The Complete Eurotunnel Travel Guide:
What to Expect in 2026
First time on Le Shuttle? Everything you need to know — step by step, from M20 Junction 11A to the French autoroute, including documents, check-in times and what actually happens on the train.
Tunnel transit
35 mins
Folkestone to Calais
Standard check-in
35 mins
Before departure
Departures/hour
Up to 4
At peak times
Terminal location
M20 J11A
Folkestone, Kent
What happens on the day — step by step
Arrive at Folkestone terminal
Arrive at the Folkestone Eurotunnel terminal at M20 Junction 11A, Folkestone at least 35 minutes before your departure (45 minutes for FlexiPlus). Follow signs from the M20 motorway — the terminal is clearly signposted. Allow extra time in summer when the terminal is busiest.
UK Border Control
UK Border Force checks all passengers' passports. This is automated for most UK passport holders — you may not even need to stop. All passengers including children and infants need a valid UK passport (ID cards are not accepted since Brexit).
French customs check
French authorities check passports. Since Brexit, UK passports may receive a Schengen entry stamp. The Schengen 90-in-180 days rule applies for visits to EU countries — for most UK holiday travellers this isn't an issue, but frequent visitors should track their days.
ANPR check-in
Drive through the automatic check-in lanes. ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) reads your registration and links it to your booking. You don't need to show a paper or digital ticket — but have your booking reference available just in case. Follow the lane signs to your allocated carriage area.
Board the train
Marshals guide your vehicle onto the train. Drive as far forward into the carriage as possible — this is important for loading efficiency. Turn off your engine. You can stay in your car throughout the crossing, or walk between carriages via connecting doors.
35-minute crossing
The train departs and travels through the Channel Tunnel for 35 minutes. There is no mobile signal or WiFi inside the tunnel. The carriages are well-lit and ventilated. You can stay in your car, recline your seat, or walk between carriages to use the toilet (available in every carriage). The ride is smooth — there is no sensation of being underground or underwater.
Arrive in France — drive off and go
The train arrives at the Coquelles terminal, near Calais. Drive off following the marshals' directions. Use GPS navigation — the terminal is at Coquelles, near Calais, France, not Calais city centre. Join the A16/E40 autoroute network and continue your journey. French motorways have tolls; a typical Calais to Paris drive costs €20–€30.
Documents you need
Essential — must have
Valid passport
For every passenger, including children and infants. ID cards no longer accepted. Must be valid for duration of your stay.
Vehicle registration document
V5C log book for your own car. If renting, an authorisation letter from the hire company is required.
Booking reference
ANPR checks your number plate automatically, but have your booking reference accessible on your phone just in case.
Driving licence
Required to drive in France. UK licences are valid in France. An International Driving Permit is not currently required for UK to France.
Situational requirements
Pet AHC or passport
Required for any pet. AHC (Animal Health Certificate) issued by a licensed vet within 10 days of travel. Dogs also need tapeworm treatment on return.
Motor insurance green card
Check with your insurer — most UK policies cover France automatically, but some require notification or issue a green card as PDF.
European breakdown cover
Your UK breakdown cover may not extend to France. Check before travel and purchase European cover if needed. The AA, RAC and Green Flag all offer this.
GHIC / Travel insurance
The Global Health Insurance Card (replaced the EHIC) gives access to state healthcare in France. Travel insurance is also strongly recommended.
Don't forget: Check your passport is valid before booking. UK passports must be valid for the duration of your trip (no 10-year rule applies for France).
Passport renewal costsVehicle restrictions and what to declare
Height limit
Standard carriages: max 1.85m. Over-height vehicles must be declared at booking and use specialist carriages (higher price).
LPG / gas vehicles
Must be declared at booking. No extra charge. Staff need to know for safety — different carriage placement. Failure to declare may result in denied boarding.
Caravans & trailers
Must be declared. Price is based on combined length (tow vehicle + caravan). Height rules apply as above.
Roof boxes & bike racks
Do not change price category. But do check that adding them doesn't push your vehicle over the 1.85m height limit.
Right-hand drive in France
UK cars drive on the left; France drives on the right. You'll need beam deflectors (headlight adapters) to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers. Available cheaply at UK motoring shops.
Forbidden items
You cannot transport: illegal firearms, prohibited substances, or goods exceeding personal customs allowances. HGVs and commercial freight use a separate terminal.
What's it like on the train?
Stay in your car?
Yes — or walk between carriages. Both are fine.
Toilets?
Yes, in every carriage. Accessible throughout the crossing.
Food and drink?
Not on the train. Buy at the terminal before boarding.
Mobile signal?
No — none inside the tunnel. Download content before boarding.
WiFi?
Not available.
Claustrophobic?
The carriages are well-lit, ventilated open-sided cars. Most find it completely fine.
Motion sickness?
Not a concern — the ride is smooth and there's no sea motion.
How loud is it?
There's engine and rail noise, similar to a train. Not excessively loud.
Temperature?
Ventilated — comfortable year-round. Not hot in summer.
Can pets walk around?
No — pets should stay in your vehicle for the whole crossing.
FlexiPlus Lounge at Folkestone
FlexiPlus ticket holders have access to the Folkestone FlexiPlus Lounge before departure. This includes complimentary food and non-alcoholic drinks. You can take any available departure without rebooking — useful if you arrive early or want to travel sooner than your original booking. Priority boarding means you drive on before other passengers.
- Arrive 45 minutes before departure to use the lounge
- Complimentary food and drinks available in the lounge
- Take any available departure — no rebooking fee or time restriction
- Priority boarding — drive on before other ticket holders
- Worth the premium for: business travellers, families needing flexibility
If you miss your train
Standard ticket
You can take the next available departure free of charge within 2 hours of your booked departure time, subject to availability. If more than 2 hours late, a rebooking fee applies.
FlexiPlus ticket
No time restriction — take any available departure with no additional charge. This is one of the main reasons to consider FlexiPlus for unpredictable schedules.
Action: If you miss your train, go to the customer service desk at the terminal. Staff will rebook you onto the next available service.
Heading south of the Thames?
If you're driving from north of the Thames to Folkestone, you'll likely cross the Dartford Crossing (M25). Check the current charge before you go.
Dartford Crossing cost guideIs your passport still valid?
A valid passport is essential for every passenger. Check it's valid for your full trip duration — and budget time for renewal if needed.
Passport renewal cost guide