Eurotunnel

This “service” needs some serious investigation. There is not a single day they run to schedule, constant delays for no reason, no warnings, they try to brush it under the carpet. They offer compensation but then refuse partial refunds (now I see why as it would be every passenger on every service!!) instead thinking you’ll travel with them again for a percentage off! As if! They’ve lied to me, threatened me on top of leaving me in hospital with 3 young children due to their delays. They’re beyond a disgrace and I don’t know how they’re allowed to even exist anymore!

I'm not sure whether this falls under 'ferries' or 'trains' but there we are.

This has got to be the best and quickest way to cross the channel. Okay, they may not be the cheapest but for convenience they must rank number one. Starting with check-in; if you have booked on-line the check-in is automated and will recognise your car number plate as you drive up. Your greeted by your name and you just confirm your booking and that you don't carry explosives (!) and your ticket and windscreen card is printed. Once checked in, if it's busy, you may have to wait half an hour or so, but that would give you time to grab a coffee or something. Otherwise it's straight to passport control (twice; UK and French) and queue up to get boarding. You simply drive onto a train carriage, park up your car and either sit in your car for half an hour, or wonder about and pop to the loos. It's just like parking in your garage and sit there for half an hour. The journey is generally quick and smooth (no seasickness!). Delays are rare unless there is something major like a security alert or something. When you drive off the train, after about a 30 minute journey, you drive off the ramp and straight onto the motorway! No passport control or anything. Cool.

I have travelled many times with Eurotunnel and unfortunately they had to cut costs quite a lot (great for price, poor for investment), so the trains are generally old (15 years old) and are getting shabby, not to mention the toilets. The carriages could really do with a major clean and maintenance scheme. The staff are very friendly though and always wave you on your way. They are great with children too. Come to think of it, my son was nearly born on a Eurotunnel train, many years ago, and I have never seen such helpful staff; so caring.

All in all, this for me, is the only way to cross the channel now.