Channel tunnel experiences please

Poly,put_the_kettle_on

I too tend to feel quite claustrophobic- and I did feel a little trapped in the tunnel. However, it wasn't as bad as I imagined, and to give it it's due it was very quick and efficient.
That said, I'm a sailor so the ferries always get my vote!

Tropez

Le Shuttle isn't too bad though it is fairly boring. You're only in there for 25 minutes or something like that so you don't really notice it so much and there is room to get out and stretch your legs. Your ears will probably pop though.

I will say though the last time I went on Le Shuttle, and it probably will stay the last time, the toilets were an absolutely vile disgrace.

DCFC79

poe.tuesday wrote: »

if you suffer from claustrophobia then go into the tall vehical section as the train is double height - just follow all the people carriers and range-rovers ;-)

i thought you couldnt choose what end you could be at unless its changed

hornetgirl

Definitely not claustrophobic. I don't do boats, so we've used it loads and never had a bad experience. DH usually has 40 winks and I read the paper, and before you know it you're in la belle France.

unsure

My wife gets seasick and one daughter gets very claustrophobic, we;ve done the tunnel several times without any problems. The journey is only half an hour and you can get up and walk about if you want, not that there's anything to see! Emerging outside Calais is a big plus for me and the ease of boarding is much better (on this side anyway) than dealing with a busy ferry port. If I was after a straight UK/Calais crossing I'd always use the tunnel now for both time and convenience.

LillythePink

We booked with Euro Tunnel (Le shuttle) don't know if their trains are any different (never used it before)

We went over on Friday.

It didn't take long and was fine - we were on a bike and it was good not having to strap them down. It didn't feel claustrophobic, however, because there were so many bikes going over - we were in three carriages and the fumes were awful from some of the older bikes. There were no extractor fans and it was a good 15/20 mins before they cleared and you felt semi normal again.

This I would say is possibly an isolated incident given the amount of bikes that were on our train.

Overall, I would say it's better than the boat, quicker and easier and I would use it again if I was going from England to France.

Also, a big plus point, you are out of the train and straight on to the motorway (which has been said before)

Yes, the toilets weren't brilliant, but I have seen a lot worse in France!

nickyhutch

It's fine = plenty of space and you're on and off before you know it. There are some videos on youtube - take a look.

poe.tuesday

DCFC79 wrote: »

i thought you couldn't choose what end you could be at unless its changed

when you drive up out of the waiting area the option splits into two, one for normal height cars and then there is one that says for cars over 1.85m - take that road and you will queue up with all the other people carriers and 4x4's - we have a 4x4 and it is not over 1.85m but we always take the over 1.85m road and always end up in a double height carriage, we have never been moved elsewhere

RuthnJasper

I was terrified the first time I went on and would, in all honesty, prefer the ferry. Having said that, the tunnel wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be and, as others have said, you're hardly in there for long. I've used it quite a few times now. Take a favourite book or something to fully occupy your mind while you're down there, if you think you're going to freak out. Alternatively, if you're not driving, take a travel pill just before going in (Boots' own are good - I have to take them before going on a plane as I'm petrified of flying).

You'll be OK. Good luck, and have a fantastic holiday - whatever you decide! xx

Tarry

I think I just prefer fresh air I hope you have a lovely holiday whatever you decide.