uk to spain travel options

The Man in Seat 61

Train times, fares & tickets from

London to spain by train.

• Buy train tickets
• Buy ferry tickets
• Book a hotel
• Privacy & cookies
•   Home

Train travel UK & Ireland...

Train travel in europe..., train travel in asia..., train travel in africa..., train travel in america..., train travel in australasia, breakfast in london, lunch in paris, dinner in barcelona.

It's easy to travel from the UK to Spain by train.  Take a morning Eurostar to Paris in 2h20 from £52 one-way or £78 return, have lunch at the remarkable Train Bleu restaurant at the Gare de Lyon, then take the afternoon double-deck TGV Duplex from Paris to Figueres (for the Salvador Dali museum ), Girona & Barcelona with cafe-bar & free WiFi from €39 each way.  Relax with a glass of wine and watch the pretty French villages of the Rhône Valley pass by, catch up on your reading or watch a movie on your phone.  Compared to the stress of airports & flights, it's a revelation and far more environmentally-friendly .  This page explains the best routes & trains between the UK & Spain and how to buy tickets.

Select your destination:     London to... A Coruna Alcudia Algeciras Alicante Almeria Antequera Barcelona Benidorm Bilbao (by ferry) Bilbao (by train) Cadiz Canary Islands Cartagena Cordoba Costa del Sol Estepona Figueres Fuengirola Girona Gran Canaria Granada Ibiza Jerez Las Palmas Madrid Malaga Mallorca (Majorca) Marbella Minorca Murcia Palma de Majorca Pamplona Ronda Salamanca Salou San Sebastian Santander (by sea) Santiago de Compostella Segovia Seville Tarragona Tenerife Toledo Torremolinos Valencia Vigo Zaragoza

Uk to spain by train.

Train travel in Spain

International trains to & from spain, other useful information, interactive map:   click on a destination for train times & fares, country information, london to barcelona.

Breakfast in London, lunch in Paris, dinner in Spain.  You can travel from London to Figueres, Girona or Barcelona by train in a single day with great scenery, a glass of wine to hand and not an airport security queue in sight.

Impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex trains link Paris with Barcelona in around 6h30, 667 miles centre to centre with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, past some great scenery.  There are two Paris-Barcelona TGV trains every day in each direction, with a third in summer.

Stay overnight in Barcelona ( I suggest some good hotels near the station ) and continue next day to Madrid in 2h30 by AVE , Alicante in 4h45 by EuroMed or to Seville or Malaga by AVE in around 5h30.

Avoiding Paris:   If you have lots of luggage, small kids or mobility problems and want to avoid crossing Paris, you can go London-Lille-Nîmes, overnight stop, then Nîmes-Barcelona by AVE or TGV see option 2 .

Sleeper trains:  The Elipsos sleeper trains from Paris to Barcelona & Madrid were sadly discontinued in 2013, but it's still possible to travel by sleeper train between Paris & the Spanish border, see option 3 using the Paris to Latour de Carol sleeper train then a scenic local train to Barcelona through the Pyrenees or option 4 using the Paris-Perpignan/Cerbère overnight train .

Which route to choose?

    Train times London to Barcelona

    Train times Barcelona to London

    How much does it cost ?

    How to buy tickets

    What are the trains like?

    What is the journey like?

Option 1, London-Barcelona by high-speed train

This is the fastest & easiest option, by Eurostar from London to Paris and 320 km/h (199 mph) TGV Duplex from Paris to Barcelona.  You can do the trip in a day or break it up with an overnight stop in Paris.

London ► Barcelona (morning departure)

London ► barcelona (evening departure, overnight in paris).

The last Eurostar usually leaves London St Pancras at 20.01 arriving Paris Gare du Nord 23:18, by all means book an earlier one and spend a pleasant evening in Paris.

Eurostar has two cafe-bars, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Standard Premier & Business Premier fares include a meal with wine, served at your seat.

Barcelona ► London (morning departure)

Barcelona ► london (afternoon departure, overnight in paris).

Eurostar has two cafe-bars, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Standard Premier & Business Premier fares include breakfast.

How much does it cost ?

London to Paris by Eurostar starts at £52 one-way or £78 return in standard class, £97 one-way, £168 return standard premier (1st class).

Paris to Barcelona by TGV Duplex starts at €39 each way in 2nd class or €59 in 1st class.

How to buy tickets

Book at www.raileurope.com

Raileurope.com connects to the British, French & Spanish ticketing systems so you can buy all your tickets from the UK to Spain in one place, in plain English, in €, £ or $.  There's a small booking fee.  You print your own tickets or can show them on your phone.  Who are Raileurope.com?

When does booking open?

Eurostar opens up to 11 months ahead, Paris-Barcelona TGVs up to 6 months ahead.

However, it's often less than this and data may be incomplete more than 3-6 months ahead.  I recommend waiting until both trains are open for sale so you can confirm times & prices before buying a non-refundable Eurostar ticket.  On Paris-Barcelona, dates after the mid-December timetable change (including Christmas & New Year) usually open in mid-October.

Spanish trains open anything from 15 days to 6 months ahead, Renfe loads trains when they feel like it, only weeks ahead on some routes, months ahead on routes where they have competition.  Feel free to book Eurostar & TGV first, onward Spanish trains later.

More about when train bookings open .  You can book hotels before booking your trains risk-free if you use www.booking.com with free cancellation.

Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead

Fares for Eurostar and for French & Spanish long-distance trains are dynamic like air fares, so book early and search for the cheapest departures.  The cheapest tickets mean no refunds, no changes.

Out one way, back another?

You can go out one way & back another if you like.  Almost all European trains are priced as one-way, where a return is simply two one-ways.  I usually find it easier to book one way at a time.

How to book

First, a reality check.  You can't just put London to Malaga into a journey planner and expect it to book you from London to Barcelona, arrange an overnight hotel with an 8am wake-up call, then book you from Barcelona to Malaga after breakfast next day.  Systems aren't that clever! 

You can book from London to Barcelona as one seamless transaction, but if you're going further into Spain, or want to stop overnight in Paris, you need to split the booking.

Method 1 is the easiest.  Use this if you are travelling from London to Barcelona in a single day, one-way or return, with or without an onward train further into Spain the following day.

Method 2 can cope with more complex journeys, including ones involving an overnight stop in Paris on the way out or the way back, or using different routes out & back.

Incidentally, there are no through tickets from London to Spain, however you book you get a Eurostar ticket to Paris, a French ticket from Paris to Barcelona and separate onward Renfe tickets.  But connections across Paris are protected by the Railteam/HOTNAT and AJC .

1.  Go to www.raileurope.com

2.  Enter London to Barcelona , number of passengers, date of travel, set departure time 07:00.

3.  If you're coming back and will also be going Barcelona to London in a single day, enter your return date with departure time set to 10:00.

On French & Spanish trains a return is two one ways, but on Eurostar, return fares are significantly cheaper than two one ways so a round trip involving Eurostar should always be booked as a return.

4.  Now the science bit.  Click More options and enter Paris Nord as a via station with stopover duration set to 1 hour (to guarantee a minimum acceptable 1 hour between trains in Paris) or 2 hours (a more robust connection, recommended) or 3 hours (for lunch in Paris at the famous Train Bleu restaurant ).  If you don't do this, the system sometimes offers risky cross-Paris connections as tight as 42 minutes.  Advice on crossing Paris .

5.  Run the enquiry.  Look in the search results for journeys with 1 change.  Add to basket.

6.  If you are staying overnight in Barcelona and travelling on to Madrid, Seville, Malaga, Alicante or wherever next day, book a suitable onward train as a second separate booking and add to basket.

7.  If you're making a round trip, book from Seville, Malaga, Alicante (or wherever) to Barcelona for the day before your return journey from Barcelona to London, as a third separate booking, and add to your basket.

First, read the relevant destination section on this page and find a train service that suits you, out & back.  By all means go out one way and back another, or go outward with an overnight stop in Paris, back with an overnight stop in Barcelona, whatever.  Note down each individual train you want to book, on what specific date.  Then go to www.raileurope.com .

Step 1, book your chosen train from Paris to Barcelona, one-way, add to basket.  This is the crucial train so do this first & confirm times.

Step 2, book your chosen train from Barcelona to Paris, one-way, and add to basket.  Confirm times.

Step 3, book the Eurostar from London to Paris & back as a round trip and add to basket.

Eurostar return fares are significantly cheaper than two one ways, so a round trip on Eurostar should always be booked as a return.

Use the suggested Eurostar times on this page as a guide, but by all means book an earlier Eurostar than the one I suggest going out, or a later one coming back, if you'd prefer a more robust connection (as I do), if the fare is cheaper, or if you want to have lunch in Paris (also me!).

Just remember that with this method, it's up to you to make sure there's at least 60 minutes between trains in Paris southbound, 90 minutes northbound (to include the Eurostar check-in), ideally 2 hours.  So engage brain!  Advice on crossing Paris .

Step 4, if you are travelling beyond Barcelona, book a suitable train from Barcelona to Seville, Malaga, Alicante (or wherever), add to basket.  If you're making a same-day connection in Barcelona, look for a train leaving Barcelona at least 1 hour after the TGV from Paris arrives.

Step 5, if you're coming back, book your train from Seville, Malaga, Alicante (or wherever) to Barcelona & add to basket.  If you're making a same-day connection in Barcelona, book a train which arrives in Barcelona at least 1 hour before the TGV to Paris leaves.

Travelling from the UK regions

Raileurope can book journeys starting from any British station, not just London.  It allows about an hour for Eurostar check-in.

However, consider booking from London to Spain first, then buying a separate ticket from your local station to London.  There are 2 reasons to do this:  First, you might want a more robust connection between trains in London, say 2 hours.  Second, Raileurope doesn't sell the special tickets to London International CIV which can sometimes save you money in the weekday morning peak, learn about these here .

Children & infants

Children under 12 qualify for the child rate on Eurostar, the TGV and trains in Spain.

On Eurostar & TGV, infants under 4 travel free, no need to buy them a ticket, just bring them along.  But they don't get their own seat.

Tip:   You can give an infant their own seat on the Paris-Barcelona TGV for €9 with a Billet Bambin .  Add the infant to your booking with their age.

Important:   On Spanish long-distance trains, infants under 4 travel free, but need a ticket.  When booking Spanish domestic trains you should add your infant to the booking to get a €0 infant ticket.  If you forget, ask for one at a Renfe ticket office before boarding, see advice here .

Choose an upper deck seat on a TGV Duplex

An upstairs seat gives the best views on the double-deck TGV Duplex .  www.raileurope.com allows you to choose upper or lower deck when you book.  Seats 11-58 are lower deck, 61-128 are upper deck, see TGV Duplex seating plan, Euroduplex type .

TGV fare expensive?

After booking, you can view & change your Eurostar seats

After you have booked trains between London & Spain using www.raileurope.com , you can go to www.eurostar.com and use the Manage booking feature to view and change your Eurostar seats, see instructions & tips for choosing seats here .

Train seat numbering plans :  Find Eurostar, TGV & Spanish train seat numbering plans here .

When two TGV units run coupled together, the first unit's cars are numbered 1-8, the second unit's cars 11-18, so if your seat is in car 12 you'd look at car 2 on the seating plan.

Or book at Thetrainline.com

You can also book trains from London to Spain at www.thetrainline.com .

Like Raileurope, it connects to the Eurostar, SNCF (French Railways) and Renfe (Spanish Railways) ticketing systems so you can easily book all your tickets in one place, in plain English, in €, £ or $ with overseas credit cards no problem.  Who are Thetrainline.com?

