EUROSTAR TRAIN FROM PARIS to DOVER

[Kukiz]

We are planing to visit Paris prior to our cruise. We are booked on Carnival Splendor which departs from Dover England on August 18, 2008.

 

Already we are starting to plan our trip and have many questions as this is our first trip to Europe.

 

We want to take the Eurostar train from Paris to Ashford(?). Would Ashford be the closest city to Dover via the Eurostar? Once in Ashford, is there another train which takes you directly to Dover or do we need to go by taxi? Does anybody know how many miles Ashford is from Dover?

 

Also can anybody recommend a hotel in Paris which is centrally located?

 

Any help is much appreciated.

[HeinBloed]

Yes - Ashford International is the next station to Dover.

 

But from November 2007 there will be only 3 daily trains stop at Ashford.

 

There are local trains to Dover Priory Street Station.

 

http://www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/

 

But most of the cruisers take a cab (abt. 30 minutes / 20 miles) from Ashford to Dover which costs about 20 GBP. 5 GBP would be the cab from Dover Priory Street to Dover Western Docks (Cruise Terminal). 5 GBP + Price of the train tickets from Ashford to Dover is nearly the same price like taking the cab directly from Ashford to Dover.

 

Regarding the hotel:

 

The most central one will be Hôtel de Ville in Paris - but that's the town hall...

(Just joking...).

 

You must specify: what is centrally? Close to any specific attractions? Close to station serving Gare du Nord (serving trains to CDG airport and Eurostar)? Which type of hotel / budget???

 

Of course we could write take the RITZ if it is this what you want... - some more information would he helpful.

 

Regards,

HeinBloed

[Globaliser]

We want to take the Eurostar train from Paris to Ashford(?). Would Ashford be the closest city to Dover via the Eurostar?

HeinBloed is absolutely right about the changes that are due to take place in relation to Ashford's Eurostar service. The threatened withdrawal of all Eurostar services from Ashford is a local political hot potato, hence the recent decision to retain three Paris (and one Brussels) trains a day.

 

But the timetable that has been published that reflects this currently only goes up to early July 2008. There is no guarantee that things will be the same in August 2008. I suspect that it will depend on many things, including actual commercial experience with the Ashford services after the change. I don't know how far in advance Eurostar will publish the new timetable from July 2008 onwards, but booking won't open until May 2008 anyway (maximum advance booking for trains in Europe is three months).

 

If Ashford loses all Eurostar service (or if the times of the trains to Ashford is inconvenient), then the nearest station will be Ebbsfleet International, which is rather closer to London and rather further away from Dover. (See this post for more details.) But it will still be considerably closer to London than going all the way to London St Pancras, if you're just trying to get from Paris to Dover. (See also this thread and this thread.

 

One more exotic alternative which has been discussed from time to time recently has been getting a train from Paris to Calais, and then getting the ferry across the channel to Dover. But if you have a lot of luggage, this may not be particularly feasible.

[dbh62ark]

Once in Ashford, is there another train which takes you directly to Dover or do we need to go by taxi? Does anybody know how many miles Ashford is from Dover?

We went from Dover to Ashford to take the Eurostar to Brussells a couple of years ago, and I was so glad to use Ashford to save the time backtracking into London. I think our cab was approx 25 - 30 Euros from Dover to Ashford. We preferred using the taxi due to luggage issues, but the train is an option too, as noted by one of my favorite board members, HeinBloed (hi Heinbloed :)).

 

What type of hotel are you looking for in Paris? We've stayed at several there on other trips and may be able to help. Do you like a small boutique hotel or a large hotel that feels really grand with soaring lobbies, etc. (or somewhat grand depending on your budget and the poor exchange rate these days :)). I can tell you that I don't like to stay at American-style hotels plopped down in other countries and like to stay at a hotel that feels French if I'm staying in France, so my recommendations fit that criteria.

 

Globaliser, I also hope that Ashford will continue to be an option and appreciate the updated information.

 

Happy travels,

Donna

[Kukiz]

Thank you all for the input on taking the Eurostar train; sure is helpful. Since they might discontinue service to Ashford, don't know quite yet what to do, but have time to decide.

