I am traveling from London to Paris by train this summer with 4 children ( 12-18 ) I know the Eurostar train is fast, but I have heard the slower train/ferry/train trip is worth doing. The Dover to Calais route has been suggested as it is picturesque and the ferry ride is fun. Do you agree? Or should we just get there asap? Thanks

P.S. I forgot to ask if anyone knows the price difference between the two trips and the time difference. I think the Eurostar takes 3 hours. Thanks again

We last did the slow train in 1977 and I think it took 7-8 hours - the hydrofoil shortens time, but you can't see as well. The Eurostar, which we rode in 1995 is a treat, takes 3-4 hours, I forgot exactly how long. It didn't go as fast in England because there tracks are not up to standards, so you can see alot of the countryside. <BR> <BR>Having done the boat once each way I would do the Eurostar. The cost should be substantially less for the slow train, but you can save on the Chunnel by booking early, but you are not allowed to change dates, so you must travel on the train you reserve. <BR>

Alysa - <BR> <BR>Do it the fast way. Especially with four kids! Having just gone to Paris with two older kids (18 and 19), I would never want to spend 8 hours trying to get somewhere with 4. <BR> <BR>And honestly, there isn't that much to be seen. Taking the Eurostar you will miss the cliffs but believe me, you will not be wanting of things to do and see in Paris. Better to get there as quickly as possible. <BR> <BR>As to the time, we took it last September and the trip was about 3 hrs. 10 minutes. <BR> <BR Good luck!

Alysa, <BR> I have gone the train/ferry/train route before and I wouldn't do it again. It took forever and frankly, I was a little disappointed in the white cliffs of Dover. There are cliffs near Brighton called the Seven Sisters which are much more spectacular. The other problem is going through customs in Dover. It took forever and then you have to take a cab to get to the train station that takes you to London. It wasn't worth all the hassle for me. I would definitely take the Eurostar.

Alysa, <BR> I wanted to clarify my last post. I went from Paris to London, but I can't imagine that it's too different the other direction. Good Luck and have a great trip.

The slow way is cheaper and pretty, but I don't think the 8 hour trip is worth it!

I've done the Channel Crossing via ferry, and by Eurostar; hands down, the Eurostar is the winner. It's not just the time that saved, it's the aggravation. You get on in 'downtown London' (Waterloo station) and you get off in 'downtown Paris' (Gare du Nord). <BR> <BR>The ferry leaves from Portsmouth or Dover, which means you have to take a train from London to the coast. Once you land in France, you then have to get from the dock to the train station (usually via bus), then take the train into Paris. Hauling luggage and four kids? BY MYSELF, I hated it! Do yourself a favor and take the Chunnel (Eurostar). There are excursions fares, and there might even be some sort of family fare. They have a website: <BR>http://www.eurostar.com/ to check fares, schedules, etc...

The Eurostar is the way to go. I rode the train two weeks ago. It takes 3 hrs to go from Paris to London, its non-stop and first class all the way. We were actually in first class, which was is actually more like business class on an aircraft. The service, food, and complimentary champagne were all excellent. It's comfortable, quiet, and very easy to use. The hardest part was carrying the luggage. We paid $220.00 U.S. per person and 2nd class is much cheaper. You can get tickets cheaper through American Airlines Vacations ($140.00 per person first class) but for only certain specific departure times. The trip is somewhat boring, although you can see the scenery while going 180 mph (on the French side), theres just not much to look at. My parents have taken the Hovercraft and told me stories of everyone getting sick on board because of the waves. I would think that the Eurostar is much safer as well. If you need any specific info, just e-mail me.