Channel Tunnel motorcycle booking guide
Planning to ride to France and want to book the Channel Tunnel but are unsure where to start? This guide gives you the prices, the booking steps, and exactly what happens at the terminal so you can cross with confidence.
Quick booking steps for motorcyclists
- Go to our tickets page and choose your travel date and time. It's sometimes quite difficult (as we've heard!) to book group motorcycle tickets in our booking engine. Currently, we advise booking motorcycle tickets separately.
- Select motorcycle as your vehicle type. Add a pillion if applicable.
- Enter passenger details and complete the Advance Passenger Information if requested.
- Confirm and pay. Keep the booking reference handy on your phone and printed out if possible.
How much does it cost
Motorcycle fares for the Channel Tunnel typically start from around £55 to £ 65 one way. ( Half the price of regular car tickets ) Prices change with date, time, and demand. Booking in advance usually gives the lowest rate. As a rule of thumb, motorcycle tickets are often about half of a standard car fare.
To check live availability and secure a place, use our tickets page. If you want to travel at very specific times in summer, book early. Also, nighttime tickets are about 5% to 15% cheaper.
| Option | Typical price for bikes | Crossing time | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Channel Tunnel | From ~£ 60 each way | About 35 minutes | Fastest route, stay with the bike, direct access to A16. Prices rise near departure on busy days. |
| Ferry (Dover–Calais) | Often similar or lower for motorcycles on sale dates | About 90 to 100 minutes | More time on board and facilities, but longer total journey with port queuing and sailing time. |
What happens on the day of departure
1. Arrive and check in
Arrive at Folkestone at least one hour before departure. Follow signs for vehicles with reservations. Have your passport and booking reference ready. Security and customs checks are straightforward if documents are complete.
2. Boarding with a motorcycle
Follow staff directions to the loading lane. Ride into the carriage and park as instructed. Most riders leave the bike in first gear on the side stand. Keep the ignition off, helmet and gloves to hand, and do not block the aisle.
3. During the crossing
The trip takes about 35 minutes. Riders stay with their bikes inside the carriage. Toilets are available. Bring a bottle of water or a small snack if you need it, since there are no shops inside the carriage.
4. Exit and ride on
When the doors open in Calais, ride straight onto the A16. If you are planning a more extended tour, check our Channel Tunnel overview for essential travel information and safety guidelines in the Channel Tunnel.
Rules that matter for riders
No LPG-powered vehicles in the tunnel.( You probably aren't riding an experimental motorcycle)- Arrive at least one hour before departure, earlier in peak periods.
- Carry a valid passport for every traveller.
- Complete Advance Passenger Information where requested.
- Carry your motorcycle documents, such as insurance and registration papers.
Tunnel or ferry for a motorcycle
If price is your only concern, ferries sometimes undercut the tunnel for motorcycles on specific dates. If time and simplicity are the top priorities, the tunnel wins with its short crossing and direct motorway access. Many riders choose the tunnel outbound to save time, then watch for a (cheaper) ferry deal on the return. For a broader view, consider the Channel Tunnel or a ferry.
Tips that save time and money
- Book early to secure the lowest fare and your preferred time.
- Focus on nighttime crossings to save 5-15%.
- Keep your booking reference visible at check-in to speed things up. (See image)
Booking for motorcyclists
Decide your preferred crossing time, check the timetable, then reserve on our tickets page. If you are travelling with different vehicles later in the year, see our guides for cars, campers, and caravans.
Booking the Channel Tunnel for a motorcycle is simple once you know the steps. Select your time, choose ‘motorcycle' as the vehicle, complete the passenger details, and arrive with your documents ready. With a short 35-minute crossing and prices starting around €60, it is a fast way to begin any ride on the continent.
Travelling to France by motorcycle is easy! Ride your bike onto the Channel Tunnel's car train and within 35 minutes, you're in France. Although tickets can be purchased directly at the Eurotunnel check-in, it's recommended to book in advance. This not only guarantees your spot on the train but also ensures you don't end up paying more; tickets tend to be pricier at the check-in!
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