Dover (chunnel) to Copenhagen in one day?
Discussion
In a couple of weeks I need to get to Copenhagen for a couple of days whistle stop tour to see Son number one who is there on a University placement, I'm looking at a driving route via chunnel, France Belgium Germany, Ferry to Denmark and then on up to Copenhagen (don't like planes!)
Anyone done this route and if so reckon I can do it in a oner without an overnight stop? I plan to hit chunnel for around 6am.
Also any parts of the German route good for V Max .. am in 911 although best change out of my winter tyres which are still on out of laziness ...!!
Anything particularly to look out for/be aware of/anything special I need to take other than passport and driving licence and bank card??
I've done plenty of European jaunts but always Southbound, France / Spain / Italy / Croatia so this is a new one.
Cheers and thank you.
Anyone done this route and if so reckon I can do it in a oner without an overnight stop? I plan to hit chunnel for around 6am.
Also any parts of the German route good for V Max .. am in 911 although best change out of my winter tyres which are still on out of laziness ...!!
Anything particularly to look out for/be aware of/anything special I need to take other than passport and driving licence and bank card??
I've done plenty of European jaunts but always Southbound, France / Spain / Italy / Croatia so this is a new one.
Cheers and thank you.
It’s doable. I’ve done north of Rostock setting off between 6 and 7 am (can’t recall exactly when) getting to SW London early evening. No stops except for fuel, 155mph speed limiter, and was slowed by a torrential storm in Belgium. But you gain an hour going that way whereas you will lose an hour.
The only tips I think you need are to have food and water in the car, and nail it every time you see a derestricted sign on the autobahn.
I reckon the drive from Rødby to Copenhagen will feel like a drag.
ETA: take engine oil and a foot pump as a precaution. On the way there I got to my destination, refueled and had oil and pressure lights come on when I went back to the car. All was fine on the way back.
The only tips I think you need are to have food and water in the car, and nail it every time you see a derestricted sign on the autobahn.
I reckon the drive from Rødby to Copenhagen will feel like a drag.
ETA: take engine oil and a foot pump as a precaution. On the way there I got to my destination, refueled and had oil and pressure lights come on when I went back to the car. All was fine on the way back.
Edited by anonymous-user on Monday 9th May 22:45
I'm a bit like a stuck record on this one at the moment, but have you considered the Harwich -> Hook of Holland overnight ferry?
You get all of the queuing and paperwork done the night before - and the hour time difference. Then you get off the boat at 8:00am in Hook of Holland having had a decent nights sleep, ready for the rest of the journey. Getting to Harwich the night before is dead easy (depending on where you live) - from anywhere in Bucks, Berks or Herts, it's pretty much the same journey time as the tunnel, and you can leave home at 7pm and still get the Ferry easily.
According to Google Maps, Hook of Holland is 2.5 hours closer to Copenhagen than Calais and you still get plenty of Autobahn.
You get all of the queuing and paperwork done the night before - and the hour time difference. Then you get off the boat at 8:00am in Hook of Holland having had a decent nights sleep, ready for the rest of the journey. Getting to Harwich the night before is dead easy (depending on where you live) - from anywhere in Bucks, Berks or Herts, it's pretty much the same journey time as the tunnel, and you can leave home at 7pm and still get the Ferry easily.
According to Google Maps, Hook of Holland is 2.5 hours closer to Copenhagen than Calais and you still get plenty of Autobahn.
240Cup said:
Anything particularly to look out for/be aware of/anything special I need to take other than passport and driving licence and bank card??
V5, printed insurance certificate, hazard triangle. Nothing special for Denmark except I think you need to use low dipped lights/DRLs all of the time (I may be wrong)Hey dude.
Yep, GF and I went Sevenoaks to Kolding back in November. Its about 2 hours west of Copenhagen, and only stopped there as we planed to visit some other stuff before Copenhagen.
Its doable, we left around 8am got to the tunnell c0930, hit Kolding about 2245.
If you added some time you could hit Copen at the same time.
Only a few dog pee stops. coffee etc.
Yep, GF and I went Sevenoaks to Kolding back in November. Its about 2 hours west of Copenhagen, and only stopped there as we planed to visit some other stuff before Copenhagen.
Its doable, we left around 8am got to the tunnell c0930, hit Kolding about 2245.
If you added some time you could hit Copen at the same time.
Only a few dog pee stops. coffee etc.
Thanks guys, all sounds very encouraging.
I am going to chunnel it as Hampshire based and I can generally leave home around 4am and blast up an empty M3 / around M25 / down M20 to the chunnel for one of the 6am ish trains.
