Hovercraft & train travel
 

I'm wondering if anyone can offer info regarding service and hovercraft connections <BR>between Calais and Dover. Is it possible to book reservations in advance in US without incurring substancial handling fees? <BR>We have opted to book Chunnel travel one way <BR>from London to Paris, but want to try a different mode of tavel for the return to Dover. <BR> <BR>Many thanks for any advice! <BR>Kristy

In many cases, it's cheaper to fly than to go by land/sea or train.

You can book online on P&O website: www.posl.com, although I don't know if it works from the US.

There is a whole bunch of links for ferry lines in Europe listed by country here: <BR>http://www.budgettravel.com/eurofery.htm <BR>

Fodors <BR> <BR>As a foot passenger (rather than a car driver) you seldom need to book ahead on cross-channel vessels of any kind. You need to book at dates around public holidays, only. I'd say hold off until you're in London. Then you can go to the easternmost bookings window of Charing Cross main line station and buy a through ticket Paris, Channel, London. You cannot buy such a ticket in Paris, as French Rail want you to use their Eurostar. <BR> <BR>The standard connections are two. Paris Nord 0646 (not Sundays), Calais 0949 to 1100, Dover 1035 to 1124, London Victoria 1317. Or Paris Nord 1407, Calais 1723 to 1800, Dover 1735 to 1852, cross-platform change at Faversham 1933 to 1936, London Victoria 2047. Free busses run between train and vessel in each port. The more usual route is to Charing Cross, but to go to Victoiria adds only ten minutes and takes you past good views of Kentish orchards, Canterbury Cathedral (you look out two minutes after leaving Canterbury East station), Rochester Cathedral and Castle, and the Medway. The single fare is 39 pounds or 63 US dollars. <BR> <BR>Of course, you haveother timings if you choose to take a boat, at the same fare. Please write if I can help further. Welcome to Europe. <BR> <BR>Ben Haines, London <BR> <BR> <BR>