Travel from UK by road

Hi Chris

We drove from the UK in July and there was no requirement to fill out any health declaration. There were no stops at the Spanish border either.

We are driving over again next week and as far as we are aware it is still the same.

Have a great trip

For what's it's worth isn't it best to fill one in. You wouldn't want something like that to potentially spoil your trip.

Hope the drive goes well. I keep promising myself to drive there in the car I'm going to leave over there.

Be safe.

Hi ChrisA

We drove down in July and returned August and didn't fill one in, as Robnew said no Spanish or French border stops either way.

We are flying out in December hopefully for 10 days to have some work done.

Safe driving have a great trip...!!

Hi Chris - we drove over via Eurotunnel 2 weeks ago. There was no requirement to fill anything in and no request as to whether we had done so. 

If you can afford the time you should fulfill your promise to yourself GC. 

We did it for the first time in July and loved it. Flying is now a thing of the past for us.

Hi Graham,

How was the drive through France? Did you feel safe with the Covid19 factor in France and Northern Spain. Would be grateful for information on route you took, duration of journey, safe  overnight stays, and cost. My wife & I had planned to drive last month but put it off because of the virus situation. We have booked a flight to Alicante on 2 Oct but would consider cancelling (again) and prefer the drive as haven't done before. Your advice would be most appreciated seeing that you made the journey so recently. Best, Val

Hi Val0610. Graham would be able to tell you about his concerns on his drive but I can tell you the drive itself is great and your exposure to C 19 should be limited if you travel like I always do. Done the drive many times always with dog (GSD) hence not flying as it is impossible to do this easily from NE England. My route is via ferry from Portsmouth (would have to be via Caen at present) so I can sleep overnight in pet friendly cabin. We then drive, motorway where possible, to either Bordeau or Bayonne. Overnight there either Premiere Classe, ACE or Camponile hotel. The drive motorway again San Sebastian, Pamplona, Zaragossa, Teruel, Valencia, Orihuela Costa. sometimes in one day sometimes stopping en route between Zaragossa Teurel (eg Campo Mon Real hotel)

Return journey either same way (ish) or turn off at Zaragossa to Huesca, Orthez then Bordeau etc. Stay overnight Chartres then to ferry (usually Le Havre for overnight crossing). Reason for this alternate is the scenery through the Pyrennes

Traffic is always light compared with UK, busiest Bayonne to San Sebastian, because of volume of lorries but never been held up.

Costs are about Euro 100 total for tolls and about Euro 50 per hotel bed (plus on France good food at Bistros at night, say Euro 50. Food in Spain is cheaper. is two services area in Spain where I stop. One at the top of the climb from San Sebastian, scenery and tapas, the other  in the middle of nowhere, after Zaragossa on Autovia del Mudejar A23), as their sausages are great; only thing there is a cheap clothing outlet store (can't say I have used it!)

I use this western route rather than through Eastern Pyrennes crossing (Barcelona etc) as it is quick and avoids Paris

You are absolutely right and whole heartedly agree.

Definitely will be doing it next year.

Hi Val0610

We have driven down all ways over the years and still find the route below the best using the shuttle, approx 100 euros through France and toll free in Spain we are in Villamartin.

Calais-Rouen-LeMans-Tours-Poitiers-Saintes-Bordeaux-Pau-Somport Tunnel-Jaca-Huesca-Zaragozza-Teruel-Valencia-Villena-Elche and down the AP-7.

Going down we do Newcastle to Poitiers area stay overnight we dont prebook anything incase we go further or dont get that far then down to Villamartin the next day 2 long days, on the return we leave apartment at 2-3pm giving us time to clean the place drive to either Jaca or Canfranc just before the Sopmort Tunnel next day run up to Asford the following day stay overnight always prebook these stops then drive up to the North East we find that best rather than rushing out with washing out to try dry left in the living room.

Safe driving and we felt very comfortable in France and Spain people are taken more notice and care.

Regards Andrew