Most of the Raileurope booking tips above also apply to booking on www.thetrainline.com .

However, Raileurope.com has a killer advantage, you can specify a via station with a stopover duration.  This is really useful for a London-Barcelona journey where you want to allow sufficient time in Paris.

When using Thetrainline.com you can specify a via , but not the duration, so I recommend using method 2.

Or book at eurostar.com + sncf-connect.com + renfe.com

Most of the Raileurope booking tips above also apply to booking this way.

Use the Eurostar times on this page as a guide, but by all means choose an earlier Eurostar from London or a later Eurostar back from Paris if these have cheaper seats available or if you'd like to stop off in Paris.

Alternatively, you can stay with www.sncf-connect.com to book the Eurostar, also with no booking fee.  In fact, www.sncf-connect.com can book you from London to Barcelona as one seamless transaction, just make sure that the time between trains in Paris is at least 60 minutes, if it's less than this, or if you want longer than an hour, you'll have to split the booking.

Or use an Interrail pass

Pass or point to point?

Let's be clear, a pass will usually not save money over the cheapest point-to-point advance-purchase fares you might see if you book a few months ahead.  But when point-to-point fares are expensive (for example, at short notice) OR you want flexibility, for example the ability to change your mind, re-route or reschedule as necessary, you can travel from the UK to Spain & back using an Interrail pass.

If flexibility is what you want, buy the pass.  If it's about saving money, you'll have to check point-to-point prices and do the maths.

It's worth doing the maths if you are under 28, if you have kids (kids get a free pass when accompanying an adult but still need to pay reservation fees) or if you live a long way from London (as a pass covers you from your home station to London). Passes are available in 1st & 2nd class.

Be aware that Spain is not the most pass-friendly country because every long-distance train (even some regional ones) requires a reservation at extra cost in addition to the pass, some reservations can be difficult to make outside Spain.  Point-to-point tickets can be easier to book!

How to use a pass for a trip to Spain

Step 1, buy a 4-days in 1-month Interrail pass from www.raileurope.com (click Rail passes and select Europe ) or www.interrail.eu for €283 adult, €212 youth or €255 senior.  You load the pass into the Railplanner app on your phone.  See pass prices on the Interrail page .

A 4-day pass is sufficient to get from almost anywhere in mainland Britain to Barcelona, Valencia or Alicante & back, or from London to almost anywhere in Spain & back, but you might need a longer pass to get from Inverness to Santiago de Compostela!

A 4-day pass gives you unlimited train travel on any 4 dates you choose in an overall 1 month period.  The first travel day can be any date you select in the 11 months after buying it, the 1 month period starts from that date.  Learn about how Interrail passes work here .

Step 2, you need a Eurostar passholder ticket from London to Paris & back, €30 each way.  See prices & how to make Eurostar passholder reservations .  Tip:  Eurostar passholder availability is limited, so check availability before buying a pass .

Step 3, if you're using a Paris-Barcelona TGV you need a passholder reservation, €35 each way, see cost of reservations & how to make them .

By all means go out one way, back another, with Interrail you can use almost any of the trains & routes to/from Spain shown on this page including the overnight trains to Latour de Carol or Cerbère, find out how to reserve each train using the Interrail reservations guide .

Step 4, you need a €10 passholder reservation for each high-speed train you take in Spain, see cost of reservations & how to make them .

Or have your trip arranged as a package

Byway ( Byway.travel ) is a new UK-based eco-holiday firm with a 5-star TrustPilot rating .  If you're nervous about booking train travel yourself, they'll book a London-Spain journey for you as a package, including overnight hotels, starting from any British station you like.

To see pre-configured packages UK to Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Granada or San Sebastian, use the journey planner on their website .

Tip:   First book a one-way outward journey to your destination city on your outward date.  Then change the direction of the arrow and book an inward journey on your return date.  The journey back to the UK can be from a different location if you like, if you plan to travel around a bit between outward & return journeys.

Alternatively they can build a trip to your requirements, email them or use the contact form .  Please say you heard about them from Seat 61.

Byway includes package protection, a 100% Covid refund guarantee, free disruption & re-planning and on-demand WhatsApp support while you're away.

Railbookers are a train travel specialist who can put together a holiday or short break to Spain by train as a package, with trains, hotels & transfers.  Their website offers a range of tours, holidays & breaks which can be customised to your requirements.  As you're booking a package, they'll take care of you if anything happens to one part of the itinerary such as a strike or delay.

Tailor Made Rail also offers packages from the UK to Spain by train which can be customised your own requirements, one-way or round trip, with any stopovers you want.  Indeed, they can organise a trip for you entirely based on your own requirements, they welcome complex itineraries!  As it's a package, they'll take care of you if anything happens on one part of the trip, for example, a national strike.  They're TTA-protected - like ATOL, but not only for agencies that sell air travel.

Call their dedicated seat61 phone line 020 3778 1461 and quote seat 61 when booking.  From outside the UK call +44 20 3778 1461.  Lines open 09:00-17:30 Monday-Friday.  Their website is www.tailormaderail.com/destinations/spain .

Escorted tours:   If you'd prefer to go to Spain on an escorted tour with a convivial group of travellers rather than travelling solo, here are the two UK companies which arrange escorted tours by train from the UK to destinations all over Europe on various dates through the year.  Both companies are part of the same group.

How to buy tickets by phone

What's the journey like .

1. London to Paris by Eurostar

Eurostar trains link London & Paris in 2h20, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More about Eurostar & check-in procedure .  St Pancras station guide .  Paris Gare du Nord station guide .  How to change trains & stations in Paris by metro or taxi .

2. Paris to Barcelona by TGV  See video guide

Video guide:  Barcelona-Paris by TGV

The video takes you on a journey by TGV Duplex from Barcelona to Paris, showing the train & scenery.

Back to top

Option 2, London to Barcelona with overnight stop in N î mes

If you want to avoid having to cross Paris, this is the option for you.  London to Barcelona with one easy same-station change in Lille and another in Nimes.  I think Nîmes makes the best stopover given the timings, but the direct AVE from Nimes to Madrid also calls at Avignon TGV, Montpelier and Perpignan, so you could stop overnight at any of those places instead.

London ► Barcelona

Day 1, travel from London to Lille by Eurostar , leaving London St Pancras at 13:01 & arriving Lille Europe at 15:27.

The Eurostar has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

At Lille Europe it's an easy same-station change, with time for a coffee or beer between trains.

Day 1, travel from Lille to Nimes by TGV , leaving Lille Europe at 17:01 and arriving Nîmes Centre 21:39.

The TGV has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Exact times may vary.

Stay overnight in Nîmes .  The very inexpensive Ibis Budget Nimes Gare is just 50m from the station and gets good reviews.  The Ibis Styles Nimes Gare next door is a more upmarket option, but also inexpensive with good reviews.

Day 2, travel from Nîmes to Barcelona by AVE S100 high-speed train , leaving Nîmes Centre at 09:01, arriving Figueres Vilafant 11:39, Girona 11:56 & Barcelona Sants 12:38.

Barcelona ► London

Day 2, travel from Nîmes to Lille Europe by high-speed TGV with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

On Mondays-Fridays you leave Nimes Pont du Gard at 09:33 and arrive Lille Europe at 14:24.

On Saturdays & Sundays you leave Nimes Centre at 09:27 and arrive Lille Europe at 14:18.

Nimes Centre is the original station in the city centre.  Nimes Pont du Gard is a new out-of-town station several kilometres outside the city, so you'll need a taxi or bus to reach it, or there's a regional train leaving Nîmes' city centre station at 08:50 which connects with the TGV, check times when you book.

At Lille Europe it's an easy same-station change onto Eurostar.

Day 2, travel from Lille to London by Eurostar , leaving Lille Europe at 15:30 arriving London St Pancras at 15:57.

Alternatively, spend a morning in Nimes and leave Nîmes' city centre station at 15:19, change at Lille and arrive London St Pancras 21:57 (21:27 Saturdays).  See the UK to France page for details of Nimes-London train service .

How much does it cost?

London to Lille by Eurostar starts at £52 one-way, £78 return standard class or £97 one-way, £168 return in standard premier (1st class).

Step 1, book London to Nîmes at www.raileurope.com and add it to your basket.

If you're returning, you should book Eurostar as a round trip because with Eurostar a return fare is cheaper than two one-way fares.  With the onward French & Spanish trains it doesn't matter, a return is simply two one-ways.

If you have any problems getting it to offer a journey via Lille, book London to Lille & back, add to basket, book Lille to Nîmes, add to basket, book Nîmes to Lille, add to basket & check out.  It makes no difference to the price and it's separate tickets either side of Lille in any case.

Step 2, still on www.raileurope.com , now book from Nimes to Barcelona, add to basket and check out.

Booking for Eurostar opens 6 months ahead , for TGVs up to 4 months ahead .  You print your own tickets or can show them on your phone.

Alternatively, you can book Eurostar & TGV with no booking fee at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com and book the Spanish AVE at Renfe's website www.renfe.com ( see my advice on using it )

See the advice here .

What's the journey like?

1. London to Lille by Eurostar

Eurostar trains link London & Lille in 1h22, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More about Eurostar & check-in procedure .  St Pancras station guide .  Lille station guide & tips on changing trains .

2. Lille to Nimes by TGV

TGV or Train á Grande Vitesse is French Railways high-speed train, with 1st & 2nd class and a cafe-bar.  They come in various types, some single-deck, some double-deck TGV Duplex, you could get either on cross-France routes from Lille.  Most have power sockets at seats, most now have free WiFi.  The photos below show a single-deck TGV with the Christian Lacroix designer interior.  The direct TGVs from Lille to Lyon by-pass Paris on a high-speed avoiding line via Charles de Gaulle Airport station.  More about TGV .

3. Nimes to Barcelona by AVE

These AVE type S100 have a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  They are now run entirely by Renfe (Spanish Railways) with no SNCF (French Railways) involvement.  More about AVE S100 trains .  Barcelona Sants station guide .

Option 3, London to Barcelona overnight via Latour de Carol & the Pyrenees

The scenic route!  The Elipsos sleeper trains from Paris to Barcelona & Madrid were sadly discontinued in December 2013, but it's still possible to leave London in the late afternoon by Eurostar, sleep in a couchette on an overnight train from Paris to the Pyrenees, then take a scenic local train into Barcelona.  It's an interesting alternative to the high-speed option with great scenery through the Pyrenees, watch the video here .  See route map .

The last hour into the Pyrenees is wonderfully scenic, past the castle at Foix (on the right hand side just after the station) and up into the mountains - at Porté-Puymorens (the last station just before Latour) the train reaches the highest point on any normal standard-gauge railway in Europe , 1,562m (5,125 feet) above sea level.  The railway from Toulouse to Foix opened in 1862, but the difficult line beyond Foix through the Pyrenees to Latour de Carol only opened in 1929.

You can also check times at www.renfe.com , but it will not be shown in the main Renfe journey planner, you have to do it like this :  Click the globe symbol top right & select Ingles for English.  Ignore the main journey planner , hover over Cercanias (Commuter) top left and click on Rodalies Catalunya.  Search from La Tor de Querol-Enveig to Barcelona Sants.  Easy when you know.

You can easily check times for the Barcelona Sants to La Tor de Querol train for your date of travel at the special Barcelona suburban trains website rodalies.gencat.cat/en , as this route is classed as a Barcelona suburban train in spite of being very rural.

