We're going to be in Europe in November. We'll be based in Paris, with side trips, one of which is going to London to see a couple of football matches. Last time we took the Eurostar. It was awesome - easy and convenient and rather luxe - but SPENDY. I don't want to waste hours getting to and from the airport at both ends in order to go through the hassle of a cheap flight, so I am thinking of the ferry.... and I haven't taken the Dover/Calais ferry since Hector was a pup! Can anyone tell me quickly from recent experience if it's cheaper these days for two non-senior adults to take the Metro to the train to the ferry to the train to the Tube (and then do it again in reverse order) than it is to just take the Eurostar? And if anyone has a convincing "flying is the BEST way!" argument, I would love to be convinced. Thanks!!!!!!
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32921 posts
I don't remember which ground you said - was it Fulham? Or Chelsea? Have you got your footie tickets sorted? 120 days ahead for the cheap fares on Eurostar - early takes the worm with discount airlines, too. I'm worried you may have left it a bit late to avoid "spendy". Having been on ships in all seasons between Southampton, Le Harve and New York City many many times as a child you wouldn't get me on a ship in the English Channel in November. Not because it is much much more unsafe but because it might be unpleasant.
Posted by
OP
Seattle, WA, USA
1068 posts
Thanks, Nigel! Yeah, I know we have left it late. The tickets (Chelsea!) are sorted.... we got them from a friend, and weren't sure they were coming rhough until a couple of days ago, which is why, alas, we had to leave it so late. I have no problems with icy seas and tossing boats, but now you mention it, I am not sure my husband will be terribly happy out on the English Channel in November. Maybe I just need to get the cheapest fare I can on Eurostar or an airline, and forget the potential of "cheap and cheerful" ferry rides. Since they might not be so cheerful in November!
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
One of my least pleasant memories of Europe was a Channel ferry in December. Based on that, I'd be willing to pay most anything to take the Eurostar.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32921 posts
I don't fly, so take my answer with a massive rock of salt. I always either drive across using the Eurotunnel or let the train take the strain with Eurostar. But have you tried CityJet from Orly ? Their website says:
"CityJet flights from Paris Orly to London City, with fares starting from €69 one way all inclusive. London City Airport is incredibly close to the West End, the City and Canary Wharf, in fact Canary Wharf to the airport by DLR takes just 15 minutes. CityJet has just a 15 minute check-in time at London City Airport - the shortest of any UK airport - we are the smartest choice for time conscious business and leisure passengers. Flying with CityJet means an end to uncivilised travel. No more hanging around in airports, hassle in security queues or long walks to distant departure gates. With CityJet, all seats are assigned, all drinks and snacks are included and all fares are inclusive. We guarantee all inclusive fares and no checked in baggage fees – passengers can check in a bag up to 23kg free, cabin baggage is allowed up to 12kg." Might be worth a punt?
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Since it's probably too late to get the cheapest fares on the Eurostar, I like Nigel's suggestion of flying CityJet. FYI, the absolutely cheapest way to travel between Paris and London is overnight on a Eurolines bus. The fare is low and you save the cost of a night in a hotel.
Posted by
Tilburg, Netherlands
2829 posts
Please, don't take this Euroline service. It's worse than a Chinatown bus from Boston to NY, with the creepiest individuals you might find in any mode of commercial passenger transportation in Italy. Taking the ferry and all it involves is going to consume more time than taking a flight and dealing with security hassles, travel to/from airports. The days of smooth rail+ferry operations are over, they are now an oddity (unless you have a vehicle, case in which the ferries are less expensive than the tunnel ride).