The best way
to travel from Europe
To the Uk
Are you planning to travel to the UK from Europe? Here is the best way to do it!
Quick information
In short:
* Book a ticket at Eurotunnel;
* Do not forget to add your pet;
* Make an appointment at the vet for the right vaccinations and deworming no more than five days before departure;
* Drive to Eurotunnel Calais;
* Make sure to check in at Pet Reception first;
* Get in the car with your pet and drive to customs if this is indicated on the signs;
* Drive your car onto the train, sit back and relax;
* Enjoy your ride!
Everything you need to know
We are fans of the Eurotunnel. You drive by car to Calais (France) and take the shuttle to Folkestone. You drive your car onto the train and stay in your car and so does your dog. It is a funny experience anyway to drive your car onto the train. In 30 minutes you are across the canal and can continue to travel from Folkestone wherever you want to go.
Price
The train is not cheap. You pay around 140 euros one way for one car and you pay 25 euros one way for your pet. On the other hand, you get to England very quickly and it is the most comfortable way for your dog to travel to the UK. We have traveled to the UK this way four times now and are already looking forward to the next time we go.
Before your trip
If you want to take your dog into the UK from France, you must have the European dog passport with you that states that your dog has been vaccinated against rabies and dewormed by a veterinarian up to 120 hours in advance. In addition, your dog must be microchipped. For the way back to France, deworming is not necessary.
During your trip
Before you check in, take your dog to the Pet Check-in. This is all very well indicated. Here they check the chip and see if your dog meets the requirements to enter the UK. If this is approved, you will already get your boarding pass and with this you can go through customs the moment the signs indicate that it is time to go. At the Pet Check-in there is also a small field where you can walk your dog, but also in the main parking lot near the terminal there are grassy areas and even when you are waiting in line to board the train you can still let your dog pee.
Useful to know
At the Eurotunnel in Calais, dogs are not allowed in the terminal. However, you can go to the toilet there and you can eat at various “restaurants” (read: Burger King, Starbucks, et cetera) and there is also a supermarket. At the terminal in Folkestone dogs are allowed.
Hotel Accommodation
We have slept at Holiday Inn Express Folkestone several times. This hotel is about a ten-minute drive from the Eurotunnel, so ideal if you arrive late in the evening or take the train back to France early in the morning. Dogs are allowed in this hotel for +- 15 euros supplement. The staff loves dogs. The hotel is basic, but affordable and fine for an overnight stay. There is a separate area in the lobby where you can have breakfast or a drink with your dog.