You can also check times at www.renfe.com , but it will not be shown in the main Renfe journey planner, you have to do it like this :  Click the globe symbol top right & select Ingles for English.  Ignore the main journey planner , hover over Cercanias (Commuter) top left and click on Rodalies Catalunya.  Search from Barcelona Sants to La Tor de Querol-Enveig.  Easy when you know how.

You can book from London to Latour all in one go, but it's better to split the booking like this:  First book from London (or any station in Britain) to Paris and back, add to basket, then book the overnight train from Paris to Latour de Carol one-way and add to basket, then book Latour de Carol to Paris one-way and add to basket, then check out.

This way you can mix & match a 2nd class seat on Eurostar with a 1st class 4-berth couchette on the overnight train, and you can book an earlier Eurostar if it has cheaper seats available or if you'd like more time in Paris.  Southbound when catching a sleeper, I'd allow at least 2h between trains across Paris.  Northbound, I'd allow at least 2h between trains to include the Eurostar check-in.

Southbound, simply get on the train and pay the conductor on board in cash, no reservation is necessary or possible, it cannot sell out. This ticket can't even be bought from the French SNCF-run ticket office at Latour de Carol.  I repeat, simply get on the train and pay on board!  It's a good idea to have cash on you in case their card machine doesn't work, but conductors on this route can now take credit cards.

2. Paris to Latour de Carol by French overnight train

The intercité de nuit overnight train from Paris to Latour de Carol has 1st class couchettes in 4-berth compartments & 2nd class couchettes in 6-berth compartments, each bunk supplied with lightweight sleeping-bag & mineral water.  More about intercités de nuit .  Watch the video guide .  Paris Austerlitz station guide .

This is a simple local train, technically classified suburban ( Cercanias in Spanish, Rodalies in Catalan) even though this is a very rural route.  2nd class only, no catering so have some supplies with you.

Watch the video here - By slow train across the Pyrenees

Option 4, london to barcelona overnight via perpignan/cerbère.

This runs daily in summer, Fridays & Sundays the rest of the year.  It's similar to option 3, but instead of going straight through the Pyrenees using the overnight train from Paris to Latour de Carol, you use the Paris-Perpignan-Cerbère night train and go around the southern end of the Pyrenees.  The sleeper runs along the scenic Côte Vermeille coastline through Collioure & Port-Vendres to Cerbère, you then take a local train from Cerbère to Figueres, Girona & Barcelona.  Or you can get off the sleeper at Perpignan and take a high-speed train to Barcelona, which is faster but more expensive.  The Paris-Cerbère sleeper is a useful alternative to the Paris-Latour de Carol train, as sometimes the Paris-Cerbère train runs when the one to Latour de Carol is affected by engineering work.  However, the Paris-Cerbère sleeper isn't daily all year, it's daily in summer, only on Fridays & Sundays at other times.  See route map .

The cheapest option is to stay on the sleeper to Cerbère and use the slower classic route along the coast.  A local train leaves Cerbère 12:04 on weekdays, arriving Barcelona Sants 15:10.  On Saturdays & Sundays, leave Cerbère 11:46, arriving Barcelona Sants 15:10.

It's best to split the booking like this:  First book from London to Paris & back and add to basket.  Then book the overnight train from Paris to Perpignan or Cerbère & back and add to basket, then check out.

Alternatively, you can book from London to Paris at www.eurostar.com , then book the sleeper train at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com , more work but no booking fee.

2. Paris to Perpignan or Cerbère by French overnight train

The intercité de nuit overnight train from Paris to Perpignan & Cerbère has 1st class couchettes in 4-berth compartments & 2nd class couchettes in 6-berth compartments, each bunk supplied with lightweight sleeping-bag & mineral water.  More about intercités de nuit .  Watch the video guide .  Paris Austerlitz station guide .

This is a simple local train, technically classified suburban ( Cercanias in Spanish, Rodalies in Catalan).  2nd class only, no catering so have some supplies with you.

London to Madrid & Zaragoza

The Elipsos sleeper train from Paris to Madrid was discontinued in 2013 and is sadly missed, but it's still easy to travel from London or Paris to Madrid by train, with an overnight stop in Paris or Barcelona.  If you want to avoid crossing Paris, option 2 takes you London-Lille-Nîmes on day 1, overnight stop, then Nîmes to Madrid by direct high-speed AVE on day 2.  Also worth considering is the northern route in option 3 with an overnight stop in San Sebastian, this can often be cheaper.

For Zaragoza, use either option 1 or 2, simply book from Barcelona or Nîmes to Zaragoza instead of Madrid.

Option 1, London to Madrid via Barcelona

London ► madrid (morning departure, overnight in barcelona), london ► madrid (evening departure, overnight in paris).

The last Eurostar leaves London St Pancras at 20.01 arriving Paris Gare du Nord 23:18, but by all means book an earlier one.

Madrid ► London (in a single day)

Madrid ► london (with overnight stop in paris).

Eurostar trains link London & Paris in 2h20, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in at London St Pancras as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More about Eurostar & check-in procedure .  St Pancras station guide .  Paris Gare du Nord station guide .  How to change trains & stations in Paris by metro or taxi .

2. Paris to Barcelona by TGV Duplex

Sit back with a glass of red and enjoy the ride - book an upper deck seat for the best views.  The train is equipped with power sockets for laptops & mobiles at all seats in both classes, and a cafe-bar serves drinks, snacks & microwaved hot dishes.  More about Paris-Barcelona TGVs .  Paris Gare de Lyon station guide .  Barcelona Sants station guide .

3. Barcelona to Madrid by AVE

AVEs have a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats, and they're now being fitted with free WiFi.  Madrid Atocha station guide .

Option 2, London to Madrid with overnight stop in Nîmes

If you want to avoid having to cross Paris, this is the option for you.  London to Madrid with just one easy same-station change in Lille and another in Nimes.  I reckon Nîmes makes the best stopover given the timings, but the direct AVE from Nimes to Madrid also calls at Avignon TGV, Montpelier and Perpignan, so you could stop overnight at any of those places instead.

London ► Madrid

The Eurostar has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. 

Day 1, travel from Lille to Nimes by TGV , leaving Lille Europe at 17:01 & arriving Nîmes Centre at 21:39.

The TGV has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  This train by-passes Paris to the east.

Stay overnight in Nîmes .  The inexpensive Ibis Budget Nimes Gare is just 50m from the station and gets good reviews.  The Ibis Styles Nimes Gare next door is a more upmarket option, but also inexpensive with good reviews.

Madrid ► London

Nimes Centre is the original station in the city centre.  Nimes Pont du Gard is a new out-of-town station several kilometres outside the city, so you'll need a taxi or bus to reach it, or there's a regional train leaving Nîmes' city centre station at 08:45 which connects with the TGV, check times when you book.

Step 2, still on www.raileurope.com , book from Nimes to Madrid one-way and add to basket.  If returning, now book Madrid to Nimes one-way, add to basket and check out.

Alternatively, you can book Eurostar & TGV with no booking fee at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com and book the Spanish AVE between Nîmes & Madrid using Renfe's website www.renfe.com ( see my advice on using it ).

2. Lille to Nîmes by TGV

3. Nîmes to Madrid by AVE

These AVE type S100 have a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  They are now run entirely by Renfe (Spanish Railways) with no SNCF (French Railways) involvement.  More about AVE S100 trains .  Madrid Atocha station guide .

Option 3, London to Madrid with overnight stop in San Sebastian

This is slower than options 1 or 2, but often cheaper.  And what's not to like about a stopover in San Sebastian?

Stay overnight in San Sebastian, a lovely city, well worth a longer stop.  The Pension San Ignacio Centro is just 10 minutes walk from San Sebastian Renfe station and gets great reviews.  If you want somewhere in the old town try the Pension Garibai or Pension Alameda .

Day 2, travel from San Sebastian to Madrid by Alvia train, leaving San Sebastian Renfe station at 09:02 arriving Madrid Chamartin at 13:56.

If you need to be in Madrid earlier, on Mondays-Fridays an Intercity train leaves San Sebastian at 05:02 arriving Madrid Chamartin at 09:57.

If you'd like a day in San Sebastian, there are afternoon trains too, check at www.thetrainline.com , www.raileurope.com or www.renfe.com .

These smart Alvia & Intercity trains have a cafe-bar and power sockets at all seats, a pleasure to travel in.  There's great scenery winding down out of the Pyrenees after leaving San Sebastian.  These trains also have an interesting party trick:  Half way through the journey they pass slowly through a shed, and axles adjust from Iberian gauge (5'6") to standard gauge (4'8½") before joining the modern high-speed line the rest of the way to Madrid.

Day 1, travel from Madrid to San Sebastian by Alvia train, leaving Madrid Chamartin at 17:38 & arriving San Sebastian Renfe station at 22:40.

Alternatively, an earlier Intercity train leaves Madrid Chamartin at 14:46 daily except Saturdays, arriving San Sebastian Renfe station at 19:33.

If you'd like an afternoon in San Sebastian, an Intercity train leaves Madrid Chamartin at 08:43 and arriving San Sebastian at 13:37.

These smart Alvia & Intercity trains have a cafe-bar and power sockets at all seats.  They've an interesting party trick:  After travelling at up to 250km/h on the standard gauge high-speed line from Madrid, they slow right down and pass through a shed where axles adjust from standard gauge (4'8½") to Iberian gauge (5'6").  They then complete the second half of the journey over classic lines, with great scenery winding up into the Pyrenees approaching San Sebastian.

Day 2, transfer from San Sebastian to Hendaye on the French border by Euskotren ( www.euskotren.eus ), leaving San Sebastian Amara station (10 minutes walk from the Renfe station) every 30 minutes all day, journey time 37 minutes, fare around €2.75, buy at the station and hop on the next train.  In Hendaye the Euskotren station is in the station forecourt of the mainline SNCF French Railways station, but obviously make sure you get to Hendaye in plenty of time for your train to Paris.  See the Euskotren photos & information on the Paris to San Sebastian page .

Book from London to Paris at www.eurostar.com with print-at-home tickets and no booking fee.

Book from Paris to Hendaye and (and back, if returning) at www.sncf-connect.com , with print-your-own, show-on-phone or collect-at-station tickets and no booking fee.  Make sure you allow at least 60 minutes to change trains & stations in Paris southbound, 90 minutes northbound as this needs to include the 30-minute Eurostar check-in.

1. London to Paris by Eurostar:   See the Eurostar page

2. Paris to Hendaye by TGV Duplex:   See TGV Duplex Océane information

3. Hendaye to San Sebastian by Euskotren:   See the photos in the San Sebastian section below

4. San Sebastian to Madrid by fast Alvia train:  See the AVE S100 page

These smart Alvia trains have a cafe-bar and power sockets at all seats.  There's great scenery winding down out of the Pyrenees after leaving San Sebastian.  Alvia trains have adjustable axles so they can leave San Sebastian on the classic Iberian-gauge line, then run on the standard-gauge high-speed line at up to 250km/h the rest of the way to Madrid Chamartin .

London to Malaga, Cordoba, Seville

Here are three good options for travel from the UK to Andalusia & the Costa del Sol, with a fourth in summer.  Option 1 is fastest, simplest and usually cheapest, if you don't mind changing trains & stations in Paris.  It's too far to do in a day, so an overnight stop is necessary in Barcelona.  Option 2 takes a little longer, but involves a same-station connection in Lille so avoids having to cross Paris, with an overnight stop in Nimes in the south of France.  Option 3 uses a French couchette train so avoids having to stop overnight in a hotel and involves some nice scenery.  You can of course go out one way and back another.

