How to get your bike to Ostend.

[derrick]

The ferries going to Ostend from Ramsgate do not take bikes, so it looks like a train ride, has anyone done this, and if so was it a problem or is it straight forward, what's the best way to go, planned to go in April so we have a bit of time to plan the trip. my other half is giving me a hard time about the trip,lol.

 

[rich p]

Train to Dover and ferry to Dunkerque? That gets you within 50 km of Ostend if you have to actally need to go there.

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

I came from Ostend to Dover with my bike on the ferry about 10 years ago with no issues, have the rules changed?

 

[snorri]

Or it's a pleasant run down the coast from Hook of Holland via the Harwich ferry, about 100 miles with a couple of cycle friendly ferry crossings, a holiday in itself.

 

[snorri]

I came from Ostend to Dover with my bike on the ferry about 10 years ago with no issues, have the rules changed?

Yes! I went to the tourist office in Ostend with the intention of booking accommodation convenient for the eary morning ferry departure and was told there no longer is a ferry crossing from Ostend, bummer, I had to cycle on to Dunkerque.
The joys of not planning pre-tour.

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

Yes! I went to the tourist office in Ostend with the intention of booking accommodation convenient for the eary morning ferry departure and was told there no longer is a ferry crossing from Ostend, bummer, I had to cycle on to Dunkerque.
The joys of not planning pre-tour.

I know I've just checked, gutter, but at least it's a flat coastal ride.

 

[Brains]

cycle from Calais or Dunkirk, it can be done in a day, or catch the train most of the way.
Do you actually need to go to Ostende ?

 

[derrick]

Ostend was going to be our start point, there are a few things locally we wanted to see, but at the moment nothing is set in stone, still putting the feelers out, so many places we want to visit, and don't have the time to do it all, but we are trying.

 

[Will1962]

I don't think the train from Dunkirk to Ostend is a very good option. There is no longer a rail link between Dunkirk and De Panne (the track is still there, but there is no service). If you cycle to De Panne (about 21 miles) to get the train on the Belgian network, then you will probably have to change twice at Lichtervelde and Brugge. Note: De Panne station is actually in Adinkerke which is about 2.5Km from De Panne.

There is a tram that runs from De Panne all the way up the Belgian coast (see http://www.delijn.be/dekusttram/Reisinformatie/index.htm). I believe that you can take bikes on the tram.

Will

 

[Bodhbh]

I don't think the train from Dunkirk to Ostend is a very good option. There is no longer a rail link between Dunkirk and De Panne (the track is still there, but there is no service)...

Will

+1 I got caught out by the wind from Brugge and looked into getting the train part way back to Dunkirk. I can't remember the details, but it wasn't simple and was less hassle cycle back against the wind in the end. It should be an easy half day from Dunkirk to Ostend with the probable tail wind and it's not a bad ride anyhow.

 

[ufkacbln]

 

[Alex11]

Pop yourself on the Eurostar

 

[TheDoctor]

Pop yourself on the Eurostar

Can't be done so easily now...
I'd get the ferry to Calais or Dunkirk, and ride up. You should have the wind behind you.

 

[derrick]

Can't be done so easily now...
I'd get the ferry to Calais or Dunkirk, and ride up. You should have the wind behind you.

Yes it looking good for Dunkirk, we have decided that is the way we are going,
Del.

 

[TheDoctor]

I tend not to use the Dunkirk ferries, but they are doubtless handier for Ostend, and a bit cheaper.
Have a good trip!!