Crossing the Channel via the Eurotunnel
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Travelling Between the UK and France via the Eurotunnel
If you're not taking the ferry, you’re likely going by train through the famous Channel Tunnel. There are two train services using the Eurotunnel – depending on whether you’re travelling with a vehicle or as a foot passenger. This guide covers how each works, how long the crossing takes, and what to expect when booking.
Eurostar vs Le Shuttle vs the Ferries
| Mode of transport | Travel Time | Foot Passengers | Vehicles | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Le Shuttle | ~35 min | No | Yes | From ~£100 |
| Eurostar | ~1h30–4h | Yes | No | From ~£55 |
| Ferry (Dover–Calais) | ~1h30 | Yes | Yes | From ~£80 |
Maps: routes for the Trains via the Eurotunnel
Ferrygogo.co.ukEurotunnel Maps
Eurotunnel Le Shuttle: Folkestone ↔ Calais (above)
Eurostar: Runs through the same tunnel, but with longer connections (e.g., London–Paris) (below)
You can see both route options clearly on our interactive maps.
About crossing via the Eurotunnel
For the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle you first have to The Strait of Dover. From here you can enter the train by car, motorcycle, camper or any other means of transport. You can also board the train with a bicycle. These are placed on a special trailer.
As a foot passenger, you must choose the P&O ferry or Eurostar train. The Eurostar trains depart from London and various other European cities such as Paris and Brussels
Eurotunnel Le Shuttle (Vehicles Only)
The Eurotunnel Le Shuttle is the fastest way to cross the Channel by vehicle. It’s ideal if you're driving a car, motorhome, van or motorbike between the UK and France.
Le Shuttle is great if you’re in a hurry or have your own transport. Eurostar is ideal for city breaks.
Le Shuttle in short
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Travel time | ~35 minutes |
| Check-in time | 60 minutes before departure |
| Departure points | Folkestone ↔ Calais |
| Ticket type | Vehicle only (no foot passengers) |
| From price | ~£100 (varies seasonally) |
You drive directly into the train and stay in your car during the crossing. Cyclists can also board using special trailers.
Le Shuttle is usually quicker than the ferry by 60–90 minutes, though often more expensive.
Eurostar (Foot Passengers Only)
The Eurostar is a high-speed train connecting several major European cities via the Channel Tunnel. It's your best bet if you’re not travelling by car.
The Eurostar is a passenger train that has direct connections with:
- London ⇔ Lille ⇔ Paris
- London ⇔ Lille ⇔ Brussels ⇔ Rotterdam ⇔ Amsterdam
The big advantage of Eurostar is that it is very affordable – if booked well in advance.
Eurostar routes
| Route | Travel Time |
|---|---|
| London ⇄ Paris | 2h 16m |
| London ⇄ Brussels | ~2h |
| London ⇄ Amsterdam | ~4h |
| London ⇄ Lille | ~1h 22m |
| London ⇄ Rotterdam | ~3h 30m |
Eurostar departs from London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Lille.
Tickets start from around £55 if booked in advance.
Book via:
- UK: thetrainline.com
- FR: sncf-connect.com
- NL: nsinternational.com
- BE: b-europe.com
Eurostar Trains Travel Duration
| Eurostar From London | Duration | Eurostar To London | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| London to Paris | 2h 16 mins. | Paris to London | 2h 17 mins. |
| London to Brussels | 1h 53 mins | Brussels to London | 2h 01 min. |
| London to Amsterdam | 3h 52 mins. | Amsterdam to London | 4h 09 mins. |
| London to Rotterdam | 3h 13 mins. | Rotterdam to London | 3h 30 mins. |
| London to Lille | 1h 22 mins. | Lille to London | 1h 22 mins. |
About the Eurotunnel
The Channel Tunnel (also called the Chunnel or Tunnel sous la Manche) is an engineering marvel.
The Channel Tunnel between France and England is known by several names. On the English side, the tunnel is called Channel Tunnel or Chunnel. The French use Tunnel sous la Manche.
