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EUROPA-PARK TURNS 40 YEARS OLD IN 2015!
EUROPA-PARK: TRIP PLANNING 2015: Fully Updated with 2015 information!
Prices based on exchange rate of £1.00 = €1.35 - please check current exchange rates for latest rates on the BBC News website under Business / Market Data / Currencies
Introduction
This thread is designed to assist anybody looking at booking a short break to Europa-Park in Rust, Germany. The advice brings together a wealth of experience of our members in visiting Europa-Park frequently since 2004. If you need to ask a question or discuss any aspect of your trip planning, please feel free to post in this topic and somebody will get back to you!
Park Information - a great fanmade promo video is well worth a watch before you find out more!
here
LOCATION: Click here
Background
Europa-Park is one of the biggest theme parks in the world, with more rides than any other in Europe, and is currently its most visited seasonal theme park - that is, a park which is closed for part of the year. It attracts 5 million guests every year, beaten in Europe only by Disneyland Paris. In 2015 - Europa-Park celebrates its 40th birthday with new experiences, live shows, park infrastructure improvements and ride refurbishments!
It has, very recently, been voted the best theme park in the world by Amusement Today's Golden Ticket Awards, an American based industry magazine awards showcase, which placed Europa-Park ahead of everyone else - including Disney resorts worldwide! It is also a TripAdvisor winner, as the highest rated theme park in the world with more 5 stars than anyone else.
Yet, in spite of all of this acclaim, Europa-Park remains a little known resort to those of us in Britain. Advertising only within certain regions of Germany, France, Luxembourg and Switzerland, Europa-Park is a hidden gem in Europe for Brits travelling abroad. Unlike PortAventura, Disneyland Paris, Parc Astérix and, to a lesser extent, Efteling, Europa-Park is a relative unknown on our shores.
Calendar
In general, Europa-Park opens for the main season just before Easter and closes at the start of November, although these dates, much like parks in the UK, can vary depending on school holidays and dates of religious festivals. For the 2015 season, the park opens on 28th March closes on 8th November. It then re-opens for the winter season at the end of November, although rides including Silver Star and some water rides are closed.
How long do I need?
When visiting the park, you should consider a minimum of 2 full days on the theme park. However, 3 days is recommended as this will allow you sufficient time to use hotel facilities such as the included hotel gyms, swimming pools and spas, together with all of the 60 rides and attractions (of which 12 are rollercoasters) and many, many shows. There is also a wide range of restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets.
Daily hours
The park opens early compared to most theme parks. During the summer season, all rides operate from 9:00am, although access to the main "German Alley" entrance street is from 8:30am. Guests are then held at the top until full opening at 9:00am. Park ride close is announced at 2:00pm every day, depending on how busy it is. This can vary any time from 6:00pm up to 9:30pm. The main "German Alley" does not close until 1 hour after the rides, and the EP Express Monorail runs until around midnight every day. There are no staggered openings at the park, all rides operate from the moment the gates open until the moment the park closes.
If Europa-Park closes at 6:00pm or 6:30pm, this is a quiet day (expect queues of 0-30 minutes)
If Europa-Park closes at 7:00pm or 7:30pm, this is a medium day (expect queues of 10-50 minutes)
If Europa-Park closes at 8:00pm or 8:30pm, this is a busy day (expect queues of 20-90 minutes)
If Europa-Park closes at 9:00pm or 9:30pm, this is a very busy day (expect queues of 30-120 minutes)
Information boards are updated around the park, staff on roller skates carry signs with the latest close time, and it can also be found on the top right of the Europa-Park Website - this is updated after lunch every day. During the winter season, the park opens from 11:00am and closes from 7:00pm.
Rides and Attractions
Europa-Park boasts around 60 rides - both big and small which includes 12 rollercoasters - more than any other theme park in Europe.
Arthur in the Minimoys Kingdom - an indoor powered coaster from Mack Rides, opened 2014.
Wodan - a wooden coaster from Great Coasters International, opened 2012.
Blue Fire - a launched coaster from Mack Rides, opened 2009.
Pegasus - a family/kiddie coaster from Mack Rides, opened 2006.
Atlantica Super Splash - a water coaster from Mack Rides, opened 2005.
Silver Star - a mega coaster from Bolliger & Mabillard, opened 2002.
Poseidon - a water coaster from Mack Rides, opened 2000.
Matterhorn Blitz - a wild mouse coaster from Mack Rides, opened 1999.
Euro-Mir - a spinning coaster from Mack Rides, opened 1997.
Eurosat - an indoor coaster from Mack Rides, opened 1989.
Schweizer Bob Bahn - a bobsled coaster from Mack Rides, opened 1986.
