Ferry or tunnel??

[Tinty]

in June we will be taking our first trip abroad in the Moho and travelling to France. I'm depending on you lovely people to keep us right as we are literally clueless! So firstly what do you recommend ferry or tunnel?? Not much difference in price, I've looked at booking through the caravan club?? Any advice would be much appreciated

 

[Tinty]

Great tip for the flasks, thanks again

 

[chaser]

Ditto

Ditto

 

[Deleted member 29692]

Dunno how ferry is same price as tunnel, I never pay more than £60 for ferry, can you go via the tunnel for that?

Our last trip was approximately £60 less than that thanks to Tesco vouchers

And even without the vouchers every single time I've done a comparison when booking the tunnel the ferry has been somewhere between slightly more expensive and about £25 cheaper. I've never ever seen a bigger difference than that. Usually less than £20

 

[sylvester1954]

My own view is: I prefer to go via ferry...partly because I live in the west and prefer to drive to Plymouth/Portsmouth before I continue along the west of France rather than drive east all the way to Dover and then back along northern France to reach the west once again. Also I really enjoy being aboard boats/ferries/sailing etc.
However this year (March) it will be the tunnel for the first time as we now have a 4 legged traveller to consider and for her first trip abroad we prefer to spend a bit more time with her of course.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[KeithChesterfield]

Back in the old days we used the Ferry – that was the only choice.

Many the time we saw what other travellers had consumed just before embarking as the Ferries pitched and rolled their way across the Channel.

Next we tried Hoverspeed and even calm waters sent most people's stomach on a journey it wouldn't forget.

Finally the Tunnel – 35 minutes crossing and a short nap, dog happy as Larry fast asleep, early or late they put you on the next train, no jostling for position to get off or petrol/diesel fumes choking you and the weather is never going to stop you crossing.

Bon Voyage!

 

[The Dudess]

Back in the old days we used the Ferry – that was the only choice.

Many the time we saw what other travellers had consumed just before embarking as the Ferries pitched and rolled their way across the Channel.

Next we tried Hoverspeed and even calm waters sent most people's stomach on a journey it wouldn't forget.

Finally the Tunnel – 35 minutes crossing and a short nap, dog happy as Larry fast asleep, early or late they put you on the next train, no jostling for position to get off or petrol/diesel fumes choking you and the weather is never going to stop you crossing.

Bon Voyage!

Couldn't have said it better myself. Tunnel is great.

 

[Just smiffy]

If you want a cuppa you'll have to make it before you get on the train. We've bought thermal mugs for this particular reason! I also always make Cornish pasties to eat on the way out.

You can't make "Cornish" pasties in isle of sheppy...sacrilege..!
But I bet your sheppy pasties are lovely..

How did that get in there...?

 

[Old Soldier]

Back in the old days we used the Ferry – that was the only choice.

Many the time we saw what other travellers had consumed just before embarking as the Ferries pitched and rolled their way across the Channel.

Next we tried Hoverspeed and even calm waters sent most people's stomach on a journey it wouldn't forget.

Finally the Tunnel – 35 minutes crossing and a short nap, dog happy as Larry fast asleep, early or late they put you on the next train, no jostling for position to get off or petrol/diesel fumes choking you and the weather is never going to stop you crossing.

Bon Voyage!

Just like to say for any newbie's reading this that the Ferry's have improved no end since those days. Stabilised and bow / stern thrusters make them very stable and maneuverable even in rough seas. I'm lucky perhaps, but been using them almost every year for donkeys years and never thrown up yet.

 

[Boringfrog]

Our last trip was approximately £60 less than that thanks to Tesco vouchers

And even without the vouchers every single time I've done a comparison when booking the tunnel the ferry has been somewhere between slightly more expensive and about £25 cheaper. I've never ever seen a bigger difference than that. Usually less than £20

Never shop at Tesco, DFDS £39 Tunnel £108 this Sunday, that's more than double in my book and I can buy a tank full of diesel with the saving.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Deleted member 29692]

Never shop at Tesco, DFDS £39 Tunnel £108 this Sunday, that's more than double in my book and I can buy a tank full of diesel with the saving.

