Best Time To Book LeShuttle / Ferry Crossings?

[RallyChamp]

About to pull the trigger on channel crossing booking, but then I recalled that last years' LeShuttle/Eurotunnel prices went down nearer the time to almost match, or better, the ferry prices.

For now LeShuttle prices per car and 2 persons return is @ £300 and ferry return @ £200 (includes 20% offer). What's been other experiences with crossing bookings - better to wait nearer the time or just go ahead and book now? I guess if there are any savings it's unlikely to be more than £30-£50. Just an idea to get other opinions or options.

[gt6]

Well we booked the shuttle yesterday, You could wait for offers but unlikely prices will go down and some crossings will get booked up, The Sunday return shuttles get booked quite early and also the ferry ones on Monday so IMHO best to get things sorted as soon as possible

[sahajesh]

I’d say book now - unlikely to drop annd unless you go FlexiPlus, you’ll find that certain times are fully-booked.

[Aysedasi2]

I confess I'm surprised that some people have left booking crossings so late. I booked mine on the day the route became available as I always do, as I know the return crossing I always take on the Monday is always oversubscribed. I booked last October.

[VladD]

As above, I booked my ferry immediately after I'd booked my race tickets. I'm on an overnight ferry and missed out on a cabin last year, so didn't make that mistake again.

[DMN]

It'll depend were you sail from. I've never had an issue booking from Portsmouth or Newhaven when booking around March. I normally book at the end fo February.

[RallyChamp]

Thanks for the suggestions. Yeah, thinking I should probably get the booking done and out the way - peace of mind. Out Thursday early doors and return Monday early eve.

[Aysedasi2]

Bearing in mind how full the Caen-Portsmouth 4.30 pm boat gets on the Monday, I always want to book it as soon as I can. I remember having an issue a few years ago when I needed to change my booking and the return journey was sold out.

[matrignano]

RallyChamp said:

About to pull the trigger on channel crossing booking, but then I recalled that last years' LeShuttle/Eurotunnel prices went down nearer the time to almost match, or better, the ferry prices.

For now LeShuttle prices per car and 2 persons return is @ £300 and ferry return @ £200 (includes 20% offer). What's been other experiences with crossing bookings - better to wait nearer the time or just go ahead and book now? I guess if there are any savings it's unlikely to be more than £30-£50. Just an idea to get other opinions or options.

£300 seems a decent price, I can never manage to get much below £400.
And that's travelling at off peak days (never the weekend)

[Red9zero]

We always book as soon the tunnel as the dates are available. Don't normally bother with Flexi, as we can usually change crossings on the day, if needed, for not a huge amount.

[LawrieC]

For the popular dates the prices increase rapidly, so if you're fussy, book early. Last year, one of the ferries back was fully booked within a few hours

[Aysedasi2]

LawrieC said:

For the popular dates the prices increase rapidly, so if you're fussy, book early. Last year, one of the ferries back was fully booked within a few hours

Probably the 4.30 pm from Caen on Monday. It's always rammed.

I said earlier that I booked my crossings last October but I see now that it was actually in late July last year. Cost £40 more than last year but I paid extra for the 'Flexi' option, just in case. It includes a cabin on the way back - for £353 - which I thought was perfectly reasonable bearing in mind I paid £300 back in 2018. For my peace of mind I like to get everything in place at the earliest opportunity - tickets, ferry and accommodation. All was sorted by the time members ticketing opened.

[NoBrakesWC]

I booked my Caen-Portsmouth for the Sunday night in August as they became available and had cabins. Going out via EuroTunnel was £99 for my car and 2 people.

[Chrisgr31]

I booked Newhaven Dieppe out Tuesday night, back Sunday night no cabins £138 return. Significantly cheaper than Dover Calais by ferry or tunnel. Less Peage toll costs, and less fuel costs as well.

Winner all round - other than the lack of sleep!

[RallyChamp]

Judging by how quick Le Mans campsites, entry/grandstand tickets, packages, parking lots etc for the whole week went, I took that as the signal not to procrastinate. Dover/Calais ferry booked early doors. Standard booking £210 return inc priority boarding both ways.