For Torremolinos, Fuengirola, Marbella & Estepona, travel to Malaga and use local trains as explained here .

Option 1, London to Seville & Malaga with overnight stop in Barcelona

London ► malaga, cordoba, seville, malaga, seville, cordoba ► london.

Both these AVE-S112 trains have Standard & Comfort class, a cafe-bar, power sockets & free WiFi, see the photos & information here .

Or ask Byway to arrange it as a package

Byway ( Byway.travel ) is a new UK-based eco-holiday firm, with a 5-star TrustPilot rating .  If you're nervous about booking train travel yourself, they'll book a trip from the UK to Spain for you as a package, including hotels and starting from any British station you like.  Byway also includes package protection, a 100% Covid refund guarantee, free disruption and re-planning and on-demand WhatsApp support while you're away.

They can build a trip to your requirements if you email them or use this contact form .  Please say you heard about them from Seat 61.

Or ask Railbookers to arrange it as a package

If you need hotels as well, the easy option is to get specialist agency Railbookers to arrange your whole trip as a package, with trains, hotels & transfers sorted in one phone call.  As they are selling you a package they'll look after you if anything happens such as a strike or major delay.  Tell them when and where you want to go and they'll advise you on the best trains, routes & hotels and sort it out for you.  They get positive reviews.

Torremolinos & Fuengirola

Local suburban ( Cercanias ) trains link Malaga's main Maria Zambrano station with Torremolinos (journey time 23 minutes, fare €2.05) and Fuengirola (journey 47 minutes, fare €3.60).  They run every 20 minutes from 05:30 to 22:30.

You won't need to pay for a suburban train ticket if you have a Spanish long-distance train ticket, see the advice here about Renfe's CombinadoCercanias offer .

For further information see www.renfe.com , click the globe and 'Ingles' for English, click 'Commuter trains' then select 'Malaga'.

Marbella & Estepona

Option 1 is to take a frequent suburban train from Malaga to Fuengirola (see above) then a frequent connecting bus to Marbella or Estepona.  You won't need to pay for the suburban train if you have a Spanish long-distance train ticket, learn about Renfe's CombinadoCercanias offer .

Option 2 is to take a direct bus from Malaga to Marbella or Estepona.  Buses to Marbella leave from Malaga bus station (right next door to the railway station) every hour or so, fast buses take 45 minutes, slow buses 75 minutes, fare around €8, see www.avanzabus.com .  Buses also run from Malaga to Estepona, journey time 2 hours, fare around €10, see www.avanzabus.com .

3. Barcelona to Malaga, Cordoba or Seville by AVE

These superb-quality AVE high speed trains are amongst the classiest trains in Europe.  They have three classes, Comfort for Premium ticket holders (true 1st class with real leather seats), Comfort (1st class seating) and Standard (2nd class).  AVE trains run at up to 310 km/h (193 mph) over the new high-speed lines from Barcelona to Malaga & Seville.  Most trains on this route are the S112 type shown below, little articulated single-axle Talgo carriages sandwiched between strange-looking duck-billed power cars, hence the nickname pato , Spanish for duck.  AVEs are now being fitted with free WiFi.

Option 2, London to Seville & Malaga with overnight stop in Nîmes

If you want to avoid having to cross Paris, this is the option for you.  London to Spain with one easy same-station change in Lille and another in Nimes.  I think Nîmes makes the best stopover given the timings, but the direct AVE from Nimes to Madrid also calls at Avignon TGV, Montpelier and Perpignan, so you could stop overnight at any of those places instead.

London ► Cordoba, Seville, Malaga

At Lille Europe it's an easy same-station change, with time for a coffee or a beer between trains.

The TGV has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

Or travel from Malaga or Cordoba to Madrid by AVE high-speed train , leaving Malaga Maria Zambrano 08:58 or Cordoba 10:02 daily except Saturdays arriving Madrid Atocha 12:03.  On Saturdays, leave Malaga Maria Zambrano at 08:05 arriving Madrid Atocha 10:43 or leave Cordoba 09:21 arriving Madrid Atocha 11:16.

Alternatively, you could spend a morning in Nimes and leave Nîmes' city centre station at 15:19 arriving London St Pancras 21:57 (21:27 Saturdays).  See the UK to France page for full details of Nîmes-London train service .

Step 2, still on www.raileurope.com , book from Nimes to Cordoba, Malaga or Seville one-way and add to basket.  If returning, now book Seville, Malaga or Cordoba to Nimes one-way, add to basket and check out.

If you have any problems, book Nimes to Madrid, add to basket, then book Madrid onwards, add to basket, and check out.

3. Nîmes to Madrid by direct AVE

Option 3, London to Cordoba & Seville via sleeper train

The Paris-Barcelona trainhotel was sadly discontinued in 2013, but you can still use a French sleeper train between Paris and the Spanish border, then onward trains.  This can be a useful alternative to using daytime TGV service, which requires an overnight stop along the way.  You can of course go one way by TGV, the other way using a sleeper train, just remember to book the Eurostar as a round trip, because Eurostar return fares are significantly less than two one-ways.

Step 2, travel overnight from Paris to Latour de Carol in the Pyrenees or from Paris to Cerbère on the Spanish border by French sleeper train, leaving Paris Gare d'Austerlitz around 21:40.  Then take a local train from Latour or Cerbère to Barcelona Sants arriving at 13:45.

See the Paris to Barcelona by sleeper train page for full details, train times, tips & photos .

Step 3, travel from Barcelona to Cordoba, Seville or Malaga by AVE-S112 train leaving Barcelona Sants at 15:15 arriving Cordoba 20:32, Seville Santa Justa at 21:25 and Malaga Maria Zambrano at 21:42.

The AVE-S112 has Standard & Comfort class seats, a cafe-bar, power sockets & free WiFi, see the photos & information here .

Seville, Cordoba ► London

Barcelona to Cordoba or Seville starts at around €45.  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.

Although you can book from London to Latour all in one go, it's better to split the booking like this:  First book from London (or any station in Britain) to Paris and back, add to basket, then book the overnight train from Paris to Latour de Carol one-way and add to basket, then book Latour de Carol to Paris one-way and add to basket.

This way you can mix & match a 2nd class seat on Eurostar with a 1st class 4-berth couchette on the overnight train, and you can book an earlier Eurostar if it has cheaper seats available or if you'd like more time in Paris.  Always allow at least 60 minutes between trains in Paris, when catching a sleeper I'd allow more than this, say 2 hours.

Option 4, London to Seville & Malaga with overnight stop in Paris

This option runs in summer from 6 July to 1 September 2024 , when an additional early-morning Paris-Barcelona TGV allows a same-day connection with the onward afternoon train from Barcelona to Malaga, Cordoba & Seville.  This is a useful option:  An evening departure means you have all day to travel from anywhere in Britain up to London, and/or you have the freedom to book whichever Eurostar departure offers the cheapest tickets.

London ► Seville & Malaga

The AVE has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

Malaga & Seville ► London

London to granada, london ► granada, granada ► london.

If you need hotels booked for you as well, the easy option is to get specialist agency Railbookers to arrange your whole trip as a package, with train bookings, hotels & transfers all sorted in one phone call.  Tell them when and where you want to go and they'll advise you on the best trains, routes & hotels and sort it all out.  They get very positive reviews.

Other routes & options

You can of course use any of the routes & options between London & Barcelona suggested in the London to Barcelona section above , including options using the overnight couchette train between Paris & Latour de Carol or Paris & Perpignan/Cerbère .  Then use onward trains between Barcelona and Granada, booked at www.raileurope.com .

3. Barcelona to Granada by AVE

These superb-quality AVE high speed trains are amongst the classiest trains in Europe.  They have three classes, Comfort class for Premium ticket holders (true 1st class with real leather seats), Comfort (1st class) and Standard (2nd class).  AVE trains run at up to 310 km/h (193 mph) over the new high-speed lines from Barcelona to Malaga & Seville.  Most trains on this route are the S112 type shown below, little articulated single-axle Talgo carriages sandwiched between strange-looking duck-billed power cars, hence the nickname pato , Spanish for duck.  AVEs are now being fitted with free WiFi.

London to Valencia & Alicante

Here are three good options for travel from the UK to Valencia, Alicante, Benidorm and the Costa Blanca.  Option 1 is fastest and simplest, if you don't mind changing trains & stations in Paris.  It's too far to do in a day, so you need to stay overnight in either in Paris or Barcelona.  Option 2 takes only a little longer, but involves a same-station connection in Lille so avoids having to cross Paris, with an overnight stop in Nîmes.  Option 3 uses a French couchette train so avoids having to stop overnight in a hotel and involves some nice scenery.  You can of course go out one way and back another.

Option 1, London to the Costa Blanca by high-speed train

This is the fastest and most comfortable option, by high-speed train with an overnight stop in either Paris or Barcelona.

London ► Valencia, Alicante (morning departure)

London ► valencia, alicante (evening departure), alicante, valencia ► london (morning departure), alicante, valencia ► london (afternoon departure), the benidorm connection.

To reach Benidorm, travel to Alicante by train as shown above.  On arrival at Alicante Terminal station, walk 6 minutes along the Avenida de La Estacion to the Luceros tram station in the Plaza de los Luceros, see walking map .

Trams leave Luceros tram station every 30 minutes or so throughout the day for Benidorm, journey time 1h12, fare €2.80 one-way.

For tram timetables & fares see www.fgvalicante.com .  Alternatively, buses are available to Benidorm from just outside Alicante station. 

Money-saving tip :  The tram to Benidorm is included in the Renfe Combinado Cercanias arrangement explained on the Train Travel in Spain page .  So if you bought your Barcelona-Alicante ticket from Thetrainline.com, Raileurope.com, Petrabax.com or renfe.com, there will be a code printed on it which you can tap into the tram ticket machine at any tram station or on board the tram to get a free ticket on the Alicante-Benidorm tram within 4 hours of arrival in (or departure from) Alicante.  When you arrive at Alicante Luceros tram station you need to tap the code into a tram ticket machine to get a free ticket to exit through the barriers.

See the London to Spain by high-speed train section for fares between London & Barcelona.

Barcelona to Alicante by EuroMed train starts at around €23 in Standard class or €47 in Comfort class.

Barcelona to Valencia by EuroMed starts at around €18 in Standard class or €37 in Comfort class.

Fares vary like air fares, rising as the cheaper tickets are sold, so book early for the best prices.  Children under 4 free.

If you need hotels as well, the easy option is to get specialist agency Railbookers to arrange your whole trip, with trains, hotels & transfers sorted in one phone call.  As they are selling you a package they'll look after you if anything happens such as a strike or major delay.  Tell them when and where you want to go and they'll advise you on the best trains, routes & hotels and sort it all out for you.

Byway ( Byway.travel ) is a new UK-based eco-holiday firm, with a 5-star TrustPilot rating .  If you're nervous about booking train travel yourself, they'll book a trip from the UK to Spain for you as a package, including hotels and starting from any British station you like.  Byway includes package protection, a 100% Covid refund guarantee, free disruption and re-planning and on-demand WhatsApp support while you're away.

3. Barcelona to Valencia & Alicante by EuroMed train

Option 2, London to Valencia & Alicante with overnight stop in Nîmes

This is well worth considering as it runs daily all year and avoids having to cross Paris.  I think Nîmes makes the best stopover point, but you could equally well stop for the night at Montpellier.