Even if I ever had a comparison like that, which I haven't to date, I would still choose the tunnel.

 

[Nirvanauk]

Love the tunnel especially with the dog. However an earlier thread said that the hull to Zeebrugge ferry had updated its doggie facilities so we will probably try that this spring. If anyone has info on this update would appreciate it.

 

[Tinty]

Never shop at Tesco, DFDS £39 Tunnel £108 this Sunday, that's more than double in my book and I can buy a tank full of diesel with the saving.

Wow I thought prices I found were cheap! £118 for ferry £168 for tunnel, obviously not cheap but we are going when the euros are on so sure that's bumped the price up.

 

[sdc77]

Dunno how ferry is same price as tunnel, I never pay more than £60 for ferry, can you go via the tunnel for that?

It's about 57 quid frequent traveller ... so yep .. your missing out

Also.. you don't need to shop at tescos.. just use their credit card .. easy free travel.

 

[Stroppy Bird]

As a matter of interest, hope it's not a stupid question, but are you able to get out of the van whilst using the tunnel? Is there a resurant car with toilets for those travelling in their cars?

As has been said there are toilets at each end of the train - but I wouldn't recommend them
Far better to use your own in the van or if travelling by car use the terminal ones before boarding.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[mitzimad]

ive never found the tunnel to be cheap weve only used it when we have tescos vouchers even then its never been as cheap as the ferry. Using frequent traveler prices isnt realy a fair comparision as many of us would not have the time to use the required amount of crossings per year

 

[gus-lopez]

Our last trip was approximately £60 less than that thanks to Tesco vouchers

And even without the vouchers every single time I've done a comparison when booking the tunnel the ferry has been somewhere between slightly more expensive and about £25 cheaper. I've never ever seen a bigger difference than that. Usually less than £20

I've no idea where you look then as I have never managed to get a tunnel price within less than double the ferry.

All these tesco points/ cards,frequent traveller, etc ; are ok if you can get them but you really need to compare like for like. Would you still use the tunnel if having to pay the full wack ?
Frequent traveller is ok if you want to travel backwards & fowards often, which I don't,I just want a reasonably priced journey.
Unfortunately us poor sods coming the other way don't get the benefit of any discounts or special offers ( even when they are on they do not work 'in reverse') .
On the recent tread where @scousebird was comparing her bookings in June I couldn't get anything on the tunnel under 3x the ferry for the same dates ?

 

[Deleted member 29692]

I've no idea where you look then as I have never managed to get a tunnel price within less than double the ferry.

I book the tunnel on the tunnel site. Then if I can be bothered I Google ferry prices and see what I can find.

The difference has never been more than I'm going to spend in the pub tonight. As I posted before more than once the ferry would have been more expensive.

 

[sdc77]

I've no idea where you look then as I have never managed to get a tunnel price within less than double the ferry.

All these tesco points/ cards,frequent traveller, etc ; are ok if you can get them but you really need to compare like for like. Would you still use the tunnel if having to pay the full wack ?

There are always discount codes knocking about for the ferries too and I'm sure you could use tescos on some so they are like for like. .. or.. the cheapest possible crossing. We have paid the full price on the tunnel before but would never even consider looking at a ferry for the usual reasons.
It's certainly a fact that if you use tescos points you can cross for very little (or free) using the tunnel. That's perfect.
If you cross often you can frequent traveller it for about 57 quid
If you don't do either then you takes your chances.
You're still 1 hour plus in front if the ferry. Not to mention the versatility of turning up early (or late) with no grief.
There's the dug angle
Convenience of sitting in the van... something we do well

But it's choice and we respect all the people who use the ferries as it leaves more spaces on the tunnel

 

[Just smiffy]

You have to spend a fortune in tesco to save a bit on the tunnel......

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Irishrover]

Couldn't care less if ferry was free....Tunnel is the only show in town for us as we have a dog.....35 mins....cant beat that!

 

[lou020]

only used the tunnel once,, awful place,, the truckers don't call it the shit chute for nothing!!
ferry is much nicer,

 

[cliffanger]

Always the tunnel. Specially with Tesco points - Nuff said!

