To explore Europe from the comfort of your own car, you only need take a short voyage across the Channel by ferry. We’re lucky to have speedy access to the continent, and the drive to Spain from the UK provides flexibility, convenience and even cost savings compared to flights for everyone.
Barcelona in north-east Spain is a manageable 13-hour drive from Calais that be done in one go or split into stages. Our suggested route takes three days, but you can plan your adventure at a pace that suits you. Best of all, your car is on hand for day trips once you reach Spain.
Catalonia’s capital is filled with the inimitable architecture of Antoni Gaudí (best seen at Casa Batlló with its colourful, asymmetrical windows), along with museums, contemporary art galleries, and an idyllic sandy beach. So pack the car, grab your passports and start planning your journey including a ferry from Dover to Calais – it’s time for a road trip!
Driving in Europe
Remember these key points when driving in Europe:
- The first rule is a basic one: drive on the right-hand side in both France and Spain.
- You’ll need passports for everyone, licences for those driving and all your vehicle documents like insurance (with suitable cover) and registration. Have some change handy for road tolls.
- Check local vehicle restrictions. France requires cars to have an emissions sticker, and Paris has some restrictions on older diesel cars.
- Be realistic about how much driving you can safely do in one go, and plan your stops.
Day 1: Driving from Dover to Paris
Start your road trip by heading to Dover and catching a ferry to Calais. We run up to 23 crossings a day – pick a time that suits you. It’s a single booking for your car and all passengers, with no additional charge for luggage racks. Get a breath of fresh sea air on the 90-minute crossing before climbing back into the car.
Calais to Paris is 293km by road and should take three and a half hours. You’ll be following the European route E15 into Paris. Stay overnight in the capital to enjoy some of its best sights, like the Eiffel Tower at dusk and the famously romantic streets twinkling with lights at night.
- Take the A26 south-east out of Calais.
- Turn onto the southbound A1 near Arras, which goes all the way to Paris outskirts.
- The A3 road takes you into the city – follow signs for central Paris as you pass Charles de Gaulle airport.
Stop off at: Compiègne, 2 hours from Calais. Its opulent Imperial Palace and World War I memorial Glade of the Armistice are picturesque places to stretch your legs, with plenty of fascinating history to take your mind off the road.
Day 2: Driving from Paris to Le Caylar
This is the longest day of driving at just over six hours (679km) to Le Caylar, a gorgeous hillside town dating back to the 9th century. Here you can climb the Castel Roc hill for superb views over the surrounding countryside, and visit the 12th century church nestling in its side.
Alternatively you could stop at Clermont-Ferrand, one of France’s oldest cities, just over halfway if you prefer to spread out your driving.
- Leave Paris via the Boulevard Périphérique at the 13th arrondissement and make your way south on the A6B to reach the A10.
- Continue on the A10 down to Orléans, and at the junction continue straight on the A71. This takes you through the lush countryside at the heart of the Loire Valley.
- The route becomes the A89 from Combronde to Clermont-Ferrand, then the A75 (all this is the European route E11).
- Le Caylar is another 263km south along the A75.
Stop off at: Vichy. It’s a 20-minute detour from the A71 motorway but absolutely worth it to behold marvellous architecture, from the art-nouveau Opera House to the dual 17th century and 20th century churches of Église St-Blaise.
Day 3: Driving from Le Caylar to Barcelona
The final stretch of your drive to Spain from the UK covers 362km, taking about four hours. From the border you’re only a couple of hours from Barcelona.
- Continue south on the A75/E11 until you reach the A9, where you turn right to carry on south. The A9 takes you to the border with Spain (you’re now on the E15 route).
- After crossing the border, remain on the E15 route which runs down the AP-7 road in Spain. Stay on the AP-7 until you reach the large junction of Barberà del Vallès at the edge of the Barcelona region. Here, follow signs for the N-150 road.
- Take the N-150 to its end at Vallbona and turn right onto the C-17. This feeds into the C-33 which takes you into central Barcelona.
Stop off at: Perpignan, a medieval city that was once the kingdom of Majorca’s capital. It’s a classic Mediterranean town with French, Catalan and Spanish influences – wander its quaint streets and see if you can spot various cultural elements.
If you want to condense your road trip into two days, we recommend stopping at Vichy which is about halfway between Calais and Barcelona. If you want to continue onwards to Madrid, take the E-90 road for about six hours – it will take you straight to Spain’s capital.
Now you know how to drive to Spain from the UK with P&O Ferries, you’re all set for your road trip! When you’re ready to book, select your crossing time to Calais and we look forward to welcoming you on board.
