Eurotunnel anyone?

[Stouffer]

As I plot my 4/5 trip to Europe on my CBR, I'm wondering how to get across. Has anyone done the Eurotunnel and any advice on ticket deals? Their own site is quoting £67 return which seems pretty decent and only a 35 minute crossing. From memory the ferry would take 3-4 hours so unless I'm missing something, this is the way to travel, no??

[robstvr]

Check out www.speedferries.com

I'm crossing with them this weekend for about 25 quid. 50 minutes, Dover to Boulogne. Sweet.

[Lustfish]

I prefer the Eurotunnel as it's so fast and you don't have to ride down to Folkestone to catch the ferry. You will need to book the chunnel in advance as it can be quite pricey last minute. Usually it's about £18-£25 which I think is pretty reasonable.

[711]

I quite like the fact that you don't have to prat about strapping the bike down either. You just ride on and park up....no hassle

[RizzoTheRat]

I'm going on Friday, the short stay jobbie (less than 5 days) is £38 each way booked a couple of months ago. One of our group isn't comming back and it was over £60 one way! Never used it before but we've got 320 miles to do when we get the other side so figured go with the quickest crossing. 35 min crossing but the gate shuts 30 mins before departure.

Didn't realise the speedferries was that quick though.

[black-k1]

I’ve used the tunnel before and is OK but I generally prefer the ferries. As the bike isn’t strapped down in the tunnel you end up having to stay beside/on it to ensure it doesn’t fall over on the trip.

I also find that if I’m planning to do a fair few miles once I hit Calais then the ferry is just as quick! That’s because I have a meal on the ferry and get a chance to stretch my legs, allowing me to then do some distance in Europe without the requirements for a stop. If I use the tunnel then I find I need to stop for longer to eat/stretch legs etc. on the other side.

[Stouffer]

Cool. Thanks folks. The tunnel looks like the option for me. Thanks for the replies & advice

[Ballon]

I use the eurotunnel quite frequently and find it the most convenient. Also it is worth bearing in mind that if you get there early they will normally put you on an earlier train if there is space.

Ferry is fine if you have no time constraints and fancy a large fry up!

[Silver993tt]

I stopped using the cross channel ferry around 7 years ago. Tha last time I used them was from Calais to Dover, ferry hit the breakwater and a Guzzi fell on to my bike (ZX12R) which in turn fell onto some old metal stairs - £3000 worth of damage. Both bikes were 'strapped' down by the ferry guys but it was a whole load of hassle, espacially at 2am in the pouring rain.

Eurotunnel every time for me, there are plenty of eating/drinking/etc facilities at the terminal before you board the train. Also, you won't get caught out by any funny weather which the ferries most definetly will.

Edited by Silver993tt on Tuesday 20th May 10:58

[rsv gone!]

transmanche do Newhaven to Dieppe for about £70 or so. It saves a long haul down the autoroutes, if you're headed that way.

[mel]

They used to have posh paddock stand type cradle things on the tunnel years ago but not a clue what goes on now days as I got banned for pulling wheelies down the inside of the train.

[RizzoTheRat]

Anyone ever tried the trains that go across europe with your bike on board (can't remember what they're called), I quite like the idea of doing a few hundred miles on the train in a few hours instead of a days riding to get further south.

[Busamav]

Eurotunnel is the only way to cross imho , off the train and straight onto a motorway .

Have travelled Speedferries in a car and would never use them again , cars are truly crammed in and if you love your car you will hate the way you are loaded and treated .

[Silver993tt]

RizzoTheRat said:

Anyone ever tried the trains that go across europe with your bike on board (can't remember what they're called), I quite like the idea of doing a few hundred miles on the train in a few hours instead of a days riding to get further south.

Yes, done the trip from Duesseldorf (using DB Autozug) to Munich and Salzburg several times with car & bike. Fantastic way to travel overnight, non-stop, restaurant, bar and train is only for cars/bikes - no foot passengers.

Will be doing Duesseldorf to Narbonne next year for a trip to the Pyrenees via Germany In fact I'll be on the train to Salzburg in a couple of weeks with the car

Edited by Silver993tt on Tuesday 20th May 20:44