TRAVEL TO LONDON: TRAIN vs. FERRY (we review the Eurostar and Stena Line ferry from Amsterdam)

In this episode, Michelle and Alex talk about their experience traveling to and from London from the Netherlands: one way via train (a Eurostar Standard Premier class review) and one way via ferry (a review of our cabin on the Stena Line Brittanica using their rail and sail program).
00:00 Introduction
00:46 Boarding the Eurostar train in Rotterdam
01:31 Eurostar on board experience
02:15 Gratuitous train window footage
03:53 Getting to the Stena Line ferry in Harwich
04:29 Stena Line ferry experience
05:08 Stena Line Brittanica cabin tour
06:42 Stena Line Brittanica ship tour
07:25 Breakfast on the Stena Line ferry
08:20 Cost comparison: flight, train, and ferry
09:02 Pros and cons: flight, train, and ferry
10:10 Our favorite and conclusion
We're Michelle and Alex, also known as buncharted, an American couple living as expats in the Netherlands, with an affinity for travel and snacks. Subscribe for new content like this every week!

[@buncharted]

What's YOUR favorite way to travel? Tell us in the comments 👇

[@TheAnoniemo]

We took the DFDS car ferry to Newcastle from Ijmuiden this summer, definitely recommended if you want to do a Scotland road trip!

[@rulifaller8474]

Train for me every day of the week for me. St Pancras area is great place to stay as well in London, so if you live in Rotterdam it almost literally takes you door to door. Ferry just when you have loads of time and are too late to book an affordable train ticket. But the the plane might make more sense. Plane is only faster on net travel time, door to door it takes as much time as the train and it is a lot less comfortable.

[@Gamergull01]

Great video! I would love to travel by train, especially in Europe. There's just something special about watching the scenery pass by while relaxing in a train. Heh, that ferry is more impressive than the big BC Ferries here.

[@mrindependent6382]

I'm a Big Ferry man, use them a lot as I'm in the Transport industry + i take the Car a lot and nice to get rested up for the next day ahead,

[@Christinebythesea]

Late comment but in case someone planning a trip sees this: I am currently travelling frequently between London and Amsterdam by train. If you book about 2 months in advance and not on peak days (around public holidays or Friday/ Sunday evening) it’s significantly cheaper than booking later. If you are planning a trip with short notice, the difference between standard and standard premier can be as little as £10, in which case I’d strongly advise the upgrade for the unlimited drinks at your seat and a little more space and quiet, but at normal price differences I agree with you that standard is plenty good enough - and the drinks at the cafe are not unreasonably priced for a train company. It’s a very convenient way to travel between the two cities, with lots of opportunities to work, relax or nap as you’re in one place so long!

[@ruudvisser712]

Ferry, always. I love all things maritime and though it may not be the fastest way to travel to the UK, for me it is the most relaxing, especially the overnight ferry from Hoek van Holland (but I travelled with P&O from Rotterdam/Hull and DFDS from IJmuiden/Newcastle as well). Read a bit in a lounge, stroll around the decks before going to bed and arriving rested at the destination. And the train from Harwich to London is only about 70 minutes and the metro from Hoek van Holland to Rotterdam Centrum is only 30 minutes so that's not a biggie either.

[@dutchgamer842]

Interesting, I would like to take the train to London

[@Bandit-Darville]

So if you where to both split up, one by Eurostar and one by plane, the one on the Eurostar would arrive in London by the time the one on the plane is ready to board their plane at Schiphol ^^

[@buncharted]

😂

[@mymemeplex]

Indeed, there are cheap flights to different airports around London, but it takes an extra few hours before you’re in London proper. Plus the hours you have to be present before boarding.

[@woodenseagull1899]

You have a third option: Try the French Calais to Dover route . There is a daily ' Taxi " Service between the two ports... Many people try the escorted Service. In fact you are well looked after. In the right situation you can stay FREE in a 4 star hotel. Offers on application.!

[@Buurtspoor]

I have used all methods multiple times and prefer the night ferry. It costs zero hours because you effectively travel while sleeping. By bringing my car across I could do a working day in England and be home the following day. No hotels required!

[@buncharted]

if we had a car the ferry would be a no-brainer! it's so easy.

[@FacelessJanus]

I prefer the Ferry by far. But I booked both dinner and breakfast when I booked mu ticket, believe me it saves money on both meals. Dinner was great on the ship. Being able to sleep and take a shower before arriving are in my opinion the best things when travelling.

[@buncharted]

ah, i didn’t realize you saved money by pre-booking dinner and breakfast. you’re right - it’s a very comfortable way to travel and it was also quite a bit cheaper than the eurostar train!

