Can you cross the English Channel by car?

It is not possible to drive a car or motorcycle through the Channel Tunnel. Instead, motorists must drive onto the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle train, which boards at the Channel Tunnel terminals in Folkestone and Calais.



Yes, you can cross the English Channel with your car using two primary methods in 2026: the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle or one of the many cross-channel ferries. The Eurotunnel is the fastest option, where you drive your car onto a specialized train in Folkestone, UK, or Calais, France; the "crossing" takes only 35 minutes under the sea, and you stay in your vehicle for the duration. Alternatively, several ferry companies (such as P&O, DFDS, and Brittany Ferries) operate numerous routes connecting the UK to France, Spain, and the Netherlands. Ferry crossings typically take between 90 minutes and several hours, but they offer the advantage of onboard amenities like restaurants, shops, and lounge areas where you can relax while your car is parked on the lower decks. Both options are highly popular for European road trips, allowing you to bring your own vehicle across the maritime border with ease.

People Also Ask

The Price from Folkestone – Calais can range between $170 and $500 depending on the operator, season and whether you are travelling with a vehicle. The average price of a foot passenger is $457, prices can range between $310 and $691. The average price with a car is $302. Car prices can range between $171 and $481.

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Generally speaking the ferry is usually slightly cheaper, but whichever option you choose, make sure to shop around for deals and book well ahead of time to get the best-value fares.

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You and your pets stay in your vehicle throughout the journey - sit back and relax, it only takes 35 minutes to cross.

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Whether you are driving to the Continent for business or pleasure, we have a range of tickets and fares to suit your travel needs and budget. All fares include your car and up to 9 passengers. What's more, we do not charge fuel or luggage supplements.

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You cannot travel as a foot passenger, but you are able to take a bicycle. If you don't need or want to drive your vehicle for your trip, you can travel as a foot passenger on Eurostar.

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Important information before you travel Citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland – You will need a passport that is valid for the duration of your stay in the UK, ID cards are no longer accepted unless exempt.

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All the Washington State ferries allow you to stay in your car. Being in a front car in bad weather can be interesting. All the car decks are open end to end, and the boats are double ended.

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Travel very late or very early in the day and you can cut the Eurotunnel fare to around £200 return on Saturdays or £165 return midweek. By doing so, you could tackle the driving during the night when there will be less traffic.

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Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages can be brought and consumed on board the ferry. Due to state law, alcoholic beverages that are not purchased on board the ferry cannot be consumed on the ferry. Please see our current COVID-19 rules related to masking.

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Due to safety reasons, you will most likely leave your car (and bags) in the ferry car parking deck and won't be allowed to access it for the entire length of the journey.

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Yes, you can bring food with you for personal consumption between Folkestone & Calais, and for your onward journey. However, there are certain kinds of food that you cannot bring into the EU —use this resource on restrictions as a guide.

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Hazardous Articles include but are not limited to fireworks, firearms, explosives and weapons of any kind. 3.1 The Carriage of Hazardous Articles is subject to prohibitions and restrictions. 3.1. 2 Firearms: the Carriage of Firearms is RESTRICTED.

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What does the Eurotunnel look like underwater? This may be a disappointing answer, but you can't actually see the sea from the Eurostar. When you go through the tunnel and look out of the window, all you can see is your reflection in the glass because it's quite dark outside.

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1 Answer. To allow for adequate fire suppression, in the event of a vehicle fire in the tunnel. The tunnel's fire suppression system depends upon complete mixing of the released halon gas with all air, without having pockets of high (or low) halon concentration.

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You cannot travel as a foot passenger on Eurotunnel, but you are able to take a bicycle.

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