How much does it cost to take a motorhome on Eurotunnel?
If you’re planning a European motorhoming holiday, you’ll need to know more about the Eurotunnel.
It’s more than just a train ride under the English Channel; it’s a bridge between two continents that can make travelling in larger vehicles, like a motorhome, quick and easy. But how much does it cost?
Today, Melling Motorhomes will cover everything, from preparing for your trip to vehicle height and weight restrictions. By the end of this article, you’ll know all there is to know about travelling via the Eurotunnel.
What is the Eurotunnel?
The Eurotunnel (also known as the ‘Chunnel’ or ‘Channel Tunnel’) was opened by Queen Elizabeth II and French President François Mitterrand on the 6th of May, 1994.
It’s a 31.35-mile underwater railway that begins in Folkestone, Kent (England), passing beneath the English Channel and ending at Coquelles, Pas-de-Calais (France).
As the third-longest railway tunnel worldwide, the Eurotunnel carries high-speed Eurostar passenger trains, the LeShuttle services for road vehicles, and freight trains. Since its opening, the Eurotunnel has been pivotal in enhancing connectivity between the UK and Europe.
According to the official Eurotunnel website, they allocate ‘space in the single deck carriage for vehicles above 1.85 metres, including tall cars, vehicles carrying items on their roof, coaches, caravans, minibuses and some vans’.
If you’re travelling via motorhome, this is where you’ll be!
Why do people use the Eurotunnel?
With the option of ferry travel available, why do people use the Eurotunnel?
Well, not only is it a fascinating experience, but the ability for passengers to travel either by conventional rail coach or with their own motor vehicles (loaded onto special railcars) is extremely convenient.
The train carriages travel through the tunnel at speeds of up to 160 km (100 miles) per hour! Plus, this approximately 35-minute journey is much quicker than ferry travel (which takes around 90 minutes).
Things to consider when taking a motorhome through the Eurotunnel
So, what do you need to know before taking a motorhome through the Eurotunnel?
1. Vehicle height
First is vehicle height: motorhomes higher than 1.85 metres are allocated space in single-deck carriages within the Eurotunnel.
These carriages are designed to be twice as high as the double-deck carriages and feature much wider entrances, facilitating the easy manoeuvrability of larger vehicles in and out of the tunnel.
2. LPG tanks
Safety is paramount, especially when it comes to transporting Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) tanks, which are often used for various utilities within the motorhome, such as cooking, refrigeration, and heating.
The Eurotunnel allows tanks up to 47 kg to be carried, but they must be less than 80% full to ensure safety during transit. Any appliance connected to the LPG tank must be switched off before boarding and remain off throughout the entire crossing.
3. Toilet use
Even though your motorhome has a functioning toilet, you won’t be able to use the facilities in your vehicle during the trip. However, facilities are available for travellers during transit.
4. Staying with your vehicle
During the crossing, travellers are required to stay with their vehicle.
This not only ensures the security of your motorhome but also provides you with immediate access to your belongings and guarantees you’re readily available to manage your vehicle during boarding and disembarking.
What are the motorhome fare options for motorhomes on the Eurotunnel?
1. Day trip and overnight
Perfect for short trips and overnight journeys, the day trip and overnight ticket must be purchased as part of a return journey within 2 days. Prices start at £55!
2. Short stay saver
A ticket option for slightly longer stays is the Short stay saver.
This ticket requires purchase as part of a 5-day return, with the return journey completed by midnight (local time) on the fifth calendar day. Prices for the short-stay saver start at £90 per vehicle (however, this price does not include summer bookings).
3. Short stay flexiplus
If you need a little more flexibility in your stay, the short-stay flexiplus must be purchased as part of a 5-day return. The return journey must also be completed by midnight (local time) on the fifth calendar day.
4. Flexiplus peak day charges
Peak Day Charges are applicable on busy days and are payable in addition to the Flexiplus ticket fare.
While the Flexiplus ticket offers a fully flexible and refundable fare, travelling on a Peak Day incurs an additional charge, starting from £10 and going up to £250 per leg of the journey.
Enjoy a motorhome holiday with Melling Motorhomes!
There’s no time like the present to take advantage of the Eurotunnel!
With winter fast approaching and the UK’s rainy season in full swing, motorhome enthusiasts can enjoy the unique benefits of European travel in one of our luxury vehicles.
Check out our Best Europe Road Trips article for planning inspiration. Once you’ve decided where to go and what to see, select a vehicle from the Melling Motorhome’s fleet! We offer 2-berth, 4-berth, 5-berth and 6-berth motorhomes, all stocked with first-class amenities and comfortable sleeping areas.
