We are two retirees traveling Europe without an automobile and would like to travel from Calais to Folkstone in August. No passenger only service is available. Any suggestions how we may be able to hitch a ride with a vehicle making the crossing? Would be willing to compensate the driver. TIA
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33847 posts
That will be difficult because when the driver makes the reservation they have to provide API (Advance Passenger Information) to Border Control for everybody in the car with passport and other information, which has to match all the presented passports at passport control. That would make adding hitchers difficult.
Ah, I see you are going to England, not the other way. So, at the moment, and pending Brexit, you don't have to provide API in that direction.
But all the roads around Calais are patrolled because of the ongoing constant threat of migrants trying to sneak aboard vehicles and make their way to England, through the tunnel and on ferries.
I don't think you will be very successful, but let us know how it works out.
You could take the passenger train - Eurostar - from Calais or Lille to Ashford in Kent (12 miles from the tunnel) or Ebbsfleet.
Is there a reason you don't want to do that?
Or you could travel as foot passengers on the P&O Ferry from Calais to Dover. It isn't as easy as some would like but it is cheap and reliable, and official.
Could you fill in a bit of detail, Willi, so I can try to help more. I cross the Channel frequently.
Posted by
Loire Valley
824 posts
Check BlaBlaCar. There's not many ride shares across (or under) the channel, but there might be one on a day suitable for you
https://www.blablacar.fr
Posted by
Monterey County, CA (formerly Verbania Italy-Lago Maggiore)
1641 posts
Contact Folkestone taxi. We were considering using them to get my husband and I, our dog, and our stuff to Calais to pick up lease car. We ended up using a pet transport company instead from Southampton to Calais.
You need to make arrangements in advance so they can reserve crossing time. Our quote was about 200 pounds.
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