Chunnel London to Paris: car route & train option
Driving from London to Paris via the chunnel is the quickest door-to-door route for motorists. The LeShuttle car train takes 35 minutes from Folkestone to Calais, with frequent departures, then it is a straightforward motorway run to Paris. For foot passengers, Eurostar is the direct train option.
London to Paris by car via the Chunnel
Start in London, drive to the Folkestone terminal in about 1 hour and 30 minutes, then board the LeShuttle car train. The planned crossing time is 35 minutes platform to platform. Recent averages are around 34 minutes, and shuttles can run up to four times per hour at busy periods.
Driving route after the chunnel
Exit the Calais terminal, join the A16 toward Boulogne, then take the A26 to Arras and the A1 south to Paris. This is the usual fast route with service areas at regular intervals. Calais to Paris typically takes about 3 hours in free-flowing conditions.
Typical timings London → Paris (by car)
- London to Folkestone: ~1h30
- Check-in and border formalities: ~60 min
- Chunnel crossing: 35 min
- Calais to Paris: ~3h00
Total door-to-door: about 6 hours
Prices and booking
Car fares commonly start from about £120 one way when booked in advance. Motorcycles are usually lower. Prices rise near departure and on peak days, so reserving early helps.
Check live options on our tickets page and consult the timetable before you set off.
London to Paris as a foot passenger (Eurostar)
The car shuttles do not take foot passengers. If you are travelling without a vehicle, take Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord.
You can book tickets for Eurostar at Omio or The Trainline.
Current timetable pages list typical journey times around 2h16–2h20 for direct services.
- Check-in and security at St Pancras: ~30 minutes
- London to Paris (direct): ~2h16–2h20
- Arrive in the city centre at Gare du Nord
Quick compare: chunnel car vs Eurostar vs ferry
| Option | Typical total time (London → Paris) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chunnel by car (LeShuttle) | ~6 hours (incl. drive + 35 min crossing) | Up to 4 departures per hour at peaks; direct motorway exit at Calais. |
| Eurostar (foot passenger) | ~2h16–2h20 station to station | Fastest city-centre option. |
| Ferry (Dover–Calais) | ~7–8 hours overall | 90 min sea crossing plus port time and the same Calais–Paris drive. |
Good to know
If your journey continues beyond Paris, one of the most popular destinations is Disneyland Paris. The resort is located in Marne-la-Vallée, about 32 km east of central Paris. From Calais, it takes roughly 3 hours and 30 minutes by car via the A1 and A104 motorways. Many families combine the Chunnel route with a visit there, as the drive is straightforward once you reach the outskirts of Paris.
- The Channel Tunnel Fixed Link utilises two rail tunnels, along with a service tunnel, and features shuttle trains that transport cars, vans, and lorries between Folkestone and Coquelles.
- If you need a rapid getaway on arrival, the A16/A26/A1 route has frequent service areas and avoids most town centres.
- Check our safety guide and FAQ before booking busy weekends or when you are considering taking the tunnel with your LPG car. (Don't!)
Related guides
Planning a different itinerary? See the Chunnel from London to Paris for more route detail, compare the tunnel or ferry, or read our car travel and motorcycle guides. Foot passengers can jump to the Eurostar.
The Eurostar is the passenger service that provides direct connections through the Channel Tunnel to cities such as Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. This train is a fast option to travel from London to Paris, with a travel time of only 2 hours and 17 minutes, and is also more environmentally friendly than flying.
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