Alpenexpress - a powered coaster from Mack Rides, opened 1984.
There are also many water rides - including a log flume, rapids ride and splash battle. A range of dark rides, carousels and other rides complete the experience. Park transport is offered by the EP Express, Panorama Railway and Mini Monorail service.
Travel to Europa-Park from Britain
Driving:
Europa-Park is 430 miles from Calais, where you will arrive by ferry from Dover or by channel tunnel from Folkestone. It is around 7 hours driving time, which allows for 2 breaks of 30 minutes. Although a long way, it is easily achievable in one day, although with the journey down to Dover/Folkestone from your location in the UK, many stop off en route in Reims. You may wish to use the Ibis Hotel at Reims Tinqueux, ideally located just off the motorway. The drive takes the form of two motorways, the A26 from Calais to Reims, and the A4 from Reims to Strasbourg. Beyond Strasbourg, you will enter Germany and it's only a short drive further, across the River Rhine to the resort. Based on past experience, you can leave the Midlands at 6:00am and be at Europa-Park 14 hours later. Please note that French motorways are subject to road tolls, so you will need to pay these during your trip. It's worth having some change handy.
Flights:
Flying is by far the most popular way to travel to/from Europa-Park. There are 3 airports within 60 miles of the park. Please note that not all flights operate daily, so be sure to check the flight operator before you make any decisions about from where and to where you plan to fly.
Airport distances to Europa-Park (approximate):
Strasbourg: 30 miles, 40 minutes
Baden-Baden: 50 miles, 60 minutes
Basel: 60 miles, 70 minutes
STRASBOURG:
London Stansted - Strasbourg with Ryanair.
London Gatwick - Strasbourg with Easyjet.
BADEN-BADEN:
London Stansted - Baden-Baden with Ryanair.
BASEL:
London Gatwick - Basel with Easyjet.
London Stansted - Basel with Ryanair.
London Heathrow - Basel with British Airways.
London City - Basel with Swiss.
Manchester - Basel with Easyjet.
Edinburgh - Basel with Easyjet.
Prices vary for flights, depending on when you book. With Easyjet and Ryanair flights, please note you will have to add prices on for luggage.
Flight Transfers to Europa-Park:
Costs for transfers to Europa-Park vary. You could hire a car from the airport if you wish. However, train/shuttle from Strasbourg (Entzheim) Airport is by far the cheapest option, with a Europass 24 hour ticket being available for either £6.50pp "Europass individual 24h" or £5pp based on 2 adults sharing a "Europass Family 24h" ticket, which covers your entire journey to Europa-Park. This is available from the ticket machine at the airport railway station under 'international tariffs'. It is also available from the bus driver at Europa-Park for your return journey. The Europass allows 24 hours of unlimited travel in the Strasbourg area and in the Ortenau region of Germany, where Europa-Park is. If in doubt, ask a member of staff. The transfer will involve 3 short train journeys and a shuttle bus transfer - all of which is included with the Europass ticket. Do not be daunted by this journey - it is very easy. From Strasbourg Airport follow:
1. Entzheim/Aeroport to Strasbourg (duration 10 minutes)
2. Strasbourg to Offenburg (duration 30 minutes)
3. Offenburg to Ringsheim (duration 25 minutes)
4. Ringsheim to Europa-Park (shuttle bus number 7231, duration 10 minutes)
For a complete itinerary and departure times visit www.bahn.co.uk with your departure as Strasbourg Aeroport and destination as Europa-Park Rust. For the return back to Strasbourg Airport, reverse this order.
For other airports, shuttles start around €25pp (£18.50) each way, depending on how many people are sharing the shuttle. However, they are very reliable and will time to suit your flight. You can also use rail services from Karlsruhe Baden Baden or Basel, although this can often be more complicated for not much less money. Journey time from either airport is around 1 hour direct, or up to 2 hours with public transport.
For Karlsruhe/Baden Airport to Europa-Park, book here
For Basel Airport to Europa-Park, book here - use Google Translate into English.
For German train bookings, I recommend the London based call centre for Deutsch Bahn UK, these can be reached on 08718 808066 and will advise you accordingly.
International (Eurostar) Trains from the UK to Europa-Park
You can travel with Eurostar and high speed TGV train from London to Strasbourg in around 6 1/2 hours. Costs vary, but you should use the Eurostar website and input your destination as Strasbourg. From Strasbourg, you should purchase a “Europass 24 hour” ticket from the blue ticket machines. This will cost you around €8.00 (£5.95) per person and will be valid for all onward travel between Strasbourg and Europa-Park. Take a train from Strasbourg to Offenburg, then change onto a train to Ringsheim (destination usually Basel SBB). From Ringsheim, take a short bus ride and alight at either Europa-Park Hotel Resort or Europa-Park Main Entrance. Bus times from Ringsheim railway station to Europa-Park can be found here.
