Arriving via the Channel Tunnel and by ferry, over 20 million passengers a year pass through Calais, a major transport hub linking Great Britain and the continent.
Since 1994, passengers have been able to travel through the Channel Tunnel using Eurotunnel’s “Le Shuttle” services. Trains run day and night, carrying vehicles and passengers across the Channel in as little as 35 minutes.
This video shows how to use the Eurotunnel, from departure to arrival.
Modalités d’embarquement et de débarquement
On the French side, passengers embark at Coquelles, just west of Calais. The terminal is easy to reach from the A16 motorway or from Calais city centre (7 minutes by car). On the English side, passengers embark at Folkestone. The terminal is right alongside the M20 motorway, which runs through Kent to London.
You can plan your trip or make a booking at:
CAN I TRAVEL THROUGH THE TUNNEL WITHOUT MY CAR?
You may catch the EUROSTAR international high-speed train, which links London to Paris, Brussels and Lille.
For information and reservations visit: www.eurostar.com
Since March 2020, stops at Calais Frethun station no longer take place.
You can make the journey from Calais to London (St Pancras station) in just 1 hour. The international railway station is in Fréthun, 7km from the city centre. It is easy to reach by car on the A16 motorway (toll free in Calais area). Head for Boulogne and exit at junction 40 (Fréthun, gare TGV). The station is 20 minutes away from Calais city centre.
As a pedestrian you may reach Calais- Frethun station by train from Calais ville central station. This is the regional line between Calais and Boulogne sur mer.
INFORMATION ABOUT GREAT BRITAIN
Are you going to be using Calais as a stopover or a base to spend a few days before visiting Great Britain? Then consult our “Where to stay” section, where you’ll find a range of options to suit all budgets.
The www.visitkent.co.uk website is where you’ll find all the information you need about the county of Kent, “The garden of England”.
www.visitbritain.com provides information for visitors to Great Britain
CUSTOMS PROCEDURES:
The Customs Authorities in France and Great Britain (UK Border Agency) carry out pre-embarkation checks in both countries. The United Kingdom is no longer part of the European Union : since October 1, 2021, the PASSPORT IS MANDATORY to get there.
Advice can also be obtained from companies offering travel services to the UK.
TRAVELLING WITH YOUR PET:
Want to take your pet to the UK with you? If so, there are a number of procedures to follow. Please contact the ferry companies for precise details.
A list of vets and boarding kennels is available from Calais Tourist Office.