The idea of a tunnel under the Channel was first proposed in 1802 but construction wasn't started until 1988. It was completed in 1993, and Eurostar services started in November 1994.
Before the tunnel, it took around six or seven hours by rail and ferry from London to Brussels. Trains can now do the same journey in 2.5 hours.
It's also possible to cross the Chunnel by car, using the Le Shuttle service.
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The Eurostar service between Brussels and London was officially inaugurated on November 14, 1994 marking the start of high-speed passenger rail services connecting the
UK with mainland Europe via the Channel Tunnel. The inaugural services
originally operated from Waterloo International station in London to
Brussels-South London Waterloo was suddenly a mere three-and-a-quarter hours from Brussels Midi. Only the French part of the journey used a high-speed line at the time (Belgium followed in 1997, the UK in 2007) Today it goes to St. Pancras Station. For me this train was a relief ! It was just wonderful, my son had moved to London and I visited him for the first time using the Eurostar ! It was just 2 weeks after it's inauguration ! It took me 3 h at that time, because in the UK the rails had to be adjusted, but that was still better then taking the ferry ! The last time I went to London it took me 2 h and something. That's faster then going in Brussels from one end to the other
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Eurostar is marvellous but over priced. it seems like there will soon be competition from other train companies.
ReplyDeleteI don't think it's overpriced, because if you are clever and you have time, you can choose the cheapest price which is 45€ or return 90 €, I even sometimes payed less. Indeed, if you have to travel at a certain day and a certain hour you can pay up to 200 € for one trip.
DeleteI have to watch video of its construction. It must've been something!
ReplyDeleteIt was quite an achievement.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know this. A wonderful history lesson.
ReplyDeleteHave a fabulous Wordless Wednesday and rest of the week. Scritches to Rosie. ♥
Thank you so much for sharing this, dear Ingrid. I learned something new.
ReplyDeleteHow fascinating. I didn't realize the tunnel wasn't completed until 1993; I thought it was earlier. How nice that the trip is so much faster now.
ReplyDeleteNever used it, and wonder if I ever would. Maybe if I fall asleep I will, but the thought of underground, let alone under the water for that long makes me worried.
ReplyDeleteErin
A fascinating glimpse into how travel between Britain and the continent has been reshaped over time. The Channel Tunnel really changed the rhythm of that journey, turning what was once a long, weather-dependent trip into something far quicker and more seamless between London and Brussels. It’s easy to understand why your first experience on the Eurostar left such a strong impression, those early journeys often carry a special sense of change and possibility.
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