Accommodation at Europa-Park:
There is an unprecedented range of accommodation for visiting Europa-Park. There are 5 on site hotels, all of which are a similar price, and each offers a unique theme style. There is also a Camp Resort, where you can stay in a more rustic environment, in a log cabin, tipi or chuck wagon with centrally located toilet and wash facilities. A Camp site is also available, for caravans, camper vans and tents. There is also a small resort Guest House, on the main German Alley in the park, which includes breakfast but is located a short drive from the main resort hotels, where breakfast is served. Off resort, there are dozens of B&B/guest houses/hotels in the village of Rust, a very short walk from the park entrance. For a guide to booking, see below.
Resort Hotel Resort Prices 2015 Prices shown for B&B.
Hotel Bell Rock
Based on 4 sharing In a 4-bed room: €80.00pppn = £59.30pppn
Based on 6 sharing in a 6-bed room: €70.50pppn = £52.20pppn
Hotel Santa Isabel
Based on 4 sharing in a 4-bed room: €76.50pppn = £56.70pppn
Based on 6 sharing in a 6-bed room: €67.50pppn = £50.00pppn
Hotel Colosseo
Based on 4 sharing in a 4-bed room: €76.50pppn = £56.70pppn
Based on 6 sharing in a 6-bed room: €67.50pppn = £50.00pppn
Hotel Castillo Alcazar
Based on 4 sharing in a 4-bed room: €71.00pppn = £52.60pppn
Based on 5 sharing in a 5-bed room: €60.50pppn = £44.80pppn
Hotel El Andaluz
Based on 4 sharing in a 4-bed room: €71.00pppn = £52.60pppn
Guesthouse Rolando - only accessible for those driving a car due to location
Based on 4 sharing in a 4-bed room: €49.50pppn = £36.70pppn
BUDGET ACCOMMODATION at the CAMP RESORT
Tipi Village (bed only)
4-person Tipi: €88.00 = £65.20 = £16.30pppn
4-person Chuck Wagon: €108.00 = £80.00 = £20.00pppn
4-person Log Cabin: €108.00 = £80.00 = £20.00pppn
Camp, Caravan, Motorhome
Camping and caravanning is also available at the Camp Resort for very low prices. A tent without car costs €13 (£9.70) per night for any size tent whilst a motorhome or caravan, or tent with car, costs €28 (£20.80) per 24 hour period! A great way to do the resort on a shoestring budget!
6-bed Tipi's and Log Cabin's are also available - price per person per night is the same as above
Please note that all accommodation in the Tipi Village requires your own sleeping bag. Pillows and a bottom sheet are provided for those in a tipi, chuck wagon or log cabin.
Breakfast in the Camp Resort is available priced at €9.00 (£6.70) per adult and €5.00 (£3.70) per child. Food and drinks are available through the day and evening from Cantina Amigo (low cost food in a Mexican environment) or Silver Lake Saloon.
To view all the official resort accommodation, or to book, visit here. Please book well in advance, as often, accommodation is passed to third parties for sale - such as Expedia. if you cannot find the accommodation availability you are looking for, please email direct with your query to [email protected].
Off Resorthttp://www.booking.com Search Europa-Park. Ensure you select accommodation that is in the village of Rust. Most accommodation is within a 15 minute walk of the park entrance, and 20 minutes walk to the resort hotels - so you can still use the bars and restaurants as you so wish! Many guest houses and B&B's in the village do not charge you anything until arrival.
Park Tickets
View all prices, and book 1 or 2-day passes. here. For 3-day passes, you can book these as part of a hotel package or on the day at the park. For additional days (I.e. 4-day passes), this can be bought at the resort hotels. You may wish to consider an Annual Pass if you are visiting for 4+ days. Annual Passes also give you exclusive discount vouchers and seasonal mailshots. Other benefits include one free entry to the theme parks: PortAventura (Spain), Liseberg (Sweden), Phantasialand (Germany), Isla Magica (Spain) and Efteling (Holland).
2015 Annual Pass Price: €175.00 (£129.60)
2015 Adult 1-day ticket: €42.50 (£31.50)
2015 Adult 2-day ticket: €80.00 (£59.30)
2015 Adult 3-day ticket: €102.00 (£75.60) - 3-day price for resort hotel guests only. Non resort guests pay slightly more.
