Driving from the UK to Spain for traveling or work is not a new thing. There are multiple routes available through which you can visit Spain by driving from the UK.
However, if you have a tight budget and want to keep your traveling expenses as low as possible then there is an option available which is the cheapest way to drive the UK to Spain.
So let’s discuss the most affordable route from the UK to Spain and the things you have to keep in mind while driving a travelling.
Contents
The Cheapest Way to Drive UK to Spain
Calais – Rouen – Le Mans – Poitiers – Bordeaux – San Sebastian
Distance: Approximately 669 miles (1,077 km)
Estimated Driving Time: Around 13 hours and 51 minutes
Total Estimated Cost (one way) :
With Toll Roads £270–£410.
Without Toll Roads: £210–£340.
(+ £50–£100 for accommodation)
Detailed Route:
Dover to Calais: take a ferry
Calais to Rouen: Take the A16 and A28 highways.
Rouen to Le Mans: Continue on the D347 road.
Le Mans to Poitiers: Proceed through the D347.
Poitiers to Bordeaux: Use the N10 and A10 roads.
Bordeaux to San Sebastián: Finally follow the A63 highway.
This allows you to minimize toll expenses as much as possible, especially between Rouen and Bordeaux. However to avoid the toll this route may take 3 hours extra to reach the end destination.
Also, this route includes single Lane roads that will slow down The driving process a bit. If you want to reach faster then you can take the toll roads which will cost you around £30 to £70 extra.
Cost for the One-Way UK to Spain Driving Trip
Now let’s discuss the cost,
Ferry
If you take a ferry from Dover to Calais then it will take around £70-£150 with a car and passengers, this price range is for a way trip.
Instead of the ferry, you can take the Eurotunnel but that might cost you more than the ferry.
Fuel Cost
It’s nearly about 670 miles driving distance from Calais to northern Spain. This way we can say that you are going to need approximately 17 gallons of fuel to reach your destination. So it will cost around £100–£130 for fuel.
If you will cost then vary from one country to another so if you want you can compare the prices. Also if you want to save money consistent speed can enhance fuel efficiency also carry less luggage to lighten the load.
Accommodation cost
If you drive non-stop for 13 hours then you have to pay no cost for accommodation. However, if you take a stop break from the journey then the budget hotel will cost something around £50–£100 per night.
If you stay in a hotel that is in a town like Rouen, Le Mans, or Poitiers, then you will notice that the accommodation cost is significantly lower than in other places.
Food and Miscellaneous
If you bring a packed meal from home then it will cost nothing. However, if you have meals from roadside shops or restaurants then it will cost you around £20–£40 per day.
Bringing food from home is the cheapest option, however, for a whole day, the food might not stay fresh. So if you can spend some more then it’s better to have food in a roadside restaurant as a takeaway.
Things to Check Before Starting the Journey?
As you are going to travel from one country to another, plus as it’s a long journey naturally there are multiple things that you should look into before leaving your place. Otherwise, there might be some vehicle or legal issues that can disturb the flow of your journey.
Vehicle Readiness
Before leaving for the journey make sure that your car is in perfect condition. It is very important to check to avoid any breakdowns midway. Then carry essential equipment, such as reflective vests, warning triangles, and headlamp converters.
Legal Requirements
Before traveling make sure that you have your driving license in your wallet, then, your passport, vehicle registration, and insurance papers are in the dashboard.
Before entering Spain large portion of the drive will take you to France. UK driving license is valid in France and Spain, so you don’t need any International license. Also without a visa, you can travel from the UK to Spain for 90 days.
Also, apply for Crit’Air Sticker online which will cost €4.51. This sticker is required for entering low-emission zones in major French cities. Also, Display a ‘UK’ sticker on the back of your car.
Then, drive on the right-hand side, and the speed limit should be not more than 130 km/h (80 mph).
Besides that, there is not any major requirement, but if you break any rule like drunk driving not using the proper side of the road, etc then you have to pay a penalty.
Using navigating tools is very useful and essential if you are traveling from one place to another. Before travelling make sure your GPS is updated with European maps. Also, you can check some websites to gather more information about this trip or route.
Conclusion
By following the mentioned route you can easily take a drive from the UK to Spain at a nominal expense. There are other quick, scenic, and cheap routes available but as you are looking for the cheapest one saving as much money as possible that’s why without giving much thought you can comfortably go with this route. However, don’t forget to carry the necessary documents and keep the driving rules in mind.