Eurotunnel or not?
Discussion
Hi Guys,
Need some feedback, which is the best way of crossing over to the UK from Calais with a 997 turbo? Is it difficult to get the turbo on the Eurotunnel because of its width and ground clearance or is it no probs? How often do the trains depart now days?
Or is it better to go with a ferry (which?)?
Thanks in advance!
Need some feedback, which is the best way of crossing over to the UK from Calais with a 997 turbo? Is it difficult to get the turbo on the Eurotunnel because of its width and ground clearance or is it no probs? How often do the trains depart now days?
Or is it better to go with a ferry (which?)?
Thanks in advance!
Eurotunnel every time:
1) Not affected by weather like the ferry system
2) Cars are parked inline so no chance of idiots opening doors onto your car as on ferries
3) You are always with your car so no "surprise" damage when you return as on a ferry
4) No problem with ramps - they always load sports cars onto the lower deck. Never had a prob with the 993 turbo.
1) Not affected by weather like the ferry system
2) Cars are parked inline so no chance of idiots opening doors onto your car as on ferries
3) You are always with your car so no "surprise" damage when you return as on a ferry
4) No problem with ramps - they always load sports cars onto the lower deck. Never had a prob with the 993 turbo.
Top Tip if you're worried : Follow the 'high vehicle' route and you'll be placed in a double height carriage. When stopped and asked what you're doing say that your car is too low, grounds out on the ramps and you were told to go down there. The advantage is no ramp, no queues and often the carriage is normally empty (bar the odd coach).
Used to do it all the time in my Cerb
Used to do it all the time in my Cerb
I took my GT3 on the Eurotunnel last week, they noticed the ground clearance as we were loading and directed me to the lower level, which they were doing with all the sportier cars, so I had the amusement of a carriage with my GT3, a V8 Vantage and a Ferrari 612 in a line. The only drawback is that if you are coming back to the UK on a Sunday, it can get a back chaotic at the Calais terminal; I've had a 2hr+ wait a couple of times, but in general its very efficient.
pjm said:
The only drawback is that if you are coming back to the UK on a Sunday, it can get a back chaotic at the Calais terminal; I've had a 2hr+ wait a couple of times, but in general its very efficient.
Book Club Class - it's now called Flexi or something. You get your own lounge but, more importantly, your own lane which takes you past any queues and chaos and puts you on the next available train. Voila! - no waiting, no hassles. Free coffee and a goody bag which contains lunch, tea or breaky depending on the time of day - handy if you just want to get going at the other end. Once you've booked it you can turn up any time too and get on the next train - however busy it is they always put you top of the list. Only down side is you do get some dirty looks as you cruise past people who've been queuing for a while.
Edited by Pugsey on Tuesday 25th September 09:21
Pugsey said:
Book Club Class - it's now called Flexi or something. You get your own lounge but, more importantly, your own lane which takes you past any queues and chaos and puts you on the next available train. Voila! - no waiting, no hassles. Free coffee and a goody bag which contains lunch, tea or breaky depending on the time of day - handy if you just want to get going at the other end. Once you've booked it you can turn up any time too and get on the next train - however busy it is they always put you top of the list. Only down side is you do get some dirty looks as you cruise past people who've been queuing for a while.
The other downside is tickets can be £360 Pugsey said:
pjm said:
The only drawback is that if you are coming back to the UK on a Sunday, it can get a back chaotic at the Calais terminal; I've had a 2hr+ wait a couple of times, but in general its very efficient.
Book Club Class - it's now called Flexi or something. You get your own lounge but, more importantly, your own lane which takes you past any queues and chaos and puts you on the next available train. Voila! - no waiting, no hassles. Free coffee and a goody bag which contains lunch, tea or breaky depending on the time of day - handy if you just want to get going at the other end. Once you've booked it you can turn up any time too and get on the next train - however busy it is they always put you top of the list. Only down side is you do get some dirty looks as you cruise past people who've been queuing for a while.Edited by Pugsey on Tuesday 25th September 09:21
Has anybody bought Eurotunnel shares for the travel discount?
