Dover/Paris Transportation Advice

[Jason Martin]

i am considering the 8/18/19 DCL Northern Europe cruise with my DW and 2 DDs (8 and 10) and looking to do a few days in Paris, really to see DL Paris and the Eiffel Tower. Would have considered ABD but the dates that work for us are Adults only. Would be flying in from IAD so there are plenty of nonstop options available so would like to get your thoughts on best option. I would be doing Paris after the cruise, not an option to do before.

1) fly to Heathrow and take the DCL transfers to the airport and then fly from LHR to CDG afterwards.
2) take the shuttle one way and then figure out how to get from Dover to Paris on Eurostar
3) fly to CDG and take the train to Calais and then the ferry over and back to Paris afterwards.
4) fly to CDG and drive to Calais and leave the car there and take the ferry.
5) other ideas?

Not looking for necessarily the cheapest option, but most convenient, also would not be interested in one of the discount carriers such as Ryanair or Easyjet.

 

[BadPinkTink]

1) fly to Heathrow and take the DCL transfers to the airport and then fly from LHR to CDG afterwards.
2) take the shuttle one way and then figure out how to get from Dover to Paris on Eurostar

I would price up and plan out 1 and 2 only

with 2 you can get a train from Dover to London, but you may have to cross London to St Pancreas which is where the Eurostar to Paris leaves from

Use www.trainline.co.uk to check out train times and costs

Airlines with direct flights from Heathrow to CDG would be British Airways, Aer Lingus and Air France. Neither Ryanair or Eastjet fly Heathrow to CDG

 

[tidefan]

We did almost this exact thing for the 2016 Norway cruise. We flew into Gatwick, spent a few days in London. We took a hired van instead of the train down only because at that point, the line had some issues around Folkestone, so you couldn't go all the way through (now you can - DW and a friend took the train from Victoria to Dover Priory and said it was real easy).

When we disembarked in Dover, we had pre-arranged a taxi to take us to Ashford International, where we picked up the Eurostar to Disneyland Paris (though you could get a train to central Paris as well). We flew home out of Charles De Gaulle...

 

[ldo]

whatever you choose, pad in extra time for the Eurostar if you train. You should plan to check in 2 hours in advance, and you need to pad time for traffic, fog at Dover, train delays, etc. So, I would not take a Eurostar prior to 2pm. DCL transfers are fine, but the train is VERY easy in inexpensive; you can even do the 2-1 offers at the ticket counter, so 1/2 price. You can train from Victoria to Dover--very easy and then just get a taxi to the port. You can take the train back to Victoria and then take the tube or take a taxi to the Eurostar.

I prefer the train over flying for such a short trip. There is also one train a day that goes to DLP, but it might leave too early for comfortable timing-If not, you can easily switch in Paris to the RER train to DLP or take a taxi for 100 euros for the 4 of you to DLP. You can also reserve a private transfer to pick you up for about 100-120 euros. DLP is just lovely. If you stay in Paris, just take the RER train to DLP (Chessy is the stop)--the station is at the front gate of DLP. Trains every 30 minutes--just make sure you know the last train back.

I cannot imagine taking the ferry--plus Calais is several hours from Paris.
Definitely fly into London and out of Paris. No need to backtrack. You mentioned a car. Fine for DLP--area is very suburban and easy to drive. Forget it for Paris and Eiffel Tower.

 

[Luv2Diz]

We are booked on the 9/1/19 Northern Europe cruise. Here’s what we are doing that might give you a couple other options to think about.

We are flying to Heathrow a few days before the cruise. We will take the Tube from LHR to our hotel in central London. The morning of the cruise, we will take the high speed train from St. Pancras station to Dover Priory. Advance train tickets currently cost about $18 per person, so very reasonable. This train is direct and takes an hour. Upon arrival at Dover Priory station, we will get a taxi to the port.

You can also take the train from Victoria Station or Charing Cross but the trip takes about 2 hours and involves a change for most of the trains.

After the cruise we will take the train back to London where we are spending a few more nights. You could take the train directly from Dover Priory to St. Pancras to catch the Eurostar to Paris. It doesn’t make sense to take the train to Victoria Station then have to take a taxi or the Tube to St. Pancras.

I don’t know what the Eurostar schedule is but you would definitely want to give yourself plenty of time to make that connection.

 

[dcassetta]

i am considering the 8/18/19 DCL Northern Europe cruise with my DW and 2 DDs (8 and 10) and looking to do a few days in Paris, really to see DL Paris and the Eiffel Tower. Would have considered ABD but the dates that work for us are Adults only. Would be flying in from IAD so there are plenty of nonstop options available so would like to get your thoughts on best option. I would be doing Paris after the cruise, not an option to do before.

1) fly to Heathrow and take the DCL transfers to the airport and then fly from LHR to CDG afterwards.
2) take the shuttle one way and then figure out how to get from Dover to Paris on Eurostar
3) fly to CDG and take the train to Calais and then the ferry over and back to Paris afterwards.
4) fly to CDG and drive to Calais and leave the car there and take the ferry.
5) other ideas?

Not looking for necessarily the cheapest option, but most convenient, also would not be interested in one of the discount carriers such as Ryanair or Easyjet.

Into London and out of Paris, if you plan to end your trip in France.

Disney transfers are fine, although you might be able to find transportation for a lower cost depending on how many people are traveling. The direct train from St. Pancras to Dover Priory is easy and convenient.

Following your cruise, I would recommend using Eurostar over the ferry or flying. No need to go all the way back to London to catch the Eurostar. Take a train from Dover Priory to either Ashford or Ebbsfleet and get Eurostar there. I agree with the recommendation to not schedule a train before 2 PM.

 

[ldo]

We either didn't know about it or it didn't exist when went--I would do this going and reverse.
high speed train from St. Pancras station to Dover Priory. Advance train tickets currently cost about $18 per person, so very reasonable. This train is direct and takes an hour. Upon arrival at Dover Priory station, we will get a taxi to the port.

 

[tidefan]

We either didn't know about it or it didn't exist when went--I would do this going and reverse.
high speed train from St. Pancras station to Dover Priory. Advance train tickets currently cost about $18 per person, so very reasonable. This train is direct and takes an hour. Upon arrival at Dover Priory station, we will get a taxi to the port.

But if you were heading to Paris directly after disembarking from Dover, it is MUCH more convenient to catch the Eurostar at Ashford than to head all the way back to London...