LeShuttle — the service formerly known as Eurotunnel — carries your car under the Channel from Folkestone to Calais in just 35 minutes. It's not a ferry but a vehicle shuttle train, and it's the fastest way to cross the Channel with a car.
If you're weighing the tunnel against the Dover–Calais ferry, this guide explains how LeShuttle works, what it costs, how the two compare, and how to find the best deals.
LeShuttle at a glance
| Route | Folkestone to Calais (Coquelles) |
|---|---|
| Crossing time | About 35 minutes |
| Operator | LeShuttle (formerly Eurotunnel) |
| Type | Vehicle shuttle train — not a ferry |
| Frequency | Up to 4 departures per hour at peak times, 24 hours a day |
| Passengers | Up to 9 per vehicle, included in the ticket |
| Foot passengers | Not carried — vehicles only |
| Pets | Travel with you in your vehicle |
LeShuttle carries vehicles through the Channel Tunnel. Foot passengers use Eurostar instead.
What is LeShuttle?
LeShuttle is the car-carrying train that runs through the Channel Tunnel between Folkestone in Kent and Coquelles, near Calais. You drive your vehicle straight onto the train, stay with it for the crossing, and drive off the other side — no cabins, no open deck.
The service was rebranded from "Eurotunnel Le Shuttle" to simply "LeShuttle" in 2023, so you'll still see it called Eurotunnel by many travellers. It's designed purely for vehicles: cars, motorbikes, campervans and coaches.
How it works
The tunnel crossing is quick and simple:
- Drive on: you board your vehicle directly onto the shuttle train
- Stay with your car: you remain with your vehicle for the 35-minute crossing
- No border stop on arrival: passport and border checks are done before boarding
- Drive off: you exit straight onto the A16 motorway near Calais
LeShuttle vs the Dover–Calais ferry
The tunnel and the ferry are the two main ways to cross with a car — each has strengths:
- Speed: the tunnel is quicker at around 35 minutes, versus about 90 minutes at sea
- Weather: the tunnel is unaffected by rough seas
- Cost: the ferry can be cheaper on some dates, so it's worth comparing both
- The experience: the ferry offers a break out of the car, with seating, food and shops
- Foot passengers: only the Dover–Calais ferry carries them; LeShuttle is vehicles only
Finding LeShuttle deals
A few ways to keep the fare down:
- Book early: the cheapest fares tend to sell out first, especially in summer
- Travel off-peak: early morning, late evening and midweek departures are often cheaper
- Day trip and short-stay fares: cheaper return tickets if your trip fits their conditions
- Compare with the ferry: sometimes the compare with the ferry is better value on your dates
Getting there
Both terminals are right by the motorway:
- Folkestone terminal: just off the M20 at Junction 11a in Kent
- Calais terminal: at Coquelles, off the A16 at Junction 42
- Onward from Calais: the A16 gives fast access to France, Belgium, the Netherlands and beyond
- Not Dover: the Folkestone tunnel terminal is separate from Dover port — don't confuse the two
Where can you go from Calais?
Once through the tunnel, the A16 motorway opens up northern Europe. Calais is a natural gateway not just to France but onward to Belgium and the Netherlands, both within a few hours' drive.
If you're heading to those countries, it's worth seeing how the tunnel fits your route alongside the ferry options.
Related pages
For the ferry alternative on the same route, see our Dover–Calais guide. For the wider picture, see our France ferry routes and our guide to taking your car on a ferry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LeShuttle the same as Eurotunnel?
Yes — LeShuttle is the service formerly branded Eurotunnel Le Shuttle, rebranded to LeShuttle in 2023. It's the car-carrying train through the Channel Tunnel.
How long does LeShuttle take?
About 35 minutes from Folkestone to Calais through the Channel Tunnel, with up to four departures an hour at peak times, 24 hours a day.
Is LeShuttle a ferry?
No — it's a vehicle shuttle train, not a ferry. You drive onto the train and stay with your vehicle. Foot passengers can't use it and travel by Eurostar instead.
Is the tunnel or the ferry better?
The tunnel is faster and weather-proof; the Dover–Calais ferry can be cheaper on some dates and lets you leave your car. It's worth comparing both for your trip.
Can I take my pet on LeShuttle?
Yes — pets travel with you in your vehicle for the crossing, with the required pet travel documents. It's one of the easiest ways to cross the Channel with a pet.