London ► Valencia, Alicante

The Eurostar has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  At Lille Europe it's an easy same-station change.

Day 1, travel from Lille to Nimes by TGV , leaving Lille Europe at 17:01 & arriving Nimes at 21:39.

Day 2, travel from Nîmes to Barcelona by AVE S100 high-speed train , leaving Nîmes Centre at 09:01 and arriving Barcelona Sants at 12:38.

Day 2, travel from Barcelona to Valencia or Alicante by EuroMed train , leaving Barcelona Sants at 16:10 & arriving Valencia Joaquin Sorolla 18:57 & Alicante 21:05.  The EuroMed train has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

Alicante, Valencia ► London

Day 2, on any day or date:  Travel from Nîmes to Lille Europe by high-speed TGV with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

Step 2, still on www.raileurope.com , now book from Nimes to Valencia or Alicante, add to basket and check out.

If you have any problems, book Nîmes to Barcelona, add to basket, book Barcelona to Valencia or Alicante, add to basket & check out.

Booking for Eurostar opens 6 months ahead , booking for TGVs opens up to 4 months ahead .  Booking for Spanish trains typically opens 60 days ahead , but this varies.  You print your own tickets, Eurostar & TGV tickets can also be shown on your phone.

Alternatively, you can book Eurostar & TGV with no booking fee at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com and book the Spanish trains between Nimes & Barcelona, Barcelona & Alicante using Renfe's website www.renfe.com ( see my advice on using it ).

Eurostar trains link London & Lille in 1h22, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in at London St Pancras as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More about Eurostar & check-in procedure .  St Pancras station guide .  Lille station guide & tips on changing trains .

Option 3, London to Valencia & Alicante via sleeper train

Step 2, travel overnight from Paris to Latour de Carol in the Pyrenees or to Cerbère on the Spanish border by French sleeper train, leaving Paris Gare d'Austerlitz in the evening.  Then take a local train from Latour or Cerbère to Barcelona Sants arriving 13:46.

Step 3, travel from Barcelona to Valencia or Alicante by EuroMed train , leaving Barcelona Sants at 16:10, arriving Valencia Joaquin Sorolla at 19:02 & Alicante at 21:34.

Step 1, travel from Alicante or Valencia to Barcelona by EuroMed train , leaving Alicante at 06:55 or Valencia Joaquin Sorolla at 09:05 and arriving Barcelona Sants at 12:16.  Have lunch in Barcelona.

Step 2, travel from Barcelona to Paris overnight, taking a local train at around 14:30 from Barcelona Sants to either Latour de Carol in the Pyrenees or to Cerbère on the French border, then a French sleeper train overnight to Paris Gare d'Austerlitz .

Barcelona to Valencia or Alicante starts at around €23.  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.

Although you can book from London to Latour or Cerbère all in one go, it's better to split the booking like this:  First book from London (or any station in Britain) to Paris and back, add to basket, then book the overnight train from Paris to Latour de Carol or Cerbère one-way and add to basket, then book Latour de Carol or Cerbère to Paris one-way and add to basket.

London to Cadiz , Algeciras etc.

London ► cadiz, jerez, almeria, murcia, cartagena, ronda, algeciras.

For Algeciras & Ronda :  Travel from Barcelona to Madrid by AVE S-103 high-speed train leaving Barcelona Sants at 11:00 and arriving Madrid Atocha at 13:45, then travel from  Madrid to Algeciras by Intercity train, leaving Madrid Atocha at 15:16 and arriving Ronda at 19:42 & Algeciras at 21:13.

For Murcia :  Travel by direct Intercity train leaving Barcelona Sants at 12:00 arriving at Murcia at 19:42.

For Cartagena :  Travel by direct Intercity train leaving Barcelona Sants at 15:00 arriving Cartagena at 23:49.  Earlier departures are available with a change of train.

For Almeria :  Travel from Barcelona to Almeria leaving Barcelona Sants by AVE S-112 high-speed train at 06:45, change at Granada, arriving Almeria at 17:52.

Algeciras, Ronda, Almeria, Cartagena, Murcia, Cadiz, Jerez ► London

From Algeciras or Ronda :  Travel from Algeciras to Antequera-Santa Ana, leaving Algeciras at 10:30 & Ronda at 12:24 by Media Distancia train, change at Antequera Santa Ana (arrive 13:25, depart 16:44) arriving Barcelona Sants at 22:35.

From Cartagena or Murcia :  Take the direct Intercity train leaving Cartagena at 12:00 or Murcia at 13:07 arriving Barcelona Sants at 21:07.

From Almeria :  Leave Almeria at 07:32 by Intercity train, change at Madrid Atocha onto a high-speed AVE , arriving Barcelona Sants at 17:20.

Or let Railbookers arrange it

If you need hotels as well, the easy option is to get specialist agency Railbookers to arrange your whole trip as a package, with trains, hotels & transfers sorted in one phone call.  As they are selling you a package they'll look after you if anything happens such as a strike or major delay.  Tell them when and where you want to go and they'll advise you on the best trains, routes & hotels.  They get very positive reviews.

You can of course use any of the routes & options between London & Barcelona listed in the London to Barcelona section above , including options using the overnight couchette train between Paris & Latour de Carol or Paris & Perpignan/Cerbère .  Then use any suitable train between Barcelona and your final Spanish destination, booked at www.raileurope.com .

London to San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a popular destination, rightly so as it's a wonderful place.  It can help to know that it's Basque name is Donostia , you'll often see it shown as Donostia not San Sebastian.  If your budget allows, look no further than the wonderful Hotel de Londres y Inglaterra , located right on the seafront.  Paris to Hendaye on the Spanish border takes as little as 4h36 by high-speed TGV , the half-hourly metro train from Hendaye to San Sebastian then takes just 37 minutes.  You can also take a ferry from Portsmouth to Bilbao then a local train to San Sebastian, see the ferry to Spain page .

London ► San Sebastian in a day, 07:01 departure

London ► san sebastian in a day, 08:01 departure on saturdays, london ► san sebastian in a day, 10:24 departure, daily except saturdays, london ► san sebastian evening departure, overnight stop in paris, san sebastian ► london in a day by 09:34 tgv.

The impressive double-deck TGV Duplex Océane has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see the TGV photos below .  I recommend an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number >60 is upper deck.  Times may vary so check for your date at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com .  Hendaye is on the French side of the Spanish border.

San Sebastian ► London in a day by 13:06 TGV

The impressive double-deck TGV Duplex Océane has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see the TGV photos below .  I recommend an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number >60 is upper deck.  Times vary so check for your date at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com .  Hendaye is on the French side of the Spanish border.

San Sebastian ► London by 18:07 TGV with overnight in Paris

Tip:   I recommend clicking More options , entering Paris and at least 1h15 stopover duration.  This ensures a robust connection in  Paris.

Tip:   After booking you can use the Manage booking facility at www.eurostar.com to choose an exact seat from a seating plan, see tips on choosing a seat on Eurostar .

You can also book using the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com , only in €, more fiddly then www.raileurope.com , but no booking fee.

Eurostar trains link London & Paris in 2h20, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in at London St Pancras as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More about Eurostar & check-in procedure .  St Pancras station guide .  Paris Gare du Nord station guide .  How to cross Paris by metro or taxi .

2. Paris to Hendaye by TGV

3. Hendaye to San Sebastian by Euskotren

London to Pamplona & Bilbao

This is a fast and comfortable option, with all-daytime travel by Eurostar & TGV high-speed train and an overnight stop in wonderful San Sebastian on the Basque coast.  The times below show the new faster TGV service from Paris to the Spanish border starting on 2 July 2017, made possible by the new Tour-Bordeaux high-speed line.

London ► Pamplona, Bilbao

Stay overnight in San Sebastian, a lovely city, worth a longer stop.  The Pension San Ignacio Centro is just 10 minutes walk from San Sebastian Renfe station and gets great reviews.  If you want somewhere in the old town try the Pension Garibai or Pension Alameda .

Alternatively, there are buses from San Sebastian to Bilbao run by www.alsa.es .  The buses run every hour or two, journey time 1h30, fare €8 one way, €16 return.

Pamplona, Bilbao ► London

Travel from Pamplona to San Sebastian by smart modern air-conditioned Alvia train, leaving Pamplona at 19:30 and arriving San Sebastian-Donostia Renfe station at 21:16.

Hop on one of the hourly narrow gauge trains run by Euskotren from Bilbao Matiko station to San Sebastian Amara station, journey time 2 hours 35 minutes, fare €6.50, buy a ticket at the station and hop on the next train.

Stay overnight in San Sebastian - a lovely city, worth a longer stop.  The Pension San Ignacio Centro is just 10 minutes walk from San Sebastian Renfe station and gets great reviews.  If you want somewhere in the old town try the Pension Garibai or Pension Alameda .

The impressive double-deck TGV Duplex Océane has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see the TGV photos above .  I recommend an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number >60 is upper deck.  Times vary so check for your date at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com .  Hendaye is on the French side of the Spanish border.

Anyone can use www.raileurope.com , in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, you usually print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.  It'll sell tickets to Hendaye from any station in Britain, not just London.  There's a small booking fee.

Booking for Eurostar opens 6 months ahead , booking for TGVs opens up to 4 months ahead .  Booking for Spanish trains typically opens 60 days ahead , but this varies.

Book from London to Paris at www.eurostar.com with print-at-home or show-on-phone tickets.

Book from Paris to Hendaye at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com .  Make sure you allow at least 60 minutes to change trains & stations in Paris southbound, 90 minutes northbound (as northbound you have to include the 30 minute Eurostar check-in)

London to Segovia, Toledo, Avila & Salamanca

London to santiago de compostela, vigo & a coruña.

Option 1 is to go via San Sebastian, a lovely city for a stopover and it's the quickest and usually cheapest route.  However, if you'd like a simpler journey with fewer changes, option 2 is to go via Barcelona.  Why not go out one way and back another?  Apart from the London-Paris Eurostar (which should always be booked as a round trip as return fares are significantly cheaper than two one-ways), all these trains are one-way ticketed, so there is no cost penalty in going out one way and back the other.

Option 1, London to Galicia via San Sebastian

This is a comfortable all-daytime journey through interesting scenery with an overnight stop in a hotel in lovely San Sebastian. 

London ► Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Vigo

Day 2, travel from San Sebastian to Madrid by air-conditioned Alvia train, leaving San Sebastian (Renfe station) at 09:02 arriving Madrid Chamartin at 13:56.

The high-speed Alvia trains have a cafe-bar and standard & comfort class seats.  It's a lovely run down out of the Pyrenees onto the plains.  For the first part of the journey the train uses classic lines, then it passes slowly through a shed and automatically changes track gauge from Spanish 5'6" broad gauge to standard gauge 4' 8½".  It then joins the high-speed line for a final dash at up to 250 km/h (155 mph) to Madrid.

Day 2, travel from Madrid to Galicia by air-conditioned Alvia train.

An Alvia train leaves Madrid Chamartin at 16:00 and arrives Vigo Urzaiz at 20:12.

Another leaves Madrid Chamartin at 17:45 & arrives Santiago de Compostela at 21:28 & A Coruna at 21:59.

The high-speed Alvia trains have a cafe-bar and standard & comfort class seats.

Vigo, A Coruña, Santiago de Compostela ► London

The impressive double-deck TGV Duplex Océane has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see the TGV photos below .  Times vary so check for your date at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com .  I recommend an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number >60 is upper deck.  Hendaye is on the French side of the Spanish border.

