Need help in getting to Calais from LHR to pick up auto for French holiday. Will arr. 6:30 am on a Tuesday. Thought about Heathrow Express to Paddington, taxi to Waterloo, train to Dover and ferry/hovercraft to Calais. Does this seem practical or can you give me an alternate suggestion? Thanks

You can also take the bus. There is a bus from Victoria Coach Station to the Dover ferry terminal. I'd think you would just take the train direct to Calais, though (depends on where you pick up the car).

Hi<BR><BR>I'm not sure the tunnel will be too convenient.<BR><BR>Cars go from close to Folkestone to close to Calais.<BR><BR>From memory the passenger trains stop near Ashford, then some way inland on the French side.<BR><BR>So it seems you are right, the answer is tube to london, train to dover, boat to calais.<BR><BR>Just another thought ........... there may be buses direct from London to Calais.<BR><BR>Peter<BR>http://tlp.netfirms.com<BR><BR><BR>

Another suggestion. Ferry companies and Hoverspeed do a combined coach (bus) and channel crossing trip from Victoria Coach Station. It's door-to-door service, and there's a connecting free shuttle service from the port to Calais-Ville station. You can check your luggage at Victoria through to Calais. Look up companies' websites. Most rental companies have offices in Place d'Armes, a short cab ride away from the Gare.<BR>So your journey will look like:<BR>Heathrow - Paddington by Heathrow Express, taxi to Victoria Coach Station, and coach/ferry or fast ferry to Calais, shuttle bus to Calais-Ville, taxi to rental office.

Have you thought about using Ryanair to get to France. I'm not sure if they go directly to Calais, but we;ve <BR>flown and are flying them again in May for less than the cost of the ferry.<BR>

Thanks to all for valuable input.<BR>It seems that which ever way we take it will require a number of transfers.<BR>To my knowledge Ryan does not fly out of Heathrow.<BR>A few years ago we traveled from Waterloo to Feltham to pick up car and I was wondering if there is any advantage in using this route. Thanks!

&quot;Have you thought about using Ryanair to get to France. I'm not sure if they go directly to Calais, but we;ve <BR>flown and are flying them again in May for less than the cost of the ferry. &quot;<BR><BR>Hmm read http://www.ryanair.com<BR><BR>Ryanair doesn't go from Heathrow, and there is only a small private airfield near Calais.<BR><BR>Nearest seems to be Ostend - Brugges.<BR><BR>So 3 hrs Heathrow - Stansted, 1.5 hrs Brugges to Calais.......... its not viable is it ?<BR><BR>Peter<BR>http://tlp.netfirms.com<BR><BR><BR><BR>