London to Switzerland - what to expect?
Discussion
I need to be in Switzerland in early August and (a) I’ve never driven from UK to Europe, always wanted to take the Cayman through all mountain passes etc (b) recent flight disruptions make me think driving may actually be a better choice than flying.
I’ve driven extensively in Europe, just never from the UK.
(1) is Google Maps estimate of 12hrs from London to Interlaken realistic?
(2) what’s the best route? Through France or Belgium?
(3) anything I shouldn’t forget, other than insurance?
Thanks
I’ve driven extensively in Europe, just never from the UK.
(1) is Google Maps estimate of 12hrs from London to Interlaken realistic?
(2) what’s the best route? Through France or Belgium?
(3) anything I shouldn’t forget, other than insurance?
Thanks
I've not done to there but do Geneva fairly regularly. Timing seems about right. Stick to France, not Belgium. The roads in Belgium are appealing and they can't drive.
If you are on your own it would be worth getting a sanef tag for the tolls otherwise you go flying past everyone and they catch you up at the tolls as you have to get out and walk round. It's embarrassing.
Other than that enjoy it! If you had time you could stop off somewhere on the way to make a trip of it - maybe Reims, Troyes or even somewhere in the Jura mountains.
If you are on your own it would be worth getting a sanef tag for the tolls otherwise you go flying past everyone and they catch you up at the tolls as you have to get out and walk round. It's embarrassing.
Other than that enjoy it! If you had time you could stop off somewhere on the way to make a trip of it - maybe Reims, Troyes or even somewhere in the Jura mountains.
If you're going through the chunnel a very good route to take is A26 through to Riems then take the N4 to Chalons Champgne onto Saint Dizier then Nancy, take the N59 when you get to Luneville onto Baccara and follow onto Saint Marie aux miens in the Vosges mountains ( all very good roads). This is a good little place to eat. Follow onto Selestrat and follow the A35 down through Colmar and entering Switz at Basel.
I've done this route many times with no issues.
Hope this is of some use to you..
I've done this route many times with no issues.
Hope this is of some use to you..
NorthDave said:
I've not done to there but do Geneva fairly regularly. Timing seems about right. Stick to France, not Belgium. The roads in Belgium are appealing and they can't drive.
If you are on your own it would be worth getting a sanef tag for the tolls otherwise you go flying past everyone and they catch you up at the tolls as you have to get out and walk round. It's embarrassing.
Other than that enjoy it! If you had time you could stop off somewhere on the way to make a trip of it - maybe Reims, Troyes or even somewhere in the Jura mountains.
Thanks, very good tips, both replies. If you are on your own it would be worth getting a sanef tag for the tolls otherwise you go flying past everyone and they catch you up at the tolls as you have to get out and walk round. It's embarrassing.
Other than that enjoy it! If you had time you could stop off somewhere on the way to make a trip of it - maybe Reims, Troyes or even somewhere in the Jura mountains.
Sanef tag - this is something I buy in Calais?
You can buy the Liber t sanef tag online before you leave. Google somewhere like Bip &Go ,easy to buy online or there are other suppliers.
Also Switzerland requires a Vignette at around 38chf ( last time I visited Switz) This allows you to use the Swiss motorways. Also available online. Don't be tempted not to buy one as the fines are circa 200chf plus the price of a vignette. This is a sticker for your screen.
Ref Saint Marie aux mines, there's the option to traverse through the small town or you can use the 7mile long Maurice le mare Road tunnel...
Also Switzerland requires a Vignette at around 38chf ( last time I visited Switz) This allows you to use the Swiss motorways. Also available online. Don't be tempted not to buy one as the fines are circa 200chf plus the price of a vignette. This is a sticker for your screen.
Ref Saint Marie aux mines, there's the option to traverse through the small town or you can use the 7mile long Maurice le mare Road tunnel...
Edited by Draxindustries1 on Wednesday 20th July 22:13
Do it several times a year .
Times about right .
The Sanef tip ^ is good .The offices are in the N parts of the Fr Autoroute near the peage.
The quickest is A26 Riems, Troyes , Then Bescason, Pontarlier.Enter CH @ either Vallorbe or turn off earlier at St Croix for Neufchâtel.
You need a Swiss motorway vignette to legally travel on CH motorways .Purchase at the border or any garage near .
Obey the speed limits once in CH the fines are severe .
Interlaken is about 1 / 1/2 hr away mostly motorways.
The Basel entry then going S as mentioned ^^^ gets busy and there’s a M .25, esq commuter syndrome as well depending on what time you hit it .Also that border can be busy = queues etc .
Times about right .
