Eurotunnel by motorhome and campervan: prices and how it works

Yes, you can take a motorhome or campervan through the Channel Tunnel on LeShuttle. It is one of the easiest ways to get a large vehicle to Europe: you drive straight into a tall carriage, stay with your motorhome for the 35-minute crossing, and drive off onto the French motorway in Calais. Because motorhomes are longer and taller than cars, they cost more and are booked by size. Use the price checker below to get the exact fare for your vehicle, then read on for real price comparisons and how it works.

Can you take a motorhome on the Channel Tunnel?

Yes. Motorhomes and campervans are welcome on LeShuttle, and the tunnel is one of the most popular ways to take them to the continent. You do not need a special service or a separate booking, you book your motorhome just like a car, but in the right size category. You drive on at Folkestone and off at Calais, staying with your vehicle throughout.

This works for all common leisure vehicles: campervans, coachbuilt motorhomes, and larger A-class motorhomes, as long as they fit within the height and length limits and are booked correctly. If you are towing a caravan behind your car rather than driving a motorhome, see our dedicated caravan guide, as the rules and booking are slightly different.

How much does a motorhome cost on the Eurotunnel?

A motorhome or campervan costs more than a car because fares are based on the size of your vehicle. There is no fixed surcharge, but our own price checks reveal a clear pattern: the extra you pay depends heavily on the day you travel.

On a quiet weekday the camper premium is small. On a busy weekend it can almost double the fare. Here are real comparisons we ran for a mid-sized campervan (around 5m long, 1.8m high) against a car on the same crossing.

Real price comparisons for a mid-sized campervan versus a car on the same crossing. The camper premium is smallest on quiet weekdays and largest at peak weekend times. Larger motorhomes cost more again. These are examples only, enter your vehicle's exact size in the booking module above for your real fare. See car fares in detail on our tickets and prices page.

The high carriages: easy to drive into

One thing that puts people off taking a big vehicle abroad is the worry about fitting. On LeShuttle this is not a problem. Motorhomes and campervans travel in the tall single-deck carriages, which are high and wide, and easy to drive straight into. Staff guide you in, and there is plenty of room.

Unlike a ferry, where you reverse and manoeuvre into tight parking decks, on LeShuttle you simply drive forwards into the carriage and forwards out the other end. For a large motorhome, that makes the tunnel far less stressful than the ferry.

Can you take a motorhome on Eurostar?

No. Eurostar is a passenger-only train and cannot carry vehicles of any kind. To take your motorhome or campervan through the Channel Tunnel you need LeShuttle, the Eurotunnel car train, from Folkestone to Calais. If you searched for “Eurostar motorhome”, LeShuttle is the service you actually need.

How it works: driving your motorhome onto the train

The process is the same as for a car, just in a taller carriage. Here is what to expect.

1. At check-in, your booking and passports are scanned. Make sure you booked the correct vehicle size.
2. Follow the lane signs. Taller vehicles are directed to the high single-deck carriages.
3. Drive forwards into the carriage as guided by staff. Apply the handbrake and leave it in gear or Park.
4. During the 35-minute crossing you stay with your motorhome. You can step out and stretch your legs.
5. On arrival in Calais you drive straight forwards off the train and onto the A16 motorway.

Rules for motorhomes and campervans

• Vehicles are booked by height and length, measure including roof fittings.
• LPG-powered vehicles are not permitted, and this often applies to campers with LPG systems. Onboard gas bottles must be turned off and declared. See Channel Tunnel safety.
• Electric and hybrid vehicles are allowed.
• The maximum height and length limits apply, larger vehicles may need the freight service.
• Passengers travel in the vehicle, and pets are welcome when booked, see travelling with pets.

Motorhome by tunnel or by ferry?

For a motorhome, the tunnel has clear advantages: you drive forwards in and out with no tight reversing, the crossing is just 35 minutes, and you stay with your vehicle. Ferries can be cheaper on some dates and let you leave the vehicle during a longer sailing, which some travellers prefer for a big trip, and there are often good motorhome and caravan deals on ferry routes. For a full comparison of both options, see Channel Tunnel or ferry.

How to get the best motorhome fare

• Travel midweek. As our price checks show, the camper surcharge is far smaller off-peak, so a Thursday beats a weekend twice over.
• Book early. Larger vehicle spaces are more limited, so book ahead for the best price and availability.
• Book your return together. A return booked in one go unlocks the cheaper short-stay rates. For a touring holiday, compare open returns too.
• Measure accurately. Booking the correct size avoids problems and surprise costs at check-in.

Frequently asked questions

Taking your motorhome or campervan through the Channel Tunnel is straightforward: drive into the tall carriage at Folkestone, cross to Calais in 35 minutes staying with your vehicle, and drive straight off onto the motorway. Fares are higher than a car and depend on size and day, our checks showed anything from about 1.3× on a quiet weekday to 1.9× at a busy weekend. Measure your vehicle, travel midweek where you can, and use the price checker above for your exact fare.