Weekend Getaway: Driving from Brussel to London through the Channel Tunnel

I have visited London several times and I still get very excited every time I go! With its international atmosphere, breathtaking architecture, iconic neighborhoods, and trendy shopping, spending a few days in London is always a great idea!

My last time in London was a bit different from the others – I drove from Brussels to London through the Channel Tunnel.

To drive through the Channel Tunnel, you first need to reach Calais in France, which is about a 2-hour drive from Brussels.

From Calais, you have to follow the signs for "Le Shuttle", a railway shuttle service that connects Calais to Folkestone in the United Kingdom. The journey on Le Shuttle takes 35 minutes. Passengers will first pass through a control area where passports are checked, and then cars are directed into queues to drive onto the train. It operates similarly to a ferry! Don't forget to reach the boarding area on time as indicated on your ticket, as there may be queues for the control checks.

Tickets for Le Shuttle must be purchased in advance, and one ticket covers one car. Here is the official website to reserve your ticket:

Eurotunnel LeShuttle™: Folkestone To Calais In 35 Minutes

I recommend booking in advance to take advantage of the best prices!

From Folkestone, it takes about 2 hours to reach the center of London, and don't forget that the British drive on the left!

If you are planning to drive in the centre of London, you must pay the Congestion tax if your car emit more than 75g/km of CO2. The Congestion Charge is £15 if you pay in advance or on the same day. After this, it becomes £17.50 until the third day of your journey. For more details on the hours and on the charging zones, you can refer to the official site:

Congestion Charge (Official) - Transport for London

Considering the traffic and the left-hand driving, navigating London by car is not easy. I suggest parking your vehicle near your accommodation and taking advantage of The Tube, the London's underground railway system, to explore the city.

If you have only one weekend in London and want to make the most of it, check out this post for recommendations on places to visit:

Weekend Getaway: visit London in two days

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