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Anyone driven on the Eurotunnel with passengers?

35 replies

ClawsandEffect · 21/07/2026 18:03

Has anyone done drive-on Eurotunnel, and been the driver of others with no experience?

I'm considering it but I'm hesitant, not knowing anyone who's done it. I'm kicking on a bit and it feels a bit intimidating.

OP posts:
Imlyingandthatsthetruth · 23/07/2026 13:44

Eurostar is the passenger train that goes from St Pancras. Shuttle is the train you drive your car onto which goes from Folkestone.

Thecows · 23/07/2026 13:47

Imlyingandthatsthetruth · 23/07/2026 13:44

Eurostar is the passenger train that goes from St Pancras. Shuttle is the train you drive your car onto which goes from Folkestone.

Thank you, I saw Dover mentioned above though, what goes from there? I remembering cars backed up on the news so presume cars go through somewhere? I sound like a complete muppet but I've always flown to Europe in the past!

Ump · 23/07/2026 14:19

@Thecows

Ferries go from Dover (ones that you can drive your car onto)

Ump · 23/07/2026 14:19

@Thecows

Ferries go from Dover (ones that you can drive your car onto)

Thecows · 23/07/2026 14:24

Ump · 23/07/2026 14:19

@Thecows

Ferries go from Dover (ones that you can drive your car onto)

Brilliant thank you!

LilyLemonade · 23/07/2026 14:28

Please don't worry.

The shuttle itself is very straightforward. You will get your ticket hanger showing your time of boarding when you arrive and check in. You then park up at the terminal waiting for your boarding time.

Keep a close eye on the departure board because things move fast - don't wait for the spoken announcement.

When your train is called, get back in your car and follow the well-indicated route to passport control. There can be quite some delays here so as soon as your train is called to board, go immediately. There are two passport controls to clear - UK and France.

You are then directed to the boarding lines. Follow the line that says >1.85m if that is your case.

There will be a person directing you to the right boarding line - you can ask any question if you are confused.

Then wait and board.

It is easy to drive on - just follow the queue.

There are toilets on the train but it is better to go at the terminal - sometimes the ones on the train are out of order. You can get out of your car but your car is the only place you can sit down. The crossing takes 35 minutes - it will go in a flash.

Driving on the French side is calmer and the motorways are excellent.

Just tell your passengers to be quiet at any point where you need to concentrate. Alternatively give them tasks or things to look out for, e.g. watch out for your letter so you can board / tell you when the light goes green for you / look for the white horse carved on the hill - a lovely landmark to watch out for at the tunnel.

namechange62 · 23/07/2026 15:26

I've just come back from France a few weeks ago.. I didn't drive but it was very straightforward.. you get passport clearance before you even leave the UK..
So once you arrive in France you just drive off the train and you are immediately on the right side of the road and it's easy dual carriageway for a while until you have to vear off to whereabouts you need to go.

namechange62 · 23/07/2026 15:31

Inside the train

Anyone driven on the Eurotunnel with passengers?
Gotobloodysleep · 23/07/2026 15:35

I did it for the first time this year. Driving with my two teenagers. Was super easy. Was really worried about driving in France in my car and getting on to the motorway but they just kind of funnel you out on to the road. Was so impressed with how easy it was and am gutted I haven’t done this kind of trip earlier.

AllJoyAndNoFun · 23/07/2026 16:32

Its a bit more expensive but I always get the “any train today” ticket as then you don’t need to leave any margin for error and more flexible on return journey in case you decide to power through or take it more leisurely. I was worried about being on “the wrong side” of the car but it was all fine. You just need to use your mirrors more.

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