 

In Paris we are looking for a middle priced hotel. Not a budget and not a luxury. Since we have never been to Paris, I guess it should be located someplace in the vicinity of the Eifel Tower. I'm not certain where is the best location to stay. Any suggestions would be helpful.

 

My mom listened to a program today about travels in Europe and because of the exchange rate on the American dollar, it is so expensive for Americans visiting Europe. For anybody that has visited both London and Paris, which city do you think is more expensive to visit as far as food, transportation (taxi's etc.) and hotels?

[HeinBloed]

There is another way to get to Dover:

 

Check the coach:

 

http://www.eurolines.fr

 

Enter

 

Grande Bretagne = Pays d'arrivée

Douvres = Ville d'arrivée

Paris Gallieni = Ville de départ

Aller simple = One Way

 

DD/MM/YYYY-Format

 

Regards,

HeinBloed

[Katy P.]

When you board the eurostar, do you keep your luggage beside you where you sit? What are the differences really between the standard and the first class seats aside from the price? Do you go through customs as well prior to boarding the train from London to Paris? Which train station does the eurostar stop in Paris? Is it just that one train station? Just wondering as I too am considering taking the Eurostar from London to Paris but have not been on the Eurostar before. Thank you very much for any info. :)

[HeinBloed]

When you board the eurostar, do you keep your luggage beside you where you sit? What are the differences really between the standard and the first class seats aside from the price? Do you go through customs as well prior to boarding the train from London to Paris? Which train station does the eurostar stop in Paris? Is it just that one train station? Just wondering as I too am considering taking the Eurostar from London to Paris but have not been on the Eurostar before. Thank you very much for any info. :)

 

You have more space in the first class cars.

As it is an intra-EU-travel there is no customs clearance but immigration for UK as they are not full Schengen-agreement member.

Gare du Nord is the only station in Paris - as long as you are not boarding at Disneyland.

 

Regards

HeinBloed

[Globaliser]

Just to add a couple of things to what HeinBloed has said.

 

There is space for luggage at the ends of the carriages, near the doors, so you don't actually have to take it all the way to your seat.

 

First class seating is 2-1 across, rather than 2-2. So there is rather more personal space. A couple may have quite a good time with a pair of single seats facing each other.

 

Technically, there isn't anything called "first class" any more. There are two classes, called "Business Premier" and "Leisure Select". But I believe that they use the same carriages in a "first class" layout. The Business Premier carriages are dedicated to those who have paid for a ticket in that class.

 

At a glance, Business Premier offers:-

• Fast track check-in London, Paris and Brussels
• Dedicated Business Premier carriages
• Power sockets at seat, both UK and European compatible
• Exclusive business lounge access in London, Paris and Brussels
• Choice of full service ‘at seat’ dining and drinks
• ‘Express breakfast’ option
• Newspapers and magazines on-board
• Optional chauffeur service transfers (at additional cost) to and from the Station, for each leg of the journey
• Eurostar is offering complimentary Wi-Fi connection in the business lounges at London, Paris and Brussels and in the departure lounge at Ashford

Leisure Select is more affordable and is aimed at the market it describes. Its features are, at a glance:-

• Dedicated carriages for exclusive Leisure select use
• 30-minute check-in
• Choice of full service ‘at seat’ dining and drinks
• Newspapers and magazines on-board
• Power sockets at your seat

The website used to be more specific about the service levels, but this is what it now says.

 

Before you board the train at either end of the journey, you will be cleared by the immigration authorities of the country to which you're travelling. In addition, when departing Paris there is an outbound Schengen control as well. This means that, in either direction, when you arrive you just need to get off the train and exit the station, with no further controls. It's all been done before you board. (No customs check, as HeinBloed has explained.)

[sddsddean]

There is loads of info on Eurostar here

http://www.seat61.com/London-Paris-train.htm

as well as links to other Euorpean trains.

