A little bit about the trip first, these trips to the Costa Brava are great for those wanting a good deal or those scared of flying. They are actually not as daunting as people think when you hear “Up to 24 hours of travelling”.
The coaches are great whether you choose the standard or the executive, the executive is well worth the extra. Very comfortable reclining seats, loads of leg room, drop down trays and flat screenTV’s on board.
DVD’s are played throughout the journey with the latest starting at around 9.30pm, which ends around 11.30pm. At 12.00 midnight you can then recline your chairs, but please check with those behind as some people ended up wearing their drinks that were on the trays in front.
The coaches are double decker but are not really that much taller than a standard coach as the luggage area on a standard coach is the lower deck on a double decker. (Luggage is kept at the back in an additional trailer/ back pack type
carrier).
You are accompanied on the trip by two drivers and a host. The host is with you throughout your journey to Spain, whereas the drivers get off in France and swap with either English Ex pats living in France or French or Spanish drivers.
The host is friendly and comes around every 1-2 hours offering drinks, charged at 70p. Or chocolate snacks etc.
The Trip
As it was a Friday, departure was 12.15 lunchtime for us (Swindon) and was on the dot. The coach had come from Wales and was now pretty full. Host on board (Sonia) and two friendly drivers (Walter and Mal) introduced themselves over the speakers.
We had our two rucksacks of goodies and snacks such as pizza slices and sausage rolls (always best be prepared). We also packed two small pillows, but in hindsight should have taken full size pillows like everyone else.
14:40 Stopped at Maidstone services for 30-40 mins, this is the only stop before the tunnel so make the most of it.
ADVICE - split up. One order the food, the other go to the loo. Otherwise you will never get any food. We went to the toilets and then realised the queue was a good 20 mins as everything appeared to be cooked to order.
LATEST - Have now heard that in 2009, Ferris may be returning back to FERRY Crossings to give a bigger break.
15:30 Traffic all clear so arrived to collect passengers from Folkstone car park and on way to board Tunnel.
16:20 Managed to get on the earlier train rather than the 17:50 one we were booked on as there was space, otherwise we would have parked up and you would have opportunity to go to the lounges and shopping centre.
The tunnel, quick and hassle free, 35 mins
ADVICE - if you don’t like swaying then worth getting off the coach and sitting to the front or rear of the carriage. The coach due to it height and suspension sways alot and without the engine on there will be no air conditioning so can get quite steamy!
Change to French Time +1 Hour
18:40 Refuel and water stop at an auto Fuel Station, 10 mins for loo and cigarette breaks.
21:30 Arrive at Troyes service station for a 40 min break. Unfortunately in France service stations restaurants shut before 9pm, so only cakes / snacks and the bar will be open, unless you are on the earlier midweek trip which leaves UK 3 Hours earlier.
23:30 Last DVD finishes (Quite good latest films on board) and the last tea and coffee walk around is done, before lights out and seats can be reclined at Midnight.
02:50 For those awake the coach stops at services for refuelling, only a handful get off, but it is worth while to stretch your legs if you can. Most people seem to be able to sleep, or doze okay, almost all have proper pillows and even blankets (not really needed though as quite warm).
04:40 Coach stops again in remote area by a grotty Motel. This is where the drivers swap over. Coach drivers get off for their kip before driving the return trips back later same day, poor blokes!! New drivers get on. No one is allowed off due to location on roadside. Again, no tanoy due to time.
07:40 As we where ahead of schedule we past though Montpelier early and the drivers made their way in to Spain for a 40 min breakfast stop at Emporo Spanish Services.
10:20 Arrived in Santa Susanna, with seven drops was in our hotel by 10:40.
Great hotel in a good location, close to subway required to access beach. Nice size rooms, but the furniture was a little dated and a little tatty. The hotel is a busy hotel along with its restaurant and the tables felt a little to close. Pool area was large, landscaped and very nice. Communal areas, reception and bar were very spacious and of high standard. Bar area has plenty of seating (indoors and outdoors).
The Trip Home
15:00 We were asked to be ready from 2pm but due to a late incoming coach we were collected at 3pm, and then on to the last pick up and Santa Susanna Hotel (Popular all inclusive hotel).
Drivers did their usual introduction along with a different Host (French driver - David).
17:15 Service station stop for 15 mins and then back on the road.
19:00 Stop to collect drivers who have had their nap from outward drops at the “Motel-le-marguerittes”. English drivers Wally and Andrew.
20:15 Service stop for 45 mins at Motellimar.
00:30 Fuel stop Dijon Services, again multiple Ferris coaches stop here. Most people are asleep, some get off trying hard to make sure they don’t get back on wrong coach!!.
04:00 Change driver and its pouring down with rain. A little disturbed through the night only cat napping.
06:45 Arrived Tunnel but unfortunately we are unable to get on until scheduled departure of 08:20. Boring time, 30 mins in departure areas, then through to customs and eventually boarding.
08:55 Arrived UK and began drop off in Folkestone for self drivers.
Change to UK time -1 Hour
08:40 Stopped at Maidstone for Breakfast, queues again and multiple Ferris coaches. Left Services at 09:20
ADVICE - split up. One order the food, the other go to the loo. Otherwise you will never get any food.
11:30 Arrived back (Swindon Coate Water).
Summary Despite being a bit apprehensive of 24 hours on a coach it was actually very pleasant. The journey becomes part of the holiday and with stops every few hours it doesn’t feel too bad. In terms of value for money you can’t get much better.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
NH Hotels, the hotel chain leader in Europe, with more than 300 hotels in 20 countries in Europe, Latin America and Africa. Enter into our web site and find the best available tariff at all times
Splendia, a unique selection of luxury and design hotels with character in the most beautiful locations: Marrakesh, Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Dubai.... Book directly online or contact our customer service available any day of the week.
Record Rent a Car is present in the main spanish airports and has a very wide fleet. We offer: exceptional discounts, free additional drivers,
unlimited mileage... subscribe to our Club Record and take advantage of special offers.
Mar 29th, 2009
very helpful by (100%):
