Le Shuttle Travel Guide

Le Shuttle (previously known as Eurotunnel) is a hugely popular alternative to taking a ferry to Calais. With a journey time of just over half an hour and up to 4 trains running each hour, it offers an efficient (and often cost-effective) way to cross the Channel. We took a trip to see how it compares against going by ferry.

Skip to: Timetable | Tickets & Fare Options | Checking In | What to Expect During the Crossing

Le Shuttle Timetable of Services

Over 60 train services are run daily on Le Shuttle between Folkestone and Calais during peak travel periods. This drops to around 35 daily services during other times of the year, which means you’ve generally got more choice of a crossing time than travelling to Calais by ferry.

As a general guide, a train will run every 15 minutes each way during daytime in peak and every 30 minutes off peak. You can view the latest live timetable of services here.

The trains are run continuously and you may end up being offered an earlier service than the time booked. This happened to us – we were booked on a train just after 8am and while parking at the terminal we were approached by Le Shuttle staff who said we could get on the train leaving 30 minutes earlier.

All journeys are scheduled to take 35 minutes each way, regardless of what time you travel.

Fare Options & Ticket Prices for Le Shuttle

Eurotunnel Le Shuttle offer 6 different fare options based on your intended length of stay in France and how much flexibility you need for cancellation. LeShuttle tickets for shorter trips are usually the cheapest, as are those with limited flexibility to cancel and get a full refund. Below is a full breakdown all of fare types and guide prices for a vehicle crossing each way:

• Day Trip & Overnight: available only for a same day or following day return during off peak times between 17:00 and 06:00 (tickets from £59)
• Short Stay Saver: available for trips of 5 days or less (tickets from £90)
• Short Stay Flexiplus: available for trips of 5 days or less. Allows you to board at any time on your booked travel day and includes priority boarding plus access to an exclusive lounge (tickets from £214)
• Standard: available for any trip duration and can be booked without a return (tickets from £112)
• Standard Refundable: same as Standard but FULLY refundable (tickets from £147)
• Flexiplus: available for any trip during duration and allows you to board at any time on your booked travel day. Also includes access to the exclusive lounge, priority boarding and a dedicated check-in service (tickets from £274)

Checking-in at Le Shuttle Terminals in Folkestone & Calais

You’re advised to check-in 1 hour before your booked departure time. At both terminals you’ll reach check-in booth barriers on your approach to the terminal. Here you’ll need to show your booking details and CCTV cameras will automatically check the number plate of your vehicle against the details you provided. A paper hanger (for your rear view mirror) will be provided to you – the number on this is important as it’s used to show you on the departure screens within the terminal when boarding has started.

After passing through check-in you’ll next go to border control. There are two separate controls to pass through – one for British border security and a second for French border security. This setup means you can drive straight off the train when you reach France rather than having to go through passport control.

You’re then free to go to the passenger terminal, where there’s ample parking and EV charging facilities. On our trip we had just parked at Folkestone and got out of the car before staff told us we could go on an earlier crossing if we wished. If you do venture into the building there are numerous places to pick up a drink or snack, together with toilet facilities and a Duty Free shop. Pet owners can also benefit from dedicated pet exercise areas.

Blue boards in the terminal will let you know how much time you’ve got before departure – when it’s time to board for the crossing you’ll be directed to the train.

The Experience Onboard Eurotunnel Le Shuttle

When you reach the Le Shuttle train you’ll be guided on to the deck level to board (there’s a lower and upper deck on most carriages). We were boarding the upper level and the onboard experience started here, navigating our way on to the carriage and up a ramp.

You’ll then drive through the train until you’re directed to stop within a carriage. Generally there are only 3 to 4 vehicles per carriage. Take care while driving through the train as internal metal kerbs make the passageway relatively narrow and you could snag an alloy wheel or tyre if you’re not careful.

During the crossing you’re not permitted to move your vehicle, but you can step out of it into the carriage. Toilets are located in some carriages, so if you don’t find one in yours walk through to the carriage ahead or behind to make use of the facilities.

Disembarking in Calais

When the train reaches Calais and stops you’ll be directed to drive through any carriages ahead and on to the slipway. After driving up the off-ramp it’s extremely easy to continue your onward travel and there will be no additional border checks.

Common questions on Le Shuttle (Eurotunnel)