Can you take a bike on Eurotunnel?
You cannot cycle through the Channel Tunnel yourself; it is a railway tunnel for vehicles and trains only. But cyclists can still cross the Channel thanks to the LeShuttle Bicycle Service. For £50 you and your bike are transported to France.
The LeShuttle Bicycle Service
The Bicycle Service is the only way for individual cyclists to use the Channel Tunnel. Booking in advance is essential:
- Reservations must be made at least 10 days before your journey through the Eurotunnel Cycle Service website.
- After booking, customer service will contact you directly to confirm the arrangements.
- Tickets are non-refundable, but changes can be made up to 3 working days before departure.
Bicycle meeting point in Folkestone
The service operates from the Holiday Inn Express Folkestone, where you and your bike will be picked up by minibus.
Exact address:
- Holiday Inn Express Folkestone
- Cheriton Parc, Cheriton High Street Folkestone CT18 8AN
You should arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled minibus departure. There is a car park at the Holiday Inn Express where you can leave your car, although daily fees apply.
How it works
- You and your bike are loaded onto the shuttle bus.
- The bus drives into the Eurotunnel train at Folkestone.
- The crossing takes 35 minutes, and you disembark in Calais ready to continue your journey into France, Belgium or the Netherlands.
The service runs daily, but places are limited, so advance booking is crucial.
Other ways to travel with your bike
Not every cyclist will use the LeShuttle Bicycle Service. Depending on your budget, route and flexibility, there are several other options to take your bike from the UK to Europe. Below we outline the most common alternatives, from ferries to Eurostar and travelling with a car and bike rack.
By ferry
Ferries are often the cheapest and most flexible way for cyclists to reach Europe. Popular options include Dover to Calais, Dover to Dunkirk and Harwich to Hook of Holland. On most routes, you can walk your bike on board at a low fee, making this attractive for budget-conscious travellers. See also our comparison: Channel Tunnel or ferry.
Taking your bike on the Eurostar
Travelling with a bike on Eurostar is possible, but options are very limited and depend on the route.
- On the direct Eurostar services between Amsterdam, Rotterdam and London, full-size bikes are not allowed. Only folding bikes, foldable e-bikes or children’s bikes under 85 cm are permitted, and they must be packed in a protective bag. Please note that e-bikes cannot be charged on board or in stations.
- On the Eurostar between Brussels and London, it is possible to take a fully assembled bicycle. You need to reserve a bike space in advance by contacting Eurostar Travel Services at travelservices@eurostar.com.
From London to Amsterdam with your bike
If you want to travel from London to the Netherlands with your bike, the easiest option is to take the Eurostar to Brussels and then continue with the Intercity (Eurocity) Direct train to Amsterdam. This way you can bring a fully assembled bike without having to dismantle or pack it.
Keep in mind that you will need two separate bike tickets:
- A reservation for your bike on the Eurostar Brussels–London route, which must be arranged by emailing travelservices@eurostar.com.
- A bike ticket for the Intercity Direct between Brussels and Amsterdam, which can be booked online.
While this is a possible option, bike travel on Eurostar remains limited and not as straightforward as the LeShuttle Bicycle Service or taking a ferry crossing with your bike.
With a car and bike rack
If you are travelling by car, you can take your bike on a roof or rear-mounted rack through the Eurotunnel. This must be declared when booking your ticket, so the correct space on the train can be allocated.
You can do this directly in the booking form below, where you enter the dimensions of your vehicle and bike rack during the reservation process.
The return journey with your bike
The return journey works in the same way as the outbound trip. It is also necessary to reserve your place at least 10 days in advance.
Meeting point in Calais:
- CIFCOO Building, Boulevard de l'Europe, 62904 Coquelles, France
- Departure time: currently 12:30 local time, once a day in the morning.
Tip: Recommended to return by ferry
Because you need to book your space on the Bicycle Service 10 days ahead, the return journey can be difficult to plan flexibly. An alternative is to return via the ferry. This option allows you to enjoy a scenic route back, with more freedom to decide when you travel.
Unlike the Bicycle Service, ferries operate throughout the day between Calais and Dover and can often be booked last minute. This makes it much easier to plan your return journey more spontaneously, without being tied to the fixed timetable of the tunnel service.
For full details, see our guide on the ferry as an alternative to the tunnel.
Cheap ways to travel with a bike to Europe
The cheapest way to take your bike to Europe really depends on your travel goal.
- If you only want to cross the Channel and continue cycling from the French coast, the ferry or the LeShuttle Bicycle Service are the most practical choices. Both bring you to Calais, from where you can start riding directly into France, Belgium or the Netherlands.
- If you want to travel further inland without cycling the full distance, the Eurostar can be an option, but keep in mind that it doesn’t stop in Calais. From London, it takes you straight to Brussels or Paris, so you skip part of the cycling distance.
- If you are travelling with a car and bike rack, the Eurotunnel is often cost-effective, especially if costs are shared among passengers. This way you drive straight from Folkestone into France and continue from there.
Indicative costs for taking a bike to Europe
Frequently asked questions
Travelling with a bike through the Channel Tunnel often raises practical questions. Below you’ll find clear answers about the LeShuttle Bicycle Service, alternatives like the ferry and Eurostar, and practical details for car travellers with bike racks. If your question is not listed, feel free to contact us via the form, and we will be happy to help.
Can I cycle through the Channel Tunnel myself?
No, it is not possible to cycle through the Channel Tunnel. If you want to travel with your bike you must use the LeShuttle Bicycle Service or choose a ferry crossing.
How much does the Bicycle Service cost?
The Bicycle Service costs £50 per bicycle for a one-way journey. Spaces are limited, so make sure to book at least ten days in advance.
Where does the service operate from?
The Bicycle Service departs from the Holiday Inn Express in Folkestone. There you check in with your bike and board a minibus that drives onto the Eurotunnel train and takes you to Calais.
How long does the crossing take?
The journey through the Eurotunnel itself takes 35 minutes. Including check-in, boarding and unloading, the total time is usually about one hour.
Can I take my bike on the Eurostar?
Yes, but only on certain routes. Fully assembled bikes are currently only accepted on Brussels to London services. On direct Amsterdam to London or Rotterdam to London trains, only folding bikes under 85 cm are allowed, and they must be packed in a protective bag. Space is limited and you need to book well in advance.
Is the ferry cheaper?
In many cases yes. Cyclists can usually board ferries from Dover to Calais, Dover to Dunkirk or Harwich to Hook of Holland for a low fee, which makes the ferry a budget-friendly option. Ferries also give you more flexibility, since you can often book at the last minute. See our full guide on ferry vs. Channel Tunnel for details.
Can I take my bike with a car rack?
Yes, this is possible if you travel by car. You can take your bikes on either a roof rack or a rear-mounted rack through the Eurotunnel. You must declare the rack and how far it extends when booking your ticket so the right space on the train can be allocated. Use the booking module below to enter your vehicle and rack details.
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