Eurotunnel

What is Eurotunnel?

Eurotunnel is the company responsible for building the twin railway tunnels under the English Channel linking Britain and France at Folkestone, in Kent and Coquelles, in the Nord Pas-de-Calais.

Eurotunnel runs its own shuttle service that carries passengers and their vehicles between Folkestone and Calais. Eurotunnel also charges other rail operators, like Eurostar, to use the Channel Tunnel - or 'Chunnel' as we often call it. 

Eurotunnel operates a fleet of 25 shuttle trains to transport cars, coaches and trucks and their drivers and passengers. Trains run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There are 2 trains an hour between 06:00-00:00, and around 1 train an hour between midnight-06:00. 

The shuttle has now been in operation for over 12 years and since its first commercial services 177 million people have travelled through the Channel Tunnel - that's 3 times the population of both France and England!

Eurotunnel shuttle timetable

Eurotunnel runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, both from Calais to Folkestone, and from Folkestone to Calais. There are 2 trains an hour between 06:00-00:00, and around 1 train an hour from 00:00-06:00.

Journey time between Folkestone and Calais is 35 minutes between 06:00-00:00 and about 45 minutes between 00:00-06:00. You need to check in at least 30 minutes before your shuttles due departure time. Eurotunnel have a good record for 'on time' departures.

For exact train times, or to book your ticket online, please visit Eurotunnel (www.eurotunnel.com/ukcp3main).

Eurotunnel route map

Here you can see where Eurotunnel crosses the English Channel. Eurotunnel is a great way to take your car on holiday with, and as you can see it has great road links to all other parts of Britain.

Eurotunnel shuttle fares

Eurotunnel has a number of fare options. Prices within one ticket option can vary quite a bit depending on a number of factors, such as how long you book in advance, what type of vehicle you're taking and how long you're staying.

Standard car fare

The average standard fare for a car up to 1.85 meters high is £49-£75 one way. Note that standard fares are significantly more expensive if booked at short notice. The price includes the car and all its passengers. The number of passengers can be any number up to the maximum the car can legally carry.

• Motorcycles: fares are around £20-£30 one way.

• Pets: £30 extra per animal.

• Guide dogs: Registered guide dogs travel free

FlexiPlus fare

Eurotunnel also offers FlexiPlus fare which has extra benefits such as priority boarding, departure lounge facilities and amendable tickets. A return FlexiPlus ticket returning 1-5 days after departure is £149 each way (£298 return). An open return FlexiPlus ticket from 5 days after departure up to 1 year is £199 each way (£398 return).

To and from Eurotunnel UK terminal

The UK terminal for the Eurotunnel Shuttle is near Folkestone in Kent on the southeast coast of England. The terminal is located at junction 11A on the M20 (A20) motorway which goes to London if you take it east and to Dover if you take it west.

Central London is about 75 miles from Folkestone and the journey by car takes about 1 hour 40 minutes depending on traffic. The port town of Dover and its famous 'White Cliffs' is less than 10 miles away if you want to do some sightseeing before you head into London or beyond. Use the VisitBritain journey planner (visitbritain.transportdirect.info/visitbritain/en) to find the best route to your destination.