The Sanef tip ^ is good .The offices are in the N parts of the Fr Autoroute near the peage.
The quickest is A26 Riems, Troyes , Then Bescason, Pontarlier.Enter CH @ either Vallorbe or turn off earlier at St Croix for Neufchâtel.
You need a Swiss motorway vignette to legally travel on CH motorways .Purchase at the border or any garage near .
Obey the speed limits once in CH the fines are severe .
Interlaken is about 1 / 1/2 hr away mostly motorways.
The Basel entry then going S as mentioned ^^^ gets busy and there’s a M .25, esq commuter syndrome as well depending on what time you hit it .Also that border can be busy = queues etc .
You can buy the Swiss Vignette on the border. It's now CHF40. Better to have cash. They'll also accept Euros.
Speeding in Switzerland is VERY expensive and the fine proportional to your salary. A friend had a CHF7,500 fine for 20km/h over the limit. You're given 5km/h for free (ie if you're going 130 in a 110, the fine will assume you're going 125) and be alert on their motorways as speed limits change very frequently.
Speeding in Switzerland is VERY expensive and the fine proportional to your salary. A friend had a CHF7,500 fine for 20km/h over the limit. You're given 5km/h for free (ie if you're going 130 in a 110, the fine will assume you're going 125) and be alert on their motorways as speed limits change very frequently.
px1980 said:
Thanks again all for replies.
You mention harsh penalties for speeding in Switzerland.
Is Waze reliable for flagging up speed cameras in Europe? I have not once had a speeding ticket in the UK, despite thousands of miles driven, thanks to Waze.
Can't comment on Waze in Europe for speed cameras- except to say that on the French Autoroutes, the warnings for speed cameras are usually 700 m before the camera- fairly easy to spot. You mention harsh penalties for speeding in Switzerland.
Is Waze reliable for flagging up speed cameras in Europe? I have not once had a speeding ticket in the UK, despite thousands of miles driven, thanks to Waze.
No such thing in Switzerland- it's illegal to have alerts for speed cameras so you won't find any apps with them on. Speed cameras here can also be very tricky to spot- painted khaki green and often small and'or hidden. Just don't stray too far over any limits!
For the routing, I would have suggested autoroute all the way from Calais, through Reims, then cut off the corner and go via Molsheim (Bugatti!) to avoid Strasbourg. Saves at least 30 minutes. Then enter into Basel via Basel. But then I saw the alternative routing via Besancon- which makes much more sense as you're heading for Interlaken. So take that advice instead!
amanu1 said:
You can buy the Swiss Vignette on the border. It's now CHF40. Better to have cash. They'll also accept Euros.
Speeding in Switzerland is VERY expensive and the fine proportional to your salary. A friend had a CHF7,500 fine for 20km/h over the limit. You're given 5km/h for free (ie if you're going 130 in a 110, the fine will assume you're going 125) and be alert on their motorways as speed limits change very frequently.
Speed cameras not detectable by Waze/apps, hidden and difficult to spot, frequently changing limits, draconian fines… it doesn’t sound too fun does it? I had this idea of taking the Cayman for a spin on nice mountain routes but that’s not the sole purpose of the trip, in fact I’ll maybe have time for half a day of nice driving. And the 12-14hrs on motorways are obviously a bit of hassle. A Swiss Air flight from London City airport is looking more attractive - would you agree?Speeding in Switzerland is VERY expensive and the fine proportional to your salary. A friend had a CHF7,500 fine for 20km/h over the limit. You're given 5km/h for free (ie if you're going 130 in a 110, the fine will assume you're going 125) and be alert on their motorways as speed limits change very frequently.
Basically, I have to be in Switzerland anyway and figured I should not pass up the opportunity to drive fun roads there - but maybe they’re not as fun any more?
OP, I live here in Basel and I've driven many times between here and the UK.
12 hours from London is about right with a few comfort stops. Don't underestimate how big France is, it takes hours to get across.
The entry at Basel isn't too bad at all providing you don't hit rush hours (730 - 930 and 1530 - 1730), other than that you don't actually need to go through the city, it'll spit you straight out onto the A1 from which you can head south towards Interlaken.
As others have mostly said already:
Don't speed on Swiss motorways, the fines are hefty
Speed cameras are very sneaky, painted grey and almost always not spotted until its too late. Pay particular attention in roadworks and before tunnels
Make sure you pay for parking, you will get fined otherwise.
You can buy a vignette at the border crossing, there is a special lane which diverts you off to the side where they relieve you of £35 or so.
If you're planning on buying food, consider getting it in France before you enter, but be careful of the personal allowances for meat and alcohol
Other than that, enjoy!
