chunnel.co.uk › Folkestone to Calais
Folkestone to Calais by Eurotunnel: the 35-minute crossing
The LeShuttle car train is the fastest way across the Channel with your car, just 35 minutes platform to platform. You drive onto the train at Folkestone, stay in your vehicle, and drive off in Calais ready for the French roads.
Folkestone to Calais on LeShuttle is the Channel Tunnel car crossing: a quick, weatherproof way to get your car to France. There is no seasickness and no reversing, and with up to four departures an hour at busy times you are rarely waiting long.
Book your Folkestone to Calais crossing
Use the price checker below to compare live Eurotunnel and ferry fares from Folkestone to Calais for your dates and vehicle, and book your crossing.
Folkestone to Calais: the key facts
How does the Folkestone to Calais crossing work?
The process is simple, and you stay with your car the entire time.
- Arrive 45 to 60 minutes before departure at the Folkestone terminal in Kent, off the M20 at Junction 11A.
- Check in and clear both UK and French border control in one stop.
- Drive your car onto the LeShuttle train when your departure is called.
- Stay in your vehicle for the 35-minute crossing, then drive off at Calais onto the A16.
Is Folkestone to Calais a train or a ferry?
It is a train: the LeShuttle car train through the Channel Tunnel, not a ferry. Your car is loaded onto the train and you travel under the sea, so there is no seasickness and no weather disruption. The ferries, by contrast, sail from Dover rather than Folkestone.
How much is Folkestone to Calais?
Fares depend on your vehicle size, the date and time, and how far ahead you book. Here are the 2026 indicative “from” prices, per car each way.
| Ticket type | From | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Day Trip & Overnight | £69 | Very short trips |
| Short Stay Saver | £104 | Return within 5 days |
| Standard | £127 | Any length of trip |
| Flexiplus | £284 | Fully flexible, priority |
Book early for the best fare, as prices rise as departures fill up. For every ticket type in detail, see our tickets and prices page, or the lowest fares on our cheap tickets page.
Folkestone to Calais departure times
The crossing runs around the clock, with up to four departures an hour at busy times and a reduced service overnight. You rarely wait long, and if you arrive early you can often board an earlier crossing when there is space. Check the current departures on our live timetable.
The Folkestone terminal
The UK terminal is in Kent, just off the M20 at Junction 11A, postcode CT18 8XX. It has automatic check-in, both borders in one place, plus fuel, shops and places to eat. For directions, facilities and parking, see our Folkestone terminal guide.
The return: Calais to Folkestone
The journey back works exactly the same way, from the terminal at Coquelles near Calais. Booking your outbound and return together is usually cheaper than two singles, so book the return in one go if you can.
Is the ferry a cheaper alternative?
The ferries sail from Dover, not Folkestone, to Calais or Dunkirk, taking about 90 minutes rather than 35. They can be cheaper on some dates, while the tunnel is faster and unaffected by the weather. Compare both in our Channel Tunnel or ferry guide.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Folkestone to Calais take?
About 35 minutes platform to platform on LeShuttle, plus 45 to 60 minutes at the terminal for check-in and border control before you board.
Is Folkestone to Calais a train or a ferry?
A train: the LeShuttle car train carries your car under the sea through the Channel Tunnel. It is not a ferry, and the ferries sail from Dover instead.
How much is the Folkestone to Calais crossing?
From around £69 per car for a short-stay return, varying by vehicle size, date, time and how far ahead you book.
What are the departure times?
A 24-hour service, with up to four departures an hour at busy periods and a reduced service overnight. Check the live timetable for current departures.
What is the Folkestone terminal postcode?
CT18 8XX, off the M20 at Junction 11A in Kent. For sat nav, search for the Eurotunnel Terminal Building rather than the postcode alone.
Do you stay in your car on the crossing?
Yes. You stay with your vehicle for the 35-minute crossing, though you can step out within the carriage to stretch your legs.
Folkestone to Calais on the Eurotunnel LeShuttle is the quickest way to take your car to France: a 35-minute crossing, up to four departures an hour, 24/7, from £69 per car. You check in off the M20 at Folkestone, clear both borders in one stop, stay in your car under the sea, and drive off in Calais onto the A16. Use the price checker above to compare fares and book your crossing.