As Brits, we’re lucky enough to have a direct route when it comes to travelling across the Channel Tunnel. This ease of movement becomes slightly more complex when driving a van.
To help you navigate the journey in your van, we’ve put together a guide to help you get your vehicle across the Channel Tunnel as easily as possible.
What is the Channel Tunnel for?
Opening in 1994, the Channel Tunnel is an undersea railway line, around 50.46km in length, underneath the English Channel. It’s actually the only fixed link for travellers between Folkestone in Kent and Calais in France. You may also have heard it referred to as the Chunnel or Eurotunnel.
When travelling through the Channel Tunnel, you’d be taking LeShuttle, which is an underground railway shuttle service.
Can you take your van on LeShuttle?
Yes, vans are welcome on LeShuttle.
For all types of vehicles, LeShuttle is convenient and easy to navigate. It’s similar to the Eurostar but for smaller vehicles, transporting cars, vans, motorhomes, campervans, motorbikes and their passengers across to France.
How long does the LeShuttle journey take?
LeShuttle can get you from Folkestone to Calais in around 35 minutes. You simply follow the signs to find the right entrance for you, drive in, and enjoy a quick and comfortable journey. You can even get out and stretch your legs.
Are there restrictions for vans travelling on LeShuttle?
If your van is shorter than 1.85 metres, it will go in the single-deck carriage. Vehicles above 1.85 metres in height are allowed in the double-deck carriages and your ticket fare will depend on the space your van takes up. The size of your vehicle will also affect when you are able to travel as you’ll have to go when there is enough space.
A van carrying commercial goods, like a food truck, weighing up to 3.5 tonnes, can travel on the passenger service but, you have to book separately ahead of time via the LeShuttle Freight service.
You should also note that LeShuttle won’t allow your van on board if you are carrying LPG or an equivalent flammable gas. You also won’t be allowed if your vehicle needs a gas container.
Can you take your van across the Channel Tunnel by ferry?
Although technically not through the Channel Tunnel, another way to get from the UK to France in your van is by ferry. P&O Ferries, for example, offers the Dover to Calais route which will get you there in under two hours.
For courier drivers or vans that are carrying commercial goods, you simply have to book through P&O Freight. Their freight services are separate so will have a different schedule.
Vans that are smaller than seven metres can be booked in through their website, just make sure you know the measurements when you’re booking. You will also need to inform them of the type of cargo you’ll be carrying if you are transporting commercial goods.
According to P&O, commercial goods include:
- Tools
- Goods for sale
- Removal services
- Exhibition materials
And personal goods (that you wouldn’t have to declare) include:
- Standard luggage
- Furniture
- Hobby equipment (e.g sports equipment)
- Car or boat
What documents do you need to cross the Channel in a van?
As with all long-haul trips, you’ll need the right documents when you travel through the Chunnel.
This will depend on what method you pick, but in general, you will need to bring:
- A valid passport for you and any passenger in your vehicle
- The Vehicle Registration Document (V5)
- Your driving licence (or the licence of who is driving you)
- Proof of insurance
- Ticket or booking information
Insuring your van before you travel
As a van owner, you’ll want the right insurance. At Adrian Flux, we can help you find the appropriate van insurance or commercial van insurance policy based on your needs, helping you skip all the fuss. Our cover includes European cover as standard.
And if you are heading to the Channel Tunnel for a holiday, we can also help you find flexible travel insurance.
Call us on 0800 369 8590 for a quote or book a callback at a time that suits you.
