|
|
25 Feb 2009
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 37
|
|
Dover to Calais, Ferry of Train?
Which is better? which is cheaper?
i've heard that with the train you can't really move around, you have to stay with your bike, but then it only takes 1/2 an hour?
so what do you guys do?
|
26 Feb 2009
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: California
Posts: 880
|
|
When I came back though the tunnel last August (high season, presumably) it cost me over 100 Euros (solo, with motorcycle) which I thought was excessive, but then I wanted to see what all the fuss was about...
The tunnel is very straightforward, and infact only takes about 20 minutes - in the bike compartment you are meant to stand with your bike (a good idea, although it's not a rough crossing of course!), but there are toilets if you need them.
I don't know how much the ferry costs in comparision, but if you're making a return trip, then why not do one each way just for fun - then you can compare for yourself?
xxx
|
26 Feb 2009
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: On our bicycles, probably pushing up a hill!
Posts: 435
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by JMo (& piglet)
When I came back though the tunnel last August (high season, presumably) it cost me over 100 Euros (solo, with motorcycle) which I thought was excessive, but then I wanted to see what all the fuss was about...
The tunnel is very straightforward, and infact only takes about 20 minutes - in the bike compartment you are meant to stand with your bike (a good idea, although it's not a rough crossing of course!), but there are toilets if you need them.
I don't know how much the ferry costs in comparision, but if you're making a return trip, then why not do one each way just for fun - then you can compare for yourself?
xxx
|
Yes, Euro100 excessive. We crossed calais to dover 4 weeks ago on P&O and paid GBP41 for a big 4wd and 2 people. We are heading back again in a week and found a ticket for GBP21 single from dover to dunkurque with norfolk lines.
We book the tickets with direct Ferries. Its obvioiusly better to travel late at night or very early in the morning to get the best price.
|
26 Feb 2009
|
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Back Down Under (WA)
Posts: 562
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by JMo (& piglet)
When I came back though the tunnel last August (high season, presumably) it cost me over 100 Euros (solo, with motorcycle) which I thought was excessive, but then I wanted to see what all the fuss was about...
The tunnel is very straightforward, and infact only takes about 20 minutes - in the bike compartment you are meant to stand with your bike (a good idea, although it's not a rough crossing of course!), but there are toilets if you need them.
I don't know how much the ferry costs in comparision, but if you're making a return trip, then why not do one each way just for fun - then you can compare for yourself?
xxx
|
I personally love the train/tunnel.. we used it peak season last year, we booked online (18hours in advance in france and it was only 24€, on the way over it was a week in advance and only 12£)
the trick is pick the cheapest time that you are actually willing to travel... then show up as early as you want.. If there is room they always let bikes on no matter what the ticket said... we got on the most expensive train and paid the cheapest price.. it was grand! and the 20 min ride on ride off is also so easy that it is worth it... Pack a lunch sit with your bike eat... and bang it is time to get off...
(FYI it is not a bike only thing that has to say with the vehicle.. cars do do.. basically it is to quick to get bored and need to move around..)
|
26 Feb 2009
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: USA
Posts: 182
|
|
The tunnel is great. Fast, easy, convenient. You can get it quite cheap if you pick your time, you can get it virtually free if you have Tesco Clubcard vouchers to use, and you can get 4% cashback via Quidco.
I'd pick the tunnel every time. It will be a little bit more expensive than the ferry, assuming you DON'T buy any of the overpriced food and drink on the ferry, but not all that much more.
A big advantage is that you stay right with your bike so you don't have to take any luggage off and you have access to all your stuff and the bike, and you don't have to faff about with tie down straps. It's dead easy to find, you have automated check-in, and you'll be put on the soonest available train with space.
The downside is that you don't have anywhere to sit apart from the floor, but it's an awful lot quieter than the seating areas on the ferry. And the toilets are DISGUSTING.
But still, no contest!
|
26 Feb 2009
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
|
|
The tunnel has the advantage of speed and always running regardless of the weather, but the speed part only counts if are prepared. I can pole onto the ferry and go buy a sandwich and a cuppa, get the odd present, sort my maps and GPS, add/remove layers, make phone calls, use the gents etc. On the train the toilets are disgusting, you'd worry about leaving an unsupported bike and you can't buy anything. You can loose the time advantage if you have to drop into a the next services for food or whatever.
I'd use which ever you can get the best deal on.
I just priced up our honeymoon (in the car ). With food, a nights accomodation and the fuel from Dover to Leeds, the Hull ferry worked out about a tenner more and a lot less hassle.
Andy
|
26 Feb 2009
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Kent / Sussex border
Posts: 20
|
|
I live not that far from both the ferry and the tunnel but use both. The tunnel if I am actually traveling somewhere for a purpose as it's quicker but boring and not that comfy oh and yes the toilets aren't all they could be! But I use the ferries if it's more for pleasure as it's a more relxed trip and I also feel is certainly better on returning from the continent after a reasonable trp on the other side as you can nearly always find a quiet corner and rest for a while before continuing back in the uk. it's horses for courses but I think the ferry has the edge.