Early Ride Time
Hotel Guests get Early Ride Time on selected rides from 8:30-9:00am. The rides offered depend on the time of year. In quieter periods, it may only be some smaller family rides - but almost always includes Feria Swing, Columbus Dinghy, Alpenexpress and Vienna Waveswinger. Other rides included can include Tirol Log Flume, Atlantica Super Splash and Blue Fire.
Speaking German
Most staff speak German plus another language, usually French or English. Staff wear name badges which also have flags of the countries for the languages they speak. Do not be put off - if you do not speak German, you will have no difficulties. However, it may be useful to learn the basics such as "please" and "thank you".
Food and Drink
Europa-Park pride themselves on a high quality gastronomic experience. They produce a GastroGuide every year, which you can pick up. It contains information on every food and beverage outlet across the resort - and there are almost 70.
Eating on park can be a pleasure, whether you choose a themed experience in Switzerland at the Raclette Parlour, or the modern splendour of FoodLoop - the worlds first restaurant where your food is delivered on looping rollercoaster track!
Typically, on park, a lunch at one of the mid-range self-service outlets (i.e. Fjord Restaurant in Scandinavia, See-Restaurant in Austria, FoodLoop in England, Pizzeria Venezia in Italy etc.) will set you back around €15 (£11.10) for a main course, dessert and drink. The burger/fast food outlets in Russia (Euro-Mir Burger), England (The Three Piglets) and Germany (Euro Burger), or the more 'light' options such as Bamboo Bay Wok Restaurant in Holland, Kaffi Hus and Moby Dick Hot Dogs in Iceland or the Colonial Restaurant in Adventureland will cost you around €8 (£5.90) with drinks. There are also sit down a-la-carte restaurants in the park, including SWR3 Rock Café in Germany (burgers, ribs, hot sandwiches), the historic Balthasar Castle in Germany (traditional German foods), and Restaurant Don Quijote in Spain (Spanish).
Soft drinks in the park cost from around €2.40 (£1.80) for a small up to around €3.20 (£2.40) for a large. You can also purchase bottled 500ml beverages from Coca-Cola, for around €3.20 (£2.40) - with €0.20 of the price as tax, which is returned if you return the empty bottle.
A beer in the resort costs around €3.50 (£2.60). A glass of wine is around €4 (£3.00). Cocktails, which are available in some park outlets and across the hotel bars, generally cost between €8 and €10 (£5.90 and £7.40).
As for evening meals, costs vary a lot depending on where you go:
The cheapest 'proper' restaurant run by Europa-Park is Silver Lake Saloon, which is at the Camp Resort - a 20 minute walk from the resort hotels via the perimeter access road. Food and service is excellent, and there is live music and/or entertainment pretty much every evening. It's a steak arena mainly, with burgers, steaks and salads. Prices for things like burger and chips are around €10 (£7.40) and the more premium steaks are more like €25 (£18.50). There is also Cantina Amigo at the Camp Resort, next door to Silver Lake. It's much cheaper - you can buy Bratwurst sausages, Chilli, basic burgers etc. with prices around €8 (£5.90) for most meals although it's far less formal.
The buffet restaurants at Hotel Colosseo, Hotel Castillo Alcazar and Hotel Bell Rock cost around €30 (£22.20) and the food is excellent and plentiful. Hotel Santa Isabel also has a buffet but this is more premium, costing around €40 (£29.60). These prices exclude drinks. Please note that in some (but not all) restaurants, non-resort guests play a slight premium.
The a-la-carte restaurants in El Andaluz (Spanish influence) and Colosseo (Italian influence) will cost you around €35 (£25.90) for three courses. The a-la-carte restaurant 'Captains Finest' at Hotel Bell Rock will cost you around €50 (£37.00) for three courses and is more suited to things like steaks and fresh fish dishes. The premium restaurant is Ammolite at Bell Rock which has two Michelin stars. This will cost around €110 (£81.50) per person and is absolutely top class, first rate - one of the best restaurants in Germany.
Here's a quick guide on how to go about booking resort accommodation at EP.
The person booking the accommodation will find that no money is taken from your account at the time of booking. A credit/debit card number must be given, which is used in the case of a no show. You are free to cancel the reservation at any time up to 5 days before the stay. Unusually for a major resort, there is no charge for cancellation.
Unlike say, Alton Towers, prices for Europa-Park accommodation are set for the season and do not change (aside from New Years Eve).
You should as quickly as possible, once you have decided to stay on resort. Europa's hotels run at 96% occupancy through the season and they are likely to be fully booked by the time you visit!
GET THE APP!
There is an app for iPhone and Android, available to download. It is updated throughout every day, with show times, ride close time, weather and the latest park news!
If you have any questions about any aspect of your trip to Europa-Park, please ask in this thread!
