We will be crossing the Channel from England to France in mid-April and would prefer the scenic surface route. From London, how do we go by public transportation? Any destination on the French coast is OK since we'll rent a car there.
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
How about training to Dover Castle and see the magnificent WWII installation there. It's really quite impressive. From there catch a ferry over the English Channel.
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
Work your way on the metro to Charring Cross, buy a ticket to Dover, once in Dover buy a ferry ticket to Calais.
No need to think about advance tickets, there's aways room. In fact, don't think there is any such thing as a single ticket since you're buying tickets from three agencies.
The nitty-gritty is probably burried somewhere at seat61.com. But my first paragraph is all you need to know to do it.
I recomnend Calais since ferry terminal there is closer to a rental car place than the Dunkerque terminal.
Posted by
Gig Harbor, Washington, USA
1863 posts
We did this (opposite direction) a couple of years ago. The train goes from Charing Cross station to Dover Priory Train Station. At that station get a cab to the ferry terminal. There are buses, but we didn't want the hassle. The distance is just a mile or two. There are several car rental choices at the Calais ferry port. There may be some toll machines on the roads heading south, so be sure you have a bunch of euros. We stayed at a lovely hotel in Hesdin L'abbe; if you want the name I will dig it out of my records. Etretat and Honfleur are pleasant stops heading south towards Les Andeleys.
Posted by
Bromley, Kent,, UK
1829 posts
There is now a fast train service from London St Pancras station to Dover. It shares the track used by the Eurostar train and the non stop service takes about 1hr 10 mins, the ones that have an intermediate stop take about 20 minutes longer. This is against a journey time of between 1hr 45 to 2hrs for the trains from Charing Cross and Victoria stations.
http://ojp.nationalrail.co.uk/en/s/timetable/times
PS - just realised that "track" means something different in the USA ie what we call platform? I meant that the train uses the railway line built for the Eurostar service!
Posted by
OP
Montville, NJ, USA
19 posts
Thank you, Linda. Should be get reservations on the train and ferry? How much time overall should we allow to reach Calais from London?
Posted by
Bromley, Kent,, UK
1829 posts
As has been suggested, take a look at the "seat 61" site. Although it does not use the St Pancras or Victoria services, it should help with timings and logistics.
http://www.seat61.com/London-Paris-ferry.htm
No advantage in booking ahead in terms of price however, if there are 3 or more of you travelling at off peak time, you may be able to get a GroupSave ticket.
Posted by
OP
Montville, NJ, USA
19 posts
Thanks, Linda, we will follow your suggestion to cross the channel. Now do you have any suggestions for a B & B in London, maybe near Victoria Station? There will be two couples and we like to walk and have access to public transportation on a budget! Your help is really appreciated. Cynthia
Posted by
Bromley, Kent,, UK
1829 posts
Cynthia
Sorry, because where I live is about a 20 minute train ride from Victoria, I haven't found any need to use hotels etc.
The Victoria area seems a popular place for RS followers and you will get a more helpful response if you re-post your query on the To the North board. I think it will get overlooked if you leave it on this board.