Met up with some mates the other night and we got talking about how best to get to the continent with your car. I've not been near a ferry for several years now: 35 minutes travel, zero sea-sickness, staying with my car and not having to bear those horrid ferry interiors means the train wins hands down. But what does everyone else prefer and why?
Eurostar or Ferry?
- Thread starter benw123
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I have never done Eurostar so can't offer a fully objective opinion, but I quite like ferries too! And Dover to Calais is only 1 hour 20 mins or something. I just like the holiday atmosphere on them, the view as you leave Dover and see France approaching. I just feel you would get into the Holiday spirit a bit more than just driving out of a tunnel at the other end!
Trev241
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If you value your car use the tunnel, problem with the ferry is that they pack cars in really tight you only need the family from hell plus kids in a people carrier next to you throwing the doors open without a care to end up with paint damage.
The last straw for me was when we were parked near the door to the stairs, we had returned to the car to find four big guys draging their 24 packs across the bonnet as they crossed the narrow gap between us and the car in front
Train great one single row of cars and plenty of room to open the doors and much quicker.
The last straw for me was when we were parked near the door to the stairs, we had returned to the car to find four big guys draging their 24 packs across the bonnet as they crossed the narrow gap between us and the car in front
Train great one single row of cars and plenty of room to open the doors and much quicker.
I've used Norfolkline Dover - Dunkirk many times - ships are all relatively new. Just booked for June £40 return for car & 5 passengers.
I have just come back from a weekend in Holland, travelled with Norfolk line Dover - Dunkirk.
Can't be faulted, even though the sea looked rough it was still a smooth crossing.
Can't be faulted, even though the sea looked rough it was still a smooth crossing.
Eurostar whatever the cost. We went to France a couple of years ago where the ferry was thrown in with the package, but I paid the extra for the train. My son sat watching the end of his movie in the back, then had a sleep whilst travelling through France.
The last time I took the ferry it was carnage; people hurling in the toilets or lying around trying not to throw up. And to make matters worse, we were stuck outside the dock in the swirling water because another ferry lost contol and hit the harbour wall.
The last time I took the ferry it was carnage; people hurling in the toilets or lying around trying not to throw up. And to make matters worse, we were stuck outside the dock in the swirling water because another ferry lost contol and hit the harbour wall.
Ferry for me every time. I used to use Speed Ferries before they went into administration. The used to take about 40 mins. Now i use Norfolk Line can't fault them and to me the ferry is part of the holiday.
Use the tunnel if your in a hurry as it there isnt much hanging around, use the ferry if you want to stretch your legs. Also if your on the ferry and tired and want to sleep sneak into the truck drivers restaurant as theres no screaming horrible little kids...
Norfolkline seem to be a lot cheaper than everyone else by about £40 and like a few others have said are pretty good, nice new ships etc etc. Docking at Dunkirk knocks about 20 miles off your journey (IIRC).
Norfolkline seem to be a lot cheaper than everyone else by about £40 and like a few others have said are pretty good, nice new ships etc etc. Docking at Dunkirk knocks about 20 miles off your journey (IIRC).
