A86 Duplex Tunnel: the best way to avoid Paris traffic from Calais

For British travellers driving from Calais or Dunkirk to the south of France, traffic congestion around Paris can be a huge problem. Endless jams, confusing signs, and the infamous Périphérique ring road are enough to ruin the start of your trip.

But there’s a smarter way round the capital — and it’s called the A86 Duplex Tunnel. This double-decker tunnel runs under the western suburbs of Paris and lets you bypass most of the congestion in under 10 minutes. It’s fast, quiet, and avoids the stress of driving through central Paris — but it only works if your car meets the rules.

Here’s how to use it, what it costs, and why it could save your holiday.

The Duplex A86 Tunnel is a great way to beat congestion when getting around - or under Paris (Photo by Lionel Allorge on Wilkipedia)

What is the A86 Duplex Tunnel France?

The A86 Duplex Tunnel is a 10 km toll tunnel under western Paris, forming part of the outer ring road (A86 autoroute). It runs from Rueil-Malmaison (near the A13) to Jouy-en-Josas (near the A10 and A6).

Unlike most tunnels, it’s split across two decks with traffic flowing in opposite directions. It's only open to light vehicles under 2 metres tall — that includes most family hatchbacks, estates and saloons, but not high SUVs, vans or cars with roof boxes.

It was designed as a ‘quiet’ tunnel — meaning it’s low-emission, strictly limited to 70 km/h and not open to motorbikes or LPG cars.

How British drivers from Calais can use the Paris bypass tunnel

If you’re coming off the ferry at Dover or the Eurotunnel at Folkestone, here’s how to reach and use the A86 Duplex Tunnel:

1. Follow the A16 and A26 to reach the A1 southbound towards Paris.

2. Join the A13 west of Paris (signed Rouen/Versailles).

3. Pick up the A86 at Rueil-Malmaison.

4. Enter the Duplex Tunnel heading south.

5. Exit near Jouy-en-Josas to join the A10 or A6 — both lead directly to southern France.

This route avoids the inner Paris ring road entirely, keeping you on motorways with far less risk of traffic jams, wrong turns or Parisian chaos.

Is your car allowed in the A86 Duplex Tunnel?

The tunnel has strict rules — not all British cars will be allowed through. Here’s what you need to check:

• Vehicle height must be under 2.00 metres.
  That includes roof boxes, bike racks and aerials.

• Weight must be under 3.5 tonnes.
  Most cars are, but campervans and vans may be too heavy.

• No LPG fuel systems.
  Even if you’re running petrol, if the car is capable of using LPG, you can’t go through.

• No motorbikes, scooters or mopeds.

If in doubt, check your logbook (V5C) or measure your car height including any extras before setting off. If you’re over 2 m, you’ll need to use the regular A86 surface roads or the A12/N286 route instead.

What does it cost to use the A86 Duplex Tunnel?

Tolls vary by time and distance, but here’s what most UK drivers can expect to pay:

Payment is by card or télépéage (Liber-t / Emovis tag). There's no cash booth.

You’ll usually be charged for the full length of the tunnel unless your entry and exit are both short segments.

For guidance only - please check current prices before travel.

Why British drivers should use the A86 Duplex Tunnel

• Avoid Paris traffic and the Périphérique nightmare
  Stay on motorways and avoid confusing city roads and jams.

• Faster route to the A10 and A6 for southern France
  Ideal if you're heading to Bordeaux, the Loire, the Dordogne or the Riviera.

• Less stress after a long drive from Calais
  No need to navigate the unpredictable Paris ring road system.

• Cleaner, quieter and more relaxing
  The tunnel is designed for calm, low-emission motoring.

France driving checklist if you're using the tunnel

Make sure your car and documents are in order before hitting the road:

• Vehicle height under 2 m (check roof boxes!)

• No LPG or banned fuel systems

• Valid passport and UK driving licence

• UK sticker on the rear of your vehicle (or UK plate)

• Crit’Air emissions sticker (if heading into low-emission zones)

• Headlamp converters fitted (if applicable)

• Reflective vests, warning triangle and spare bulbs in car

• Proof of insurance (and green card if requested by your provider)

Tips for British drivers using the A86 Duplex Tunnel

• Update your sat nav or route planner so it knows your vehicle height and avoids restricted tunnels if needed.

• Avoid rush hours (7–10am and 4–7pm weekdays) for cheaper tolls.

• Don’t blindly follow Google Maps or Waze — they may route you through the tunnel even if your car’s not legal.

 

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