All prices shown in Pounds are subject to change depending on the exchange rate.
EUROPA-PARK: TRIP PLANNING 2015: Fully Updated with 2015 information!
Prices based on exchange rate of £1.00 = €1.35 - please check current exchange rates for latest rates on the BBC News website under Business / Market Data / Currencies
Introduction
This thread is designed to assist anybody looking at booking a short break to Europa-Park in Rust, Germany. The advice brings together a wealth of experience of our members in visiting Europa-Park frequently since 2004. If you need to ask a question or discuss any aspect of your trip planning, please feel free to post in this topic and somebody will get back to you!
Park Information - a great fanmade promo video is well worth a watch before you find out more!
here
LOCATION: Click here
Background
Europa-Park is one of the biggest theme parks in the world, with more rides than any other in Europe, and is currently its most visited seasonal theme park - that is, a park which is closed for part of the year. It attracts 5 million guests every year, beaten in Europe only by Disneyland Paris. In 2015 - Europa-Park celebrates its 40th birthday with new experiences, live shows, park infrastructure improvements and ride refurbishments!
It has, very recently, been voted the best theme park in the world by Amusement Today's Golden Ticket Awards, an American based industry magazine awards showcase, which placed Europa-Park ahead of everyone else - including Disney resorts worldwide! It is also a TripAdvisor winner, as the highest rated theme park in the world with more 5 stars than anyone else.
Yet, in spite of all of this acclaim, Europa-Park remains a little known resort to those of us in Britain. Advertising only within certain regions of Germany, France, Luxembourg and Switzerland, Europa-Park is a hidden gem in Europe for Brits travelling abroad. Unlike PortAventura, Disneyland Paris, Parc Astérix and, to a lesser extent, Efteling, Europa-Park is a relative unknown on our shores.
Calendar
In general, Europa-Park opens for the main season just before Easter and closes at the start of November, although these dates, much like parks in the UK, can vary depending on school holidays and dates of religious festivals. For the 2015 season, the park opens on 28th March closes on 8th November. It then re-opens for the winter season at the end of November, although rides including Silver Star and some water rides are closed.
How long do I need?
When visiting the park, you should consider a minimum of 2 full days on the theme park. However, 3 days is recommended as this will allow you sufficient time to use hotel facilities such as the included hotel gyms, swimming pools and spas, together with all of the 60 rides and attractions (of which 12 are rollercoasters) and many, many shows. There is also a wide range of restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets.
Daily hours
The park opens early compared to most theme parks. During the summer season, all rides operate from 9:00am, although access to the main "German Alley" entrance street is from 8:30am. Guests are then held at the top until full opening at 9:00am. Park ride close is announced at 2:00pm every day, depending on how busy it is. This can vary any time from 6:00pm up to 9:30pm. The main "German Alley" does not close until 1 hour after the rides, and the EP Express Monorail runs until around midnight every day. There are no staggered openings at the park, all rides operate from the moment the gates open until the moment the park closes.
If Europa-Park closes at 6:00pm or 6:30pm, this is a quiet day (expect queues of 0-30 minutes)
If Europa-Park closes at 7:00pm or 7:30pm, this is a medium day (expect queues of 10-50 minutes)
If Europa-Park closes at 8:00pm or 8:30pm, this is a busy day (expect queues of 20-90 minutes)
If Europa-Park closes at 9:00pm or 9:30pm, this is a very busy day (expect queues of 30-120 minutes)
Information boards are updated around the park, staff on roller skates carry signs with the latest close time, and it can also be found on the top right of the Europa-Park Website - this is updated after lunch every day. During the winter season, the park opens from 11:00am and closes from 7:00pm.
Rides and Attractions
Europa-Park boasts around 60 rides - both big and small which includes 12 rollercoasters - more than any other theme park in Europe.
Arthur in the Minimoys Kingdom - an indoor powered coaster from Mack Rides, opened 2014.
Wodan - a wooden coaster from Great Coasters International, opened 2012.
Blue Fire - a launched coaster from Mack Rides, opened 2009.
Pegasus - a family/kiddie coaster from Mack Rides, opened 2006.
Atlantica Super Splash - a water coaster from Mack Rides, opened 2005.
Silver Star - a mega coaster from Bolliger & Mabillard, opened 2002.
Poseidon - a water coaster from Mack Rides, opened 2000.
Matterhorn Blitz - a wild mouse coaster from Mack Rides, opened 1999.
Euro-Mir - a spinning coaster from Mack Rides, opened 1997.
Eurosat - an indoor coaster from Mack Rides, opened 1989.
Schweizer Bob Bahn - a bobsled coaster from Mack Rides, opened 1986.
