Eurotunnel, how long needed to arrive before departure
Discussion
kazino said:
Just wondering how much earlier it is recommended to arrive if they are doing French immigration (like the do on Eurostar) due to the the current palaver with the fingerprints etc
When we went through three weeks ago the EES system was all set up in a big barn and you just drove around the outside as it was not currently in use. As far as I am aware this is still not up and running. In fact, their website states it will go live on 12 October! On the way out we turned up about 1.5 hours early due to my Wife's worry about being late and missing the tunnel (we were staying in the premier inn across the road the night before so unlikely) and they got us on the next train out so we ended up being 1 hour ahead.
On the way back we were about 4 hours early and again they got us on the next train across, we barely even stopped the car, just drove straight past duty free to passport control and onto the train.
Both tickets were the bog standard option so we saved about £500 by not paying for flexiplus and getting the flexiplus treatment anyway (apart from the lounge of course).
It depends when you are going... peak season? School holidays etc? Currently the EES system is not operational at the tunnel for passenger cars.
I always get there at the earliest check in time (which is two hours before) and nearly always get offered an earlier crossing at no cost if it's not busy.
However, the new EES system (which is your question) is highly likely to be chaotic when it comes in, so you need to figure how long you'll be waiting in the queue before check-in (and I assume once you're past the very first barriers it will be slow but moving).
I would keep an eye on Google maps and their live traffic data on the days leading up to your crossing. It's anyones guess at the moment. An hour in the first queue? Two hours?
I always get there at the earliest check in time (which is two hours before) and nearly always get offered an earlier crossing at no cost if it's not busy.
However, the new EES system (which is your question) is highly likely to be chaotic when it comes in, so you need to figure how long you'll be waiting in the queue before check-in (and I assume once you're past the very first barriers it will be slow but moving).
I would keep an eye on Google maps and their live traffic data on the days leading up to your crossing. It's anyones guess at the moment. An hour in the first queue? Two hours?
I've been posting here of my experience with the Eurotunnel recently https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... short answer is it isn't active yet so turn up at least an hour early and you will be fine
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