Why is the channel tunnel such a rip-off?

miniyazz

miniyazz

miniyazz

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I could understand it if it were a fixed price with occasional discounts or seasonal variation etc. However..

£23 each way if you return in 1-2 days
£55 each way if you return in <5 days
£159 each way for open departure and open return within 5 days (fair enough to cost more for the flexibility)
£73 each way for trips >5 days
£204 each way for open departure and open return >5 days (OK now they're taking the mick again compared to <5 days)

and then a discount for 'frequent travellers' which is fair enough.

So apparently, it costs the Eurotunnel over three times as much if you plan to stay abroad for a week instead of overnight :confused:

Even better, if you make a one-off trip abroad it will cost you more than 50% more than using their service twice within a couple of days! :eek:
 
buy two return tickets on your desired dates, with each one returning the next day.

£46 quid.. ??
 
I much prefer my local train lines policy of all seats are the same price regardless of where you sit (no reservations) or how long in advance you book the ticket.

Fuzz said:
£46 quid.. ??
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£92 as opposed to £110 if <5days or £146 >5 days.
 
Could be worse, I was booked on the ferry to return from France when the ******* French farmers decided to blockade the port. Due to the 'increased demand' the price for a one way trip on the Chunnel was over €200. Daylight robbery.
 
I thought there was issues with you booking returns and not actually using the return?

Edit : Just did a search and saw this :
T&Cs say 'For return bookings failure to complete both
outward and return journeys invalidates your booking and you will be
liable to pay for the journey completed, the difference the price and
the relevant applicable single fare.'
 
It depends,

The further ahead you book the better price you will get. Split the cost amongst all your passengers to make it cheaper. It is the same price if you have a 2 seater or MPV.

It is the fastest method of getting your vehicle to the continent. I'd rather get over in 35 mins than be on a boat so it will cost a bit more.

If you really want cheaper fares, become a member of staff. They get travel for £1
 
Fuzz said:
buy two return tickets on your desired dates, with each one returning the next day.

£46 quid.. ??
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Yeah as someone pointed out below you they'll just hold you liable for the extra. Completely nuts.

Janesy B said:
Bore your own hole to France then.
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Got a spoon I can borrow?

Rossi~ said:
Bargain compared to going to Newcastle form down here. Which is £125+, on a crud standard UK train.
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Yeah.. but that's more how naff our train system is than anything else! You at least have the option of going down by car.


I mean, I get that it costs money to use the Eurotunnel, I just can't agree with their pricing structure. Clearly they're banking that if you're going abroad for like a day then your overall holiday will be much cheaper so they can't get away with charging large amounts vs longer trips where they feel they can.. but it's pretty disgusting business practice IMO.

Actually probably still cheaper to use them than ferries as you can use clubcard vouchers at triple their value..
 
Totally agree with geekman here. The short journey time makes it worthwhile in my book. Plus the staff are usually flexible with sticking you on an earlier train when you arrive a bit earlier than expected on the return.
 
dangermouse425 said:
Totally agree with geekman here. The short journey time makes it worthwhile in my book. Plus the staff are usually flexible with sticking you on an earlier train when you arrive a bit earlier than expected on the return.
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When I went to Europe, I did the ferry on the way out, at £29. Got there 30 minutes before, loaded exactly on time, spent 90 minutes having a rest and then drove off.

Way back I tried the tunnel. It was more than double the price of the ferry. Picked a time based on the 'Next train within 2 hours' policy. Got there 2 hours early (In reality I'd picked a later train incase of traffic). They made us wait for 2 hours in the little shop. Great.
 
I always take the tunnel now, IME the whole thing is just so much faster than the ferry. The journey is faster, loading/unloading is faster and you don't have to go into Dover.
 
I'm off to France in a few months with my girlfriend and another couple. Were going in two cars and taking the ferry as one of the other couple works for P&O so can get us a hefty discount on ferry tickets :p

I've never actually bothered with the Channel Tunnel and after seeing this thread, I thought I'd take a look at prices for when we travel, and now I remember why - £77 each way, whereas a ferry is £78 return.

I can see the appeal for the speed of the crossing, especially if you're only on a day trip or something. However, we're going to be heading to the Dordogne, so I kind of don't mind the ferry crossing. Grab a bite to eat and go and wander around on deck. Kind of part of the road trip adventure :)

MilanoChris said:
I always take the tunnel now, IME the whole thing is just so much faster than the ferry. The journey is faster, loading/unloading is faster and you don't have to go into Dover.
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Whereas Folkstone is lovely... :confused:
 
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