Shuttle from Calais to Folkestone

LeShuttle operates the Calais - Folkestone shuttle route with vehicle trains, so during the trip through the Channel Tunnel you normally travel in your own vehicle. As these are not traditional passenger trains, there are no seating areas, cafés, shops or children’s play areas.

Accessibility

LeShuttle allows you to travel on the Calais - Folkestone shuttle in the comfort of your own adapted vehicle. There are no passenger decks, accessible cabins, designated onboard seating areas, lifts or passenger ramps to navigate during the trip.

Both terminals are accessible with step-free passenger buildings, accessible parking and toilets, and assistance from trained staff. However, there are no accessible toilets onboard the trains, and access to the small standard toilet cubicles cannot be guaranteed. You should therefore use the accessible facilities at the Calais terminal before entering the boarding lanes.

If you need help at check-in or during boarding, contact the operator in advance and make yourself known to a member of staff when you arrive.

Accommodation

On the Calais - Folkestone shuttle ride, you normally remain in your vehicle, as there is no lounge or common areas on the train. During the trip, you can step out to stretch your legs in the carriage.

Luggage

LeShuttle has no weight, size or item limit for personal luggage, so you can bring as much as will fit safely inside your vehicle, at no extra charge.

Pet travel

You can bring your pet with you on the shuttle from Calais to Folkestone, provided you include them in your booking. In your vehicle, you are allowed to bring up to 5 pets and tickets costing about €30 (£24) per pet each way.

Follow the signs to the drive-through pet reception in Calais and allow at least 1.5 hr before departure for document and microchip checks. Registered assistance dogs must meet the same health requirements, and you should also carry proof of their training or registration.

Where do pets stay on the train?

When travelling with LeShuttle, your pet stays in your vehicle. There are no kennels, indoor pet lounges or walking areas on the train. Before boarding, you can visit the designated pet exercise areas at the Calais terminal.

What pet travel documents do I need?

You must bring your pet’s Animal Health Certificate or EU Pet Passport, including microchip identification and a valid rabies vaccination certificate (at least 21 days before your trip). Keep in mind that for dogs, a vet will need to administer tapeworm treatment 1-5 days before entering the UK.

Here are some useful tips for your trip from Calais to Folkestone:

• The shuttle terminal at Calais gets busy, especially during the high season, so it’s recommended to arrive at least 1.5-2 hr ahead of your departure time to clear check-in and passport control.
• When planning your trip, keep in mind that there is a 1-hr time difference between France and the UK. All times on Ferryhopper are local.
• For your return trip, book your tickets on the Folkestone - Calais shuttle in advance, for peace of mind.
• You can also travel to England on the Calais - Dover ferry all year round. For more information on all routes from Dunkirk, Dieppe, Caen, Cherbourg, Le Havre, Saint-Malo and Roscoff, check out our detailed guide on France - UK ferries.

Where to take the train from Calais to Folkestone

LeShuttle vehicle trains depart from the LeShuttle Calais Terminal, at Eurotunnel in Coquelles. The terminal is just outside Calais and is separate from both the city’s port and railway stations. It is around 7 km from the centre of town and approximately 15 km from Calais-Dunkerque Airport.

At the terminal you will find cafés, restaurants, duty-free and convenience shops, toilets, electric-vehicle chargers, a customer-service desk and pet and family facilities. Nearby, you will also find the Cité Europe shopping centre, hotels and car-related services.

Check-in and boarding

As soon as you arrive, drive to one of the check-in booths with your booking reference ready. You should check in no later than 1 hr before departure, although you can arrive up to 4 hr early.

After check-in and border controls, you receive a vehicle hanger with a letter. Watch the terminal information boards or the LeShuttle app; when your letter shows “Ready to Board”, return to your vehicle and follow the signs for the UK and your allocated loading lane. Boarding normally begins around 25 min before departure.

How to get to the terminal in Calais?

• By car: take junction 42 of the A16 and follow signs for Tunnel sous la Manche, then Terminal tourisme. The slip road leads directly to the check-in booths.
• From central Calais: the drive usually takes around 10 min, depending on traffic.
• From Calais-Ville station: you can reach the terminal in approximately 10-15 min by taxi. There is no direct passenger railway connection to the LeShuttle terminal.
• From Calais-Fréthun station: the terminal is approximately 10 km away and the taxi journey generally takes 10-15 min.

Where does the train arrive in Folkestone?

LeShuttle trains from Calais arrive at the LeShuttle Folkestone Terminal near Cheriton. This is the UK Channel Tunnel terminal, not Folkestone Central railway station or Folkestone Harbour. The terminal is approximately 6 km from Folkestone town centre, 27 km from Canterbury and around 110 km from London and Gatwick Airport.

The terminal complex has toilets, information screens, accessible facilities and pet areas. Its main shops and food outlets are intended primarily for departing passengers. Fuel, hotels and other roadside services are available near the M20/A20, while car-hire offices, additional cafés, shops and rail connections can be found in central Folkestone.

Onward travel from the terminal in Folkestone

• By car: follow the exit road towards the M20 or A20. You can reach Folkestone town centre in around 10-15 min and Dover in approximately 20 min.
• To London: join the M20 towards Ashford and the M25. The drive usually takes around 1.5 hr, depending on traffic.
• By train: there is no passenger railway connection at the LeShuttle terminal. Folkestone Central station is around 6-7 km away and offers services to London and other destinations in Kent.