Channel Tunnel by car: LeShuttle guide
The Channel Tunnel car train is one of the fastest ways to reach mainland Europe. From Folkestone in Kent, you drive directly onto the LeShuttle train and 35 minutes later, you roll out in Calais, ready to continue your journey.
Through the Eurotunnel by car
You have the choice of two types of trains that travel through the tunnel to France. These are the passenger trains of Eurostar and the car trains known as Eurotunnel or LeShuttle.
LeShuttle Car Train
For LeShuttle, you drive your car to Folkestone, where you then drive onto the train via special car platforms. The train then takes you to Calais in France in about 35 minutes.
- The route of the car train to France is as follows:
What does the Eurotunnel with the car cost?
The costs of traveling via the Eurotunnel with the car can vary greatly.
- There are different types of tickets.
- Prices depend on the train's occupancy.
- Prices may increase due to the height or length of the car.
In the table below, you can see the starting prices per ticket type.
How the Channel Tunnel car train works
The Folkestone terminal is well signposted, and the process is straightforward.
- At check-in, your booking and passports are scanned. If needed, complete border formalities.
- Follow lane signs. Taller vehicles and campervans are directed to the correct carriages.
- Drive into the carriage and park as guided by staff. Apply the handbrake and leave the car in gear or Park.
- During the 35-minute crossing, you stay with your vehicle. Toilets are available on board.
- On arrival in Calais, the doors open and you drive straight onto the A16 motorway.
For Channel Tunnel first-timers, our guides to Eurotunnel Folkestone and the timetable are also valid starting points.
Channel Tunnel car train prices
Fares vary by ticket type, date and demand. Booking early usually gives the best price. The table below shows typical starting prices per car, one way.
| Ticket type | From price | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Day Trip and Overnight | £59 | Return within 2 days |
| Short Stay Saver | £94 | Return within 5 days |
| Standard | £115 | Single or return, no time limit |
| Standard Refundable | £150 | Standard ticket with refund option |
| Short Stay Flexiplus | £214 | Flexible ticket, return within 5 days |
| Flexiplus | £274 | Full flexibility and priority check-in |
Prices rise as departures fill. Check several time slots on the same day to find the lowest fare. You can book on our tickets page. We always prefer to compare the ticket prices with ferries within our booking engine, as many travellers like to book as cheaply as possible, and ferries are generally more affordable.
Rules and restrictions for cars
- LPG-powered vehicles are not permitted. (See safety rules)
- Electric cars are allowed.
- Gas bottles are subject to restrictions and must be declared.
- Vehicles higher than 1.85 metres or with roof boxes must be booked in the correct category.
- The maximum loaded weight is 3.5 tonnes.
- Low sports cars and cars with lowered chassis are accepted when booked correctly.
See also our Channel Tunnel safety guide.
By car or by ferry
The tunnel is faster than the ferry. Travelling from London to Paris via the tunnel takes approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes in total, including driving and crossing time. Ferries can be cheaper on certain dates and allow you to leave your car on board during the trip, which some travellers prefer. For a complete comparison, see Channel Tunnel or Ferry.
Booking a ticket with a rental car
You are asked to enter the brand and model when booking. This allocates the right space on the train. If you plan to use a rental car and do not yet know the exact model, select “other” and estimate the size. Update the booking later when you have your rental details. Here you can see a screenshot of this booking.
- Select Car as your transport type.
- Choose “Other brand” and “other model”, and enter the approximate length and height.
- Complete your booking to secure a place.
- Update the booking once you know the exact rental car.
Related pages on chunnel.co.uk
Planning a wider trip. Try our guides to driving from London to Paris, routes from Calais to Amsterdam, and our overview of how the Channel Tunnel works. Motorcyclists can read the motorcycle guide. Families heading to Disneyland Paris can follow our route tips. For live availability, visit the tickets page.
Why LeShuttle is interesting
Driving through the Channel Tunnel (by train) with your car is fast and straightforward. Check in at Folkestone, board the LeShuttle train, spend 35 minutes in your vehicle during the crossing, and arrive in Calais ready for the open road. Prices start from £59 for short returns and rise for flexible tickets. LPG cars are not allowed. Electric cars and most other vehicles are welcome when booked in the correct category.
We recommend booking your trip online in advance. This prevents you from ending up without a place and thus not being able to take the train. Additionally, you can select your time slot in advance and choose the most advantageous price. As the train fills up, prices increase.
Content
© 2025 Chunnel.co.uk – All Rights Reserved