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Eurotunnel Folkestone terminal: address, check-in and facilities
Everything you need for the UK terminal at Folkestone: exactly where it is, how to reach it, what to expect at check-in, the facilities on site, and what to do if there are queues.
The Eurotunnel LeShuttle terminal at Folkestone is where your Channel Tunnel journey begins. It sits just off the M20 in Kent, purpose-built so you can arrive, check in, clear border control and board the shuttle to Calais, all without leaving your car for long. This page covers the address and directions, the check-in process, the facilities on site, parking, and what to do if you hit a queue.
Where is the Folkestone terminal?
The Eurotunnel LeShuttle terminal is in Folkestone, Kent, in the south-east corner of England. It is reached directly from Junction 11A of the M20, which is signposted for the Eurotunnel, so you drive almost straight from the motorway into the terminal. Dover is about 7 miles away, Ashford around 10 miles, and London roughly 70 miles (about 1 hour 30 minutes).
📍 Address & postcode
- Terminal
- Eurotunnel Terminal Building, Folkestone
- Address
- Ashford Road, Folkestone, Kent
- Postcode
- CT18 8XX
- Motorway
- Junction 11A of the M20
🚗 Getting there
- From London
- M20 south, follow signs to Junction 11A (about 1 h 30)
- From the North/Midlands
- M25, then M20 towards Dover, exit 11A
- Nearest stations
- Folkestone West and Folkestone Central (no foot access to the terminal itself)
The Eurotunnel Folkestone terminal on the map, just off Junction 11A of the M20. Tap the map to open directions in Google Maps.
Check-in at the Folkestone terminal
Check-in is quick and designed to keep you moving. Here is what happens from the moment you arrive.
- Arrive at the terminal, ideally about 45 to 60 minutes before your booked departure. Follow the signs from Junction 11A.
- Drive up to an automatic check-in booth, where your booking is read from your number plate or you enter your details. You are given a letter for your departure.
- Pass through French and UK border control, which happens here before you board, so there is nothing to do on arrival in Calais.
- Follow the signs to the passenger terminal or straight to the allocated lanes, depending on your departure time.
- When your letter is called, drive onto the LeShuttle train and stay with your vehicle for the 35-minute crossing.
Often yes. If you arrive early and there is space, you can usually be put on an earlier departure at no extra cost, though this is not guaranteed at busy times. Arriving in good time gives you the best chance. For departure times, see our timetable.
Facilities at the terminal
The Folkestone terminal is built for travellers, so you can stretch your legs, grab something to eat and get ready before you board. On site you will typically find:
- A passenger terminal building with shops and places to eat and drink.
- Toilets and baby-changing facilities.
- Fuel available near the terminal before you cross.
- Cash machines and free parking areas for those using the passenger building.
- Pet facilities for travellers crossing with animals, including a pet reception and exercise areas.
Facilities can change and opening hours vary by time of day, so if something specific matters for your trip, it is worth checking the official LeShuttle terminal information before you travel.
Parking at the terminal
Most travellers drive straight through and do not need to park, since your car crosses with you. If you are using the passenger building before your crossing, there are short-stay parking areas near the terminal. If you plan to leave a vehicle for a longer period, check the current parking options and any charges with LeShuttle in advance, as long-stay parking is limited and best arranged ahead.
Queues and delays at Folkestone
At peak times, such as school holidays, bank holidays and busy summer weekends, the terminal can get busy and queues can build at check-in and border control. Most of the time things move quickly, but it pays to plan ahead.
- Travel off-peak if you can: early mornings, late evenings and midweek are usually quieter.
- Allow extra time: at busy periods, arrive with more buffer than the usual 45 to 60 minutes.
- Check the service status before you leave: LeShuttle publishes live service updates, so you can see current terminal waiting times before you set off.
- Have your documents ready: passports for everyone and your booking details speed up border control.
For real-time waiting times and any disruption at the Folkestone terminal, check the official LeShuttle service status before you travel. It is the most up-to-date source for queues on the day, especially during holidays and after any incident.
The French terminal at Coquelles
On the other side, you arrive at the Coquelles terminal near Calais (Rue des Garennes, 62231), with a direct link to the A16 motorway towards Paris, Belgium and the Netherlands. For your return, you check in there in the same way. See our Channel Tunnel guide for both terminals, and our Folkestone to Calais page for the crossing itself.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Eurotunnel Folkestone terminal postcode?
The postcode is CT18 8XX, on Ashford Road, Folkestone, reached from Junction 11A of the M20. For pinpoint sat nav accuracy, search for “Eurotunnel Terminal Building” or “UK Check-in Booth”.
How do I get to the Folkestone terminal?
By car via the M20, exiting at Junction 11A, which is signposted for the Eurotunnel. From London it is about 70 miles or 1 hour 30 minutes. There is no foot access to the terminal, so foot passengers use Eurostar instead.
How early should I arrive at the terminal?
Around 45 to 60 minutes before your booked departure, and more at peak times. Arriving early also gives you the chance to board an earlier crossing if there is space.
Are there queues at the Folkestone terminal?
Usually things move quickly, but queues can build at peak times like holidays and busy weekends. Check the official LeShuttle live service status before you travel for current waiting times.
What facilities are at the terminal?
A passenger building with shops, food and drink, toilets, fuel nearby, cash machines, and pet facilities. Opening hours vary, so check ahead if something specific matters for your trip.
Is there parking at the Folkestone terminal?
There are short-stay parking areas near the passenger building. Long-stay parking is limited, so arrange it in advance with LeShuttle if you need to leave a vehicle.
The Eurotunnel Folkestone terminal is straightforward to use: exit the M20 at Junction 11A (postcode CT18 8XX), check in about 45 to 60 minutes before departure, clear border control on site, and board the shuttle for the 35-minute crossing to Calais. Arrive in good time, check the live service status on busy days, and you are set for a smooth start to your journey. Use the price checker above to compare fares and book your crossing.