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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.

Thanks for the feedback.

Very useful - thank you.

It’s even more useful, my wife was looking today and says it goes on to Villach ..
Probably not use it this year as want to come back and discover more of Germany but it’s worth considering in future for us.
Drove back from Dorset through West Coker to get cheapish petrol in Yeovil but Winterbourne Stoke Murco, it was at 144.9 Trouble is they run out quickly….
Best MM

Unfortunately West Coker Chris you have got my wife interested in the car train ! We went to see where it loads in Villach a couple of days ago and there were about 15 cars waiting in line, two being British. Naturally we chatted and an even older couple than us were first in line. ‘Regular’ users both ways but is waiting 3 hours to get on better than being early off ? Nobody to talk to from the train company. Unfortunately whist we were there they started to load and the two hi viz guys assumed we were going and did not appreciate us driving on the wrong side of the station platform. Made reverse and then when we told them we were just checking it out they said OK . Unfortunately my wife had to lift up the barrier. Envisaged her dropping it on the car !
Later we got the price which they described as being flexible - meaning later you leave booking probably goes up .
One couchette compartment €499,* or 2 single seats €318, CAR €279….. put it on and go by coach might be a better financial option ……!!!?
Sleeper compartment and junior suite fully booked on our dates . * think this is 6 beds with strangers.
There was a McLaren in the line when we left.

Think we will drive as usual but a good option for the future, or to manage miles with a classic cat, if it continues to run as they surely could not have made money on the trip we viewed from car transport .
Best from euroland, M & G