When/if you book a ticket, make sure you study the seating plan. If you want a table, there are not many seats with them. If you want a window seat, make sure you book a seat by a window, not a pillar! The seating plan link is on the above site, but here is a link to it.

http://www.raileurope.co.uk/DOCUMENTS/PDFS/TRAIN%20SEATING%20PLANS/EUROSTAR/EUROSTAR%20SEATING%20PLAN.PDF

 

 

Simon

[cyyc]

Great info so far. We are traveling as family of four. After our Baltic cruise, we were planning to go to Paris for three days and with remaining three days, go up to Brussels (get a rental car) and surrounding for three more days.

 

Last I checked, the airfare from Brussels to Heathrow was only $20 per person with $70 taxes added. Would anyone suggest flying from Gatwick to Paris or is taking the trains a better option?

 

Welcome any suggestion and tips.

 

Thanks.

[Globaliser]

Last I checked, the airfare from Brussels to Heathrow was only $20 per person with $70 taxes added. Would anyone suggest flying from Gatwick to Paris or is taking the trains a better option?

Hi, cyyc, and welcome to CC!

 

It depends where you are starting from and going to. If you want London to Paris, or London to Brussels, city centre to city centre, there really is no rational alternative to taking the train. It is likely to be more expensive and to take longer to fly, even at those fares - because you have to factor the cost and time of getting to/from the airport at each end. Looking only at the air fare is too narrow an approach.

 

This speed advantage will be even greater from the middle of next month, when Eurostar moves from Waterloo to St Pancras and journey times will be significantly cut again.

[cyyc]

Ok, we finally decided on our plans. Any suggestions for us would be much appreciated.

 

Jul 25 from Paris to Dover to board the Carnival Splendor for 12 day Baltic. We will most likely be staying very close to Lyon Rail Station in Paris.

 

Aug 6 off the Cruise and head to London. Staying very close to Earls Court Tube Station. Likely will just take the tube straight to Heathrow after the trip.

 

We are basically 3 adults and 1x8 yo with One medium luggage and one carry on each.

 

Any suggestions??

 

Thanks!!!!

[Globaliser]

These are pretty easy.

Jul 25 from Paris to Dover to board the Carnival Splendor for 12 day Baltic. We will most likely be staying very close to Lyon Rail Station in Paris.

Taxi to Gare du Nord, Eurostar to Ashford, taxi to Dover. The timetable for 25 July has not yet been published (the current timetable only goes as far as 5 July), but there are currently three trains a day from Paris to Ashford. Because of the controversy in Kent over the earlier proposal to cease all Eurostar trains to Ashford, I don't expect the new timetable to be much different from this.

 

I personally wouldn't attempt to fly to do this particular leg.

Aug 6 off the Cruise and head to London. Staying very close to Earls Court Tube Station. Likely will just take the tube straight to Heathrow after the trip.

Train from Dover Priory to London Victoria, then four stops on the District Line Tube to Earl's Court.

[cyyc]

Thanks for the train info.

 

Definitely would not fly from Paris....:) It works a little better from Vancouver to Paris via London to be on BA all the way.

 

Are there different sizes of cabs in Paris? Would they be big enough to take all of us and the luggages?

 

Also any suggestions for going to Lubeck from Rostock during our cruise. We have 7am-11pm stop in East Germany.

[Globaliser]

Don't know about the cabs in Paris, but at worst you'd only need two for a relatively short trip.

 

You might want to look at the Baltics forum for port information.

[Regular Cruiser]

We are also booked on the similar Carnival Splendour Cruise on 18th Aug departing from Dover. We have also booked to stay in Paris from 11th till 18th but have not worked out the best way from Paris to Dover for our cruise embarkation.

Appreciate if you could share some information what has been confirmed the best mode of transport.

Btw if you require accommodation in Paris we were told that they are alot of Apartments centrally located in the heart of Paris. Just google Apartment in Paris to pick your choice. Anywhere within district 1, 2, or 3 is apparently very good.

 

We are planing to visit Paris prior to our cruise. We are booked on Carnival Splendor which departs from Dover England on August 18, 2008.

 

Already we are starting to plan our trip and have many questions as this is our first trip to Europe.

 

We want to take the Eurostar train from Paris to Ashford(?). Would Ashford be the closest city to Dover via the Eurostar? Once in Ashford, is there another train which takes you directly to Dover or do we need to go by taxi? Does anybody know how many miles Ashford is from Dover?

