Road Tripping: A Guide to Taking Your Campervan from the UK to Spain
Embarking on a campervan road trip to Spain from the UK is an incredible adventure, filled with opportunities to explore beautiful landscapes, enjoy coastal views and experience different cultures. With a little planning ahead of time, you can figure out the best possible route for both your schedule and budget. Whether you are planning to head straight to Spain or take the scenic route through France, this guide will walk you through your options to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. For more inspiration, check out our blog posts Vanlife in Europe - Your Complete Guide and Exploring the EU with Your Dog: What Pet Owners Need to Know!
UK to Spain Ferry Options
If you're looking to avoid the long drive through France, taking a ferry directly to Spain is a great option. There are three ferry routes to choose from, operated by Brittany Ferries:
Runs year-round, with two return sailings a week.
Sailing time: 28.5 to 33.5 hours (2 nights).
Operates from March to December with two return sailings a week.
Sailing time: 32.5 hours (2 nights).
Operates from March to November with weekly return sailings.
Sailing time: 20 hours (1 night) - this is the fastest route to Spain via ferry.
Booking Tips:
Planning ahead is key to securing the best ferry prices and ensuring a smooth journey to Spain. Here are some essential tips to consider when booking your ferry:
Book Early. Ferry prices vary depending on the time of year, vehicle size and accommodation type (e.g. cabins vs. reserved seating). Booking well in advance, particularly for peak times, helps secure better prices and availability.
Plan for Pet-Friendly Cabins: If you're travelling with a dog, check pet-friendly cabin options early. These cabins are in high demand, especially during summer and school holidays, and can sell out up to a year in advance. If pet-friendly cabins are unavailable, your pet can typically stay in a designated kennel.
Example Cost: Portsmouth to Bilbao Return Ferry Journey
Let’s consider a return ferry journey from Portsmouth to Bilbao for a family of four (2 adults, 2 children) travelling at peak times with a dog, but without a pet-friendly cabin due to unavailability:
Outbound & Return Tickets: £1,650
Cabin Charge: Approximately £320 for a family 4 berth cabin.
Pet Fee: Prices start from £50 for onboard kennel. See more details here and a video here.
Total Cost: £2,000+
This price reflects traveling during busy periods when demand and prices are at their highest. Opting for off-peak travel can help reduce costs significantly.
Get a Ferry to Spain or Drive Through France?
Deciding between taking a ferry or driving through France depends on your travel plans, budget and how much time you have. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
Driving Through France
If you are planning a last minute trip, want to explore more of Europe along the way, or decide not to take the ferry directly to Spain, driving through France is a fantastic option. You’ll have the chance to visit charming French villages, scenic vineyards and historic landmarks. There are two main routes into Spain from France and for comparison purposes, let’s consider driving to Bilbao from Calais. Interestingly, both routes are virtually the same in miles, but one takes significantly longer – that’s the non-toll route (17 hours) compared to the toll route (13.5 hours). When planning your route, you’ll need to weigh up your time and budget to decide which option works best for you.
Travel Time: 17 hours (non-stop driving).
Toll Roads: Using toll roads reduces driving time to approximately 13 hours, but comes with significant toll fees. Various websites can help calculate toll costs, (for example TollSmart) but it’s worth noting that for a campervan, tolls are typically around £135. Keep in mind that fees may vary depending on your vehicle’s size.
Fuel Costs: Roughly £300, depending on your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
Total Costs (with tolls): Approx. £435.
For a detailed Google Map of France’s best campsites and attractions, click here.
Essentials for Driving Through France
If you opt to drive through France, make sure your campervan, or motorhome is equipped with everything you’ll need. Here are some essentials:
Valid Documents: Ensure you have your driving license, insurance documents and vehicle registration.
Safety Equipment: Carry a warning triangle, high-visibility vests for all passengers, spare bulbs and a first aid kit (required by law in France).
Navigation Tools: A reliable GPS or offline maps.
Payment Methods: Cash or card for tolls, as not all toll stations accept the same payment methods. Alternatively, consider a Emovis Tag (or similar).
Food Restrictions: Remember that there are strict restrictions on bringing certain foods into France from the UK, including meat, meat products, milk, and dairy items. Read more about these restrictions here.
Proper preparation ensures a smoother journey and helps you avoid unnecessary surprises along the way.
Example Cost and Time Comparison
Ferry Option (Portsmouth to Bilbao):
Cost: Approx. £1,650 (ferry ticket for a family of 4).
Travel Time: 32.5 hours.
Driving Through France:
Cost: Approx. £785 (£350 return ferry to Calais, £300 fuel from Calais to Spain + £135 tolls in France).
Travel Time: 13 hours with toll roads plus 1.5 hours ferry to Calais = 14.5hours.
Both options have their perks; taking the ferry may cost significantly more upfront, but it does save you a lot of driving and offers a relaxing start to your adventure. Driving through France, on the other hand, allows for flexibility and the chance to explore charming towns and landscapes along the way. Whichever route you choose, you’re in for an incredible adventure! If time and budget allow, consider combining both options to make the most of your trip. For more tips and inspiration, don’t forget to explore our other guides: Vanlife in Europe - Your Complete Guide and Exploring the EU with Your Dog: What Pet Owners Need to Know! Safe travels and happy road-tripping!