How to buy tickets, advanced

Step 1, book from London to Paris at www.eurostar.com .

Step 2, book from Paris to Hendaye and (and back, if returning) at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com .  Make sure you allow at least 60 minutes to change trains & stations in Paris southbound, 90 minutes northbound as this needs to include the 30-minute Eurostar check-in.  Ideally more.

2. Paris to Hendaye by TGV Duplex Océane

3. Hendaye to San Sebastian by Euskotren:   See the photos in the San Sebastian section above

4. San Sebastian to Santiago de Compostela, Coruna, Vigo .  If you get any more photos of these trains or the journey, please let me know!

Option 2, London to Galicia via Barcelona

This takes a couple of hours longer overall compared to option 1 and usually costs a few euros more, but it's a simpler journey using a direct train from Paris to Barcelona and a direct train from Barcelona to Galicia, with no need to walk across San Sebastian!

Day 1, travel from Galicia to Barcelona by high-speed air-conditioned Alvia-S130 train .

Step 2, book from Paris to Barcelona at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com .  Make sure you allow at least 60 minutes to change trains & stations in Paris southbound, 90 minutes northbound as this needs to include the 30-minute Eurostar check-in.  Ideally more.

London to Ibiza

It's easy to travel from London to Ibiza by train & ferry, no airports, no flights.  You take a Eurostar to Paris, a high-speed double-deck TGV to Barcelona, then sail overnight on a comfortable ferry from Barcelona to Ibiza.  Here, I explain how.

London ► Ibiza

The last Eurostar usually leaves London St Pancras at 20.01 arriving Paris Gare du Nord 23:18, but by all means book an earlier one.

Day 2, sail from Barcelona to Ibiza by overnight ferry.

There are two ferry companies, both with lounges, bar, restaurant, reclining seats & cosy private cabins with shower & toilet:

Trasmed operate an overnight ferry to Ibiza on most nights of the week, times vary but it typically sails at 22:00, arriving in Ibiza town (Ibiza Ciudad) at 07:00.  Check sailing dates & times at the Direct Ferries website (in English) or www.trasmed.com (only in Spanish or Catalan).

Balearia also operate an overnight ferry to Ibiza on most nights of the week, sailing times vary but it typically sails at 22:00, arriving in Ibiza town (Ibiza Ciudad) at 06:00.  Check sailing dates & times at the Direct Ferries website or www.balearia.com .

Ibiza ► London

Day 1, sail from Ibiza to Barcelona by ferry.

In this direction sailings are usually daytime ones.  There are two ferry companies, both with lounges, bar, restaurant, reclining seats & cosy private cabins with shower & toilet:

Trasmed operate a ferry from Ibiza to Barcelona on most days of the week, sailing times vary but it typically sails from Ibiza town (Ibiza Ciudad) around 11:00, arriving in Barcelona at 19:30.  It occasionally sails overnight.  Check sailing dates and times at the Direct Ferries website or www.trasmed.com .

Barcelona to Ibiza by ferry starts at €32.20 in a seat with Trasmed or €26.50 with Balearia. 

Step 1, book the ferry from Barcelona to Ibiza using the Direct Ferries website .  This can book tickets for both ferry operators.

Byway ( Byway.travel ) is a UK-based eco-holiday firm with a 5-star TrustPilot rating .  If you're nervous about booking yourself, they'll book a trip from the UK to Ibiza for you as a package, including hotels and starting from any British station you like.  Byway also includes package protection, a 100% Covid refund guarantee, free disruption and re-planning and on-demand WhatsApp support while you're away.

The ferry to Ibiza...

Balearia ferry in Ibiza harbour.  Courtesy of Discoverbyrail.com .

Useful alternatives

London to mallorca & minorca.

It's easy to travel from London to Mallorca or Menorca without flying.  You take a Eurostar to Paris & TGV to Barcelona, then take the daily overnight ferry from Barcelona to Palma de Mallorca.  Alternatively, there's an even easier route from the UK to Menorca & Alcudia on Mallorca using an overnight ferry from Toulon in the south of France which runs several times a week in summer.

The larger island is Mallorca in Spanish, but often written Majorca in English.  Similarly the smaller island is Menorca in Spanish, often written Minorca in English.

Option 1, via Barcelona

London ► palma de mallorca.

Day 2, sail from Barcelona to Palma de Mallorca by overnight ferry.

Trasmed operate an overnight ferry to Palma on most nights of the week, times vary but it typically sails at 22:45, arriving in Palma at 06:00.  Check sailing dates & times at the Direct Ferries website (in English) or www.trasmed.com (only in Spanish or Catalan).

Balearia also operate an overnight ferry to Palma on most nights of the week, sailing times vary but it typically sails at 22:15, arriving in Palma at 05:30.  Check sailing dates & times at the Direct Ferries website or www.balearia.com .

Or stay overnight in Barcelona & take a daytime fast ferry to Alcudia.

On many days in summer Balearia operate a daytime fast ferry (SeaCat) from Barcelona to Alcudia on the northeast corner of Mallorca near Pollensa, calling at Menorca on the way.  This leaves from directly alongside the Balearia terminal in central Barcelona around 16:30, arriving Menorca at 20:00 & Alcudia on Mallorca at 22:00.

See www.balearia.com or use the Direct Ferries website to check whether it is running on your dates of travel.  There will be plenty of taxis waiting at Alcudia ferry terminal, it's a 10 minute taxi ride to Pollensa.

Palma de Mallorca ► London

Day 1, sail from Palma de Mallorca to Barcelona by ferry.

In this direction sailings are usually daytime.  There are two ferry companies, both with lounges, bar, restaurant, reclining seats & cosy private cabins with shower & toilet.

Trasmed operate a ferry from Palma de Mallorca to Barcelona on most days of the week, sailing times vary but it typically sails from Palma around 11:30, arriving in Barcelona at 19:00.  It occasionally sails overnight.  Check sailing dates and times at the Direct Ferries website or www.trasmed.com .

Or take a daytime fast ferry from Alcudia to Barcelona.

Alternatively, on many days in summer Balearia operate a fast ferry (SeaCat) from Alcudia to Barcelona, calling at Menorca on the way.  It typically leaves Alcudia at 08:30 and Menorca at 10:30, arriving Barcelona at 14:30, but times vary.  See www.balearia.com or use the Direct Ferries website to check sailing dates & times.  Alcudia is just 10 minutes by taxi from Pollensa.

Barcelona to Palma de Mallorca by ferry starts at €40 in a seat with Trasmed or €24.50 with Balearia. 

Step 1, book the ferry from Barcelona to Palma de Mallorca using the Direct Ferries website .  This can book tickets for both ferry operators.

Trains on Mallorca:   There are two train lines on Majorca, from Palma to Inca & Soller, see www.tib.org & (for Soller) trendesoller.com .

Hotels on Mallorca:   There are of course many hotels and resorts on Mallorca, but I can recommend the Pollentia Club Resort near Pollensa.

Byway ( Byway.travel ) is a UK-based eco-holiday firm with a 5-star TrustPilot rating .  If you're nervous about booking yourself, they'll book a trip from the UK to Palma de Mallorca for you as a package, including hotels and starting from any British station you like.  Byway also includes package protection, a 100% Covid refund guarantee, free disruption and re-planning and on-demand WhatsApp support while you're away.

Barcelona ferry terminal

This shows the summer fast ferry from Barcelona to Alcudia, near Pollensa on Mallorca

Blue arrow = Balearia ferry terminal, white arrow = Trasmed terminal.  Above right, the Balearia terminal.  See map of Barcelona showing ferry terminals

Ferry to Palma

Grimaldi Trasmed's ferry Ciudad de Barcelona , at Barcelona port.  Photo courtesy of Luke Sibieta.

Balearia ferry.  Photo courtesy of Luke Sibieta.

Fast ferry to Alcudia

Balearia's fast ferry from Barcelona to Alcudia.  That's the Columbus Monument at the foot of La Rambla in the background - it's that central!

Sailing out of Barcelona

No easyJet, no Ryanair.   We left London in the morning and spent the following day exploring Barcelona.  Now on board the late afternoon fast ferry to Alcudia on Mallorca, the sun sets as we speed across the Med.  We spotted some dolphins earlier.

Option 2, via Toulon

This is in many ways the most convenient option if you're travelling between April & October, using a comfortable overnight ferry which sails several times a week from Toulon in the south of France.  Some sailings go to both Menorca and Alcudia (on Mallorca, near Pollensa), some just go to Alcudia.

London ► Menorca, Mallorca

The TGV Duplex has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

This comfortable overnight ferry has a lounge, bar, restaurant and private cabins with en suite toilet & shower.

Mallorca, Menorca ► London

Do not risk any tight connections with the ferry, in case of delay.  I have deliberately allowed plenty of time here.

Day 3, travel from Paris to London to Paris by any morning Eurostar you like.

The first Eurostar usually leaves Paris Gare du Nord at 07.12 arriving London St Pancras 08:30, but by all means book a later one.

Step 2, book the Eurostar and the Paris-Toulon TGV at either www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com .

The ferry from Toulon to Mallorca

The Mega Express Two (on the right) is one of the ferries used from Toulon to Mallorca & Menorca.  Photographed in Nice.

London to the Canary islands

From the UK to Lanzarote, Las Palmas & Tenerife without flying?  It's perfectly possible!  Two ferry companies now link Spain with the Canary islands, Trasmediterranea and Naviera Armas.  Here's how to travel from the UK to the Canary Islands without flying:

Option 1, via Huelva with Naviera Armas

www.navieraarmas.com started a weekly ferry from Huelva in Spain to Tenerife and Gran Canaria in 2011. It's reportedly higher quality than the Trasmediterranea ferry, but feedback is welcome!

London  ► Canaries

Day 1, Thursday:  Travel from London to Seville with an overnight stop in Barcelona. as shown in the London to Seville section .

Day 2, Friday:  You arrive in Seville in the afternoon.  Take any suitable local train from Seville Santa Justa to Huelva.  Stay overnight in Huelva.

Day 3, Saturday:  Huelva ferry terminal is some 17km from Huelva town, so take a taxi and allow time for check-in.

 The Naviera Armas ferry sails from Huelva weekly, usually at 13:00 every Saturday, arriving at Gran Canaria at 17:00 and 22:00 at Tenerife on the Sunday.  Check times, sailing dates & fares at www.navieraarmas.com .

In 2024, Naviera Armas plan to switch ports and will sail from Cadiz instead of Huelva, check their website.

Canaries  ► London

Day 1, Thursday:  The ferry sails every Thursday from Gran Canaria at 08:00 or Tenerife at 12:00 arriving Huelva at 18:00 on Friday (day 2). 

In 2024, Naviera Armas plan to switch ports and will arrive in Cadiz instead of Huelva, check their website.

Day 2, after arriving early evening, take a taxi from Huelva port into town and spend the night in Huelva.

Day 3, Saturday:  Take any suitable morning local train from Huelva to Seville Santa Justa.  Then take the afternoon AVE from Seville to Barcelona, stay overnight in Barcelona and catch a TGV & Eurostar back to London on Sunday, as shown above in the Seville to London section .

Fares & how to buy tickets

Buy tickets from London to Seville as shown above .  Add a Seville to Huelva ticket at www.raileurope.com .

Check ferry fares, sailing dates and book the ferry tickets online at www.navieraarmas.com .  Fares start at €80 each way with a reclining seat, or €200 each way per person for two passengers travelling together sharing a 2-bed cabin.