P.S Not too keen on Seafrance as it is owned by our european coussins who have a tendancy to strike at a moments notice and I have been caught by this twice before. P&O will normalluy accept the ticket though you may have to wait for space.
|
26 Feb 2009
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 479
|
|
Tunnel, every time. Used to really like Ferries but Tunnel is so easy, fast. Usually in France and away before the Ferry would even have left Dover.
|
1 Mar 2009
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 87
|
|
I may change...
Bing very tight fisted I have always used the ferry - for my last crossing my return fare was less than the train one way which was no contest for me. Plus, from near Oxford I'm ready to stop, eat and walk around by the time I reach Dover (others prefer higher stage mileages but I don't), so I might as well do so on the boat as save 45 minutes on the train and then stop for an hour in France. I did however suffer a fate worse than death - when I joined the queue to board last time I was next to a coach and could clearly hear 50 odd very young voices "singing" (yelling) "The wheels on the bus". My crossing was enlivened by a coachload of very excited primary school children! It was a very long crossing. My sympathy goes to the driver of the coach.
I know I'd get better and cheaper food stopping in France and the check in time means I lose a lot of the the day on the ferry. I may take Xander's advice and try a cheap time on the train and turn up early next time (cheers X).
Last edited by MarkE; 1 Mar 2009 at 12:02.
Reason: I really should preview before submitting
|
1 Mar 2009
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Plymouth or London, UK
Posts: 2
|
|
Last year a friend and I didnt know where or when we would be crossing back to the UK from the continent so couldn't book anything in advance. It was a completely spur of the moment kind of trip with my mate buying his bike the day before we left, 30 days and 5000 miles later we arrived in Calais around 0200 checked out both prices. The Ferry was the obvious answer being less than half that of the train. Also allowed us to get a lil kip from the slog we just had from Poland. May next time check out the train if planning in advanced.
Happy Riding
|
1 Mar 2009
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
|
|
I think also it is a question of timing.
I live in west france and am 6 hous or so from Roscoff or Dieppe. ( four from St. malo) 5 from caen.
I have found the least stressful trip for me is to take an overnight ferry to to/from England. That way I arrive with all day to get home or to my Uk destination.
When I go back to Cornwall I take the afternoon sailing from roscoff to plymouth arriving 9.30 pm as it takes less than two hours to get to the part of Cornwall I want. I think it silly to arrive in a foreign country in the evening and have to search for accomodation. The overnight in a cabin may be long, but I would sleep by night anyway, and is much better to arrive early morning having had sleep and a good breakfast and with a whole day before me.
As an aside, make sure you have plenty of fuel to get clear of the arrival port.
Last edited by oldbmw; 1 Mar 2009 at 22:15.
Reason: tripo
|
2 Mar 2009
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: California
Posts: 880
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by oldbmw
I think it silly to arrive in a foreign country in the evening and have to search for accomodation. The overnight in a cabin may be long, but I would sleep by night anyway, and is much better to arrive early morning having had sleep and a good breakfast and with a whole day before me.
|
This is a good point, which is why I like the Portsmouth to Bilbao ferry for getting to Spain for the same reason... ok, I know that's a long way from Calais! but that's the point if you are heading to Spain/Morocco etc then it's worth considering - saves a lot of boring road miles, your tyres, and at least one night in a hotel en route...
Didn't realise the loo's on the Chunnel were so bad guys - glad I didn't have to visit them!
Unfortunately I turned up in the middle of the day on spec when I used the Tunnel last year ( !) - next time I'll do what Xander suggested - good idea!
xxx
|
15 Mar 2009
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 2,134
|
|
My experience with the whole 'crossing of the English Channel' business is that if you show up at the last minute, without having made a reservation some weeks in advance and most especially without having bought a round trip ticket, you are going to get screwed - it will be expensive no matter how you choose to cross the Channel.
I've taken the train several times in the past and without any question, it is the simplest, fastest, and most stress-free way to get from A to B. You just ride on, put the bike on its centerstand, and hang around with it for 30 minutes while the train goes through the tunnel. There's nothing wrong with having to stay with the bike - there's jack-shit to see out the windows of the train, and all the bikes get put in the same wagon, so you can talk to other riders for half an hour.
If you are not in a hurry, you can shop around the different companies on the internet to see who might have a one-way special available - but the prices change hourly.
Stena lines runs an overnight ferry from the UK to Holland, you ride on, tie the bike down, sleep for 6 hours, then ride off. Breakfast is included. It is more expensive than a normal ferry crossing, but if you factor in that you don't have to pay for a night of hotel lodging and you don't 'lose' any riding time on the overnight voyage, it is a pretty good deal.
Michael
|
16 Mar 2009
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Faversham,England
Posts: 137
|
|
Another operator(LD Lines) has opened up on the Dover to Boulogne route after speedferries collapsed.Although it is not a seacat.They are also going to start a Dover to Dieppe service which I think is a first for Dover.
|
16 Mar 2009
|
|
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: DogZone Country
Posts: 1,218
|
|
I'm amazed at these cheap tunnel fares quoted. I've never seen such prices when I looked. But I'll try again.
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|