Ferry vs. tunnel

mrsausages

Hi all,

I need to cross the channel in August (and come back 10 days later!) for the family holiday (camping so car with roof-box), and I can't decided between ferry and tunnel. Can anyone say when the best time to book is? I've seen that there may be a ferry promo event in May - is this worth waiting for, or will it just be the low-season tickets on offer? If I choose tunnel do they do "sales" or should I get what's on offer now. Any other tips greatfully accepted!

Thanks,

Peter.

peachyprice

Fares are unlikely to get any cheaper than they are now. We're looking at a crossing at the end of July and the Eurotunnel prices have gone up by £50 in the last 2 weeks, ferry £20.

As for deciding which, if travelling with children we much prefer the ferry. Eurotunnel is great if it's just adults, but once you get in the queue to board the children are pretty much stuck in the car, there's very little space for them to stretch their legs then it's straight off onto the motorway, we find the ferry gives them a nice break so we can get going for a good few hours as soon as we get off.

HTH

Tarry

At least on the tunnel you can't be affected by the weather (no risk of a force 9 lol)and at least you can't get seasick on the tunnel But that said I do prefer the ferry, for some reason I'm not keen on the tunnel, and just prefer to take the ferry. At least you can than grab a bite to eat, wander around the shop etc, and grab a hot drink for your onward trip (that is what we do).

But that's just me.

spiro

I also think it also depends on were you are driving to when you get the other side and also how far you are from Dover. If its a short drive then the tunnel is probably OK because you wont have too lonmg driving on the other side. If you have a long journey the ferry gives a break, a chance to have a meal and relax before the long drive.

Gloomendoom

I took the tunnel last time for two reasons.

• I got the ticket for £30 using Tesco Clubcard points.
• I'd recently bought a new car and there is more room around your vehicle than on most ferries, so less chance of collecting dents.

Don't be fooled by the advertised 35 minute crossing time though. The total journey time can take a lot longer. Coming back we queued for three and a half hours before we even got on the train.