So I have booked the chunnel for 6am and then the Puttgarden / Redby boat from Germany to Denmark late afternoon the same day (although seems like on their summer saver you can just rock up and get any boat).
Wonder what top end I can get out of the Pork on the autobahn, she is a 9912S manual. :-) :-)
Need to get a decent iphone mount now to ensure Waze is running!
I am going to chunnel it as Hampshire based and I can generally leave home around 4am and blast up an empty M3 / around M25 / down M20 to the chunnel for one of the 6am ish trains.
So I have booked the chunnel for 6am and then the Puttgarden / Redby boat from Germany to Denmark late afternoon the same day (although seems like on their summer saver you can just rock up and get any boat).
Wonder what top end I can get out of the Pork on the autobahn, she is a 9912S manual. :-) :-)
Need to get a decent iphone mount now to ensure Waze is running!
Currently in Copenhagen having done very similar route. Chunnel, Bruges, Bremen, legoland, Copenhagen. Tomorrow, after popping over to Malmo, we'll take Rodby ferry, coming back via Lubeck and somewhere on the rhine (tbc). We have a 4 Yr old (hence legoland). Driving Jag XF-S.
Your trip would be doable, but don't guarantee getting v-max on autobahn. Some have daytime restrictions to 130km/h. I've not managed much more than 130mph due to traffic in daytime (only takes a truck to overtake on a 2-lane stretch and thats that, back to 56mph). Av cruise around 110-120mph and weve consistently been amongst the fastest groups.
The one very late night stage we had from Bruges to Bremen we could probably have v-maxxed but first time over here in this car so was taking time in the quieter nighttime period to get feel for car. That said, traffic was still heavy up to midnight and I don't think we'd have hit the limiter. So, IMO factor in a lower average speed.
Other than that, it's a lovely trip and I'm glad we did it. Despite current fuel costs... weather in Copenhagen is currently lovely too!
Your trip would be doable, but don't guarantee getting v-max on autobahn. Some have daytime restrictions to 130km/h. I've not managed much more than 130mph due to traffic in daytime (only takes a truck to overtake on a 2-lane stretch and thats that, back to 56mph). Av cruise around 110-120mph and weve consistently been amongst the fastest groups.
The one very late night stage we had from Bruges to Bremen we could probably have v-maxxed but first time over here in this car so was taking time in the quieter nighttime period to get feel for car. That said, traffic was still heavy up to midnight and I don't think we'd have hit the limiter. So, IMO factor in a lower average speed.
Other than that, it's a lovely trip and I'm glad we did it. Despite current fuel costs... weather in Copenhagen is currently lovely too!
240Cup said:
Wonder what top end I can get out of the Pork on the autobahn, she is a 9912S manual. :-) :-)
If it doesn’t start with a 3 (in kmh), you’ll be hanging your head in shame for ever more 
Your nav will pick the best route no doubt. When I did my trip I France->Belgium->Netherlands->Germany. 31 then the 1. Lots of good derestricted stretches on the 1. Vmaxing comes down to traffic density, I found. Slightly alarming how a very long gentle motorway curve starts to feel like a bend in a country lane that you’ve overcooked when you’re really shifting.
Edited by anonymous-user on Tuesday 10th May 17:08
Buffalo said:
Currently in Copenhagen having done very similar route. Chunnel, Bruges, Bremen, legoland, Copenhagen. Tomorrow, after popping over to Malmo, we'll take Rodby ferry, coming back via Lubeck and somewhere on the rhine (tbc). We have a 4 Yr old (hence legoland). Driving Jag XF-S.
Your trip would be doable, but don't guarantee getting v-max on autobahn. Some have daytime restrictions to 130km/h. I've not managed much more than 130mph due to traffic in daytime (only takes a truck to overtake on a 2-lane stretch and thats that, back to 56mph). Av cruise around 110-120mph and weve consistently been amongst the fastest groups.
The one very late night stage we had from Bruges to Bremen we could probably have v-maxxed but first time over here in this car so was taking time in the quieter nighttime period to get feel for car. That said, traffic was still heavy up to midnight and I don't think we'd have hit the limiter. So, IMO factor in a lower average speed.
Other than that, it's a lovely trip and I'm glad we did it. Despite current fuel costs... weather in Copenhagen is currently lovely too!
I'd be interested to know what your total trip time was compared to the google maps prediction, as this is something I'm trying to get a handle on for an upcoming trip in September.Your trip would be doable, but don't guarantee getting v-max on autobahn. Some have daytime restrictions to 130km/h. I've not managed much more than 130mph due to traffic in daytime (only takes a truck to overtake on a 2-lane stretch and thats that, back to 56mph). Av cruise around 110-120mph and weve consistently been amongst the fastest groups.
