Shuttle from Folkestone to Calais

The Folkestone-Calais crossing is operated by LeShuttle with vehicle trains that run through the Channel Tunnel. During the trip, you normally travel in your own vehicle, and there are no passenger lounges, restaurants, cafés, shops or children’s play areas on the train.

Accessibility

LeShuttle provides assistance for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility, and accepts wheelchair-adapted vehicles, including vehicles fitted with ramps, hoists or space for larger mobility equipment. At the Folkestone terminal, designated boarding lanes are marked with the disabled symbol, and staff will guide you to the most suitable position on the shuttle. The terminal building is on one level and provides accessible parking, step-free access, adapted toilets and a Changing Places facility.

The Folkestone - Calais shuttle does not have accessible passenger seating areas or adapted amenities. Access to the limited on-board toilets cannot be guaranteed, so LeShuttle recommends using the terminal facilities before boarding. Contact the operator in advance if you need assistance, are travelling in an adapted vehicle or will be accompanied by a guide or assistance dog.

Accommodation

During the trip from Folkestone to Calais, 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.

Travelling with pets

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

Make sure to check in your pets at the 24-hr pet reception in the Folkestone terminal. When travelling with pets, it is recommended to arrive at least 1.5 hr before your booked departure.

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.

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 your return to the UK.

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

• The terminal at Folkestone can get very busy, especially in the summer, so it’s best 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 the UK and France. All times on Ferryhopper are local.
• If you are heading to France on a short trip, don't forget to book your return tickets on the Calais - Folkestone shuttle in advance.
• You can also travel on the Dover to France ferry to Calais and Dunkirk. For more information on all routes from Newhaven, Portsmouth, Poole and Plymouth across the Channel, check out our detailed guide on UK - France ferries.

Where to take the train from Folkestone to Calais

You can take the LeShuttle vehicle train from the Folkestone Passenger Terminal at Cheriton, around 6 km from Folkestone town centre and railway station, 27 km from Canterbury and around 110 km from London.

The terminal has a range of traveller amenities, including cafés and restaurants, duty-free and convenience shops, toilets, a customer-service desk, family facilities and a pet reception area. There is short-stay parking available outside the terminal building, along with electric-vehicle charging points. Nearby accommodation and car-hire services are available around Folkestone and the M20 corridor.

Check-in and boarding

You can arrive up to 4 hr in advance and check in no later than 1 hr before your train is scheduled to leave. After checking in at the terminal, you receive a letter for your shuttle and then follow the departure screens and signs to the corresponding boarding lane. The boarding process normally begins around 25 min before departure.

Keep in mind that LeShuttle carries vehicles and their occupants, so you cannot travel as a foot passenger or reach the terminal by public transport and board independently. The company offers a minibus service from the terminal to the train for cyclists.

How to get to the terminal in Folkestone?

• By car: take the M20 towards Folkestone and leave at Junction 11A, following signs for LeShuttle and Channel Tunnel. Keep to the right-hand lanes for passenger check-in.
• From Folkestone: you can reach the terminal from the town centre in about 10-15 min.
• From Gatwick Airport: the drive to the Folkestone terminal via the M20 takes about 1.5 hr. There is no direct passenger train or shuttle bus to the LeShuttle boarding area.

Where does the train arrive in Calais?

LeShuttle trains arrive at the Calais Passenger Terminal in Coquelles, rather than Calais-Ville railway station or the Calais ferry port. The terminal lies approximately 7-10 km south-west of central Calais, and has direct access to the A16 motorway. After the 35-min crossing, you remain in your vehicle and drive straight off the train.

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. The Cité Europe shopping centre, hotels and car-related services are close by.

Calais-Ville station is roughly 7 km away, while Calais-Fréthun station, which handles TGV and regional trains, is also within a short drive. You will also find taxis operating locally if you need to reach a railway station or central Calais.