Eurotunnel at a glance.
- Terminal (UK): Folkestone, CT18 8XX. Approach via M20 Junction 11a.
- Terminal (EU): Calais / Coquelles, 62231 Coquelles. Approach via A16 / A26.
- Check-in 35 minutes before departure. Crossing time 35 minutes.
- Height limit 1.85m; taller vehicles book a high-roof wagon.
- Book direct at eurotunnel.com.
Booking, and the Folkestone terminal.
Book directly at eurotunnel.com. You pay for the vehicle plus all occupants, so the price does not change whether you travel alone or with the whole family. Fares vary sharply by time of day and how close to summer you book; midweek mid-morning crossings are usually cheapest.
Standard Le Shuttle takes vehicles up to 1.85 metres tall. Taller motorhomes, or vehicles with roof-mounted boxes that push them over that limit, need the high-roof wagon option at the time of booking. This costs more and cannot be switched to on the day.
At the terminal
Leave the M20 at Junction 11a and follow signs straight onto the terminal approach. You scan your booking at an automatic toll-booth-style gate, clear UK exit checks and then French entry checks, both done before you leave the UK, and wait in a numbered lane for your train. Arrive at least 35 minutes before your booked departure.
Allow extra time at peak periods.
Border checks under the Entry/Exit System can take longer in peak periods. If you are travelling in July, August or the first week of any school holiday, build in an extra 30 minutes on top of the standard check-in.
The crossing, and rolling off in Calais.
Marshals direct you onto the shuttle and you drive the length of the train until a light turns red. You stay with your vehicle for the whole crossing. There are no shops or cafes on the shuttle and no walking between carriages.
Turn the engine off once parked. Gas bottles must be turned off before loading. Your fridge will happily run on 12V battery for the short crossing, so there is no need to leave it on gas.
Arriving in Calais / Coquelles
You drive straight off the shuttle onto the A16 and A26 network. Remember to stay on the right from the moment the doors open. The terminal layout naturally guides you, but it is easy to default to the left when you are tired. Headlight beam deflectors must already be fitted before you board.
The return journey
Follow signs from the A16 to Eurotunnel / Le Shuttle at junction 42. The process is identical in reverse. Check-in and all border checks are completed in Coquelles before you board, so you are cleared for the UK by the time you roll off in Folkestone.
The details that matter for a motorhome.
Standard motorhome fare.
Vehicles over 1.85m travel on single-deck carriages: standard motorhome and caravan booking, no special fare class. Maximum width 2.55m.
- Gas bottles must be turned off at the cylinder before you board. Marshals may ask.
- Leave the fridge on 12V for the crossing; gas must be off.
- Secure loose items. The shuttle sways gently when it starts and stops.
- Handbrake firmly on. You do not need to leave it in gear, but many drivers do for peace of mind.
- Apply your own wheel chocks if you carry them. The shuttle does not provide them.
Bringing things back, and the dog.
UK duty free allowances
When you come back into the UK from any EU country, the personal allowances below apply. These are for personal use, not for resale.
- Beer: 42 litres.
- Still wine: 18 litres.
- Spirits: 4 litres, or sparkling and fortified wine: 9 litres. You cannot take both at the maximum.
- Cigarettes: 200, or tobacco: 250 g.
- Other goods: up to GBP 390.
Full details are on the gov.uk duty-free guide.
Taking your dog
You need an up-to-date microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, and an Animal Health Certificate issued within 10 days of travel. On the return leg, tapeworm treatment must be given by a vet 1 to 5 days before you enter the UK. Keep the signed certificate, because border officials check it. More detail in our guide to travelling with your dog.
The questions people ask most.
How do I book a Eurotunnel crossing with a motorhome?
Book directly at eurotunnel.com. You pay for the vehicle plus all occupants, so the price is the same whether you travel alone or with the family. Fares vary by time of day and how close to summer you book, with midweek mid-morning crossings usually cheapest.
What is the height limit for Eurotunnel Le Shuttle?
Standard Le Shuttle takes vehicles up to 1.85 metres tall. Taller motorhomes, or vehicles with roof boxes over that limit, need the high-roof wagon option booked in advance; it cannot be added on the day. Maximum width is 2.55m.
Do I need to turn my gas off on Eurotunnel?
Yes. Gas bottles must be turned off at the cylinder before you board, and marshals may ask. The fridge runs fine on 12V battery for the 35-minute crossing, so there is no need to leave it on gas.
Can I take my dog on Eurotunnel?
Yes. Your dog needs a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, and an Animal Health Certificate issued within 10 days of travel. Coming back, a vet must give tapeworm treatment 1 to 5 days before you enter the UK, and border officials check the certificate.