Alpenexpress - a powered coaster from Mack Rides, opened 1984.
There are also many water rides - including a log flume, rapids ride and splash battle. A range of dark rides, carousels and other rides complete the experience. Park transport is offered by the EP Express, Panorama Railway and Mini Monorail service.
Travel to Europa-Park from Britain
Driving:
Europa-Park is 430 miles from Calais, where you will arrive by ferry from Dover or by channel tunnel from Folkestone. It is around 7 hours driving time, which allows for 2 breaks of 30 minutes. Although a long way, it is easily achievable in one day, although with the journey down to Dover/Folkestone from your location in the UK, many stop off en route in Reims. You may wish to use the Ibis Hotel at Reims Tinqueux, ideally located just off the motorway. The drive takes the form of two motorways, the A26 from Calais to Reims, and the A4 from Reims to Strasbourg. Beyond Strasbourg, you will enter Germany and it's only a short drive further, across the River Rhine to the resort. Based on past experience, you can leave the Midlands at 6:00am and be at Europa-Park 14 hours later. Please note that French motorways are subject to road tolls, so you will need to pay these during your trip. It's worth having some change handy.
Flights:
Flying is by far the most popular way to travel to/from Europa-Park. There are 3 airports within 60 miles of the park. Please note that not all flights operate daily, so be sure to check the flight operator before you make any decisions about from where and to where you plan to fly.
Airport distances to Europa-Park (approximate):
Strasbourg: 30 miles, 40 minutes
Baden-Baden: 50 miles, 60 minutes
Basel: 60 miles, 70 minutes
STRASBOURG:
London Stansted - Strasbourg with Ryanair.
London Gatwick - Strasbourg with Easyjet.
BADEN-BADEN:
London Stansted - Baden-Baden with Ryanair.
BASEL:
London Gatwick - Basel with Easyjet.
London Stansted - Basel with Ryanair.
London Heathrow - Basel with British Airways.
London City - Basel with Swiss.
Manchester - Basel with Easyjet.
Edinburgh - Basel with Easyjet.
Prices vary for flights, depending on when you book. With Easyjet and Ryanair flights, please note you will have to add prices on for luggage.
Flight Transfers to Europa-Park:
Costs for transfers to Europa-Park vary. You could hire a car from the airport if you wish. However, train/shuttle from Strasbourg (Entzheim) Airport is by far the cheapest option, with a Europass 24 hour ticket being available for either £6.50pp "Europass individual 24h" or £5pp based on 2 adults sharing a "Europass Family 24h" ticket, which covers your entire journey to Europa-Park. This is available from the ticket machine at the airport railway station under 'international tariffs'. It is also available from the bus driver at Europa-Park for your return journey. The Europass allows 24 hours of unlimited travel in the Strasbourg area and in the Ortenau region of Germany, where Europa-Park is. If in doubt, ask a member of staff. The transfer will involve 3 short train journeys and a shuttle bus transfer - all of which is included with the Europass ticket. Do not be daunted by this journey - it is very easy. From Strasbourg Airport follow:
1. Entzheim/Aeroport to Strasbourg (duration 10 minutes)
2. Strasbourg to Offenburg (duration 30 minutes)
3. Offenburg to Ringsheim (duration 25 minutes)
4. Ringsheim to Europa-Park (shuttle bus number 7231, duration 10 minutes)
For a complete itinerary and departure times visit www.bahn.co.uk with your departure as Strasbourg Aeroport and destination as Europa-Park Rust. For the return back to Strasbourg Airport, reverse this order.
For other airports, shuttles start around €25pp (£18.50) each way, depending on how many people are sharing the shuttle. However, they are very reliable and will time to suit your flight. You can also use rail services from Karlsruhe Baden Baden or Basel, although this can often be more complicated for not much less money. Journey time from either airport is around 1 hour direct, or up to 2 hours with public transport.
For Karlsruhe/Baden Airport to Europa-Park, book here
For Basel Airport to Europa-Park, book here - use Google Translate into English.
For German train bookings, I recommend the London based call centre for Deutsch Bahn UK, these can be reached on 08718 808066 and will advise you accordingly.
International (Eurostar) Trains from the UK to Europa-Park
You can travel with Eurostar and high speed TGV train from London to Strasbourg in around 6 1/2 hours. Costs vary, but you should use the Eurostar website and input your destination as Strasbourg. From Strasbourg, you should purchase a “Europass 24 hour” ticket from the blue ticket machines. This will cost you around €8.00 (£5.95) per person and will be valid for all onward travel between Strasbourg and Europa-Park. Take a train from Strasbourg to Offenburg, then change onto a train to Ringsheim (destination usually Basel SBB). From Ringsheim, take a short bus ride and alight at either Europa-Park Hotel Resort or Europa-Park Main Entrance. Bus times from Ringsheim railway station to Europa-Park can be found here.