12 hours from London is about right with a few comfort stops. Don't underestimate how big France is, it takes hours to get across.
The entry at Basel isn't too bad at all providing you don't hit rush hours (730 - 930 and 1530 - 1730), other than that you don't actually need to go through the city, it'll spit you straight out onto the A1 from which you can head south towards Interlaken.
As others have mostly said already:
Don't speed on Swiss motorways, the fines are hefty
Speed cameras are very sneaky, painted grey and almost always not spotted until its too late. Pay particular attention in roadworks and before tunnels
Make sure you pay for parking, you will get fined otherwise.
You can buy a vignette at the border crossing, there is a special lane which diverts you off to the side where they relieve you of £35 or so.
If you're planning on buying food, consider getting it in France before you enter, but be careful of the personal allowances for meat and alcohol
Other than that, enjoy!
NorthDave said:
Stick to France, not Belgium. The roads in Belgium are appealing and they can't drive.
I hear this a lot on here but never sure what people are comparing it to. Roads and driving standards are far better in Belgium than they are in the UK. All subjective but Personally I avoid France. px1980 said:
Speed cameras not detectable by Waze/apps, hidden and difficult to spot, frequently changing limits, draconian fines… it doesn’t sound too fun does it? I had this idea of taking the Cayman for a spin on nice mountain routes but that’s not the sole purpose of the trip, in fact I’ll maybe have time for half a day of nice driving. And the 12-14hrs on motorways are obviously a bit of hassle. A Swiss Air flight from London City airport is looking more attractive - would you agree?
Basically, I have to be in Switzerland anyway and figured I should not pass up the opportunity to drive fun roads there - but maybe they’re not as fun any more?
I'm also planning a trip in October and these are some of my concerns....but the roads look amazing and it's bucket list stuff so I'm going to do it! My understanding is that the passes are 80kph zones + 20kph before you get into massive fine territory which gives you scope for shenanigans on tight switchbacks. And the country side isn't exactly ugly.Basically, I have to be in Switzerland anyway and figured I should not pass up the opportunity to drive fun roads there - but maybe they’re not as fun any more?
I saw someone mention the Julier pass when coming into Swizterland as an interesting detour:
https://goo.gl/maps/5REmvwr8SA9iLoxM6
And then from Interlaken you're pretty close to the famous Susten, Furka, Grimsel pass loop. Near there are the Nufenen, Gotthard and Oberalp passes if you can stay on.
px1980 said:
Speed cameras not detectable by Waze/apps, hidden and difficult to spot, frequently changing limits, draconian fines… it doesn’t sound too fun does it? I had this idea of taking the Cayman for a spin on nice mountain routes but that’s not the sole purpose of the trip, in fact I’ll maybe have time for half a day of nice driving. And the 12-14hrs on motorways are obviously a bit of hassle. A Swiss Air flight from London City airport is looking more attractive - would you agree?
Basically, I have to be in Switzerland anyway and figured I should not pass up the opportunity to drive fun roads there - but maybe they’re not as fun any more?
Take it easy on the motorways and in town. The mountain passes will still be great. Go up the Gothard as most people will be going through the tunnel and you'll enjoy the road. You won't be going over the limit round the corners, visibility is generally good so you can see cyclists etc and once you get higher, you won't actually be able to go that quickly as your Cayman doesn't have a turbo (the air gets thinner and NA cars lose a significant proportion of their power). Wait for a decent gap before going down and just be careful about overheating brakes. It is still great fun.Basically, I have to be in Switzerland anyway and figured I should not pass up the opportunity to drive fun roads there - but maybe they’re not as fun any more?
px1980 said:
I need to be in Switzerland in early August and (a) I’ve never driven from UK to Europe, always wanted to take the Cayman through all mountain passes etc (b) recent flight disruptions make me think driving may actually be a better choice than flying.
I’ve driven extensively in Europe, just never from the UK.
(1) is Google Maps estimate of 12hrs from London to Interlaken realistic?
(2) what’s the best route? Through France or Belgium?
(3) anything I shouldn’t forget, other than insurance?
Thanks
Its circa 8/9 hours from Calais, with delays at the tunnel/port regular, 12 from London (not in Aug).I’ve driven extensively in Europe, just never from the UK.
(1) is Google Maps estimate of 12hrs from London to Interlaken realistic?
(2) what’s the best route? Through France or Belgium?
(3) anything I shouldn’t forget, other than insurance?
Thanks
France is easy if you have a toll tag (I do its on UK DD).
Vignette you can order in advance from tolltags.com to save queuing at the boarder (you can also rent a toll tag too).
Personally, we tend to go Reims, then over to Germany then through to Basel.
