Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Europe
Dover to Calais, Ferry of Train? Dover to Calais, Ferry of Train?
Register FAQ Calendar Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
Europe Topics specific to Western and Eastern Europe, from UK to the Russian border, and south-east to Turkey.
Photo by Lois Pryce, schoolkids in Algeria

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!




Photo of Lois Pryce, UK
and schoolkids in Algeria



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 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?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 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
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 26 Feb 2009
Pumbaa's Avatar
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) View Post
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.
__________________
Jacques & Mandy with Pumbaa II
www.seeyouwhenwegetthere.com
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 26 Feb 2009
todderz's Avatar
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!
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 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
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 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.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 26 Feb 2009
Xander's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Back Down Under (WA)
Posts: 562
Quote:
Originally Posted by JMo (& piglet) View Post
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..)
__________________
2000 Africa Twin
http://two-up-ona-twin.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes
Hybrid Mode Hybrid Mode

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Dover-Calais Camp Site ozhanu Sleep and Eat, Europe 7 21 Oct 2010 13:41
Dover ferry(ies) V Eurotunnel Xander Europe 40 22 Dec 2009 20:12
Calais-Belgium-Amster-Germ-Lux-Calais Chuckydownunder Travellers Seeking Travellers 0 3 Oct 2006 22:19
train for moto - berlin to spain then ferry Walus Europe 4 4 Jan 2006 19:55
Cheap ferry to Calais with Motorcycle? Dalbir Trip Transport 4 25 May 2004 18:50

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

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.

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 Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

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!



Five books by Graham Field!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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.

Susan and Grant Johnson 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.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 05:12.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top