The one very late night stage we had from Bruges to Bremen we could probably have v-maxxed but first time over here in this car so was taking time in the quieter nighttime period to get feel for car. That said, traffic was still heavy up to midnight and I don't think we'd have hit the limiter. So, IMO factor in a lower average speed.
Other than that, it's a lovely trip and I'm glad we did it. Despite current fuel costs... weather in Copenhagen is currently lovely too!
For a 1000Km trip, google maps gives a time of around 10 hours - which (keeping things very simple) is 100Km/hr
If you're managing to cruise at 110mph, that's 175Km/hr - which should mean driving time of 5 3/4 hour. Factor in 45 minutes for additional fuel stops, and for something google says will take you 10 hours, should only take you 6.5 hours. Even allowing another hour for lunch, that's a do-able day's drive for a single day leg to kick start the trip. 8:00am start - 4.5 hours in the morning - leisurely lunch - 2 hours in the afternoon - get where you're going by 4pm - checked in, showered, changed and out for beers by 5pm - perfect.
Or - am I overlooking something?
Everywhere in Europe apart from the derestricted sections of autobahn you’re limited. 130kph in France, 120 in the Netherlands, 130 in Germany (can’t remember what the number is in Belgium, but the limiter there is mad Belgian drivers, of which there are many).
Then in Germany you hit a derestricted sign and if it is your thing, it’s like the safety car pulls in - unless traffic is heavy. Some derestricted sections are weirdly short and others go for miles and miles (lovely).
When I have been I have been able to aim for a steady cruise speed of 225kmh +/- a bit in the derestricted sections, traffic volumes permitting. Generally speaking if there is a gap for a car to pull into, they will do so to let you past. A sustained left indicator is more effective at clearing the traffic abroad than main beam flashing, IME.
On thing you realise quite rapidly is that Western Europe is big. Made me think that the soldiers who made it through the D Day landings had a fricking long walk ahead of them to get to Berlin.
Then in Germany you hit a derestricted sign and if it is your thing, it’s like the safety car pulls in - unless traffic is heavy. Some derestricted sections are weirdly short and others go for miles and miles (lovely).
When I have been I have been able to aim for a steady cruise speed of 225kmh +/- a bit in the derestricted sections, traffic volumes permitting. Generally speaking if there is a gap for a car to pull into, they will do so to let you past. A sustained left indicator is more effective at clearing the traffic abroad than main beam flashing, IME.
On thing you realise quite rapidly is that Western Europe is big. Made me think that the soldiers who made it through the D Day landings had a fricking long walk ahead of them to get to Berlin.
omniflow said:
Buffalo said:
Currently in Copenhagen having done very similar route. Chunnel, Bruges, Bremen, legoland, Copenhagen. Tomorrow, after popping over to Malmo, we'll take Rodby ferry, coming back via Lubeck and somewhere on the rhine (tbc). We have a 4 Yr old (hence legoland). Driving Jag XF-S.
Your trip would be doable, but don't guarantee getting v-max on autobahn. Some have daytime restrictions to 130km/h. I've not managed much more than 130mph due to traffic in daytime (only takes a truck to overtake on a 2-lane stretch and thats that, back to 56mph). Av cruise around 110-120mph and weve consistently been amongst the fastest groups.
The one very late night stage we had from Bruges to Bremen we could probably have v-maxxed but first time over here in this car so was taking time in the quieter nighttime period to get feel for car. That said, traffic was still heavy up to midnight and I don't think we'd have hit the limiter. So, IMO factor in a lower average speed.
Other than that, it's a lovely trip and I'm glad we did it. Despite current fuel costs... weather in Copenhagen is currently lovely too!
I'd be interested to know what your total trip time was compared to the google maps prediction, as this is something I'm trying to get a handle on for an upcoming trip in September.Your trip would be doable, but don't guarantee getting v-max on autobahn. Some have daytime restrictions to 130km/h. I've not managed much more than 130mph due to traffic in daytime (only takes a truck to overtake on a 2-lane stretch and thats that, back to 56mph). Av cruise around 110-120mph and weve consistently been amongst the fastest groups.
The one very late night stage we had from Bruges to Bremen we could probably have v-maxxed but first time over here in this car so was taking time in the quieter nighttime period to get feel for car. That said, traffic was still heavy up to midnight and I don't think we'd have hit the limiter. So, IMO factor in a lower average speed.
