As Brits, we’re fortunate sufficient to have a direct route in relation to travelling throughout the Channel Tunnel. This ease of motion turns into barely extra complicated when driving a van.
That will help you navigate the journey in your van, we’ve put collectively a information that will help you get your automobile throughout the Channel Tunnel as simply as doable.
What’s the Channel Tunnel for?
Opening in 1994, the Channel Tunnel is an undersea railway line, round 50.46km in size, beneath the English Channel. It’s truly the one mounted hyperlink for travellers between Folkestone in Kent and Calais in France. You might also have heard it known as the Chunnel or Eurotunnel.
When travelling by means of the Channel Tunnel, you’d be taking LeShuttle, which is an underground railway shuttle service.
Can you are taking your van on LeShuttle?
Sure, vans are welcome on LeShuttle.
For all sorts of autos, LeShuttle is handy and straightforward to navigate. It’s just like the Eurostar however for smaller autos, transporting vehicles, vans, motorhomes, campervans, motorbikes and their passengers throughout to France.
How lengthy does the LeShuttle journey take?
LeShuttle can get you from Folkestone to Calais in round 35 minutes. You merely observe the indicators to seek out the fitting entrance for you, drive in, and luxuriate in a fast and cozy journey. You’ll be able to even get out and stretch your legs.
Are there restrictions for vans travelling on LeShuttle?
In case your van is shorter than 1.85 metres, it can go within the single-deck carriage. Automobiles above 1.85 metres in top are allowed within the double-deck carriages and your ticket fare will depend upon the house your van takes up. The dimensions of your automobile may also have an effect on when you’ll be able to journey as you’ll should go when there may be sufficient house.
A van carrying industrial items, like a food truck, weighing as much as 3.5 tonnes, can journey on the passenger service however, you need to e book individually forward of time by way of the LeShuttle Freight service.
You also needs to word that LeShuttle received’t enable your van on board if you’re carrying LPG or an equal flammable fuel. You additionally received’t be allowed in case your automobile wants a fuel container.
Can you are taking your van throughout the Channel Tunnel by ferry?
Though technically not by means of the Channel Tunnel, one other strategy to get from the UK to France in your van is by ferry. P&O Ferries, for instance, provides the Dover to Calais route which is able to get you there in below two hours.
For courier drivers or vans which are carrying industrial items, you merely should e book by means of P&O Freight. Their freight providers are separate so may have a special schedule.
Vans which are smaller than seven metres could be booked in by means of their web site, simply ensure you know the measurements whenever you’re reserving. Additionally, you will want to tell them of the kind of cargo you’ll be carrying if you’re transporting industrial items.
In response to P&O, industrial items embrace:
- Instruments
- Items on the market
- Elimination providers
- Exhibition supplies
And private items (that you simply wouldn’t should declare) embrace:
- Commonplace baggage
- Furnishings
- Interest tools (e.g sports activities tools)
- Automobile or boat
What paperwork do it is advisable to cross the Channel in a van?
As with all long-haul journeys, you’ll want the fitting paperwork whenever you journey by means of the Chunnel.
This may depend upon what technique you decide, however on the whole, you have to to convey:
- A legitimate passport for you and any passenger in your automobile
- The Car Registration Doc (V5)
- Your driving licence (or the licence of who’s driving you)
- Proof of insurance coverage
- Ticket or reserving info
Insuring your van earlier than you journey
As a van proprietor, you’ll need the fitting insurance coverage. At Adrian Flux, we may also help you discover the suitable van insurance or commercial van insurance coverage primarily based in your wants, serving to you skip all of the fuss. Our cowl consists of European cover as normal.
And if you’re heading to the Channel Tunnel for a vacation, we are able to additionally show you how to discover flexible travel insurance.
Name us on 0800 369 8590 for a quote or book a callback at a time that fits you.
