description Channel Tunnel Overview
The Channel Tunnel is a 50.46-kilometre undersea railway line that crosses the English Channel, providing a direct land route between Folkestone, England, and Coquelles, France. Officially opened in 1994, the tunnel system actually consists of three interconnected bores: two rail tunnels and a central service tunnel. It accommodates high-speed international passenger trains, roll-on/roll-off vehicle shuttles, and freight trains. Managed by the Getlink consortium, it serves as a critical transportation infrastructure for travelers moving between the United Kingdom and mainland Europe.
help Channel Tunnel FAQ
What exactly is the Channel Tunnel and where does it go?
The Channel Tunnel is a 50.46-kilometre undersea railway line that crosses the English Channel. It provides a direct, uninterrupted land route between the city of Folkestone in England and the town of Coquelles in France.
Can you drive your personal car directly through the Channel Tunnel?
No, you cannot physically drive your car through the Channel Tunnel. Instead, motorists must load their vehicles onto specialized, high-speed Eurotunnel Shuttle trains, which transport the vehicles through the tunnel.
When did the Channel Tunnel officially open to the public?
The Channel Tunnel officially opened for full commercial service in 1994. The final physical connection between the two tunnel boring machines digging from England and France occurred in 1990, a historic moment for European engineering.
How deep beneath the sea does the Channel Tunnel sit?
The tunnel reaches an average depth of roughly 50 meters below the physical seabed of the English Channel. At its absolute lowest point, the railway tracks sit nearly 115 meters beneath the surface of the water.
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