[@hansklimstra5987]

Just subscribed as I really enjoy your videos. I was born in Holland, moved to Canada when I was ten, and actually feel somewhat homesick as the Netherlands is an amazing countryl Can I suggest one little thing? Please pan the camera very slowly, not like your eyes would go from one area to another. I had to stop this one after a few minutes because I actually get seasick watching it. This is a common error by many vloggers but unless someone tells you, it'll never change. So I'm looking forward to seeing many more.....

[@buncharted]

thanks! i’m working on it - hopefully the newer videos are a bit better :)

[@MaartenvanderVeeke]

It depends on the situation. If I'm going to do a citytrip to London it will most definatly be the eurostar. If I'm going somewhere else in the UK flying will probably cost much less time then taking the eurostar so then the airplane would be the best. And if you want to visit not only cities but also the rest of the country the ferry is the best option since you can take your car.

[@kirstenvanveen4066]

When going to the UK I always take the ferry. (Stenaline) It;s the most relaxing way to travel to the UK I think.

[@dvanurk]

✈️ AMS - LCY and then the DLR with SkyPriority the fastest way to travel. Leave my home at 7:00 and in the City at 8:30 (one bonus hour due to the time zone) 😅

[@awijntje14]

We have yet to try the train but so far we love taking the ferry (especially because we tend to go north and not towards London) also we take the car with us.. Also travelling with a small Child changes things a bit I guess.. Lovely video.

[@Michael43713]

Great work, really informative. Must do something about that 'tache though.

[@hiddeheikoop]

Before Covid and Brexit I went quite a few times to London Comic Con and various other English events with the overnight Flixbus from Amsterdam Sloterdijk to the London Coach Station which was close to the convention hall. About 50% of those journeys was by ferry or the Channel tunnel. The ferry was way better because you could stretch your legs more, especially in warmer times that was my preferred way. When it's warm outside and you are in the bus under the Channel, it's not great. I think Flixbus has not as much weekend options nowadays because of the cost.

[@buncharted]

wait... the flixbus takes the ferry?! we have to check that out!

[@Blizzzzzzard_]

Personally I enjoy flying quite a bit. It might just be since I’m very interested in aviation so it’s always fun looking out the window and seeing how the pilot does a smooth landing. I also like it because it’s fast and nothing beats the feeling of walking out of the airport in a foreign country and just feeling the heat (especially going here from Sweden) however if it’s a shorter trip, to Denmark for an example I’d rather go with a ferry, you can keep yourself entertained and that’s worth the extra time. And it’s also more green than flying.

[@buncharted]

that makes sense! plus, trains and ferrys only work for short-ish distances, otherwise you’d be spending your entire vacation getting to the destination 😄

[@prairiepirate]

That's what a ferry is like? Looks more like a cruise ship. A long way from the overnight ferry I took from Italy to Greece decades ago. The camera quality is amazing. Love the details inside the train stations.

[@buncharted]

it was very cruise-like!

[@janalberts7073]

I prefer the Ferry , you can walk around, have dinner and Some drinks, strull on the deck 😀 more relaxing than the train.

[@Helpimnoob]

Interesting video. I've gone by train a few times. I hate flying, and the ship takes so long. I'm curious though; what would you pick for your next trip to London; The plane or the train?

[@buncharted]

100% the train!

[@custardo]

Your experience may well have been different had you done this trip the other way around. Since Brexit, the border checks in St Pancras really struggle to keep up, leading to extremely long queues that can stretch all the way to back the station.

[@buncharted]

i was surprised by how efficient the border checks were when boarding in rotterdam, but it was frustrating how early we had to arrive. it’s still a heck of a lot better than flying though 😄

[@MrHaagsesjonny1]

@ buncharted --> A Question: why didn't you choose to live in Engeland (and travel back and forth to mainland Europe) with the English language as an advantage, for example in terms of work??

[@buncharted]

1) the DAFT visa in the netherlands made it relatively easy for us to move here compared to other countries, and 2) we didn't look for "ease" when moving abroad. we wanted to immerse ourselves in something different and learn a new language.

[@MrHaagsesjonny1]

@@buncharted Aha, tevens een nieuwe taal leren. Nou, dat is een mooie uitleg. Succes...

[@hcjkruse]

I travelled the Stenaline ferry every 3 weeks for 2.5 years. I am a fan - It usually is smooth sailing - you did not factor in the extra hotel cost for flights or train when you travel to London - with the plane you also have an hour train travel except when you travel from London city - with the plane you usually also have an hour or more waiting at the airport -Bus Luton parkway station to the airport is horrible cramped - Luton airport is a horrible noisy experience - High risk of missing the last train home from Schiphol airport if you do not live in North or South Holland provinces. Budget easyJet coming from Italy into Luton to take you to Amsterdam is often delayed. - train arrival or departure was not convenient for my business use - there is a risk of missing the last train home from Rotterdam when taking the Eurostar - When not taking a direct train from London there is a risk of getting stuck in Paris overnight because of delays - Strikes by train employees in France is common - Trains are expensive -First time with the ferry I had an issue getting in Harwich because of train signalling was broken. With an expensive race by London cab to Harwich I managed. After that it was 2.5 years reliable as clockwork

[@buncharted]

i would take the ferry any day over flying! we actually really enjoyed the experience. the train was more convenient, but it does come at a hefty cost.

