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By Coach or Bus Through the Channel Tunnel

Chunnel.co.uk » Bus travel through the Channel Tunnel

Buses and coaches can travel through the Channel Tunnel. Whether you take a scheduled bus service like Flixbus to Paris or Brussels, organise a group trip with a private coach, or drive your own bus as a company or driver, the Eurotunnel offers a quick and easy 35-minute crossing between Folkestone and Calais.

Coaches, buses, minibuses and campers waiting in line at the Channel Tunnel check-in
Coaches, buses, minibuses and campers waiting in line at the Channel Tunnel check-in

Scheduled bus services to Europe

Travelling by bus through the Channel Tunnel is one of the cheapest ways to reach Europe from the UK. Long-distance operators such as Flixbus run daily routes from London to major cities including Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam. The buses use the Eurotunnel train between Folkestone and Calais, making the journey faster and more reliable than ferry routes.

Bus from London to Paris

The London to Paris bus is one of the most popular ways to travel between the two capitals. The journey usually takes 7 to 8 hours, with the Eurotunnel crossing included. A typical service could look like this:

  • Departure: 08:00 from London Victoria Coach Station, 164 Buckingham Palace Road, SW1W9TP
  • Channel Tunnel stop: FOCA Eurotunnel Terminal in Folkestone. Passengers leave the bus for passport and security checks, with time to visit the terminal before boarding the train.
  • Arrival: 17:40 at 210 Quai de Bercy, 75012 Paris

This makes the bus a convenient alternative to Eurostar or flights. Tickets are often much cheaper, luggage is included, and you arrive directly in Paris without transfers.

Check a journey with , which offers multiple daily departures and flexible options depending on your travel date. Sometimes operators may decide to take the ferry instead of the Eurotunnel, especially during peak travel periods or if there are delays at the tunnel. This is always announced in advance when booking.

Other popular bus routes from London:

Besides Paris, buses also connect London with many other European cities via the Channel Tunnel:
  • London to Brussels by bus: around 7 hours, usually arriving at Brussels North Station
  • London to Amsterdam by bus: about 11 to 12 hours, often via Brussels or Antwerp
  • London to Germany by bus: connections to Cologne, Düsseldorf and other major cities
See the map below for an overview of all bus destinations from FlixBus through the Channel Tunnel, including stops in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and beyond.
Flixbus form londen to Europe Destions
Map from Flixbus showing all bus routes from London to major destinations in Europe

Group travel and coach hire

For schools, sports teams and companies, the Eurotunnel coach option is a reliable way to cross the Channel. The whole group stays together in the bus, luggage remains on board, and the crossing is faster than the ferry.

The ferry can be useful if you prefer on-board facilities, but if time matters, the tunnel is the better choice. Want to compare both options? See more information about the ferry as an alternative to the tunnel.

Would you like to know the cost of a group trip? Request your coach travel quote here.

Information for bus drivers and operators

traffic signs directing buses towards the Eurotunnel check-in
Road signs at Eurotunnel check-in showing directions for buses

For coach drivers and operators, the process is straightforward:

  1. Arrive at Folkestone or Calais and check in with passenger and vehicle details.
  2. Border checks take place before boarding. All passengers must hold a valid passport and, for the UK, an ETA.
  3. Drive onto the Eurotunnel train with staff guidance. Both single-deck and double-deck coaches are accepted.
  4. The bus remains in the train for the 35-minute crossing.
  5. After arrival, drive straight onto the motorway.

For more information about customs and paperwork, see our pages on Eurotunnel freight
and customs rules.

Small buses and minibuses

It’s not only large coaches that can use the Eurotunnel. Smaller buses, vans and minibuses are also welcome. This includes vehicles like 9-seater people carriers or shuttle buses.

When booking, it’s essential to provide the correct dimensions and vehicle type. This ensures your vehicle is placed in the right section of the train. 

For small groups, this can be a cost-effective and flexible way to travel. You can use our booking module below to plan your journey.

Frequently asked questions

Many travellers have questions about how buses and coaches use the Channel Tunnel. Below we’ve listed the most common ones, from ticket bookings to luggage rules, so you know exactly what to expect before your journey. For full details on baggage, see our Channel Tunnel luggage guide. Still have questions? Feel free to contact us here.

Can buses go on the Eurotunnel?

Yes, both large coaches and small buses can travel through the Channel Tunnel.

Yes, passengers usually remain seated during the 35-minute train ride.

With Flixbus or BlaBlaBus the tunnel is already included in your ticket. Private coaches must book with LeShuttle.

Yes, the Eurotunnel is usually faster and more direct.

All passengers need a valid passport, and UK arrivals require an ETA. Luggage remains inside the bus.

Yes, smaller vans and minibuses are allowed as long as dimensions are given at booking.

See the Eurotunnel live timetable for upcoming departures.

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