Eurotunnel (Le Shuttle)
Folkestone, UK to Calais, France
With just a 35 minute journey time and up to 4 departures an hour, Eurotunnel is a fast and reliable way to cross the English Channel between Folkestone and Calais.
Cars boarding the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle train.
Eurotunnel (Le Shuttle)
Folkestone, UK to Calais, France
With just a 35 minute journey time and up to 4 departures an hour, Eurotunnel is a fast and reliable way to cross the English Channel between Folkestone and Calais.
Eurotunnel Le Shuttle is a great way to cross the English Channel between the UK and France.
Tickets are priced from only £50 per vehicle each way – it’s quick, and it’s affordable too!
With a journey time of just 35 minutes, it beats the ferry by an hour, and the loading and unloading process is much faster too!
Once you leave the motorway, pass through the ticket check booths and on to passport and customs checks for both countries. Then, you’re all set to drive onto the train.
Upon arrival, you can instantly drive off the train, onto the motorway network and on your way!
Eurotunnel FAQs
Where is the Eurotunnel terminal at Folkestone?
You’ll find the Folkestone Eurotunnel terminal at junction 11A of the M20 motorway. For your Sat Nav, use postcode CT18 8XX. What3Words: soaps.mailers.moon
Folkestone Eurotunnel Terminal – View Larger Map
Where is the Eurotunnel terminal at Calais?
The Calais terminal is at junction 42B of the A16 motorway. Make sure you follow the signs for Terminal Tourisme. What3Words: hotel.pancakes.eggs
Calais Eurotunnel Terminal – View Larger Map
Does the Eurotunnel have a luggage limit?
No. The only luggage limitation is what you can safely fit in your car.
Do you have to stay in your car on the Eurotunnel?
You’re free to sit in your car and relax for the 35 minute journey or get out and stretch your legs on the train.
How soon do you have to check in for the Eurotunnel?
You should arrive and check in at least 1 hour before your scheduled departure time, but no sooner than 4 hours.
Cars parked on Eurotunnel Le Shuttle train.
Does the Eurotunnel have a luggage limit?
No. The only luggage limitation is what you can safely fit in your car.
Do you have to stay in your car on the Eurotunnel?
You’re free to sit in your car and relax for the 35 minute journey or get out and stretch your legs on the train.
How soon do you have to check in for the Eurotunnel?
You should arrive and check in at least 1 hour before your scheduled departure time, but no sooner than 4 hours.
Cars parked on Eurotunnel Le Shuttle train.
What are the Duty Free allowances when travelling between England and France?
Personal allowances for alcohol and tobacco when travelling to mainland Europe are much lower than they used to be when the UK was a member of the European Union. According to the UK Goverment website, you are currently allowed to bring into the UK:
- 200 cigarettes or 250g tobacco
- 18 litres of wine (24 bottles)
- 42 litres of beer
without paying import VAT or duty.
Travel Insurance
Whether you’re soaking up sun in the South of France or skiing in the Alps, unexpected emergencies can quickly dampen the mood.
Maybe your luggage goes walkabout, you miss a crucial travel connection, or get a nasty bout of food poisoning – life has a knack for throwing curveballs.
Now, for UK travellers thinking, “I’ve got my GHIC card, I’ll be fine,” remember it only scratches the surface. It might sort you out for basic health issues in the EU, but what about lost baggage, cancelled trips, major medical issues or getting back home in emergencies?
Travel Insurance
Whether you’re soaking up sun in the South of France or skiing in the Alps, unexpected emergencies can quickly dampen the mood.
Maybe your luggage goes walkabout, you miss a crucial travel connection, or get a nasty bout of food poisoning – life has a knack for throwing curveballs.
Now, for UK travellers thinking, “I’ve got my GHIC card, I’ll be fine,” remember it only scratches the surface. It might sort you out for basic health issues in the EU, but what about lost baggage, cancelled trips, major medical issues or getting back home in emergencies?
That’s where travel insurance steps in. Offering a safety net, it ensures those unexpected hitches won’t drain your wallet or your spirits. So, while the GHIC card is handy, it can’t beat the peace of mind from a good travel insurance policy.
Compare quotes from up to 30 travel insurance providers – set out with the right cover and enjoy your journey stress-free!
