Eurotunnel Freight: Train for Lorries
Eurotunnel Freight is a fast and and reliable way to cross the Channel with a lorry. In just 35 minutes, you travel between Folkestone (UK) and Calais (France). The service runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
What is Eurotunnel Freight?
Eurotunnel Freight, also branded as LeShuttle Freight, is dedicated to transporting lorries and commercial goods through the Channel Tunnel.
Key benefits of pushing your freight through the tunnel:
- Only 35 minutes to France
- Up to 8 departures per hour during peak periods. Check our Live Timetable for all departures.
- Direct motorway access (M20 in the UK, A16/A26 in France)
- The #1 Choice between the UK and mainland Europe
- Reliable service, unaffected by sea or weather conditions
Truck train between UK and France
Unlike ferries, the train for lorries via Eurotunnel Freight offers speed and consistency.
- Boarding: lorries drive directly onto wide, open wagons
- During the crossing: drivers are transferred to a Club Car minibus
- Arrival: after 35 minutes, lorries roll off straight onto the motorway network
Vans or Lorries?
The rules for vans are clear:
- Private use under 3m³: book via the passenger service
- Commercial goods or more than 3m³: must be booked as Eurotunnel Freight
Book with LeShuttle Freight if this applies to you.
How the Crossing Works
The Eurotunnel Freight process is fast and streamlined:
- Check-in at the terminal using self-service touchscreens
- Registration and paperwork scan at the Pit Stop
- Customs and security checks by UK and French authorities
- Vehicle is assigned to the next available shuttle
- Assisted boarding by LeShuttle staff
- Drivers wait in the comfortable Club Car during the crossing
- In 35 minutes, you are on the other side, ready to continue your journeyÂ
Customs and border controls
Eurotunnel Freight involves both UK Border Force and French Customs. Depending on your cargo, checks may include:
- Verification of goods documentation
- Scans for restricted or prohibited items
- Detection systems such as heartbeat sensors and X-ray scansÂ
Want to learn more about customs? Read more on our Customs and Checks page.
Drivers Club Loyalty Scheme
Frequent hauliers can benefit from the LeShuttle Freight Drivers Club. Drivers collect points for every completed crossing, which can later be exchanged for rewards and benefits.
Eurotunnel Freight Timetable
Eurotunnel operates a 24/7 timetable with 19 dedicated freight shuttles, each carrying up to 32 lorries.
- Crossing time: 35 minutes
- Terminal-to-terminal journey: around 90 minutes
- Maximum vehicle height: 4.20 m
- Maximum 3 people per lorry (including the driver)
Check the live Eurotunnel timetable.
Safety Rules on Board
For everyone’s safety, the following rules apply:
- No more than 3 occupants per lorry (including the driver)
- No children under 12 permitted
- Livestock and pets are not allowed on freight shuttles
- On-board speed limit of 10 km/h (6 mph)
- Curtains must remain open, electrical devices switched off
- Fuel caps secured, antennas lowered, tarpaulins properly fastened
Watch the video below for LeShuttle’s safety rules, so you know exactly what to expect during your crossing.
Ferry as an Alternative
While Eurotunnel Freight is the fastest option, ferries remain a popular alternative, especially for private travellers.
- Travel time: usually 90–120 minutes
- Price: often lower than Eurotunnel Freight
- Booking: easier for private vans and small removals
- Flexibility: walk on the deck, rest during the crossing
If price is your main concern and you don’t mind the longer journey, a ferry from Dover to Calais or Dover to Dunkirk may be the more practical choice. For a full comparison, see our guide: Channel Tunnel or Ferry.
Frequently asked questions about LeShuttle Freight
Below you’ll find answers to the most common freight-related questions. If your question is not listed, feel free to send us a message via the contact form. Looking for information about touring coaches through the Channel Tunnel? You can find it here.
How much does LeShuttle Freight cost?
Prices vary depending on your vehicle type, length and the amount of goods you carry. Professional hauliers usually have dedicated contracts, while private individuals with vans or lorries can request a one-off booking. Generally, freight tickets are more expensive than standard passenger tickets.
Can I book Eurotunnel Freight as a private individual?
Yes. If you are transporting personal items in a van or lorry with more than 3m³ of goods, for example during a house move, you must book via the freight service. For smaller loads you can use the standard passenger booking.
How long does the freight crossing take?
The shuttle takes just 35 minutes from Folkestone to Calais, making it the fastest way to move a lorry or van across the Channel. Including check-in and customs, plan around 90 minutes in total.
What are the alternatives to LeShuttle Freight?
Ferries from Dover to Calais or Dunkirk are the main alternative. The crossing takes longer, usually between 90 and 120 minutes, but ferries are often cheaper and more flexible, especially for private travellers. See our full guide Channel Tunnel or Ferry.
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