 

[dabhand]

Tunnel every time, specially if you have a dog, unless you going to Spain or Portugal and you don't want to drive, then that defeats the object of having a Motorhome really doesn't it!

 

[Treeeev]

So far I have always used the ferry. I enjoy the short, relaxing cruise which gives you time to have a meal. I would consider the tunnel as I can see some benefits (ie it is quicker and is smooth - especially in inclement weather), however every time I have looked for a crossing, the ferry has come out much cheaper than the tunnel (I don't have the Tesco vouchers), so it will remain the ferry for me until I can get the tunnel for about the same price.

Cheers

Trevor

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Lenny HB]

Ferry every time for us, much more relaxing. We have used the tunnel a few times, a couple of times the pressure wave when the train enters the tunnel has effected my ears and I have had ear ache for a 2 or 3 days after. Also about 3 years ago on a business trip in a VW Transporter the pressure wave tripped a sensor and we came out of the tunnel with loads of electrics not working, indicators, windows, central locking & cruise control. That has really put me off.

 

[Larby]

All to do with personal choice/price. Motorhome 8m so up to 10m on booking form.
I have booked Monday 4th July on P & O at £52.80 on midday crossing, (follows on from Bagwell) plus £15 for dog.
Tunnel is £101 plus £18 for dog.
We like to board boat and have a relaxing meal, I'm on holiday (RETIRED REALLY) so no rush. Dog is good traveller and he curls up for the short crossing.
Tunnel is good for the daytrip or those with limited time. I loved the Hovercraft, 30 minutes to cross and an experience as well, hated the Sickcat Seacat.

 

[gus-lopez]

There are always discount codes knocking about for the ferries too and I'm sure you could use tescos on some so they are like for like. .. or.. the cheapest possible crossing. We have paid the full price on the tunnel before but would never even consider looking at a ferry for the usual reasons.
It's certainly a fact that if you use tescos points you can cross for very little (or free) using the tunnel. That's perfect.
If you cross often you can frequent traveller it for about 57 quid
If you don't do either then you takes your chances.
You're still 1 hour plus in front if the ferry. Not to mention the versatility of turning up early (or late) with no grief.
There's the dug angle
Convenience of sitting in the van... something we do well

But it's choice and we respect all the people who use the ferries as it leaves more spaces on the tunnel

& as I said there might be discount codes about & I have tried some, but they do not work in reverse. I.e. France to UK & back. Possibly there are some that the Dutch, Belgium, French & Germans have access too but as I don't speak any of them there's no discounts for me ! Ferry is the same as tunnel in that you can turn up & get a boat either side of your booking or if you pay the extra 20€ for a 'flexible ' fare then you can travel 3 days before or after booking at no extra charge just by turning up. As long as there is room you'll get on. Whereas the tunnels 'flexible' fare used to be 269€ regardless or 3 x advertised price in peak season.
Then there's the dog. Yes, me & him can swim & that's what concerns me about the tunnel.
I've only ever used the tunnel on the way back as the wife has insisted but had made my mind up that this year I'd come back when she is working so that I don't have to use it. So I was quite surprised to hear her telling someone last week that she probably wouldn't go on it again due to the kids shouting "fire" last time + the amount of migrants milling about on the other side.

 

[Hawkstone]

We have used both. It depends where we are travelling to. If we are going to Belgium or Holland we use the tunnel, however it is a 4 hour drive from Poole on average to Folkestone and the same back depending on traffic. It is a short crossing and trouble free. This year we are going down the the French Alpes to ski. The ferry is £78 more overall ( school holidays) and is a 4 hour crossing but on the return we are literally less than 1 mile from home...no brainer. The journey to the resort is only 50km more than if we went from Calais. Worth the extra I think.

 

[KeithChesterfield]

Lenny HB - what 'pressure wave' when the train enters the tunnel?

You're travelling in an enclosed carriage with air tight doors each end and all windows sealed.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Taran_Las]

Ferry for me everytime.
It's part of the adventure.
(Plus, I like boats)​