Eurotunnel Le Shuttle
DailyFolkestone ↔ Calais
35-minute drive-on, drive-off service via the Channel Tunnel. Up to 4 departures per hour. All vehicle types from cars to coaches and HGVs.
Trains
Rail crossings for road vehicles.
The fastest crossing between Britain and the continent isn't a ferry — it's a train. And while UK domestic motorail is gone, a few rail options still complement driving.
Eurotunnel Le Shuttle carries cars, motorhomes, vans, coaches and HGVs from Folkestone to Calais in 35 minutes. Departures run up to four times an hour at peak, around the clock. You stay with your vehicle inside the train carriage.
Within the UK, the historic motorail services from London to Scotland and Cornwall ended in 2005. The Caledonian Sleeper still offers an overnight rail option for passengers — combine it with a rental car at the other end.
Where & what to know
Eurostar (foot passengers)
PassengerLondon ↔ Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam
Passenger-only high-speed rail. Useful if you'd rather pick up a car at the other end than drive to the continent.
Caledonian Sleeper
SleeperLondon ↔ Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness, Fort William
Overnight sleeper trains. Not motorail — but a popular alternative to a long drive north.
Night Riviera Sleeper
SleeperLondon Paddington ↔ Penzance
GWR's overnight sleeper to Cornwall, ideal for surfers and walkers avoiding the M4/A30 grind.
Stena Rail Connections
ConnectionHolyhead, Fishguard, Liverpool, Cairnryan
Most Irish Sea ferry ports have direct rail links — useful for foot passengers continuing onward.
Channel Tunnel (freight)
Folkestone ↔ Calais
Separate freight shuttles for HGVs. Truck drivers travel in a dedicated club car. Bookings via Eurotunnel Freight.
Practical tips
Eurotunnel timing
Arrive 30–60 minutes before your booked departure. Late arrivals are usually rebooked at no charge if space allows.
Pets onboard
Le Shuttle is the easiest pet route to Europe — dogs, cats and ferrets stay in your car with you. Pet passport / Animal Health Certificate required.
Electric vehicles
EVs are accepted on all Eurotunnel services. Folkestone and Calais terminals have rapid chargers.