Other than that, it's a lovely trip and I'm glad we did it. Despite current fuel costs... weather in Copenhagen is currently lovely too!
For a 1000Km trip, google maps gives a time of around 10 hours - which (keeping things very simple) is 100Km/hr
If you're managing to cruise at 110mph, that's 175Km/hr - which should mean driving time of 5 3/4 hour. Factor in 45 minutes for additional fuel stops, and for something google says will take you 10 hours, should only take you 6.5 hours. Even allowing another hour for lunch, that's a do-able day's drive for a single day leg to kick start the trip. 8:00am start - 4.5 hours in the morning - leisurely lunch - 2 hours in the afternoon - get where you're going by 4pm - checked in, showered, changed and out for beers by 5pm - perfect.
Or - am I overlooking something?
This part of Germany is heavily industrial with thousands of trucks in and around hamburg and two-lane highways (ruhr lso). It can be slow, so although you can hit large speeds on the derestricted sections, on an average basis you are limited by the slowest traffic. Once you get stuck behind three or four trucks doing their shuffle at 56.00001 mph then that is that. High average speeds is more about what speed you can maintain; therefore compared to travelling through france on largely empty auroroutes I would say there isn't much difference unless you get lucky for a v-max run. Still floor it though!
Done this run recently and it’s an easy drive. Not sure you will get much chance for a V max though. The traffic in Northern Europe Is fairly heavy. Virtually all 2 lane autoroutes as well.
As for average speed you should be able to hold a cruising speed at 10 to 20 KPH over the nominal limits. Much more than that is tricky. This will usually work out at as average speed over the whole journey just above 100KPH, Google maps is not far wrong. Includes fuel stops and roadworks.
The best chance for a high speed run will be the 1 just before the Puttgarten ferry terminal. The traffic melts away a bit here and it’s derestricted for the last blast up to the ferry.
Enjoy.
As for average speed you should be able to hold a cruising speed at 10 to 20 KPH over the nominal limits. Much more than that is tricky. This will usually work out at as average speed over the whole journey just above 100KPH, Google maps is not far wrong. Includes fuel stops and roadworks.
The best chance for a high speed run will be the 1 just before the Puttgarten ferry terminal. The traffic melts away a bit here and it’s derestricted for the last blast up to the ferry.
Enjoy.
Just to report back on this ..
Lowlights, leaving Hampshire to get 3:59 chunnel with plenty of time only to find M3 / M25 Northbound slip closed (at 1am in the morning) forcing me up to next junction and then back on myself, plus more roadworks on M25 and then most of M20 at 30mph limit (wtf) meaning I missed the 3:59 and had to get the next one which is 7am!! Absolute shambles,
Germany, autobahns having a lot of work done in places, very little opportunity for v-max and pouring down with rain (thank God I still have my Sottozero Winters on the Pork (through sheer laziness) otherwise it would have been aquaplane central).
Section before Puttgarden ferry, as mentioned - much better.
Got to Copengahen at 9pm.
Highlights, Copenhagen itself being lovely and mainly the fact that even an average dame looks like a supermodel (what on earth do they put in the water over there??!). Hotel was spot on - thanks to recommendations in other thread.
Didn't go straight back to UK, went to Charente Maritime in France, left Copenhagen at 4pm and drove through the night arriving at 8am. Waze routed me through Central Paris but luckily it was 4am so practically deserted and very surreal. 3 fuel stops and a lot of coffee and red bull.
One radar, around Hamburg in a monsoon - I was doing 80kph and I think it may have been 60, A big red flash out of the mist and rain. The only blinking time my other half was on the phone from home to me, which cut my Waze off!!!! Am awaiting the ticket in the post to see what is what....
The 911 was immense. Fast, comfortable, practical, great sounds (BOSE and Exhaust) and even economical - circa 28 - 30 mpg average for the trip.
Off to Italy next, will post a separate but similar request for help!
Thanks chaps. 240
Lowlights, leaving Hampshire to get 3:59 chunnel with plenty of time only to find M3 / M25 Northbound slip closed (at 1am in the morning) forcing me up to next junction and then back on myself, plus more roadworks on M25 and then most of M20 at 30mph limit (wtf) meaning I missed the 3:59 and had to get the next one which is 7am!! Absolute shambles,
Germany, autobahns having a lot of work done in places, very little opportunity for v-max and pouring down with rain (thank God I still have my Sottozero Winters on the Pork (through sheer laziness) otherwise it would have been aquaplane central).
Section before Puttgarden ferry, as mentioned - much better.
