Difference between revisions of "Calais"

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{{Hitchhiking Zine nomination}}
 
{{Hitchhiking Zine nomination}}
  
Because it is the closest port to mainland [[United Kingdom|Britain]] with just 34 km from the British port of [[Dover]], '''Calais''' is one of the busiest cross-Channel ports on continental [[Europe]]. Regular ferry services operate from Calais to [[Dover]] (''P&O'' and ''Seafrance'' each with over 20 crossings per day). [[Dunkerque]] could be a alternative to get over (''norfolklines'' to Dover, same or nearly same conditions than Calais – Dover), Calais is busier though.
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== Over to England ==
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Because it is the closest port to mainland [[United Kingdom|Britain]] with just 34 km from the British port of [[Dover]], '''Calais''' is one of the busiest cross-Channel ports on continental [[Europe]]. Regular ferry services operate from Calais to [[Dover]] (''P&O'' and ''Seafrance'' each with over 20 crossings per day). [[Dunkerque]] could be a alternative to get over (''norfolklines'' to Dover, same or nearly same conditions than Calais Dover), Calais is busier though.
  
Try to get a ride before getting on the ferry, as hitchhikers can get over for free because drivers only pay for their vehicle and up to nine persons go for free with a car and two with a lorry – additional persons pay like footpassengers. If you are searching for a lift you often have to tell people about this possibility first – otherwise they often don't take you with them just because they think it's too complicated or they'll have to pay...
+
Try to get a ride before getting on the ferry, as hitchhikers can get over for free because drivers only pay for their vehicle and up to nine persons go for free with a car and two with a lorry additional persons pay like footpassengers. If you are searching for a lift you often have to tell people about this possibility first otherwise they often don't take you with them just because they think it's too complicated or they'll have to pay...
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Besides the ferries there is also the tunnel as a possibility to get over. Cars and lorries get loaded onto a train which takes them over. There, however,  (from what I heard) each passenger has to pay (15 pound), so one can't get over for free legally with this possibility.
  
 
== Lorry Park with great possibilities ==
 
== Lorry Park with great possibilities ==
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If you are just hitching into Belgium you're probably better off finding a ride while on the ferry, to a gas station in Belgium.
 
If you are just hitching into Belgium you're probably better off finding a ride while on the ferry, to a gas station in Belgium.
  
Turkish lorry drivers are often very kind and help you searching for a lift. You often ask one of them and he talks to all his fellow countrymen – you often ask all of them by asking one, end up having dinner with them, ... Their German is often better than their English but they really try to do their best to communicate.
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Turkish lorry drivers are often very kind and help you searching for a lift. You often ask one of them and he talks to all his fellow countrymen you often ask all of them by asking one, end up having dinner with them, ... Their German is often better than their English but they really try to do their best to communicate.
  
 
There is also a service station with free showers.
 
There is also a service station with free showers.
  
==Useful links==
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== Useful links ==
 
* [http://www.poferries.com/tourist/content/pages/template/routes_dover_-_calais_timetable_timetable_DOCA.htm P&O ferries timetable Calais - Dover]
 
* [http://www.poferries.com/tourist/content/pages/template/routes_dover_-_calais_timetable_timetable_DOCA.htm P&O ferries timetable Calais - Dover]
  
 
[[Category:France]]
 
[[Category:France]]

Revision as of 09:30, 28 June 2007

Over to England

Because it is the closest port to mainland Britain with just 34 km from the British port of Dover, Calais is one of the busiest cross-Channel ports on continental Europe. Regular ferry services operate from Calais to Dover (P&O and Seafrance each with over 20 crossings per day). Dunkerque could be a alternative to get over (norfolklines to Dover, same or nearly same conditions than Calais – Dover), Calais is busier though.

Try to get a ride before getting on the ferry, as hitchhikers can get over for free because drivers only pay for their vehicle and up to nine persons go for free with a car and two with a lorry – additional persons pay like footpassengers. If you are searching for a lift you often have to tell people about this possibility first – otherwise they often don't take you with them just because they think it's too complicated or they'll have to pay...

Besides the ferries there is also the tunnel as a possibility to get over. Cars and lorries get loaded onto a train which takes them over. There, however, (from what I heard) each passenger has to pay (15 pound), so one can't get over for free legally with this possibility.

Lorry Park with great possibilities

Near Calais on the motorway, few kilometres from the ferryport, there is a huge lorry park from where you can easily get direct lifts to many places all over Europe (Belgium, Netherlands, England, Germany, Poland, Spain, Czech Republic, Austria and Turkey should be easily possible).

Be aware that a truck is legally only allowed to have one driver and one passenger, so it's a lot harder to find a ride for two people hitching together. If you are just hitching into Belgium you're probably better off finding a ride while on the ferry, to a gas station in Belgium.

Turkish lorry drivers are often very kind and help you searching for a lift. You often ask one of them and he talks to all his fellow countrymen – you often ask all of them by asking one, end up having dinner with them, ... Their German is often better than their English but they really try to do their best to communicate.

There is also a service station with free showers.

Useful links