We are in the planning stages of our next trip to some areas of Europe that we have yet to explore. We would like opinions from those with experience as to which transportation connections and options would be most efficient: trains, planes, ferry, chunnel, car? Our goal is to link London with Belgium and the Netherlands, in any order, then traveling on to Germany. Or we can start in Germany and end in one of those previous countries. Our plans are very flexible at this time. I am posting this is in "To the West" and "Transportation", too. Thanks for your input.
Posted by
Pantego, NC, USA
1014 posts
First, look at open-jaw tickets. Saves backtracking. Then, how much time do you have and how much cash. Bus is usually the cheapest option. See: eurolines.com. Train and plane - if booked early- can be close to the same price. Bus is slowest, and plane is usually a trip out of town, a 2 hour wait to fly and a trip back into town. Train is usually close to the center of town, so no transport costs and lost time from and to the airports. For example: Bus from London to Brussels is 10-12 hours or so. Ferry ride included for around 70-100 Euro for two. Eurostar, booked early would be around 5 hours and 75-180 Euro for two. Booked 90 days out, fare is closer to 75. Puddle jump airliens,-Ryanair, BMI Baby, Easyjet, etc can be a cheaper flight, but with added transport costs, luggage fees, etc. The total can become more than the bus or train. Again, are you spending a month, a week, or ???. We stay in Europe 5-6 weeks and stay in apartments usually. We have found that apartments can be cheaper than hotels and have much more space, cooking availability, food storage, privacy, etc. We stay in 1 city at least a week and go out and back to see the close local sites. If you decide to drive, gas is around 7-8.00 per gallon. Parking in cities can be 30-50 Euro a day. Some countries also have substantial tolls. Need to figure them in costs also. So, do not drive in cities - London, Paris, Brussels, etc. Use a car for areas such as Ireland, Northern Scotland, French countryside, etc.
Posted by
Walpole, NH, USA
26 posts
Hi Lise, We traveled from London to Amsterdam with our teens on the train from St. Pancreas station. We got off to spend 2 days in Brussels and rebounded to continue to Amsterdam. In Amsterdam, it is easy to do day trips by local train We went to Haarlem and Delft. Then we took the train to Cologne Germany where we rented a car to explore the Rhine and Mosel Rivers and drive to Paris. The trains were easy and excellent. Although not cheap for a family of 4, so the car was not too badly priced for us.the car's benefit was the ability to explore little towns along the way. So I guess it depends on your itinerary. A mix worked for us.
Posted by
Walpole, NH, USA
26 posts
Hi Lise, We traveled from London to Amsterdam with our teens on the train from St. Pancreas station. We got off to spend 2 days in Brussels and rebounded to continue to Amsterdam. In Amsterdam, it is easy to do day trips by local train We went to Haarlem and Delft. Then we took the train to Cologne Germany where we rented a car to explore the Rhine and Mosel Rivers and drive to Paris. The trains were easy and excellent. Although not cheap for a family of 4, so the car was not too badly priced for us.the car's benefit was the ability to explore little towns along the way. So I guess it depends on your itinerary. A mix worked for us.