Got to Copengahen at 9pm.
Highlights, Copenhagen itself being lovely and mainly the fact that even an average dame looks like a supermodel (what on earth do they put in the water over there??!). Hotel was spot on - thanks to recommendations in other thread.
Didn't go straight back to UK, went to Charente Maritime in France, left Copenhagen at 4pm and drove through the night arriving at 8am. Waze routed me through Central Paris but luckily it was 4am so practically deserted and very surreal. 3 fuel stops and a lot of coffee and red bull.
One radar, around Hamburg in a monsoon - I was doing 80kph and I think it may have been 60, A big red flash out of the mist and rain. The only blinking time my other half was on the phone from home to me, which cut my Waze off!!!! Am awaiting the ticket in the post to see what is what....
The 911 was immense. Fast, comfortable, practical, great sounds (BOSE and Exhaust) and even economical - circa 28 - 30 mpg average for the trip.
Off to Italy next, will post a separate but similar request for help!
Thanks chaps. 240
Excellent, thanks for posting the result. Interesting to hear of the German roadwarks, as I said previously I'm going through Germany, aiming for Munich in a day from Reading via the tunnel in a few weeks. Roughly the same distance as Copenhagen I think, I'm booked on a 6am crossing, and a 9pm arrival wouldn't be too bad.
I'm gonna be absolutely strict with myself about speed limits, can't face dealing with a long distance fine...again...
Wish I had a 911 to do it in, but then I'm travelling with a family of 4, so it'll have to be the family estate car!
I'm gonna be absolutely strict with myself about speed limits, can't face dealing with a long distance fine...again...
Wish I had a 911 to do it in, but then I'm travelling with a family of 4, so it'll have to be the family estate car!
240Cup said:
Lowlights, leaving Hampshire to get 3:59 chunnel with plenty of time only to find M3 / M25 Northbound slip closed (at 1am in the morning) forcing me up to next junction and then back on myself, plus more roadworks on M25 and then most of M20 at 30mph limit (wtf) meaning I missed the 3:59 and had to get the next one which is 7am!! Absolute shambles,
I got caught out like that once.. coming back from the chunnel one evening.M25 down to one lane.
A1 closed
M1 closed
So all northbound/southbound was via the M6.
Which then had a diversion for one junction through a town with a single lane section controlled by lights. A four hour return leg became 8 hours...
I should have gone cross country. Or found a hotel.
I’ve done this journey. Towing a trailer.
From Hampshire to Sweden in about 23 hours. Which is a nice stat - we drove through 7 countries in under 24 hours.
If you are able to keep yourself safely awake, should be OK. I had a mate and we took turns.
Do not drink an 8 pack of red bull to keep you going through the night. It makes you hallucinate.
From Hampshire to Sweden in about 23 hours. Which is a nice stat - we drove through 7 countries in under 24 hours.
If you are able to keep yourself safely awake, should be OK. I had a mate and we took turns.
Do not drink an 8 pack of red bull to keep you going through the night. It makes you hallucinate.
omniflow said:
I'm a bit like a stuck record on this one at the moment, but have you considered the Harwich -> Hook of Holland overnight ferry?
You get all of the queuing and paperwork done the night before - and the hour time difference. Then you get off the boat at 8:00am in Hook of Holland having had a decent nights sleep, ready for the rest of the journey. Getting to Harwich the night before is dead easy (depending on where you live) - from anywhere in Bucks, Berks or Herts, it's pretty much the same journey time as the tunnel, and you can leave home at 7pm and still get the Ferry easily.
According to Google Maps, Hook of Holland is 2.5 hours closer to Copenhagen than Calais and you still get plenty of Autobahn.
Know I'm too late to the post on this but having done the UK to Sweden route many times and tried all of the crossing routes, including the ones no longer operating the suggested Harwich - Hoek route is the only one I would consider these days.You get all of the queuing and paperwork done the night before - and the hour time difference. Then you get off the boat at 8:00am in Hook of Holland having had a decent nights sleep, ready for the rest of the journey. Getting to Harwich the night before is dead easy (depending on where you live) - from anywhere in Bucks, Berks or Herts, it's pretty much the same journey time as the tunnel, and you can leave home at 7pm and still get the Ferry easily.
According to Google Maps, Hook of Holland is 2.5 hours closer to Copenhagen than Calais and you still get plenty of Autobahn.
The exception which would result in consideration of short channel crossings with all the crap going on of late is if the starting point were just a short hop to Dover Folkestone etc. Otherwise no chance.
Clearly from OP's report German autobahn are in a sad state from their position when I used to do this.
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