Quote:
Originally Posted by 1andrew1
I'm pleased we got there in the end with the Channel Tunnel. They certainly did amazing construction work in the past despite not having today's technology.
Interestingly, back in 1888 Orient Express trains were going from London, so it's not a recent invention. This poster on Wiki even suggests no passports were checked once you were on the Continent! |
That was simply a through-ticketing offer, which Belmond will continue to offer, using the Eurostar between London and Paris rather than a vintage train from London to Calais, followed by a ferry and transfer in Calais. The only passenger trains to ever actually cross the channel via ferry did so from 1936-1980 (with a break for WW2) - and these were never part of the Orient Express operation. Initially they were run by a French company before being taken on by British Rail towards the end. The actual Orient Express train, i.e. the physical vehicle comprised of engine and rolling stock, has always terminated in France, either at Paris or Calais.