Option 2, via Cadiz with Trasmediterranea

A weekly Trasmediterranea Line cruise ferry links Cadiz in mainland Spain with Arrecife (Lanzarote), Las Palmas and Tenerife in the Canary Islands, a 2-night voyage.  The whole journey from London to Tenerife will take 3 or 4 nights.

Day 1, travel from London to Cadiz with an overnight stop in Barcelona, as shown in the London to Cadiz section above .  You arrive in Cadiz on day 2.  You need to leave London on Sunday morning if your ferry sails from Cadiz on Tuesday, or on Thursday morning if it sails on Saturday.

Day 3, the ferry to the Canaries sails from Cadiz weekly, usually on a Tuesday or Saturday evening, taking 2 days 1 night or 2 nights 1 day, depending on the sailing.  Check times, sailing dates & fares at either the Direct Ferries website or www.trasmediterranea.es .

Option 3, via Huelva with Fred Olsen

Fred Olsen Ferries sails twice a week all year round from Huelva in southern Spain to Tenerife & Gran Canaria.  It's a joint service with Balearia Ferries, which started in 2018.  The service uses a comfortable modern ship.

Day 1, travel from London to Barcelona as shown above , possible in a day when the afternoon TGV operates.  Stay overnight in Barcelona.

Day 2, travel from Barcelona to Huelva with a change in Madrid, check times and buy a ticket at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com .  Stay overnight in Huelva.

Day 3, Huelva ferry terminal is some 17 km from Huelva town, so take a taxi and allow time for check-in.

Sail from Huelva in the afternoon for Tenerife or Gran Canaria, arriving the following evening (day 4).  Check ferry sailing dates and times at the Direct Ferries website or www.fredolsen.es .  One-way fares range from €110 in a seat to €330 with private cabin, meals included.

Buy your London to Cadiz train tickets online or by phone as explained above .  Using www.raileurope.com you'd book London to Barcelona on day 1, add to basket, then Barcelona to Cadiz on day 2, and check out.

Book the ferry tickets using the Direct Ferries website or at www.trasmediterranea.es , or by phone with Trasmediterranea's UK agent, Southern Ferries on 0844 815 7785.  It's not cheap!  £550 return for two people travelling in a 2-berth cabin, £720 in a single-berth cabin.  Check fares with Southern Ferries on  0844 815 7785

UK to Spain by ferry

Cruise to spain with www.brittany-ferries.co.uk, holidays to spain by train, railbookers, railbookers.co.uk.

Railbookers can custom-make a flight-free holiday or city break to Spain for you, with train travel, transfers & hotels, leaving on any date you like.  For example, they can do a 2-night short break to Barcelona or an 8-night trip to Madrid, Valencia & Barcelona with standard class Eurostar and first class on the TGV to Barcelona.  If you tell them what you want, they'll advise you on the best trains, routes & hotels and sort it all out for you.  They get a lot of repeat business!

Byway, byway.travel

Byway ( Byway.travel ) is a new UK-based eco-holiday firm with a 5-star TrustPilot rating .  If you're nervous about booking train travel yourself, they'll book a holiday to Spain for you as a package, including train travel from the UK and hotels, starting from any British station you like.

They can build a trip to your requirements, email them or use the contact form .  Please say you heard about them from Seat 61.

Great Rail Journeys, greatrail.com

Rail discoveries raildiscoveries.com.

Rail Discoveries offers train-based escorted tours to Spain, with 3* hotels and travel from London by Eurostar and high-speed TGV.  Check details & prices online at www.raildiscoveries.com , then book online or call 01904 730 727.

European Rail Timetable & maps

Rail Map Europe is the map I recommend, covering all of Europe from Portugal in the west to Moscow & Istanbul in the east, Finland in the north to Sicily & Athens in the south.  Scenic routes & high-speed lines are highlighted.  See an extract from the map .  Buy online at www.europeanrailtimetable.eu (shipping worldwide) or at www.amazon.co.uk (UK addresses).

Click the images to buy online at Amazon.co.uk

Alternatively, download just the chapters or areas you need in .PDF format from the Lonely Planet Website , from around £2.99 or US$4.95 a chapter.

Hotels & accommodation

Hotels close to barcelona sants station.

If you're just staying overnight between trains, here are some good hotels near Barcelona Sants with good or great reviews:

Hotel Barcelo Sants , 4-star, situated directly above Barcelona Sants station itself, great reviews, recommended.

AC Hotel Sants by Marriott , 4-star, just 50m from the station.

Hotel Catalonia Roma , 3-star.

Hostal Baler , 2-star.

Hotel Transit , 1-star.

On a tight budget, a bed in a dorm at the highly-rated Ten-To-Go Hostel or Meeting Point Hostel both a stone's throw from Barcelona Sants starts at just €20 or so.

Hotels in Barcelona for a longer stay

If you're staying longer, find a hotel in the old quarter, perhaps on La Rambla itself.  Here are some hotels with good or great reviews:

Hotel DO Plaça Reial (5-star, fabulous, around £200+).

Hotel Espana (4-star, around £190, one of Barcelona's most historic & well-known hotels in a quiet location just off La Rambla).

Hotel MonteCarlo (4-star), Hotel Jazz (3-star with roof-top pool, from around £160 per night).

Hotel Catalonia Portal de l'Angel (3-star with outdoor swimming pool, Gothic quarter, around £130 for a double).

Hotel Curious (2-star, 50m from Las Ramblas, from around £90 for a double).

Hotels close to Paris Gare de Lyon

If you need to stop overnight in Paris on your way to or from Spain, these hotels near the Gare de Lyon get good reviews: 

Mercure Paris Gare de Lyon (on the station forecourt itself next to the station's famous clock tower, 4-star);

Citizen M Hotel (just along the road from the station, 4-star, great reviews);

Hotel Terminus Lyon (right in front of the station, 3-star);

Novotel Paris Gare de Lyon (opposite the station, 4-star);

Mistral Hotel (800m from Gare de Lyon, 1-star);

Hotel 26 Faubourg (5 min walk from Gare de Lyon, 2-star);  More Paris hotels .

Entrance to the Mercure Hotel at the Gare De Lyon , right next to the station's famous clock tower.  Handy for early trains!

AirBnB:  www.airbnb.com

www.airbnb.com began in 2008 when two designers who had space to share hosted three travellers looking for a place to stay.  AirBnB is a platform which connects hosts with guests, so you can now book a room in people's homes, or an apartment, flat or house which people want to rent out.  It can be nicer than a hostel, cheaper than many hotels.

Backpacker hostels: www.hostelworld.com

www.hostelworld.com :  If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels.  Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in Paris and most other European cities at rock-bottom prices.

Environmentally aware, actively ethical adventures in Spain:  www.wildsideholidays.com .

For environmentally-aware guesthouses offering walking, hiking, riding or nature-watching in the Spanish countryside and national parks, try www.wildsideholidays.com , a new site listing independent, environmentally-aware properties across Spain.  It was started by British ex-pats Clive Muir and Sue Eatock, when they found nowhere to advertise their own wonderful property deep in the heart of the Sierra de Grazelema near Ronda in Southern Spain.

Car hire comparison:  www.carrentals.co.uk

The award-winning website www.carrentals.co.uk compares many different car hire companies including Holiday Autos, meaning not only a cheapest price comparison but a wider choice of hire and drop off location.

Travel insurance & other tips

Always take out travel insurance.

You should take out travel insurance with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover from a reliable insurer.  It should cover trip cancellation and loss of cash & belongings up to a reasonable limit.  These days, check you're covered for covid-19-related issues, and use an insurer whose cover isn't invalidated by well-meant but excessive Foreign Office travel advice against non-essential travel. An annual policy is usually cheapest even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Don't expect travel insurance to bail you out of every missed connection, see the advice on missed connections here .  Here are some suggested insurers, I get a little commission if you buy through these links, feedback always welcome.

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a European mobile data package and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list .  There's no need to buy a physical SIM card!  Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data .

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate then add a foreign transaction fee on top.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month as I write this.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.  And you can get a Curve card for free.

How it works:   1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android .  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader.  The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than getting a card out).  I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card , they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  Why you need a VPN

When travelling you may use free public WiFi which is often insecure.  A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi.  It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply.  See VPNs & why you need one explained .  ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using this link you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I also get some commission to help support this site.

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, hotel bookings and Interrail or Eurail passes are often now held on your mobile phone.  You daren't let it run out of power, and you can't always rely on the phone's internal battery or on being near a power outlet.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or Buy from Amazon.com .

Touring cities?  Use hill walking shoes!

One of the best things I've done is swap my normal shoes for hill-walking shoes, in my case from Scarpa.  They're intended for hiking across the Pennines not wandering around Florence, but the support and cushioning for hiking works equally well when you're on your feet all day exploring foreign cities.  My feet used to give out first and limit my day, now the rest of me gives up before they do!

Back to home page

Travel To Spain From UK

What You Need To Know

Travel to Spain From the UK

When it comes to travelling from the UK to Spain, there are several options available to suit different preferences and budgets. Whether you're looking for a quick flight, a scenic road trip, or a leisurely ferry ride, Spain is easily accessible from the UK.

There are also a few other things that you should prepare before your trip commences such as medical cover, travel insurance and the new Etias Visa Waiver system

In this article, we'll explore the main travel options, including air travel, road trips, and ferry crossings, plus provide you with all the information you need to plan your journey.

Air Travel:

One of the most popular and convenient ways to reach Spain from the UK is by air.

With numerous flights operating between major cities, you can easily find direct flights to popular Spanish destinations such as Barcelona , Madrid, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Alicante and Valencia.

Airlines such as British Airways, Ryanair, EasyJet, and Iberia offer regular flights from various UK airports. Try checking for low-cost flights via the Cheap Flights website , which often has special flight deals to Spain.

Flying to Spain provides the advantage of saving time and reaching your destination quickly. It's an excellent option for those looking for a hassle-free journey and limited travel time.

Additionally, many airports in Spain are well-connected to the city centers, making it convenient to explore your desired destination upon arrival.

Road Trips:

For those who enjoy the adventure of a road trip, driving from the UK to Spain offers a unique experience. The journey can be divided into several stages, allowing you to explore different countries and landscapes along the way.

The most common route is through France, where you can drive through scenic regions such as the Loire Valley, Bordeaux, and the Pyrenees.

Travelling by road provides the freedom to stop at charming towns, explore hidden gems, and take in breathtaking landscapes.

It's an opportunity to create your own itinerary and discover the beauty of multiple countries en route to Spain.

However, it's important to plan your journey in advance, considering factors like driving regulations, tolls, and accommodation options along the way.

Ferry Crossings:

If you prefer a more relaxed and scenic mode of transportation, ferry crossings offer a delightful way to travel from the UK to Spain.

Several ferry operators, such as Brittany Ferries and P&O Ferries , offer regular sailings from ports like Portsmouth, Plymouth, and Southampton to destinations including Santander and Bilbao in northern Spain.

Taking a ferry allows you to bring your car, giving you the freedom to explore Spain at your own pace once you arrive.

Onboard facilities like restaurants, bars, and entertainment options ensure a comfortable and enjoyable journey. Moreover, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the sea and coastline during the crossing, adding a touch of adventure to your travel experience.

Considerations and Tips:

Travel Documents: Ensure you have valid passports and any necessary visas for your trip.

Booking in Advance: To secure the best deals and availability, it's advisable to book flights, ferries, or accommodations in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. Our travel resources page will help you find deals and help you plan your Spanish holiday.

