboard speaker or naturalist who may discuss the tunnel as a point of interest
Tip: If you have a strong interest in the tunnel, your best bet is to ask your onboard staff if they will be providing any talks or pointing out the area as you sail past.
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