Eurotunnel Luggage and Baggage Rules
When travelling by car through the Channel Tunnel, you can bring as much luggage as fits safely in your vehicle. This page explains what’s allowed, what to declare when booking, and which items are restricted.
What you can bring as a passenger
There is no specific weight limit for personal luggage carried in a private vehicle for non-commercial travel. Pack your suitcases, sports gear, golf clubs or skis and load the car sensibly.
- Roof boxes and bike racks are allowed. Add these accessories during booking so the right deck can be assigned based on height and length.
- Trailers are allowed when booked and measured correctly.
- Up to nine passengers per ticket, subject to vehicle capacity and seat belts.
- Keep the driver’s view clear and secure all loose items inside the car.
Find more details about fares and booking options on our Eurotunnel tickets and prices page.
Vans and commercial goods
Driving a van up to 3.5 tonnes with commercial goods on board? You can travel, but you must book differently.
If you are carrying commercial goods, see more information about Eurotunnel Freight.
Fireworks, firearms and dangerous items
- Fireworks, flares and pyrotechnics: not permitted.
- Firearms: permitted only with the correct licences and must be declared at check-in. Store securely, separate essential parts and ammunition, and keep them out of sight.
- Certain gases and hazardous materials are restricted or prohibited. If in doubt, check before you travel or use Freight for regulated Dangerous Goods.
Learn more about rules and inspections on our customs and checks page.
Taking bicycles with LeShuttle
You cannot cycle through the tunnel, but there is a bike transport service that carries cyclists and bikes in a dedicated minibus between Holiday Inn Express (Folkestone) and CIFFCO opposite Cité Europe (Calais).
- From £50 per bike per crossing
- Online request form required
- Book at least 10 working days in advance
- No phone bookings and no same-day bookings
- Changes possible up to 3 working days before departure, subject to availability, no refunds
Find more details on our Bicycle page.
Customs checks in the UK and France
When travelling through the Channel Tunnel, you will pass through both UK and French customs controls. This is part of the standard border procedure. Make sure you have:
- A valid passport for every passenger
- Advance Passenger Information (API) completed before your trip
- Proof for any restricted items you are carrying, such as gas bottles or firearms
- Documents for pets if you are travelling with animals (see our Eurotunnel pets page)
Allow extra time at the terminal for these checks, especially during busy holiday periods. Once you have cleared both border controls, you can board LeShuttle directly without further stops until you arrive in Calais.
Booking tips and how pricing works with extra luggage
When you book, select your vehicle type, then enter make, model, height and length. Add accessories such as roof boxes, bike racks or trailers. This ensures the correct deck allocation and pricing.
- Prices are influenced by vehicle size and travel time.
- Fill out the booking module above to get an instant price for your Eurotunnel crossing and compare ferry fares for the same route.
- Compare different time slots; prices can vary throughout the day.
- For passenger tickets there is no extra charge per bag. Pack what fits safely inside your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions about Eurotunnel Luggage
Below you’ll find the most common questions about luggage and baggage rules on the Channel Tunnel. If your question isn’t listed here, feel free to contact us through the form.
How much luggage can I take through the Channel Tunnel by car?
There is no set baggage weight limit for private travel. Bring as much as fits safely in your vehicle, within its legal limits.
Do I need to declare my roof box or bike rack?
Yes. Add roof boxes, bike racks and trailers during booking so height and length are correct for deck allocation and pricing.
Are gas bottles allowed for camping?
Yes, within limits. Maximum 47 kg per bottle and 50 kg total if more than one. Less than 80% full, declared at check-in and fully switched off.
Can I carry spare fuel in jerrycans?
Yes, up to 30 litres total: plastic up to 3 × 10 litres, or metal 1 × 20 litres. Containers must be suitable and sealed.
Are fireworks allowed?
No. Fireworks, flares and pyrotechnics are not permitted on passenger shuttles.
What about firearms or sporting guns?
Only with valid licences and subject to strict storage and declaration rules. Declare at check-in and store out of sight, with parts separated.
I am carrying goods in a small van. Can I use the passenger service?
If the goods are commercial, see more information about Eurotunnel Freight. Private personal luggage in a van can use the passenger service when booked correctly.
Do I need to complete API and go through customs?
Yes. Submit API before travel and expect UK and French customs checks. Read more about inspections on our customs and checks page.
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