I had a look and as the shares are at 0.35 euro it would appear that for €350, about £240 you get a 30% discount on travel.
I'm thinking of switching my P&O shares to Eurotunel, as P%O give you 40% but I can buy the non stockholder tickets on-line cheaper every time!
Would that be the same with Eurotunnel?
I had a look and as the shares are at 0.35 euro it would appear that for €350, about £240 you get a 30% discount on travel.
I'm thinking of switching my P&O shares to Eurotunel, as P%O give you 40% but I can buy the non stockholder tickets on-line cheaper every time!
Would that be the same with Eurotunnel?
I booked it on the way out for my last trip, when it wasn't much extra, and I agree it was very good. To be honest, my experience of the terminal at Calais previously on a summer's sunday was that it was so chaotic, I didn't really trust that the Flexi ticket would work properly. I take it from your recommendation that it does, so I'll definitely go for it next time!
I'll buck the trend and say I much prefer taking the ferry... Norfolklines are a great option. Comfortable boat, great breakfast served, and a good chance for a nap to break the journey. Other bonus is that you travel to Dunkirk which is further east than Calais saving some useful time/mileage (only useful if heading to the 'Ring).
I find Eurotunnel too rushed if you've got a 2hr drive to Dover and another 4hr drive from Calais...
I find Eurotunnel too rushed if you've got a 2hr drive to Dover and another 4hr drive from Calais...
The only worry with Eurotunnel is the idiot behind you forgetting to take his car out of 1st gear, and ramming the back of you when he starts up. I've seen it happen quite a lot and once had it happen to me.
That said I travel to France several times a year to visit my parents and I wouldn't go any other way.
That said I travel to France several times a year to visit my parents and I wouldn't go any other way.
timskipper said:
The only worry with Eurotunnel is the idiot behind you forgetting to take his car out of 1st gear, and ramming the back of you when he starts up. I've seen it happen quite a lot and once had it happen to me.
That said I travel to France several times a year to visit my parents and I wouldn't go any other way.
I always ask to go on last, it's never a problem. However, i do get some strange looks and comments from the Eurotunnel staff. They often say "last? Normally everyone is in a rush to get on first!"That said I travel to France several times a year to visit my parents and I wouldn't go any other way.
Silver993tt said:
timskipper said:
The only worry with Eurotunnel is the idiot behind you forgetting to take his car out of 1st gear, and ramming the back of you when he starts up. I've seen it happen quite a lot and once had it happen to me.
That said I travel to France several times a year to visit my parents and I wouldn't go any other way.
I always ask to go on last, it's never a problem. However, i do get some strange looks and comments from the Eurotunnel staff. They often say "last? Normally everyone is in a rush to get on first!"That said I travel to France several times a year to visit my parents and I wouldn't go any other way.
First on fastest off and a clear run up the motorway.
SidewaysSid said:
Silver993tt said:
timskipper said:
The only worry with Eurotunnel is the idiot behind you forgetting to take his car out of 1st gear, and ramming the back of you when he starts up. I've seen it happen quite a lot and once had it happen to me.
That said I travel to France several times a year to visit my parents and I wouldn't go any other way.
I always ask to go on last, it's never a problem. However, i do get some strange looks and comments from the Eurotunnel staff. They often say "last? Normally everyone is in a rush to get on first!"That said I travel to France several times a year to visit my parents and I wouldn't go any other way.
First on fastest off and a clear run up the motorway.
I've travelled several times each year for the last 6 years and have never had a car ahead of me block the exit off the train
It may take an extra minute or two to get off but so what if I have another 3-4 hours to go and I'll pass all the other cars during the next 10 mins anyway. Definetly worth the extra couple of minutes than having to replace my new bumper (or possibly worse) and have to deal with Polish/Slovakian/German/French/Belgian/.... insurance claims
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