Alternatively (if its a Dutch/German Bank holiday and every car is towing a large boat to the lakes), we do Lille, Lux, then to Swiss motorway 6 via the e23/N19.
If you planning on having lunch/stopping in a french city get a crit air as well.
Enjoy the drive!
I forgot to mention. Try not to cross the Swiss border on Sunday or Friday evenings as the traffic is quite heavy. Look at the traffic on Google Maps as you may find the smaller crossings quieter then. Remember the Swiss go back to school in the middle of August so there will be a rush to get back then.
They like checking Swiss families bringing back too much meat (yes seriously) so you probably won't get stopped in a UK registered car. You're allowed 2kg per person.
They like checking Swiss families bringing back too much meat (yes seriously) so you probably won't get stopped in a UK registered car. You're allowed 2kg per person.
px1980 said:
(1) is Google Maps estimate of 12hrs from London to Interlaken realistic?
Sounds like you're possibly talking yourself out of it.From experience that 12 hours estimate is probably accurate if you can drive continuously without stopping. In September 2013 I set off from central London at about 05:30 and with the chunnel, plus a couple of stops in France, made it to somewhere near Lucerne (not that far from Interlaken) by about 19:30.
That requires everything going smoothly though. Doesn't take much disruption for that to become a 20:30 or 21:30 arrival - a problem with the tunnel or some extensive traffic/roadworks in France.
As for speeding fines in Switzerland... everything posted is 100% accurate and 100% apply to the Swiss autoroutes/autobahns. It's not a free for all on the 'fun' passes so exercise the discretion you normally would do, but... I didn't have any issues on any of the passes (with generally respectful but quite spirited driving).
As others have said, but ill repeat to ensure you really understand, do not speed in Switzerland, i used to live there and get monthly fines come through the post, and that's with trying not to speed !
From memory they give you 1 or 2 KMH at 40, and then you get fined for every 1KM above that, so basically, go 2 mph over the limit and your get a fine
Dangerous driving if you ask me, spend more time staring at the speedo than the road!
Cameras can and are hidden ,
God i hated Switzerland..
From memory they give you 1 or 2 KMH at 40, and then you get fined for every 1KM above that, so basically, go 2 mph over the limit and your get a fine
Dangerous driving if you ask me, spend more time staring at the speedo than the road!
Cameras can and are hidden ,
God i hated Switzerland..
Just so I understand about speeding fines. Those come by post, would they get my details from dvla? What if someone were to simply not pay (assuming UK number plates)? Not that I’m planning on doing that but genuinely curious.
As for apps. Waze won’t show camera locations - blitzer.de Pro is a recommendation I’ve seen elsewhere, anyone used it?
And finally - mountain roads are fine, I’m hearing (i.e. no cameras)?
I must say though, after seeing all trip reports on here about people taking their sports and supercars to Switzerland to drive on amazing roads, it does sound a bit disappointing. I may still do it though. Or fly there and rent a nice car - I see Sixt have E63’s, which I’d love to try.
As for apps. Waze won’t show camera locations - blitzer.de Pro is a recommendation I’ve seen elsewhere, anyone used it?
And finally - mountain roads are fine, I’m hearing (i.e. no cameras)?
I must say though, after seeing all trip reports on here about people taking their sports and supercars to Switzerland to drive on amazing roads, it does sound a bit disappointing. I may still do it though. Or fly there and rent a nice car - I see Sixt have E63’s, which I’d love to try.
px1980 said:
Just so I understand about speeding fines. Those come by post, would they get my details from dvla? What if someone were to simply not pay (assuming UK number plates)? Not that I’m planning on doing that but genuinely curious.
As for apps. Waze won’t show camera locations - blitzer.de Pro is a recommendation I’ve seen elsewhere, anyone used it?
And finally - mountain roads are fine, I’m hearing (i.e. no cameras)?
I must say though, after seeing all trip reports on here about people taking their sports and supercars to Switzerland to drive on amazing roads, it does sound a bit disappointing. I may still do it though. Or fly there and rent a nice car - I see Sixt have E63’s, which I’d love to try.
If you do not pay you will get a 3 year prison sentence on your record ready for when you arrive again. As for apps. Waze won’t show camera locations - blitzer.de Pro is a recommendation I’ve seen elsewhere, anyone used it?
And finally - mountain roads are fine, I’m hearing (i.e. no cameras)?
I must say though, after seeing all trip reports on here about people taking their sports and supercars to Switzerland to drive on amazing roads, it does sound a bit disappointing. I may still do it though. Or fly there and rent a nice car - I see Sixt have E63’s, which I’d love to try.
Edited by ecsrobin on Thursday 21st July 22:30
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