Because the Eurotunnel Shuttle company drives through the tunnel, the name Eurotunnel is regularly used for both the car train and the tunnel itself.
The Eurotunnel (or Channel Tunnel) is just over 31 miles / 50 km long and connects England to France. The tunnel runs between Folkestone (not far from Dover) and Calais.
Freight trains and passenger trains run in two tunnel tubes. A third tube is intended as a maintenance tunnel and escape route.
At the Eurotunnel Shuttle stations, all vehicles are driven sideways into the wagons. After they get off at the other end, the train continues its route in a turning loop to end up on the other side of the station for tourists travelling from the opposite direction.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Opened | 1994 |
| Length | 31.35 mi / 50.45 km |
| Depth | 115 metres below sea level |
| Tunnels | 2 for trains + 1 for maintenance |
| Connects | Folkestone (UK) to Calais (FR) |
Eurotunnel Travel Tips
Book early – Le Shuttle and Eurostar prices rise quickly in peak season
Arrive on time – Check-in for Le Shuttle closes 30–60 mins before departure
Overnight travel – Not available via tunnel, consider ferry with cabin if preferred
Foot passengers – Cannot use Le Shuttle, must use Eurostar or ferry
Compare ferry vs tunnel – In many cases, ferries can be more budget-friendly
| Train Type | Operator | Travel Time | Vehicles Allowed | Booking As |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Le Shuttle | Eurotunnel | ~35 min | Yes | Driver w/ vehicle |
| Eurostar | Eurostar | ~1.5–4 hrs | No | Foot passenger |
On board, maps and routes
We’ve personally travelled all the ferry routes from the Dover area to Calais — and shared our experiences in this blog. Looking into the Channel Tunnel too? Don’t miss our detailed travel report on crossing with Le Shuttle.
Prices and availability for this crossing.
In the booking module below you can also choose the ferries to France. If you prefer to travel by train then you select first the UK as country and then the route Folkestone – Calais.
To check the sailing schedule and timetable for the other crossings, and to find the best alternative, simply fill in the booking module for ferries and trains to France. This tool will provide up-to-date options, times, and routes to suit your travel needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Eurotunnel, Eurostar, or Ferry?
Can I travel through the Eurotunnel with my car?
Yes — but only with the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle. You drive onto the train at Folkestone or Calais and stay in your vehicle for the 35-minute ride.
Foot passengers cannot use Le Shuttle.
Can foot passengers use the Eurotunnel?
Yes, but only with Eurostar. Eurostar is a high-speed passenger train that travels through the same tunnel. It connects London with Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and more.
What’s the difference between Eurostar and Le Shuttle?
Eurostar: For foot passengers only. Fast city-to-city connections.
Le Shuttle: For vehicles only. No access without a car, bike, or campervan.
How long does it take to cross the Channel by train?
Eurotunnel Le Shuttle: ~35 minutes (plus check-in time)
Eurostar: Between 1h 20m (London–Lille) and 4h 10m (London–Amsterdam)
Both are quicker than most ferry routes, especially when travelling without a vehicle.
Is Eurotunnel faster than the ferry?
Yes – typically 1 to 1.5 hours faster including boarding. The Le Shuttle is ideal if you value speed and are driving.
That said, ferries can be cheaper and more relaxing, especially with scenic sea views and room to walk around.
How early should I check in?
Le Shuttle: At least 60 minutes before departure
Eurostar: Usually 30 to 45 minutes, though this varies slightly by station
Can I bring my bike?
Yes — both Eurostar and Le Shuttle offer bike transport, but space is limited and must often be reserved in advance. On Le Shuttle, bikes are loaded onto a separate trailer.
How do I book tickets?
Le Shuttle (vehicle): via eurotunnel or DirectFerries, or via our booking module.
Eurostar (foot passengers): thetrainline.com or official rail booking websites in your country.
Useful for travellers to France
Dover-Calais
Helsingor-Helsingborg
Puttgarden-Rodby