Channel tunnel prices
Is there a cheaper time to travel through the tunnel. Looking to try it in 2019 and while have no problem navigating the ferry options never sure of tunnel given the many time options.
Any advice? Plus is booking well ahead any advantage?
Thanks
Comments
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A point to remember about the Tunnel is that then tend to price in a similar way to the budget airlines. So if a crossing is popular and almost fully booked then it will be more expensive but equally the opposite could be the case. As Oneputt says it will be cheaper overnight but it might be worth looking at late afternoon. Although we have not used the Tunnel for a couple of years we used to book using Tesco Club Card vouchers and we would only book a few months ahead. We like the Tunnel as its quick and smooth. Passport controls are done just before you board so just a case of driving off at the other end. Whether that system will change with Brexit who knows.
David
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I think that in addition to DK's explanation above, the nearer to your intended journey you make your booking the more expensive it is - however I've never done any research, only going on hearsay. We use the tunnel for most trips as it is cost effective for us with the Tesco vouchers despite living considerably nearer to Cherbourg and Portsmouth.
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I tend to favour the tunnel these days especially as there are no size penalties on the tunnel and I have not used the ferries for sometime but I do tend to keep an eye on the price of both forms of crossings. A lot depends on outfit and offers but in general the price swings of the tunnel, while more expensive than a Dover Calais ferry crossing, do not change as much as the ferry crossings. With a more consistent price, give or take a few pounds, I find little advantage in travelling via the tunnel in unsocialable hours and always chose a day time crossing mostly using Tesco's vouchers .
peedee
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The price between midnight and 6 am is usually the cheapest option and booking a long way in advance is also cheaper than booking one nearer to your departure time.
But also the day of the week you cross affects the price and Bank Holiday and School holidays times (especially mid summer crossings) lift the price considerably.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are usually relatively cheaper whatever time of year.
You also have to balance your journey from home, perhaps during darkness hours, to the Terminal and possibly arriving in France in the dark on unfamiliar roads just to save a few pounds.
The savings by going overnight probably relate to the price of a couple of beers each.
Having a sleepless night, or interrupted nights sleep, and save a few pounds or take a daytime crossing and get your normal sleeping hours.
Everyone to their own - but I prefer the slightly higher daytime prices and a good nights sleep.
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As I got caught out a few years ago, a word of caution: A couple of people have mentioned Tesco vouchers being used for the tunnel. This only applies to motor homes NOT CARAVANS.
When we cross to France now we use the ferry. Surprisingly, if you go on a mid-morning crossing, the price is among the lowest of the day. Likewise, returning on a late afternoon crossing seems cheapest too. I know that's OK for us because we live only 45 minuits from the port and that is when towing.
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Dunclair, I am afraid you were misinformed. Tesco vouchers can certainly be used for caravans as well as for motorhomes via the Channel Tunnel.
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Quite so ET. Have used Tesco vouchers many times for both caravan and motorhome.
David
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We have always used ferries as the price differential is quite large where a tunnel crossing £300 and ferry in general less than half price. Admittedly we do travel on a Friday or Saturday and normally in summer so do not have a chance to take any of the cheaper times. We are however booked for late October on the tunnel as difference was only about £35 and Mrs T was worried in case the ferry was a bit choppy.
Only been on tunnel many years ago in a car and was not particularly impressed and much prefer the ferry as a nice start to the holiday but will see next month if my mind changes on that, especially as we will have to use the M20 rather than M2/A2.
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Michael, we used the tunnel to return home last trip and it was fine, although we were early but couldn't get on an earlier train as things were busy...
we used it as we were coming up the eastern side of France and it seemed logical....however, living in the SW it then meant a long 'frantic' drive home on our lovely roads...
perhaps we should have gone to Poole (our usual route home) and the quiet trip back from there....
for those in the SE, a useful addition to customer choice...
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Thanks to all, some very useful advice. Deleted User User, we have tried the Hull ferry and the newcastle DFDS. Both are great but DFDS seem to have stopped free caravans until October now and Hull P and O prices have escalated. Also, our cat was not happy in the kennels that are a requirement on Hull. Lovely kennels but neighbouring dogs upset her!!
Last two years we have used Portsmouth Ouistrham day crossing which is fine but just looking for an alternative.Either way it's a stay either in UK or straight after crossing.
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I seem to remember you posting the same a while ago and also remember me posting back to say that Tesco vouchers ARE accepted for caravans on the tunnel. Our friends have used them for years for their caravan, including this year. You may be mixing this up with another operator, but the tunnel definitely accepts vouchers for caravans.
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