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FAQs

When you’ve got a group of young people to consider, you will no doubt have a few questions about crossing the channel by Eurotunnel.

Below are a few common questions and answers which may help. To find out more and obtain a travel quote for your educational group, please contact NST today.

Q. How long does the crossing last?

The crossing takes just 35 minutes from platform to platform, although this can sometimes increase to 45 minutes at night.

Q. Is there a Shop?

No however, there are retail outlets, in both the Calais and Folkestone Passenger Terminal Buildings. The retail outlets are situated in the Passenger Terminal Buildings after passing through Check-in.

Q. How does the coach get on the shuttle?

It is very simple. Having passed through Check-in, coaches can stop at the Passenger Terminal Building and visit the retails outlets.  When the departure is normally called coaches proceed through the security and border control area to the allocation area.  Drivers follow the green arrows and directions given by our staff to the platform and then onto the shuttle when directed by a member of train crew.

Q. What happens in the event of an accident?

Eurotunnel staff are fully trained in Health and Safety and are able to give First Aid. They are fully aware of the evacuation procedures.  Fire fighters are always on site.

Q. What identification is needed?

Passengers must be in possession of a valid 10 year passport / Collective passport (as appropriate)

Q. What happens if I miss my departure time?

You are likely to be subjected to delays and we therefore strongly recommend that you arrive in plenty of time for your reserved departure.  If you miss your booked departure you may also be required to purchase new tickets.

Q. We have a double-decker coach. Can we still travel on Eurotunnel?

Yes, as long as your vehicle is under 4.2 metres/13 ft 9 ins in height. Your NST tour consultant will advise.

Q. Can my coach tow a trailer?

Yes, as long as the coach plus trailer combination does not exceed 18 metres in length.

Q. Is smoking permitted on the train?

For reasons of safety, smoking is not allowed as it interferes with the fire detection systems.

Q. How long before the departure time should I arrive?

Coaches should arrive at Check-in at least 45 minutes before departure for direct boarding and 90 minutes if you are planning to stop in the Passenger Terminal Building.

Q. Are there facilities on board the shuttle?

Yes. Limited toilet facilities are available at either end of the single deck carriages, although passengers should be encouraged to visit the toilets in the Passenger Terminal Building or in the allocation area prior to boarding the shuttle.

Q. Does Eurotunnel take foot passengers?

No. If you plan to meet a tour guide en-route it’s important that they meet you en-route before your coach arrives at the Eurotunnel terminal. 

Please note: this information was correct at time of publication and is subject to change.

NST is a school travel company and offers school trips, tours, educational visits and school group travel to the Opal Coast, Paris, Calais, Boulogne, Le Touquet, Brittany, Normandy, French Alps, Disneyland Resort, Loire and Futuroscope in France, Berlin, Rhine and Moselle, Black Forest and Munich in Germany, Barcelona, Madrid, Andalucia and Cantabria in Spain, Rome, Florence, Venice, Bay of Naples, Lake Garda and Sicily in Italy, Noordwijk, Valkenburg and Amsterdam in the Netherlands, Brussels and Belgian Coast in Belgium, Warsaw and Krakow in Poland, Moscow & St Petersburg in Russia, New York, Washington DC and Los Angeles in the USA, China, India, Mexico, Egypt and Turkey. Also specialist in French Language, History, WW1 & Battlefield Visits, Geography Visits, English and Drama Trips, Music Tours and much much more.

Primary school trips are available to London, Edinburgh and Glasgow, York and Scarborough, the Isle of Wight, Bournemouth, Llandudno and more. 

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