Can I cross from France to the UK in a motorhome?

Is it possible, and what’s it like, to cross from France to the UK via the Channel Tunnel in a motorhome? This week’s blog answers your questions.

The road to the Channel Tunnel and Grand Bretagne or Great Britain.

After setting off from our depot in Burgundy, France, some of our clients cross the English Channel (known as La Manche in French, meaning “the sleeve” ) and visit the UK while on their European tour. However, many clients don’t realise that it is indeed possible to cross via the Channel Tunnel in a motorhome with Eurotunnel-Le Shuttle (the company that manages the Tunnel), and some know you can but assume you drive through the “Chunnel” yourself (as you would the Mont Blanc or Frejus tunnels that connect France and Italy).

Today’s blog answers those uncertainties: It is definitely possible to cross from France to the UK (and back again!) via the Channel Tunnel in a motorhome or campervan. We regularly use it ourselves and find it a very quick and convenient way to cross (Calais to Folkestone takes just 35 minutes). You drive your motorhome onto the Eurotunnel-Le Shuttle train carriage (specially adapted for wide and tall vehicles) and then stay in your motorhome for the journey.

So you can picture the journey for yourself, here’s a video of motorhomes making the Channel Tunnel crossing from Calais to Folkestone:

If you don’t fancy the Tunnel, there are ferry companies who offer the crossing from Calais to Dover (it takes about an hour and half but is still a quick and convenient way to cross and often less expensive than Eurotunnel).

Brittany Ferries: Mont St Michel crosses the Channel © Brittany Ferries

In addition, if you want to avoid driving anywhere near the congested roads leading towards London, there are other seasonal ferry options (for example Brittany Ferries) that cross from further to the west of France (Dieppe, Le Havre, Caen), which arrive to the west and south-west of the UK’s capital.

The price comparison website Direct Ferries (a booking agent) shows you all the prices and booking options for crossing from France to the UK in one place.

To get the best prices, book your Eurotunnel-Le Shuttle or ferry crossing well in advance of your trip.