For those planning a summer holiday in France or further into Europe, Eurotunnel’s ‘Le Shuttle’ train service is the quickest way to transport a car across the English Channel. The journey from Folkestone to Calais takes just 35 minutes.
Since Brexit, it’s essential to allow extra time for passport checks. Once on board, the process is relatively quick.
The service is convenient, with flexible ticket options allowing travelers to arrive at any time and board the next available train.
Booking Tickets
Tickets for the Eurotunnel cost from ÂŁ69 per car for a single crossing, although this price is based on returning the same day or the following day. A standard ticket is ÂŁ124 each way, or ÂŁ169 if you choose the refundable option.
A Flexiplus ticket, from ÂŁ224, offers flexibility to travel at short notice and with minimal delays, making it a recommended option for those who can afford it.
Types of Tickets
Several types of tickets are available for travel through the Channel Tunnel using Le Shuttle, including Day Trip & Overnight, Short Stay Saver, Standard, Standard Refundable, Short Stay Flexiplus, and Flexiplus.
The quickest way to book a ticket is to use the Eurotunnel website or telephone 0344 335 3535 to make a reservation, having your booking reference number and the credit or debit card used to make the booking readily available.
Check-in and Boarding
Travelers should check-in at least 45 minutes and no more than two hours before their booked departure time. At Folkestone, take junction 11a off the M20 motorway and proceed to the check-in booths.
Once checked in, travelers are free to use the passenger terminal, which offers shops, restaurants, toilets, and baby-changing facilities, before driving to the British and French frontier controls for passport and vehicle documentation checks.
Boarding commences 25 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Check the screens and listen for announcements, before following the arrows to the allocated boarding lane.
Vehicle Types
The following types of vehicles are permitted to travel in the carriages: high vehicles, vans, minibuses, caravans, campervans, and trailers.
In practice, the service means that families and groups of travelers can easily and quickly cross the English Channel with their vehicles, without the hassle of ferry travel, which is particularly beneficial for those with young children or large amounts of luggage.
For more information, including details about traveling with a pet, fuel types, and duty-free shopping, visit the Eurotunnel website to find out more about traveling through the Channel Tunnel. Don’t forget your passport and a ‘UK’ sticker for the back of your car.
It is also a good idea to learn about maintaining your vehicle before embarking on your journey.