 

Also can anybody recommend a hotel in Paris which is centrally located?

 

Any help is much appreciated.

 

[sddsddean]

We are also booked on the similar Carnival Splendour Cruise on 18th Aug departing from Dover. We have also booked to stay in Paris from 11th till 18th but have not worked out the best way from Paris to Dover for our cruise embarkation.

 

 

If you wanted to go Eurostar, not many trains stop at Ashford any more. Looking at the current timetable, a Monday train would leave Paris Gare du Nord at 9.07am (local) and arrive Ashford 10.06am (local), but the current timetable only goes to 5th July 2008, so this may change. Current single fare is £44 each. Tickets can be booked 120 days in advance. Best bet from Ashford to Dover is a taxi which would cost about £40-£50 at a guess as its about 20 miles (I've tried looking for fares, but no luck!). You could try e mailing Eurostar for timetable info at

http://www.eurostar.com/

 

If you want to try and get a taxi quote, pick one of these

http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=ashford+dover+taxi&btnG=Search&meta=cr%3DcountryUK%7CcountryGB

 

Simon

[Globaliser]

Hi, Regular Cruiser, and welcome to CC!

Appreciate if you could share some information what has been confirmed the best mode of transport.

The information in the whole of this thread remains valid, AFAIK.

[Regular Cruiser]

To: Kukiz,

 

We are on the same cruise, Carnival Splendour sailing from Dover, England on 18th Aug 2008. Also a pre cruise holiday in Paris.

Would greatly appreciate if you can share what you have decided from Paris to Dover.

 

Thanks

[Regular Cruiser]

We intend to take a train or coach from Paris to Calais and then cross the English channel by ferry to Dover to embark the Carnival Splendour on 18th Aug for the Baltic Cruise. Must arrive Dover by 1300 hrs.

Any valuable information would be gretaly appreciated.

[HeinBloed]

We intend to take a train or coach from Paris to Calais and then cross the English channel by ferry to Dover to embark the Carnival Splendour on 18th Aug for the Baltic Cruise. Must arrive Dover by 1300 hrs.

Any valuable information would be gretaly appreciated.

 

Do not make it so complicated by taking the ferry from Calais to Dover.

 

Take

 

Eurostar 9015

dep 09.07 hrs (CEDT / UTC+2) at Paris Gare du Nord (North Station)

arr 10.06 hrs (WEDT / UTC+1) at Ashford International

 

You can get a cab from here to Ashford for about 20-25 GBP directly for Dover Western Docks (Cruise Terminal).

 

Alternatively you can hire a car with Avis which is located in the station terminal building and return later in Dover at Western Docks.

 

Or take from here (Ashford International)

 

train to Dover Priory Street:

 

dep 10.48 hrs

arr 11.15 hrs

 

From here taxi is about 5 GBP.

 

Going via Calais is more complicated especially if have large baggage for 11 nights...

 

You need to transfer from Calais Station to Calais Ferry Terminal by bus - carry all your baggage onboard of ferry - watch all the time - same once you arrive in Dover. This way is only something for one who loves different mean of transports like TGV High-Speed-Trains (Eurostar does not allow domestic traffic between Paris and Calais!) and a ferry.

 

Regards,

HeinBloed

[cyyc]

It was suggested by somone that we could also try bus/coach. Do they have buses that leave Paris and stop in Dover by going through the tunnel? It was suggested that it takes three hours or so which is very similar to trains as the time of travel from Ashford would be eliminated. Any suggestions?

[HeinBloed]

It was suggested by somone that we could also try bus/coach. Do they have buses that leave Paris and stop in Dover by going through the tunnel? It was suggested that it takes three hours or so which is very similar to trains as the time of travel from Ashford would be eliminated. Any suggestions?

 

The only reason why I have not mentioned it:

 

You cannot made it until departure of your ship!!!

 

Check here:

 

http://www.eurolines.fr

 

Regards,

HeinBloed

[cyyc]

That was simple. Thanks again. Your input is always appreciated.

 

 

 

The only reason why I have not mentioned it:

 

You cannot made it until departure of your ship!!!

 

Check here:

 

http://www.eurolines.fr

 

Regards,

HeinBloed