Tunnel or ferry for last minute booking?

[zax]

I'm just about to embark on a road trip from Finland to the UK, I'm not in a rush and no fixed schedule so I haven't booked any crossing to the UK yet. Planning for the shorter crossing to the UK from France though, so tunnel or ferry. Which is best if I want to book late, minimise waiting time and avoid potential delays? I'll be travelling with the dog, so need to take that into consideration. I've read about the tunnel boarding process for those travelling with animals but no idea how that gets handled on the ferry...

[leyorkie]

Well the ferries including check in etc can be 4 hours
Tunnel normally no more than 2 hours so it’s up to you

[blue_haddock]

I always find the check in for DFDS at dunkirk to be pretty quick although its a longer crossing.

For us we find the ferry gives a good break and a chance to eat before heading off for our journey so if you are doing a decent drive before and after the crossing i'd go with ferry.

[FiF]

Tbh my favourite crossing has always been the Hoek v Holland to Harwich.

It's a longer crossing, overnight was my preferred but very civilised, plus on arrival you're out into more civilised traffic than the south east of England hell hole and possibly having to skirt round London.

Of course it depends where your intended UK destinations sit, fully appreciate my destinations are different to those for a tourist.

In terms of check in and boarding no different from any other crossing though outward bound from UK far superior to Dover etc imo.

[zax]

FiF said:

Tbh my favourite crossing has always been the Hoek v Holland to Harwich.

It's a longer crossing, overnight was my preferred but very civilised, plus on arrival you're out into more civilised traffic than the south east of England hell hole and possibly having to skirt round London.

Of course it depends where your intended UK destinations sit, fully appreciate my destinations are different to those for a tourist.

In terms of check in and boarding no different from any other crossing though outward bound from UK far superior to Dover etc imo.

Thanks, I had investigated this one since I also would prefer an overnight journey for the chance to rest a bit but availability of pet friendly cabins was zero. Will keep an eye on it though just in case. Otherwise I suspect the tunnel works best.

[CivicDuties]

zax said:

FiF said:

Tbh my favourite crossing has always been the Hoek v Holland to Harwich.

It's a longer crossing, overnight was my preferred but very civilised, plus on arrival you're out into more civilised traffic than the south east of England hell hole and possibly having to skirt round London.

Of course it depends where your intended UK destinations sit, fully appreciate my destinations are different to those for a tourist.

In terms of check in and boarding no different from any other crossing though outward bound from UK far superior to Dover etc imo.

Thanks, I had investigated this one since I also would prefer an overnight journey for the chance to rest a bit but availability of pet friendly cabins was zero. Will keep an eye on it though just in case. Otherwise I suspect the tunnel works best.

Tunnel is probably "best", but be aware it's over £300 return at the moment, Dunkirk-Dover ferries are around £100 less. That's pre-booking prices, don't know what they charge you if you just turn up.

[DangerDoom]

The dog may swing it... stays with you if you go for the chunnel option. For the ferry the dog either stays in the car (not great in my view but maybe depends on your dog) or there might be a dog lounge (or similar) option offered by the ferry operator.

[zax]

DangerDoom said:

The dog may swing it... stays with you if you go for the chunnel option. For the ferry the dog either stays in the car (not great in my view but maybe depends on your dog) or there might be a dog lounge (or similar) option offered by the ferry operator.

Yep think the tunnel wins on that score, the ferries I've checked so far require him to stay in the vehicle. Not a huge issue for him for a couple of hours, he's quite happy in there. It's probably more of a worry for me

[Baldchap]

It's more expensive, but if you book a flexible tunnel ticket, FlexPlus I think it's called, you go straight on the next train regardless of when you arrive.

It saves bloody ages compared to booking a specific train.

We do it with the dog all the time. Dog check-in process is painless.

[FiF]

zax said:

DangerDoom said:

The dog may swing it... stays with you if you go for the chunnel option. For the ferry the dog either stays in the car (not great in my view but maybe depends on your dog) or there might be a dog lounge (or similar) option offered by the ferry operator.

Yep think the tunnel wins on that score, the ferries I've checked so far require him to stay in the vehicle. Not a huge issue for him for a couple of hours, he's quite happy in there. It's probably more of a worry for me

It's unfortunate that for the crossings in which you're interested that the Stena Hoek - Harwich service all the pet friendly cabins are booked up. They do have some kennels too where you are permitted to visit and walk them in their exercise area. Agree ours would take a dim view of being locked in the car even on a short crossing so tunnel is only option left. At the expense of many more road miles.