Overview of Travel Between London and Paris in 1899

Travelling between London and Paris in 1899 primarily involved crossing the English Channel via ferry services, which often included several legs of the journey involving trains, ferries, and occasional direct express trains.

Standard Ferry and Train Service

In the absence of modern transportation, the journey between London and Paris would typically span a minimum of 6 to 8 hours, depending on waiting times and connections. The journey included:

Train from London to Dover: A train journey from London to Dover, which would take about 2 to 3 hours. Ferry from Dover to Calais: The ferry crossing from Dover to Calais would generally take about 1.5 to 2 hours. Train from Calais to Paris: A train journey from Calais to Paris, which would take around 2.5 to 3 hours.

Thus, the entire journey would typically take between 6 and 8 hours depending on the specific connections and waiting times.

Exhibition of Cthulhu by Gaslight and Baecker’s Handbook

[Reference to Cthulhu by Gaslight resource with a quote from PARIS AND ENVIRONS WITH ROUTES FROM LONDON TO PARIS HANDBOOK FOR TRAVELLERS BY K.?B?DEKER with 11 maps and 31 plans, TENTH REVISED EDITION LEIPSIC: KARL B?DEKER PUBLISHER 1891]

Tidal Express Trains

Tidal Express trains provided a quick and direct route from Charing Cross or Cannon Street in 8-10 hours, offering sea passage times between 1.5 and 4 hours. The total fare for a return ticket was 18 shillings and 3 pence for second class and 3 pounds and 18 shillings and 3 pence for first class. Passengers with single tickets had the option to break their journey at principal stations, spending up to seven days on the route. Night services were available at reduced fares for second and third class.

Steamboat Route

Steamboat route from London to Boulogne was another popular choice, especially during the summer season, offering a sea passage time of approximately 6 hours and a river passage of around 4 to 5 hours. The total fare for a return ticket was 26 shillings and 6 pence for second class and 22 shillings and 16 pence for third class. Passengers had the option for a 3-day pass or a 14-day return ticket for 50 shillings and 3 pence and 34 shillings and 9 pence, respectively. This route was noted as the cheapest and most pleasant in favorable weather.

Land Route via Dover, Calais, and Amiens

A third route involved traveling via Dover, Calais, and Amiens, which covered a total of 233 miles. Express trains starting in London from stations Victoria, Holborn Viaduct, and St. Pauls took 8-12 hours, with sea passage time at 1.25 hours. First class tickets for the whole journey were 32 shillings and 1 penny, and second class tickets were 22 shillings and 6 pence. Return ticket options were available for 14 days at 50 shillings and 3 pence and 34 shillings and 9 pence. Notable night services were also available, with fares at a reduced rate.

Other Routes

The London Chatham and Dover Railway also operated services from Victoria and London Bridge stations, with Bradshaw providing detailed schedules. Day services were available for up to 10 days in the summer, while night services were available all year round, with single tickets valid for seven days and return tickets for up to one month. Luggage was required to be registered before leaving England to avoid examination at Calais. A mixed ticket for first-class rail and second-class steamboat service was available, priced at 42 shillings for return tickets.