Folkestone - Calais (Eurotunnel Shuttle Car Train)

The Eurotunnel Shuttle (Le Shuttle) transports vehicles between Folkestone in the United Kingdom and Calais in France. The journey under the English Channel takes only 35 minutes, although the whole journey is a bit longer due to check-in requirements and the boarding process.

The Journey

1. Motorists should arrive at the check-in point at least 30mins before your train is meant to depart (but no more than 2hrs before your scheduled departure).
2. Check-in is made using either a self-service machine (remember to bring the card you used to book your ticket, and/or your 8-digit reference number) or manually.
3. Once checked-in, you will be given a departure hanger to place in your car (visibly). If there is enough time before your train is meant to leave, you can visit the Passenger Terminal for last-minute shopping and refreshments.
4. Before boarding the train, passengers and cars go through border/passport control, where you passports and documentation will be checked.
5. Around 25mins before the train is meant to leave, boarding will begin. Follow the green arrows to your allocated slip lane.
6. After the journey (only 35mins), follow instructions to drive toff the train at the other end.

Onboard

The train consists of a number of closed carriages, with small vehicles being stacked in double deck carriages. Larger vehicles are stored in single deck carriages.

During the journey, passengers may walk along the train, although there is little in the way of entertainment! Toilets can be found in every third carriage (in the double-deck section) and the first and last carraiges in the single-deck section.

Cyclists

Cyclists are able to use the Eurotunnel service by storing their bicycles in a special trailer, and the passengers themselves being transported in a minibus. Cyclists travelling on the service drop off their bikes at a pre-arranged point (in the UK - Holiday Inn Express Folkestone, and in France the car park of the Centre d'Affaires). There is a maximum of 6 cycles carried on each train (larger groups can contact Eurotunnel to arrange for their transport).

Further information can be found on the Eurotunnel website.

Eurotunnel operates up to four shuttle departures an hour (during peak times), althouh the precise times vary. When booking a ticket, you are asked to select a suitable time range, and a list of departures will be presented to you to pick from.

Services operate throughout the day and night, with cheaper fares at more inconvenient times.

Eurotunnel prices start from just £22 per car each way. Fares are based per car, rather then per passenger, so you are able to carry up to 9 passengers for the same price. Eurotunnel often runs seasonal promotions, which can see fares reduced considerably.  

Frequent Traveller accounts can be opened when purchasing at least 10 single tickets. Supplements are payable for travel outside off-peak times.

Cyclists:

Single: £16
Day-trip Return: £16
Standard Return: £32