Turning up early at the Chunnel

[Wapping]

They didn’t do any biometrics/fingerprints when I travelled out last week or back yesterday.

It’s not yet in operation. Its full implementation is delayed until April ‘26.

Fresh delay for new EU border checks at Dover amid technical problems

The new system was due to be fully implemented at the Eurotunnel and Port of Dover on 10 April.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[glenn2926]

Think there are delays again.As you,I will find out at the end of the month(travelling in camper)

Well it is Good Friday. A very busy day to travel. We try to avoid days such as this, also avoid school holidays as much as possible. Mostly we try to travel midweek.

 

[Wapping]

…. Is the finger print thing in the main building or a separate building?

TD

They have built a large multi-lane shed for it and changed the layout of the arrival at Folkestone, once you are through check in. There is a separate lane for EU passport holders who, of course, pass through separately. I have no idea what happens if a UK passport holder is travelling with an EU passport holder who is driving. Nor visa-versa.

I haven’t noticed what they have done at the French end by way of infrastructure.

 

[Wapping]

Well it is Good Friday. A very busy day to travel. We try to avoid days such as this, also avoid school holidays as much as possible. Mostly we try to travel midweek.

Of course that is a luxury not available to all others.

That said, we often read on the travel pages of this forum, of bods catching morning trains going to France and late afternoon / early evening trains when coming back. Understandably, these are the most popular times for the masses to cross.

There again, you avoid using the south coast crossings (train or boat) so it matters little to you what does (or doesn’t) happen south of say Newcastle.

 

[glenn2926]

Of course that is a luxury not available to all others.

Which is exactly why it’s the best time to travel. There’s got to be some advantage to getting old.

 

[Wapping]

Which is exactly why it’s the best time to travel. There’s got to be some advantage to getting old.

Indeed.

For my part, I try to travel over to France in the mid-to-late afternoon and come back at around 10:30 local time. Going over the night before, as it were, means time saved the next day. Coming back in the morning, gives a relaxed end to the jaunt.

 

[J biker]

We have used the tunnel 3-4 times a year for several years now. Often travelling in the car with the dog. Most trips we have had an earlier crossing. Only once a delay of about 1 hour. Wheels fell off the train or something..
Used the crossing last year with a motorcycle, that was on time.
Busy times are…busy. No surprise. Avoiding peak times is better, obviously.
All in all experience so far has been very good.

Of note. On the crossing with the motorcycle, there was a bike close to ours that fell over, hitting another bike next to it. In fairness the ride was smooth enough, so maybe left in neutral and also not much lean on the side stand? So take care. Your bike might be ok, is the one next to it ? Some of the floor plates in the middle of the carriageways were also a bit loose.

 

[Wapping]

Some of the floor plates in the middle of the carriageways were also a bit loose.

The trains, many of which have been in full service for years, are now pretty rickety all over.

 

[Burridge01]

Well it is Good Friday. A very busy day to travel. We try to avoid days such as this, also avoid school holidays as much as possible. Mostly we try to travel midweek.

Erm,,,,,,,i meant the new entry system.It has been delayed again.

 

[er-minio]

Think there are delays again.

Apparently there are currently.
Friend of mine crossed Friday to drive to Italy for skying. He said the queue started on the M20 and it took them about one hour and a half to go through check-in.

Of course it's Easter, so keep that in mind.

 

[Burridge01]

Apparently there are currently.
Friend of mine crossed Friday to drive to Italy for skying. He said the queue started on the M20 and it took them about one hour and a half to go through check-in.

Of course it's Easter, so keep that in mind.

Once again,I was referring to the entry/exit system. Not the current state of traffic.

 

[er-minio]

I get it.
My understanding, from speaking with him, is that the "traffic" was related to check-in and follow up controls not going smoothly.

Again: being Easter I'd just consider that it might be some extra snags in the new procedures (I experienced it once in December on the way out) and higher number of passengers.
I don't see that many other options to cross, so...

 

[Bravo]

I'm due to cross first week of September, will I be ok to go now?

 

[glenn2926]

I'm due to cross first week of September, will I be ok to go now?

Bloody hell you’re cutting it fine. Get a move on lad.

 

[er-minio]

2028

 

[Posh Pete]

I've not used the Chunnel for ... oooh ... 12 years? Is it still possible to turn up on spec for a place on a train?

 

[Wapping]

I've not used the Chunnel for ... oooh ... 12 years? Is it still possible to turn up on spec for a place on a train?

Yes, though you’d be likely to pay a premium and (at very busy times) maybe / probably have to wait a while.

 

[er-minio]

Yep. Done it on the bike. Not cheap.

 

[AndrewA]

I've not used the Chunnel for ... oooh ... 12 years? Is it still possible to turn up on spec for a place on a train?

Can I buy a ticket on arrival? - Eurotunnel LeShuttle™

In most cases, yes—you can buy a ticket upon arrival. However, during peak travel times, service ...

www.leshuttle.com

When there was an issue with the trains a week ago from Folkestone, they were saying prebooked tickets only. It took us 2 hours in the queue to get to the check-in point. Not sure when they started allowing buy-on-arrival following that fun.

 

[Pukmeister]

A Pal of mine has just got to Tignes for a late season week of skiing. It took him 6.5 hours to drive from his home in Cornwall to near Ashford (typical journey time), but then a further 2.5 hours to complete the final leg of his journey onto the train. Must have been bloody murder with two young bored kids in the car.