The Pros and Cons of Sailing to Spain vs Driving 🇬🇧🚢🇪🇸

As I sit in my cabin aboard the Brittany Ferries ship Galicia, or is it a boat? Who knows, we’re making our way towards Bilbao, gliding gently across the English Channel and into the Bay of Biscay. It’s a 30-hour, two-night crossing, with the promise of Spanish sunshine waiting on the other side.

This is not my first rodeo. In fact, it’s my 19th time taking this route. Why? Because after years of experimenting with different ways to reach Spain from the UK, driving through France, hopping across to Caen or St Malo, even taking the tunnel, why did I ever think that was a good idea, I’ve decided this is the best way for me. Let me explain why.

🚗 The Drive Through France: Worth It?

Ah, the classic Euro road trip: you load the car, catch a short ferry or Eurotunnel to Calais, and spend the next couple of days motoring south through France. Sounds idyllic , until it’s not.

Let’s be honest, the drive through France has its charm, but it’s not without drawbacks. Tolls are astronomical. Motorway services feel sterile and overpriced. City traffic around places like Paris, Bordeaux, and Toulouse? A nightmare. And when you’re hauling a loaded overland rig, the fuel stops become part of the routine, and they are expensive.

My L322 Range Rover, fully loaded, can just about make it to Bordeaux on a full tank from St Malo or Caen — then it’s time to pull off the motorway and hunt for a fuel station. It’s doable, yes. Enjoyable? Debatable.

⛴️ Why I Prefer Sailing

Now let’s talk about sailing. Brittany Ferries has this crossing down to a fine art. The Galicia is more floating hotel than cargo hauler. Comfortable cabins, full restaurants, big-screen TVs, lounges, bars, even internet access, it’s a civilised way to make the journey.

I booked this crossing three months in advance. Total cost? £503. That includes my car, a private cabin, with window, and meals. For 30 hours, I get to relax, read, catch up on work, write, and sip a beer while the coast of France drifts by. And when I arrive in Bilbao at 8am, I’m fresh, had breakfast, and ready to hit the road.

⚖️ Pros and Cons: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Here’s the honest breakdown of sailing vs driving:

⛴️ Sailing Pros:
- Comfortable, restful travel 
- Less wear and tear on the vehicle 
- Inclusive pricing (cabin, meals, car) 
- Great onboard facilities 
- Arrive rested and ready to go 
- Scenic journey across the Bay of Biscay

⛴️ Sailing Cons:
- Takes longer (typically 24–32hours) 
- Can be rough in winter months, although I’ve never had problems
- Must book in advance for best prices 
- Limited sailing schedule compared to driving anytime

🚗 Driving Pros: 
- Flexible departure times 
- Potential to explore France en route 
- Possibly cheaper for solo travellers with budget vehicles

🚗 Driving Cons:
- Tolls! Expect £80–£120 in France alone 
- Expensive fuel (especially for big rigs) 
- Fatigue from long driving days 
- Increased wear and tear 
- Congestion around French cities

🧾 Cost Breakdown: Let’s Talk Numbers

Sailing (Brittany Ferries, Portsmouth to Bilbao)
- £503 booked 3 months in advance 
- Includes: car, cabin, all meals, access to facilities 
- Optional upgrades: premium cabins, onboard Wi-Fi 

Driving (Calais to Bilbao via France)
- Eurotunnel or ferry to Calais: ~£100–£150 (depending on time of year) 
- Tolls: ~£80–£120 
- Fuel: ~£175–£300 (varies by vehicle and route) 
- Overnight stop (hotel or camp): ~£50–£100 
- Meals and extras: ~£50–£100

➡️ Total: £430–£670 (plus fatigue, vehicle strain, and time lost)

🛠️ The Hidden Cost: Vehicle Wear & Tear

Let’s not forget what long distance motorway driving does to your vehicle. Brake pads, tyres, suspension, it all wears faster when you’re pushing 500–800 miles in one go. Add the stress of constant lane changes, fuel stops, and potential breakdowns, and suddenly the cost looks less attractive.

With a ferry, your odometer doesn’t move, your fluids stay fresh, and your tyres don’t scrub. You roll off the ferry with full mechanical confidence.

⏱️ Time vs Energy

Yes, it takes longer to sail. But it gives you time back in other ways.

Instead of white knuckle driving for 12+ hours, you’re sipping coffee with a sea view. Instead of queueing at toll booths, you’re watching a film or editing photos, having zoom calls, yes the WiFi is good, and well priced. Instead of collapsing into a motel bed, you’re sleeping in your cabin while the ship glides towards Spain.

Time on a ferry isn’t “lost time.” It’s “gain time” to recharge, plan, or just chill.

📍 Spain Arrival: Straight Into Adventure

The beauty of docking in Bilbao or Santander is location. You're already in northern Spain the doorstep of the Pyrenees, the Basque coast, or even as a launchpad into Portugal.

No endless French autoroutes to slog through. No expensive tool booths. No tired legs. Just gear up and go, you’re a short drive from your first trailhead.

🧳 Top Tips for Taking the Ferry to Spain

1. Book - Early Prices rise quickly, especially in summer. Aim for 2–3 months ahead. 
2. Cabin Comfort – Even the standard cabins are great. On Demand TV’s, en suite
3. Bring Chargers – Most cabins now have USB ports. Bring a power bank too. 
4. Plan Your Exit – Know your first stop when disembarking — whether it’s a fuel station, supermarket, or trailhead. 
5. Stretch Often – Walk the decks, get fresh air. It helps fight the cabin snooze. 
6. Download Entertainment – Wi-Fi is okay but not perfect. Load up shows, maps, and books ahead of time.

💭 Final Thoughts

For me, the ferry isn’t just a means of transport, it’s part of the trip. The slow unwind from UK life. The mental shift into travel mode. The anticipation of new tracks, new food, new places. It’s the best way I know to begin an overland journey.

I’ve had many a great conversation with “Grey Nomads” who packed up their motorhomes and heading to the sun and sand in Portugal, or Southern Spain. Every singe one of the 100’s of people I’ve met, vowed to never drive down, or up, through France “ever again”

So if you're debating your route south, don’t overlook the sea. Book a cabin, grab your guidebook, grab a copy of my book too, and let the ship carry you to adventure. You'll thank yourself when you're cruising Spanish backroads with fresh legs and a full tank.

I’ll keep sailing. I’ll keep wondering whether it’s a boat or a ship. And I’ll keep waving to those stuck in Bordeaux traffic while I’m halfway to the Portugese border.