Switzerland and “The Train to Innsbruck”
Final 3 pics - the one at Eurotunnel I couldnt resist. Anyone from on here ?
So, the Urlaubs Express. It would be so easy to be very negative about this, but i will attempt to be objective. The first thing to say is that Dusseldorf from Calais in one day is doable - a fair old drive but we did it in 5 hours including a stop. The “terminal” is bizarre - you just arrive and wait to be waved forward to drive onto the trucks. Be aware that you are a low car and catching the underside is a hazard. You then climb out of the car and down to a platform. We went into the station for a few beers and bought sandwiches etc to eat on the train. When the coaches arrive you can see that they are very old - there is no air con until you get hooked up and start moving. It is definitely worth having the more expensive compartments. Everyone very critical of facilities but I remained pragmatic - “it is what it is” and make the best of it. Best to wash/teeth etc early before other less tidy people use the bathroom, if you get my meaning.
Pretty good ride to Innsbruck where chaos ensues. You get off and wait just outside the scruffy side of the station until you see the car trucks move off and shortly after arrive back at the ramps. They carry a huge number of bikers and they take an age to get off. However eventually you are invited to walk along the trucks to get into your car. If you are on the upper deck this is hazardous as there is simply a rubber rope between you and a 20 foot from to the concrete below. However, just take care and it is fine. Of course you are behind the one car where the driver has buggared off for breakfast and can’t be found for ages. However you finally get off.
So, with a 5 hour drive, an overnight train, you are in Austria less than 24 hours after leaving the UK. This for us was a huge advantage, and is for anyone with time constraints. The cost also works favourably - €628 one way. This replaces probably 2 nights in a hotel, 2 days driving petrol, meals etc for 2. Would I do it again - YES. The fact that you can be at the top of the Stelvio pass enjoying a pizza at 1.00pm the same day is absolute justification !
Hope this helps anyone thinking of doing this.