[@hcjkruse]

@@buncharted Another ferry to try is the one from Eemshaven (Near Groningen) to Kristiansand Norway. Or from Danmark to Iceland.

[@peterjaro6804]

For what it is worth, about 10 years ago, STENA LINE had a gigantic catamaran going the same route. The boat trip only took just over 3 hours, and they has a cinema onboard (perfect time for a movie) and the best euro 12 buffet I have ever had on a boat... but sadly, they changed to a ferry instead. If they were still using the caramaran, I would have picked the BoatTrain (as they then called it). However, today I go for the flight. Yes, its uncomfortable, and a but akward simce its Airport to Airport, and not city-to-city BUT it's cheap and QUICK.

[@Buurtspoor]

The catamarans are retired. I never liked them.

[@kubrabenelli9117]

A short trip to London Stansted was 45 euros, add 40 pounds for the train to Victoria station. That price is unbeatable.

[@buncharted]

yeah, that really is tough to beat, but we really dislike flying

[@AlbertZonneveld]

Mayby it was before but there is now (since 1-1-2023) 26,43 euro of taxes in the Netherlands to buy an airplane ticket (which compensates for the lack of taxes on kerosine fuel). And you might need to queue a lot more travelling by plane.

[@Samplesurfer]

Airplane to London from the Netherlands is about "1 hour" in the air. The reality however is, circling time in the air above London can easily be another hour. And I have experienced 2 hours too,, in the 17:00 - 21:00h timeslot it is really a problem. And then you have to still go through customs and baggage handling.

[@buncharted]

💯 we would always prefer a train over flying for that exact reason!

[@BrazenNL]

London or Paris: I prefer the train. You start in the city and end in the city. Flights are quicker, but, you have to add extra travel time to get you from and to the city center. Any further than that, though, and I prefer to fly.

[@buncharted]

same! the ferry was nice too if you have the time. flying is just so uncomfortable.

[@meganpillay4598]

Do you need a visa to go to London from Amsterdam?

[@buncharted]

it depends on your passport. if you live in the US or europe, you don’t need a visa though.

[@meganpillay4598]

@buncharted we are south Africans living in Belgium

[@boydboyles7303]

I like riding farrries

[@paulhw5100]

Flying between Western European destinations is no sustainable option in my opinion. Schiphol helps nowadays to make flying unattractive by organising long waiting times, although I guess they’re not doing that for environmental protection. Eurostar by far best option for London, for Northern England and Scotland DFDS ferry IJmuiden -Newcastle is best.

[@buncharted]

yeah, avoiding schiphol was definitely a factor in our transit decisions!

[@strikeformatik]

And now add the amount of CO2 to the cost on each travel mode (including flight). Great videa. Leuk gedaan!

[@Buurtspoor]

Harwich is pronounced "herrits"

[@raatroc]

To me it is amazing that the fastest, and most polluting, way to travel is still the cheapest. It should be the other way around if we want to save the planet; although I'm not sure that the boat trip is that ecological, knowing what these ships use as fuel.

[@daluzsoares]

It is useless to pay extra for WiFi you are in the middle of the sea there are no telephone masts nearby, if you have internet then I think it goes through a satellite and then you can be happy if you can google watch a video impossible and the more internet users via satellite on the ship the slower it gets. (I'm not saying the truth is, but this is what I think.)

[@AndreUtrecht]

Perhaps when you have a car and a big family the ferry would be a good option going to London. But otherwise I wouldn't bother to travel there 10 hours.... even if you can sleep.... it is a waste of time in my opinion.... via train it is so fast and probably just as fast as when going by airplane. You always need to be much earlier at the airport than you have to be at the train station, so all in all it takes more or less the same to travel to London by train or plane.... by train it feels so much more like a commute, especially when you live in the Randstad. You go to Rotterdam or Amsterdam and get into the train and you get out in the heart of London. Plus the train is electric and not on gasoline... I also love taking the ICE train to Berlin or the Thalys to Paris.... again, it feels like a commute, you feel much more the close connection...

[@buncharted]

agreed. as you can probably tell from our channel, we’re all about the trains! we took them all the way from rotterdam to rome 😄 (and we have some exciting, lengthy train trips planned for 2023 too…)

[@frankvandenbosch6527]

I hate the ferry, always full of drunk english football fans, if I go on a weekend trip I want to be there fast and don’t waste hours traveling. For me plane or train are the best option.