Accommodation at Europa-Park:
There is an unprecedented range of accommodation for visiting Europa-Park. There are 5 on site hotels, all of which are a similar price, and each offers a unique theme style. There is also a Camp Resort, where you can stay in a more rustic environment, in a log cabin, tipi or chuck wagon with centrally located toilet and wash facilities. A Camp site is also available, for caravans, camper vans and tents. There is also a small resort Guest House, on the main German Alley in the park, which includes breakfast but is located a short drive from the main resort hotels, where breakfast is served. Off resort, there are dozens of B&B/guest houses/hotels in the village of Rust, a very short walk from the park entrance. For a guide to booking, see below.
Resort Hotel Resort Prices 2015 Prices shown for B&B.
Hotel Bell Rock
Based on 4 sharing In a 4-bed room: €80.00pppn = £59.30pppn
Based on 6 sharing in a 6-bed room: €70.50pppn = £52.20pppn
Hotel Santa Isabel
Based on 4 sharing in a 4-bed room: €76.50pppn = £56.70pppn
Based on 6 sharing in a 6-bed room: €67.50pppn = £50.00pppn
Hotel Colosseo
Based on 4 sharing in a 4-bed room: €76.50pppn = £56.70pppn
Based on 6 sharing in a 6-bed room: €67.50pppn = £50.00pppn
Hotel Castillo Alcazar
Based on 4 sharing in a 4-bed room: €71.00pppn = £52.60pppn
Based on 5 sharing in a 5-bed room: €60.50pppn = £44.80pppn
Hotel El Andaluz
Based on 4 sharing in a 4-bed room: €71.00pppn = £52.60pppn
Guesthouse Rolando - only accessible for those driving a car due to location
Based on 4 sharing in a 4-bed room: €49.50pppn = £36.70pppn
BUDGET ACCOMMODATION at the CAMP RESORT
Tipi Village (bed only)
4-person Tipi: €88.00 = £65.20 = £16.30pppn
4-person Chuck Wagon: €108.00 = £80.00 = £20.00pppn
4-person Log Cabin: €108.00 = £80.00 = £20.00pppn
Camp, Caravan, Motorhome
Camping and caravanning is also available at the Camp Resort for very low prices. A tent without car costs €13 (£9.70) per night for any size tent whilst a motorhome or caravan, or tent with car, costs €28 (£20.80) per 24 hour period! A great way to do the resort on a shoestring budget!
6-bed Tipi's and Log Cabin's are also available - price per person per night is the same as above
Please note that all accommodation in the Tipi Village requires your own sleeping bag. Pillows and a bottom sheet are provided for those in a tipi, chuck wagon or log cabin.
Breakfast in the Camp Resort is available priced at €9.00 (£6.70) per adult and €5.00 (£3.70) per child. Food and drinks are available through the day and evening from Cantina Amigo (low cost food in a Mexican environment) or Silver Lake Saloon.
To view all the official resort accommodation, or to book, visit here. Please book well in advance, as often, accommodation is passed to third parties for sale - such as Expedia. if you cannot find the accommodation availability you are looking for, please email direct with your query to [email protected].
Off Resorthttp://www.booking.com Search Europa-Park. Ensure you select accommodation that is in the village of Rust. Most accommodation is within a 15 minute walk of the park entrance, and 20 minutes walk to the resort hotels - so you can still use the bars and restaurants as you so wish! Many guest houses and B&B's in the village do not charge you anything until arrival.
Park Tickets
View all prices, and book 1 or 2-day passes. here. For 3-day passes, you can book these as part of a hotel package or on the day at the park. For additional days (I.e. 4-day passes), this can be bought at the resort hotels. You may wish to consider an Annual Pass if you are visiting for 4+ days. Annual Passes also give you exclusive discount vouchers and seasonal mailshots. Other benefits include one free entry to the theme parks: PortAventura (Spain), Liseberg (Sweden), Phantasialand (Germany), Isla Magica (Spain) and Efteling (Holland).
2015 Annual Pass Price: €175.00 (£129.60)
2015 Adult 1-day ticket: €42.50 (£31.50)
2015 Adult 2-day ticket: €80.00 (£59.30)
2015 Adult 3-day ticket: €102.00 (£75.60) - 3-day price for resort hotel guests only. Non resort guests pay slightly more.
