chunnel.co.uk › Timetable & Crossing Times
LeShuttle & Eurotunnel timetable: live departure times
Check live Eurotunnel departure times between Folkestone and Calais. Select today, tomorrow or another date to see the departures for that day. The crossing takes about 35 minutes, with up to 4 departures per hour at busy times.
Use the live LeShuttle timetable below to check Eurotunnel crossing times and departures in real time. Pick your travel date to see every departure for that day, from Folkestone to Calais and from Calais back to the UK. The train journey takes about 35 minutes, and trains run 24 hours a day.
Eurotunnel: Folkestone to Calais Live Timetable
To the UK: Calais to Folkestone Live Timetable
Today's LeShuttle and Eurotunnel times
Select a date in the timetable above to see the LeShuttle departures for that day. Use today for live departures, tomorrow for the next travel day, or choose another date to plan ahead.
Before you use the departure time
The tunnel crossing takes about 35 minutes, but that is not the full travel time. Allow time for check-in, border control, security checks, boarding and leaving the terminal.
- Standard tickets usually require check-in at least 1 hour before departure.
- Busy weekends, holidays and border queues can add extra waiting time.
- Folkestone departures use UK time. Calais departures use French time.
About the LeShuttle timetable
LeShuttle operates up to four departures per hour through the Channel Tunnel between Folkestone in the UK and Calais in France. The live timetable above shows current Eurotunnel crossing times and departure updates in real time. For the full journey, see our Folkestone to Calais route guide.
While the train ride through the Channel Tunnel takes 35 minutes, travellers should plan to arrive at least 60 to 90 minutes before departure to allow for check-in, security screening and passport control. All checks take place before boarding, and vehicles queue in lanes until it is time to drive onto the train.
From arrival at the terminal to exiting on the other side, expect a total journey time of around 2 to 3 hours.
Typical Eurotunnel crossing times
The Channel Tunnel crossing itself is quick, but the full journey includes several stages. Here is what to expect from terminal to terminal.
| Stage of journey | Average duration |
|---|---|
| Check-in and border control | 30 to 60 minutes |
| Boarding and waiting | 15 to 30 minutes |
| Train journey through the tunnel | 35 minutes |
| Disembarkation and exit | 10 to 15 minutes |
| Total travel time (realistic) | 2 to 3 hours |
LeShuttle is the fastest link between the UK and France for road vehicles. We compared the speed with the ferries, and the tunnel was a clear winner. See our Channel Tunnel or ferry comparison for the full picture.
Departures from Folkestone and Calais
From Folkestone (UK to France)
Departures from Folkestone run day and night, with the highest frequency in the morning and early evening. Most vehicles clear border and security checks before boarding, so keep your booking reference and passports ready. LeShuttle operates 24 hours a day, with trains running throughout the night.
From Calais (France to the UK)
Services from Calais also operate 24/7. Drivers should follow signs for LeShuttle, Royaume-Uni. On the UK side, check-in opens two hours before departure, and you must arrive at least one hour in advance.
How to check real-time Eurotunnel departures
The live timetable at the top of this page displays current departure and arrival information, showing the departures on any given day. It updates throughout the day, so you can see which trains have arrived, which are in the tunnel now, and which are leaving soon. You can also find service updates on the digital boards at both terminals and via the LeShuttle app.
How to book your tickets in advance
Tickets can be bought at check-in, but booking online in advance is cheaper and easier, and it lets you compare fares and time slots before you travel. Prices vary a lot by departure time, so comparing is the fastest way to find a lower fare. Use the price checker below to compare LeShuttle fares, see ferry alternatives side by side, and book your crossing.
For a full breakdown of every fare and what each ticket includes, see our Eurotunnel tickets and prices guide. Looking for the lowest fare? Our cheapest tickets page has the best money-saving tips.
What if you arrive late or early?
With a Standard ticket, you must check in at least 1 hour before your booked departure and no more than 4 hours in advance. If you arrive up to 1 hour early or 1 hour late, you can usually take the next available train, subject to space. Arriving more than one hour late may result in your ticket being voided, so plan your trip carefully and amend your booking in advance if necessary.
A Flexiplus ticket gives complete freedom to travel on any train on your booked date. You check in and are allocated the next available departure, with check-in closing at 23:59 on your travel day. Flexiplus also includes priority boarding and access to dedicated lounges, making it the most flexible option for Channel Tunnel crossings.
Questions about the LeShuttle timetable
How long does it take to go through the Channel Tunnel?
The train journey itself takes approximately 35 minutes. Including check-in, security and border control, plan for a total of roughly 2 to 3 hours from terminal arrival to exit on the other side. See the live timetable at the top of this page for current status.
What is the check-in time window for Standard vs Flexiplus tickets?
Standard tickets: check in at least 1 hour before your booked time and no more than 4 hours in advance. If you arrive up to 1 hour early or late, you can usually be placed on the next available departure, subject to space. Flexiplus: travel on any train on your booked date, and you are allocated the next available departure on arrival. Details are on the Eurotunnel tickets and prices page.
Do departure times run overnight and early morning?
Yes. Services operate 24/7. Overnight and early-morning departures are available in both directions, with frequency varying by time of day. Check the live timetable above for the exact times on your travel date.
How much extra time should I allow during peak season or bank holidays?
Queues at security and border control are longer on summer weekends, school holidays and bank holidays. Add at least 30 to 60 minutes on top of the usual 1-hour minimum arrival time for Standard tickets. If timing is tight, consider Flexiplus. See ticket options.
Are the UK and France in the same time zone for departures and arrivals?
No. France is 1 hour ahead of the UK. Always check the local time on the day of travel when planning your arrival and departure windows. Folkestone departures use UK time, Calais departures use French time.
If I miss my booked departure, how quickly can I be reallocated?
If you arrive within the ticket's flexibility window, you are typically moved to the next available train, subject to space. Outside that window, a fare difference or a new ticket may apply. For policy details, see tickets and prices.
How long does border control take with pets?
Allow additional time for pet document checks and microchip verification before boarding. Bring the required papers and arrive well within your scheduled check-in window. Full pet rules are on our travelling with pets page.
How much total time should I plan if I have a fixed appointment after arrival?
For Standard tickets, plan 2 to 3 hours from terminal to terminal, plus your onward drive time to your destination. If the arrival time is critical, consider a wider window or Flexiplus.
Do coaches, vans or trailers change the timing?
Processing is broadly similar, but longer vehicles and trailers may be directed to specific lanes, which can add a few minutes to the wait at busy times. Arrive within your required window and follow the lane signage.
What happens to my return time if my outbound is delayed?
Your outbound delay does not automatically change the return booking. If your plans shift, amend the return according to your ticket rules. See options on our tickets and prices page.
Where can I check for safety or restricted items that could slow boarding?
Items such as LPG-powered vehicles and certain hazardous goods have restrictions that can affect boarding. Review the guidance before you travel: Channel Tunnel safety.
Is there a recommended arrival time for the duty-free shop that will not risk my slot?
You cannot check in earlier than the time specified on your ticket. If you arrive very early, you can use the terminal facilities, but keep track of time so you still check in at least 1 hour before your booked departure.
The live timetable above is the quickest way to see current LeShuttle and Eurotunnel departure times between Folkestone and Calais. Check today for live departures or pick another date to plan ahead, remember to allow 2 to 3 hours in total for check-in and border control, and book in advance to secure your crossing from £69 per vehicle. Trains run 24 hours a day, so there is almost always a departure to suit your journey.