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The Channel Tunnel: take your car to France in 35 minutes
Drive onto the LeShuttle train at Folkestone and step off in France just 35 minutes later. Compare Eurotunnel and ferry fares side by side, from £69 per car, and book the crossing that suits you.
Compare & book fares →The Channel Tunnel, or Chunnel, is the fastest way to take your car from the UK to mainland Europe. You drive onto the LeShuttle train at Folkestone, stay in your car for the 35-minute crossing under the sea, and drive off at Coquelles near Calais, ready for the road in France. This is an independent guide to help you compare fares and book the right crossing, whether by tunnel or ferry.
Travelling to France through the Channel Tunnel
The Channel Tunnel has two services: LeShuttle carries vehicles, and Eurostar carries foot passengers. On LeShuttle you drive straight onto the train at Folkestone, stay in your car for the crossing, and drive off at Calais, with up to four departures an hour so you are rarely waiting long.
Map of the Channel Tunnel
The tunnel connects Folkestone in Kent to Coquelles, near Calais, running under the English Channel.
The Channel Tunnel runs between the UK terminal at Folkestone and the French terminal at Coquelles, near Calais, a 35-minute crossing on the LeShuttle car train.
Travelling with a car, motorbike, camper or caravan? You want LeShuttle. Travelling on foot without a vehicle? You want Eurostar. Both run through the same tunnel, but they are separate services. Not sure whether to take the tunnel or a ferry? See our tunnel or ferry comparison.
Prices checked July 2026
Compare live prices for your travel dates below. Fill in your journey to see real fares for both the tunnel and the ferries, side by side.
Travelling with a vehicle?
LeShuttle carries almost every kind of vehicle from Folkestone to Calais. Pick your vehicle for a full guide with prices and tips.
Popular destinations in Europe
From Calais, the A16 motorway gives fast access across Europe. Here are our detailed driving guides for the most popular routes.
Plan your crossing
Everything you need to get the best fare and prepare for the journey.
How long does it take to reach Europe?
The Channel Tunnel is a gateway to France, Belgium, the Netherlands and beyond. Here are the minimum travel times across the Channel from the UK, so you can compare your options at a glance.
| Service | Route | Time |
|---|---|---|
| LeShuttle (car) | Folkestone → Calais | 35 min |
| Eurostar | London → Brussels | 1 h 17 |
| Ferry | Dover → Calais | 1 h 30 |
| Eurostar | London → Paris | 2 h 17 |
| Eurostar | London → Amsterdam | 3 h 56 |
LeShuttle is the fastest way across the Channel with a car. Foot passengers travelling by Eurostar go straight into the city centre.
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Why travel through the Channel Tunnel?
The tunnel offers real advantages over flying or the ferry for the journey from Folkestone to Calais.
- Speed: the fastest route, just 35 minutes England to France.
- No luggage limits: pack the car as full as you like, with no weight limits or fuel surcharges.
- All weather: the crossing is underground, so no seasickness and far less disruption than the ferry.
- Environmentally friendly: lower emissions than flying.
- Relaxed: stay in your own car, no airport queues, no check-in stress.
Book your crossing from £69 per car.
Check live prices →Valid passport required
A valid passport is always required for UK to EU travel, and ID cards are no longer accepted. For short trips of up to 90 days no visa is needed. The EU is also introducing new border checks (the Entry/Exit System, EES) with fingerprint and facial scans, and some controls may happen before you board. See our passport and customs guide for the current rules.
About the Channel Tunnel
The Channel Tunnel is just over 50 km long and connects Folkestone in England with Coquelles, near Calais, in France. It consists of three parallel tunnels: two for train traffic and a central service tunnel for maintenance and emergency access. It is owned by Getlink (formerly Eurotunnel) and best known for its LeShuttle car trains, though freight trains and the separate Eurostar passenger service use the same infrastructure.
| English name | Channel Tunnel (nickname: the Chunnel) |
| Other names | Tunnel sous la Manche (FR), Kanaaltunnel (NL), Ärmelkanaltunnel (DE), Tunnel della Manica (IT) |
| Also known as | Eurotunnel |
| Length | 50.45 km (31.35 miles), 37.9 km under the sea |
| Tunnels | Three (two rail, one service tunnel) |
| Deepest point | About 75 metres below sea level |
| Construction | Began 1988, opened 6 May 1994 |
| Speed / time | 160 km/h (100 mph), crossing in 35 minutes |
Read more in-depth on our Channel Tunnel guide, including both terminals, postcodes and how the crossing works.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the Channel Tunnel?
The Channel Tunnel (nicknamed the Chunnel) is the undersea rail tunnel linking Folkestone in England with Coquelles near Calais in France. It carries LeShuttle car trains and the Eurostar passenger service.
How much does the Channel Tunnel cost?
LeShuttle car fares start from around £69 per vehicle for a short-stay return, rising with vehicle size, date, time and how far ahead you book. See our tickets and prices page.
How long does the Channel Tunnel take?
The crossing takes 35 minutes from Folkestone to Calais. Allow extra time at the terminal for check-in and border control before boarding.
Can I take my car through the Channel Tunnel?
Yes, on LeShuttle. You drive on at Folkestone, stay with your car for the crossing, and drive off at Calais. See our car guide.
Is the tunnel or the ferry better?
The tunnel is faster and unaffected by the weather; the ferry is often cheaper. It depends on your date and priorities. See our tunnel or ferry comparison.
The Channel Tunnel is the fastest, most relaxed way to take your car from the UK to France: a 35-minute crossing on LeShuttle, up to four departures an hour, from around £69 per car. Compare live tunnel and ferry fares for your travel dates using the price checker above, and book the crossing that suits you best. Safe travels.