Early Ride Time
Hotel Guests get Early Ride Time on selected rides from 8:30-9:00am. The rides offered depend on the time of year. In quieter periods, it may only be some smaller family rides - but almost always includes Feria Swing, Columbus Dinghy, Alpenexpress and Vienna Waveswinger. Other rides included can include Tirol Log Flume, Atlantica Super Splash and Blue Fire.
Speaking German
Most staff speak German plus another language, usually French or English. Staff wear name badges which also have flags of the countries for the languages they speak. Do not be put off - if you do not speak German, you will have no difficulties. However, it may be useful to learn the basics such as "please" and "thank you".
Food and Drink
Europa-Park pride themselves on a high quality gastronomic experience. They produce a GastroGuide every year, which you can pick up. It contains information on every food and beverage outlet across the resort - and there are almost 70.
Eating on park can be a pleasure, whether you choose a themed experience in Switzerland at the Raclette Parlour, or the modern splendour of FoodLoop - the worlds first restaurant where your food is delivered on looping rollercoaster track!
Typically, on park, a lunch at one of the mid-range self-service outlets (i.e. Fjord Restaurant in Scandinavia, See-Restaurant in Austria, FoodLoop in England, Pizzeria Venezia in Italy etc.) will set you back around €15 (£11.10) for a main course, dessert and drink. The burger/fast food outlets in Russia (Euro-Mir Burger), England (The Three Piglets) and Germany (Euro Burger), or the more 'light' options such as Bamboo Bay Wok Restaurant in Holland, Kaffi Hus and Moby Dick Hot Dogs in Iceland or the Colonial Restaurant in Adventureland will cost you around €8 (£5.90) with drinks. There are also sit down a-la-carte restaurants in the park, including SWR3 Rock Café in Germany (burgers, ribs, hot sandwiches), the historic Balthasar Castle in Germany (traditional German foods), and Restaurant Don Quijote in Spain (Spanish).
Soft drinks in the park cost from around €2.40 (£1.80) for a small up to around €3.20 (£2.40) for a large. You can also purchase bottled 500ml beverages from Coca-Cola, for around €3.20 (£2.40) - with €0.20 of the price as tax, which is returned if you return the empty bottle.
A beer in the resort costs around €3.50 (£2.60). A glass of wine is around €4 (£3.00). Cocktails, which are available in some park outlets and across the hotel bars, generally cost between €8 and €10 (£5.90 and £7.40).
As for evening meals, costs vary a lot depending on where you go:
The cheapest 'proper' restaurant run by Europa-Park is Silver Lake Saloon, which is at the Camp Resort - a 20 minute walk from the resort hotels via the perimeter access road. Food and service is excellent, and there is live music and/or entertainment pretty much every evening. It's a steak arena mainly, with burgers, steaks and salads. Prices for things like burger and chips are around €10 (£7.40) and the more premium steaks are more like €25 (£18.50). There is also Cantina Amigo at the Camp Resort, next door to Silver Lake. It's much cheaper - you can buy Bratwurst sausages, Chilli, basic burgers etc. with prices around €8 (£5.90) for most meals although it's far less formal.
The buffet restaurants at Hotel Colosseo, Hotel Castillo Alcazar and Hotel Bell Rock cost around €30 (£22.20) and the food is excellent and plentiful. Hotel Santa Isabel also has a buffet but this is more premium, costing around €40 (£29.60). These prices exclude drinks. Please note that in some (but not all) restaurants, non-resort guests play a slight premium.
The a-la-carte restaurants in El Andaluz (Spanish influence) and Colosseo (Italian influence) will cost you around €35 (£25.90) for three courses. The a-la-carte restaurant 'Captains Finest' at Hotel Bell Rock will cost you around €50 (£37.00) for three courses and is more suited to things like steaks and fresh fish dishes. The premium restaurant is Ammolite at Bell Rock which has two Michelin stars. This will cost around €110 (£81.50) per person and is absolutely top class, first rate - one of the best restaurants in Germany.
Here's a quick guide on how to go about booking resort accommodation at EP.
The person booking the accommodation will find that no money is taken from your account at the time of booking. A credit/debit card number must be given, which is used in the case of a no show. You are free to cancel the reservation at any time up to 5 days before the stay. Unusually for a major resort, there is no charge for cancellation.
Unlike say, Alton Towers, prices for Europa-Park accommodation are set for the season and do not change (aside from New Years Eve).
You should as quickly as possible, once you have decided to stay on resort. Europa's hotels run at 96% occupancy through the season and they are likely to be fully booked by the time you visit!
GET THE APP!
There is an app for iPhone and Android, available to download. It is updated throughout every day, with show times, ride close time, weather and the latest park news!
If you have any questions about any aspect of your trip to Europa-Park, please ask in this thread!
All prices shown in Pounds are subject to change depending on the exchange rate.
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