Channel Tunnel FAQ: your Eurotunnel questions answered

The crossing from Folkestone to Calais takes about 35 minutes platform to platform. On top of that, allow 45 to 90 minutes at the terminal for check-in and border control before you board. With up to four departures an hour at busy times, you are rarely waiting long. See the live timetable.

The LeShuttle train reaches around 160 km/h (about 100 mph) inside the tunnel. That speed is what gets you across the Channel in just 35 minutes, with your car loaded on board.

Yes. You load your car onto the train at Folkestone, stay with your vehicle (or step out within the carriage), and 35 minutes later you drive off at Calais, ready for the road. There is no seasickness and no weather to worry about. See travelling by car.

The crossing is only 35 minutes, but toilets are available on board the shuttle if needed. It is best to go at the terminal before boarding, where there are also shops and places to eat.

Not through the tunnel directly, you drive your car onto the LeShuttle train, which carries you and your car through. You stay in the vehicle, but the train does the driving. You then drive off under your own power at Calais.

You will often see LeShuttle advertised “from” a low headline price, but it is important to understand what that means. The lowest “from” fares apply to a Day Trip or short return taken within a day or so, with limited flexibility. The price you actually pay depends on three things: the size of your vehicle, the date and time you travel, and how far ahead you book.

As a guide, a standard car starts from around £69 for a short-stay return, with Standard tickets from about £127 and fully flexible fares higher again. Larger vehicles like motorhomes and caravans cost more, and fares rise as departures fill up and at weekends and holidays. Because there are several ticket types with different rules, the best thing is to read the full breakdown on our tickets and prices page, which explains each fare and how it is applied, then check the live price for your dates.

A return is usually cheaper booked together than two singles. The Short Stay Saver (return within 5 days) is one of the best-value options, from around £104 for a car, while a fully flexible return costs more. See the full range on our tickets page.

Per car. One LeShuttle fare covers the vehicle and everyone in it, up to nine passengers, for the same price. That is what makes the tunnel such good value for families and groups, especially with luggage.

Yes. Fares are based on your vehicle's height and length, so a standard car is cheapest, while vans, motorhomes and cars with caravans or roof boxes cost more. Measure your vehicle and book the correct category. See our guides for motorhomes and caravans.

No. The fare is per vehicle for up to nine people, so extra passengers do not cost more. Beyond nine, coach and bus rules apply. See coaches and buses.

It is strongly recommended to book in advance. Turn-up fares are much more expensive and space is not guaranteed, especially at busy times. Booking ahead secures both your place and the lowest price. See tickets.

The ferry is often cheaper, especially the Dover to Dunkirk crossing, while the tunnel is faster at 35 minutes and unaffected by the weather. The best choice depends on your date and budget. See our full Channel Tunnel or ferry comparison.

LeShuttle (Eurotunnel) is the train that carries your car from Folkestone to Calais. Eurostar is a passenger train with no cars, running from London to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam. Both use the same tunnel but are two separate services. See our Eurostar guide.

No. Eurostar carries passengers only. To travel with your car, you take LeShuttle from Folkestone to Calais. If you searched for “Eurostar with a car”, you are looking for LeShuttle.

No. The car train only goes to Calais, from where it is about a 3-hour drive to Paris. For a direct train into central Paris without a car, take Eurostar. See our London to Paris guide.

Yes, without restriction. Electric cars travel normally on LeShuttle, and there are charging points at the Folkestone and Calais terminals. See travelling by car.

No. LPG-powered vehicles are banned for safety reasons, even dual-fuel cars carrying an LPG tank. If you drive one, you need to take a ferry instead. See Channel Tunnel safety.

Yes. Motorcycles travel at a lower fare, and motorhomes and caravans are welcome with fares based on size. See our guides for motorcycles, motorhomes and caravans.

Up to nine people per car, all for the same ticket price. Beyond nine, coach and bus rules apply. See coaches and buses.

Yes, and the tunnel is ideal because your pet stays in the car with you throughout. You need a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination and an Animal Health Certificate, plus a tapeworm treatment for dogs returning to the UK. There is a pet check-in at Folkestone. See our travelling with pets guide.

A valid passport for every passenger, including children (ID cards are not accepted for UK crossings). There are also new EU border checks being introduced. See our passport control and customs guide for the current rules.

No. There is no weight or bag limit, as your luggage travels in your car. See our luggage policy page.

Yes. As soon as you leave the terminal at Calais you drive on the right, and roundabouts go anticlockwise. Take extra care at the first few junctions.

“Chunnel” is the popular nickname for the Channel Tunnel, the undersea rail link between England and France. It carries two services: LeShuttle, which takes cars and vehicles from Folkestone to Calais, and Eurostar, the passenger train from London to Paris and beyond. See how the Channel Tunnel works.

The tunnel is about 50 kilometres long, of which 38 kilometres run under the sea, making it the longest undersea section of any tunnel in the world. It links Coquelles, near Calais, to Folkestone in Kent.

At its deepest, the tunnel is around 75 metres below sea level, running beneath the seabed of the English Channel. It is an impressive feat of engineering, carrying trains and vehicles safely between the UK and France.

Three: two running tunnels (one in each direction) and a central service tunnel used for maintenance, emergency access and evacuation. This three-tunnel design is a key reason the crossing is so safe. See safety.

Yes. It is one of the safest crossings in the world, with an excellent record since it opened in 1994, a dedicated escape tunnel, and round-the-clock monitoring. See our safety guide.