Breakdown Cover
Taking your car abroad and driving in Europe can be a lot of fun. However, if you break down, your trip can suddenly turn into a nightmare. Without breakdown cover that covers you in Europe, it can be a costly and rather complicated nightmare too!
By taking out an affordable comprehensive policy before you leave, you can be reassured that if the worst did happen, you’ll have the support to get you, your family and your car back to the UK without it costing you a fortune too.
When it comes to policy options, you can buy cover for either a single trip or as annual cover if you plan to take a number trips over to Europe during the year.
Breakdown Cover
A breakdown is inconvenient at the best of times and could be a nightmare if you’re stuck at the side of the road in a foreign country.
Taking your car abroad and driving in Europe can be a lot of fun. However, if you break down, your trip can suddenly turn into a nightmare. Without breakdown cover that covers you in Europe, it can be a costly and rather complicated nightmare too!
By taking out an affordable comprehensive policy before you leave, you can be reassured that if the worst did happen, you’ll have the support to get you, your family and your car back to the UK without it costing you a fortune too.
When it comes to policy options, you can buy cover for either a single trip or as annual cover if you plan to take a number trips over to Europe during the year.
Driving in France? – Know the Requirements
In France and many other European countries, the law requires you to carry certain safety equipment in your car. There can be very hefty fines (sometimes on the spot) if you’re stopped by the Police and you don’t have these items in your car.
- Reflective jackets for the driver and all passengers. These should be accessible from inside the vehicle.
- Red warning triangle
- Registration plate country identifier
- Headlamp beam deflectors
Though not mandatory, we also recommend carrying a spare bulb kit and a first aid kit.
Driving in France? – Know the Requirements
In France, it is a legal requirement to have reflective jackets and other items of safety equipment in your car. These items can be bought as a kit, or separately.
In France and many other European countries, the law requires you to carry certain safety equipment in your car. There can be very hefty fines (sometimes on the spot) if you’re stopped by the Police and you don’t have these items in your car.
- Reflective jackets for the driver and all passengers. These should be accessible from inside the vehicle.
- Red warning triangle
- Registration plate country identifier
- Headlamp beam deflectors
Though not mandatory, we also recommend carrying a spare bulb kit and a first aid kit.
In France, it is a legal requirement to have reflective jackets and other items of safety equipment in your car. These items can be bought as a kit, or separately.
The History of the Tunnel
The idea of constructing a tunnel under the English Channel has been around since the early 19th century. However, the Eurotunnel project did not gain momentum until the late 20th century.
The formation of the Eurotunnel company took place in 1986, and construction on the tunnel started by 1988. Despite the enormous engineering challenge, it took just six years to complete the project, with the grand opening in 1994. The tunnel, over 50 km long, consists of three tunnels – two for trains and one for service. With over 13,000 workers involved, the tunnel holds the record as the longest undersea tunnel in the world.
Overcoming Engineering and Financial Challenges
The project faced numerous challenges and obstacles during its construction. One of the biggest was the geology of the area, as the Channel Tunnel passes through an area with a high water table and soft chalk. Engineers developed innovative solutions like large bore tunnel-boring machines and an extensive pump system to address these difficulties and remove water from the tunnel.
Another challenge was the financing of the project, which was one of the largest and most expensive infrastructure projects in Europe at the time. The Eurotunnel company secured funding through a combination of private investment, government grants, and loans. The project was also subject to intense political and public scrutiny, with many opponents raising concerns about the potential environmental and safety implications of the tunnel.
Despite these challenges, the project was completed on schedule and within budget, and has been a major success since its opening. The tunnel serves as a shuttle service, with trains transporting both passengers and freight vehicles between England and France. The journey takes just 35 minutes, and trains are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It has revolutionized travel between the two countries and is now considered an essential part of the transportation infrastructure connecting the UK to mainland Europe.
Folkestone, UK do Calais, Francja
Od £50 w jedną stronę za dzień albo pojedynczą noc wraz z autem.
4 połączenia, co godzinę, 35 minut podróży – Eurotunel jest szybki i pewny. Wymagane potwierdzenie 30 minut przez odjazdem. Jeśli jeździsz regularnie, to można kupić odpowiednie bilety za £43 na stronie.