chunnel.co.uk › Channel Tunnel › Folkestone to Calais
Folkestone to Calais by Eurotunnel: the 35-minute crossing
The Folkestone to Calais crossing on LeShuttle is the fastest way across the Channel with your car, just 35 minutes platform to platform. Here is how it works, what it costs, and how to book.
The Folkestone to Calais route is the Channel Tunnel car crossing, run by LeShuttle (formerly Eurotunnel Le Shuttle). You drive onto the train at Folkestone, stay in your car for the 35-minute crossing, and drive off at Calais, ready for the road in France. It is the quickest and most weather-proof way to take your car to the continent. Below you will find how it works, what it costs, departure times and how to book.
The Folkestone to Calais crossing at a glance
This is the short Channel Tunnel hop that carries your car from Kent to northern France. Here are the key facts.
The LeShuttle crossing runs under the English Channel between Folkestone in Kent and Calais (Coquelles) in France, a journey of 35 minutes with your car on board.
How does the Folkestone to Calais crossing work?
The whole process is quick and simple, and you stay with your car the entire time.
- Arrive at the Folkestone terminal, ideally 45 to 60 minutes before departure, just off the M20 at Junction 11A.
- Check in, then clear both UK and French border control in one stop before you board.
- Drive your car onto the LeShuttle train when your letter is called.
- Stay in your car (or stretch your legs in the carriage) for the 35-minute crossing.
- Drive off at Calais, on the right-hand side of the road, ready for France.
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 ferry crossings on this stretch run from Dover, not Folkestone. See our tunnel or ferry comparison.
How much is Folkestone to Calais?
LeShuttle fares are per vehicle, not per person, and cover everyone in the car (up to nine passengers). The price you pay depends on the size of your vehicle, the date and time you travel, and how far ahead you book. Standard car fares start from around £69 for a short-stay return, rising for one-way, peak and last-minute crossings.
| Ticket type | From (per car) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Day Trip & Overnight | from £69 | Very short trips |
| Short Stay Saver | from £104 | Return within 5 days |
| Standard | from £127 | Any duration |
| Flexiplus | from £284 | Fully flexible, priority |
Fares are per car, each way, and rise as departures fill up. For the full breakdown of every ticket type and how prices are applied, see our tickets and prices page, and check live fares for your dates in the booking module above.
Folkestone to Calais departure times
LeShuttle runs around the clock, with up to four departures an hour at peak times and a reduced service through the night. Because it is so frequent, you rarely wait long, and if you arrive early you can often board an earlier crossing when there is space.
For live departure times and the full schedule in both directions, see our Folkestone to Calais timetable, which shows real-time departures for your travel day.
The Folkestone terminal
The UK terminal is at Folkestone in Kent, just off the M20 at Junction 11A, postcode CT18 8XX for your satnav. It has check-in, border control, fuel, shops and places to eat before you board. For the full rundown of the terminal, directions, check-in, facilities, and parking, see our dedicated guide: Eurotunnel Folkestone terminal.
The return: Calais to Folkestone
The crossing works exactly the same way in reverse. You arrive at the Calais (Coquelles) terminal, check in, clear border control, and board the LeShuttle for the 35-minute crossing back to Folkestone. Booking a return together is usually cheaper than two one-way tickets. For return departure times, check the timetable.
Is the ferry a cheaper alternative?
There is no ferry from Folkestone itself, the ferries on this stretch run from nearby Dover to Calais or Dunkirk, taking around 90 minutes at sea. A ferry can be cheaper on some dates, while the tunnel is faster and unaffected by the weather. If you want to weigh them up, see our full Channel Tunnel or ferry comparison.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Folkestone to Calais take?
The crossing takes about 35 minutes platform to platform. Allow an extra 45 to 60 minutes at the terminal for check-in and border control before boarding.
Is Folkestone to Calais a train or a ferry?
It is a train, the LeShuttle car train through the Channel Tunnel, which carries your car under the sea. The ferries on this route run from Dover, not Folkestone.
How much is the Folkestone to Calais crossing?
From around £69 per car for a short-stay return, depending on your vehicle size, date, time and how far ahead you book. See our tickets page for the full price breakdown.
What are the departure times?
LeShuttle runs 24 hours a day, with up to four departures an hour at busy times and a reduced night service. See the live timetable for your travel day.
What is the Folkestone terminal postcode?
Use CT18 8XX for your satnav. The terminal is just off the M20 at Junction 11A in Kent.
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. You drive off at Calais on the right-hand side of the road.
Folkestone to Calais on LeShuttle is the fastest way to take your car across the Channel: a 35-minute crossing through the tunnel, up to four departures an hour, from around £69 per car. You stay with your vehicle the whole way, with no seasickness and no weather delays. Book early for the best fare, check the timetable for departure times, and use the price checker above to see live fares for your travel dates.