Are you planning a trip from London to Amsterdam and wondering if you’ll be travelling underwater? The answer is both yes and no. Let’s dive into the details.
Yes, but not in the way you might think
The train that runs from London to Amsterdam, also known as Eurostar, does not go fully underwater like some of the other high-speed trains in Europe. Instead, it goes through a tunnel that runs under the English Channel. This tunnel is called the Channel Tunnel or the “Chunnel” for short.
What is the Channel Tunnel?
The Channel Tunnel is a 50-kilometer long railway tunnel that connects Folkestone in Kent, UK to Coquelles near Calais in France. It was opened in 1994 and is considered one of the engineering wonders of the modern world.
The tunnel consists of three interconnected tubes – two for trains and one for maintenance. The two train tunnels are 7.6 meters in diameter and are located 30 meters below sea level at their lowest point.
How does Eurostar cross the Channel Tunnel?
Eurostar trains are specifically designed to travel through the Channel Tunnel. As they enter the tunnel, they slow down to around 160 km/hour (100 mph) and continue at this speed until they reach the other end.
The journey through the tunnel takes around 20 minutes, during which passengers can sit back and enjoy views of the underwater world outside their windows.
No, it’s not just an underwater journey
While Eurostar does travel through a tunnel that runs under the sea, it also covers a significant distance on land. The journey from London to Amsterdam covers a total distance of approximately 370 kilometers (230 miles) and takes around four hours.
During this time, passengers will pass through picturesque countryside views in England before reaching Brussels in Belgium, where they will change trains. From there, the journey continues through the Dutch countryside before finally reaching Amsterdam.
What else do I need to know?
If you’re planning to travel on Eurostar from London to Amsterdam, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Firstly, make sure you have all the necessary travel documents and visas if required.
Secondly, Eurostar operates a direct service from London to Amsterdam only on certain days of the week. On other days, passengers will need to change trains in Brussels.
Finally, Eurostar has its own set of rules and regulations regarding luggage allowance and check-in times. Make sure you read and understand these before embarking on your journey.
In conclusion
While Eurostar does not travel fully underwater like some other high-speed trains in Europe, it does go through a tunnel that runs under the English Channel. This part of the journey is both fascinating and unique.
However, it’s important to note that Eurostar also travels significant distances on land and has its own set of rules and regulations that passengers should be aware of before travelling.