Chunnel vs Flying
May 3rd, 2004, 10:56 PM
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Chunnel vs Flying
Hey folks,
What mode of transport would you do for a round trip from London to Paris then back. We've adjusted our days so we don't have to worry about connecting flights or any of that.
We have a toddler and a set of parents in tow... so cost and time are a factor. But in this "post 9/11 era" is security so tight at the airlines that it makes flying actually take LONGER? Is the scenery from the Chunnel worth it since I know my parents really want to take the train and it will be years if at all before we get back to that part of France?
Plus, I know that it takes like an hour to get from CDG into Paris, so you have to factor that in... just wondering what factors to consider in making our plans to fly or take the chunnel.
Just wondering what you would do?
Thanks,
Kat
What mode of transport would you do for a round trip from London to Paris then back. We've adjusted our days so we don't have to worry about connecting flights or any of that.
We have a toddler and a set of parents in tow... so cost and time are a factor. But in this "post 9/11 era" is security so tight at the airlines that it makes flying actually take LONGER? Is the scenery from the Chunnel worth it since I know my parents really want to take the train and it will be years if at all before we get back to that part of France?
Plus, I know that it takes like an hour to get from CDG into Paris, so you have to factor that in... just wondering what factors to consider in making our plans to fly or take the chunnel.
Just wondering what you would do?
Thanks,
Kat
May 4th, 2004, 01:11 AM
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I've just been going thru the same quandry. After checking prices on airfare and Eurostar, figuring in taxis and time, we've decided again to go with Eurostar. If you are able to use one of the leisure fares or ,for your parents, a senior fare, the cost of the train wasn't that much more..and in one case , less...than flying . The security situation adss at least a hour to the time, not mentioning getting to and from the airports.
May 4th, 2004, 02:02 AM
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The train takes an hour or so to get from London to the Channel Tunnel, takes about twenty minutes to get through the tunnel where there is, obviously no scenery, then another hour or so to Paris. You'll see the countryside whizzing past but it's not the most scenic part of France. With a total journey time of 2 hrs 35 mins, plus a check-in time of half an hour, it is the quickest way from city centre to city centre.
May 4th, 2004, 08:28 AM
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We are trying to make the same decision - 2 adults, 2 teenagers for the day after Xmas. We like the idea of arriving at Waterloo from Paris and not having to fool with expensive ground transportation. Has anyone found discounts on the Chunnel fare? Where is the best place to buy the tickets?
May 4th, 2004, 08:50 AM
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Look at the leisure fares and buy a round trip tickets...or buy a leisure day fare round trip...you just toss the unused portion.The best I've been able to come up with is $94.00 r/t as opposed to $120.00-$240.00, depending on the day of th week.
May 4th, 2004, 09:15 AM
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The very cheapest possible fare from Paris to London is 35 euros each way. This is a fare that is only available on the internet, only for certain trains, and only for travel on monday through thursday.
The next fare up is 90 euros round trip and requires a saturday night stay.
From London to Paris the cheapest fair is 59 pounds round trip and requires a saturday night stay.
I personally prefer the train to go from city center to city center. However, if I am already going to be at the airport and am just traveling onward I would fly. There isnt much to see out the window of the train. Lots of flat fields mainly.
The next fare up is 90 euros round trip and requires a saturday night stay.
From London to Paris the cheapest fair is 59 pounds round trip and requires a saturday night stay.
I personally prefer the train to go from city center to city center. However, if I am already going to be at the airport and am just traveling onward I would fly. There isnt much to see out the window of the train. Lots of flat fields mainly.
May 4th, 2004, 09:24 AM
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1. Scenery is not very interesting.
2. Eurostar is undoubtedly quicker, door-to-door. Having said that, do not think you are going to walk into Waterloo and proceed directly out onto the track. There is security on the Eurostar, and you need to allow enough time for it. When we took it a year ago, there were long, very slow lines to enter the track. We actually got panicky as the departure time approached, but we figured they wouldn't leave since everyone in the lines was getting on the same train.
3. Flying is often cheaper. I've found Eurostar fares jump all over the place. On the other hand, I think most of the inexpensive planes that fly this route have pretty strict carry-on luggage limits, which was one reason we took the train.
If you do take the Eurostar, make sure your taxi or car service drops you off at the <i>international</i> entrance for Waterloo. You'll save yourself some walking.
2. Eurostar is undoubtedly quicker, door-to-door. Having said that, do not think you are going to walk into Waterloo and proceed directly out onto the track. There is security on the Eurostar, and you need to allow enough time for it. When we took it a year ago, there were long, very slow lines to enter the track. We actually got panicky as the departure time approached, but we figured they wouldn't leave since everyone in the lines was getting on the same train.
3. Flying is often cheaper. I've found Eurostar fares jump all over the place. On the other hand, I think most of the inexpensive planes that fly this route have pretty strict carry-on luggage limits, which was one reason we took the train.
If you do take the Eurostar, make sure your taxi or car service drops you off at the <i>international</i> entrance for Waterloo. You'll save yourself some walking.
May 4th, 2004, 10:22 AM
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skatterfly - Chunnel - chunnel - chunnel- no other way but chunnel! OK you still sit around waiting to board but once enroute you don't wear seatbelts for a start, can walk up and down at your leisure without the stewardess coming at you down the aisle from the opposite direction with the snacks & drinks.
The cheapest fare I got from my Travel Agent was 90 British pounds.(one way). I believe you can get considerably cheaper. This May will be my eigth crossing on Eurostar.
The cheapest fare I got from my Travel Agent was 90 British pounds.(one way). I believe you can get considerably cheaper. This May will be my eigth crossing on Eurostar.