Travel Insurance: Don't forget to obtain comprehensive travel insurance that covers any potential emergencies or medical needs during your trip.

Local Regulations: Familiarise yourself with the local driving regulations if you plan to drive in Spain and ensure your vehicle meets the necessary requirements.

Itinerary Planning: Research your destination thoroughly and plan your itinerary to make the most of your time in Spain.

ETIAS Visa Waiver: The new ETIAS visa waiver system takes effect in November 2023.

Download our comprehensive article all about travelling to Spain . You can also download our FREE E-Guides , to help you plan your next holiday to Spain.

Medical Cover Whilst Visiting Spain

When you travel to Spain from UK you should be in possession of an EHIC or GHIC card and travel insurance .

• European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
• UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
• Travel insurance with appropriate healthcare cover

An EHIC or GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance. You should have both before you travel to Spain from the UK.

What EHIC and GHIC covers

An EHIC or GHIC provides coverage for state healthcare services and not for private treatment. With an EHIC or GHIC, you can receive the medically necessary treatment in Spain under the same conditions as a Spanish citizen. This means that you will receive healthcare services either for free or at a reduced cost.

However, it's important to note that an EHIC or GHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance. It does not cover all eventualities, such as mountain rescue or medical repatriation back to the UK. Therefore, it is recommended to have both an EHIC or GHIC and travel insurance in place before travelling to Spain .

If you do not have an EHIC, GHIC, or provisional replacement certificate (PRC), you may be required to pay the full cost for any treatment you receive within the Spanish healthcare system.

To ensure you have appropriate coverage and avoid any unexpected expenses, it is essential to carry a valid EHIC or GHIC and have comprehensive travel insurance in place before your trip to Spain. This way, you can have peace of mind and access necessary healthcare services while enjoying your time abroad.

How to apply for an EHIC or GHIC card?

You can easily apply for these cards for free on the NHS website .

How to use it

Show your EHIC or GHIC when you visit any state hospital or doctor.

Important: EHIC or GHIC cards will not cover private health care in Spain. private healthcare.

Latest Entry Requirements To Travel to Spain from the UK

Spain has dropped its ongoing Covid travel restrictions from October 2022, especially for those looking to travel to Spain from UK.

This means that vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers alike can now enjoy all that Spain has to offer without the worry of additional testing or proof of vaccination.

This should bring a sense of freedom and peace of mind to everyone looking to  travel to Spain .

Travelling to Spain From The UK

The entry rules for UK citizens into Spain are the same as other EU and NON-EU citizens as far as the COVID-19 regulations are concerned, from the 21st of October 2022 you are NOT required to:

• Show proof of being fully vaccinated
• Show proof of a negative COVID-19 test
• Show proof of having recovered from COVID-19 in the last 6 months.
• No need to complete a health control form prior to travel.

Visa Requirements: The new ATIAS Visa Waiver system takes effect from November 2023.

At the moment UK citizens are not required to have prior approval or a visa to visit Spain or other EU countries. This, however, will change from November 2023 when the new ETIAS visa waiver system take effect.

UK citizens will be able to apply online for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) for travelling to the Schengen area.

ETIAS is a visa waiver system that allows UK citizens to stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.

To be eligible for ETIAS, UK citizens must have a valid passport that is valid for at least 3 months after their planned departure date from the Schengen area.

They must also have a valid debit or credit card to pay the ETIAS fee. In addition, you will need to answer a few security-related questions before submitting the application.

Applying for an ETIAS Visa Waiver

• Over 40 countries will require an ETIAS VISA
• The start date for ETIAS is November 2023
• The cost is € 7 per person.
• It is FREE for persons under 18 and over 70
• It takes approximately 1 hour for issuance once applied for.
• An ETIAS VISA will last 3 years.

To apply for the visa waiver you will need to visit the official ETIAS website which should be available close to November 2023. Hopefully, there will also be a mobile app available.

Applications will be available entirely online and all information you provide should be accurate and correct, failure to do so could result in unnecessary delays or outright rejection of your application

The process will take around 10 minutes, once complete you will receive within a short time the confirmation and authority to enter the EU.

The cost of the application is proposed to be €7 per person over the age of 18, you will need the following items to apply for ETIAS.

• A valid Biometric UK passport.
• A credit/debit card is used to pay for the ETIAS application.
• An active email address.

Please note that for Spain travel requirements your passport validity should have at least 3 months remaining before your intended departure.

For the ETIAS application, you will need to provide accurate information about you and your travel plans, including:

• Full name, place, date of birth, and gender.
• Full contact details such as your current address, email address, and phone number.
• Full passport details, date and place of issue, and your country of residence.
• Your travel plans such as which countries you plan to visit within the EU.
• There will also be a few questions relating to health and security.

Once the online application for ETIAS is launched, it is estimated that there will be an acceptance rate of approximately 95%.

In the event that your ETIAS application is rejected, you will receive an email providing detailed explanations for the decision and instructions on how to file an appeal if desired.

Once your application is approved, the ETIAS authorization will remain valid for three years, allowing you to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Although at the moment the application process is not currently in operation you will be able to apply for an ETIAS Visa Waiver via the official EU Etias website here:  https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en.

Useful Phone Numbers in Spain

Emergency Services:

• Ambulance: 061
• Fire brigade: 080
• National police: 091
• Local police: 092
• Maritime Rescue 902 202 202
• National Police: 091
• Local police: 112 & 092
• Civil Guard: 062

Lost or Stolen Credit Cards

• Visa: 900 991 124
• American Express. 902 375 637
• Mastercard: 900 971 231
• United Kingdom: +34 917 146 300
• United States: +34 915 87 22 00
• France: +34 914 23 89 00
• Germany: +34 915 57 90 00
• Italy: +34 914 23 33 00
• Australia: +34 913 53 66 00
• Canada: +34 913 82 84 00
• Sweden: +34 917 02 20 00
• Denmark: +34 914 31 84 45
• Japan: +34 915 90 76 00

European Wide Emergency Number:

• Emergency services: 112

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links included in the above content may be affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase at no extra cost to you. Rest assured, we only recommend products and services that we personally use or have used and are happy to recommend. Any commission we earn helps toward the site's running costs. 

Travel Smarter -  Not Harder

Download free e-guides and travel tips.

Start your Journey today and get access to exclusive FREE content.

Username or Email Address

Remember Me

• WHY VISIT SPAIN?
• TRAVELLING TO SPAIN
• SPAIN ON A BUDGET
• TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS – ETIAS
• SPAIN ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
• SPANISH CUISINE
• SPANISH FOOD
• HOLIDAY IDEAS
• PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
• TOURISM BOARDS
• AIRPORT GUIDE
• DRIVING IN SPAIN
• WEATHER IN SPAIN
• FREE WEB CAMS
• BEST BEACHES SPAIN
• FESTIVALS & FIESTAS
• MUSEUMS IN SPAIN
• CAMPING IN SPAIN
• MARINAS IN SPAIN
• SKIING IN SPAIN
• WATER PARKS
• UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES
• 80 BEST ATTRACTIONS
• 71 BEST PLACES TO VISIT
• REGIONS OF SPAIN
• COSTA DEL SOL
• CANARY ISLANDS
• SAN SEBASTIAN
• Complete List:
• SAGRADA FAMILIA BARCELONA
• BARCELONA FC STADIUM TOUR
• BARCELONA FLAMENCO SHOW
• SEVILLE FLAMENCO SHOW
• SEVILLE CATHEDRAL
• GAUDI`S CASA BATLLO
• THE ALHAMBRA GRANADA
• SANTIAGO CATHEDRAL
• CITY OF ARTS & SCIENCE VALENCIA
• MOSQUE-CATHEDRAL CORDOBA
• CAMINITO DEL REY
• PRADO MUSEUM MADRID
• REINA SOFIA ART MUSEUM
• SCUBA DIVING
• BEST TAPAS TOURS
• BEST WINE TASTING TOURS
• TOUR GUIDES
• HOTELS IN SPAIN
• LUXURY HOTELS
• LUXURY BEACH HOTELS
• HOLIDAY RENTALS
• PARADOR HOTELS
• CHEAP FLIGHTS
• TRAVEL INSURANCE
• FREE TRAVEL BROCHURES
• WIN FREE HOLIDAYS

Shining a light on the green and gorgeous

What is  green travel?

• Nov 20, 2020

How to travel from the UK to Spain without flying

There are many ways to travel to Spain from the UK without flying thanks to a variety of train and ferry services from the south of England. Our team has tried and tested many of them and so we have tried to summarise all the available options in this post based on our experience. On arrival in Spain, there are plenty of options at rail and ferry terminals for onward travel by rail and bus.

For detailed information to how to take public transport to the UK's ferry ports, see Green Traveller's Guide to travelling as a foot passenger from the UK to Europe .

Photos: Eurostar and Brittany Ferries

By Ferry from the UK to Northern Spain

Brittany Ferries runs overnight ferry services for foot passengers (and cycle bikes) across the Bay of Biscay from Portsmouth and Plymouth to Santander (it also runs a service from Portsmouth to Bilbao though it is not for foot passengers). These luxurious ferries are like going on a mini-cruise, the dining is first-class, there are lots of facilities to keep the kids happy, extremely comfortable sleeping cabins. And you may see whales and dolphin on the crossing - the Bay of Biscay is one of the best places in Europe to spot these magnificent marine animals.

Route: Portsmouth or Plymouth to Santander

Journey Time: 20-24 hours (can vary by up to an hour due to tidal conditions)

Sample timetable: Departs Portsmouth 5pm, arrives Santander the following day at 5.30pm. Departs Plymouth 3.45pm, arrive Santander the following day at 1.15pm.

Frequency of Departures: Portsmouth-Santander 2 per week (journey time is 24 hours); Plymouth-Santander 1 per week (this is the fastest service - takes 20 hours)

Car hire at Santander: Yes

Route: Portsmouth to Bilbao ( not for foot passengers )

Journey Time: 33 hours 30 minutes ( it's a two-night crossing )

Sample timetable: Departs Portsmouth at 9.30pm on Sunday and 7.30pm on Thursday for 2-night crossings arriving at 8am on Tuesday or Saturday morning.

Frequency of Departures: Portsmouth-Bilbao 2 sailings each way per week (journey time is 24 hours)

Car hire at Bilbao: Yes

How to travel to Portsmouth ferry terminal

By Bus: The easiest way for foot passengers to reach the harbour is to take a National Express coach (e.g. from London Victoria), which stops right outside the ferry departure building. The closest train station to Portsmouth ferry terminal is 'Portsmouth Harbour' (it's a 20-minute walk from here to the ferry check-in or a 10-minute taxi ride (costs about £5). There are also local bus services to Portsmouth ferry terminal operated by Stagecoach (bus 20) and First Bus (buses 8, X4 and X9).

By train: Train services London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour take 85 minutes and there are also services from London Victoria and Cardiff. NB between May and September, there is a shuttle bus from 'Portsmouth & Southsea ' railway station to the ferry terminal.

Book a train to Portsmouth >> (train tickets provided by Trainline)

Portsmouth Harbour facilities: Bar, café, shop, bureau de change, internet access point.

How to travel to Plymouth ferry terminal

By Bus: National Express runs coach services from London's Victoria coach station to Plymouth coach station.

By Train: There is a good rail service from major railway stations in the UK to Plymouth train station. It takes 3-4 hours from London Paddington to Plymouth.

It takes about 20 minutes to walk from both Plymouth bus station and Plymouth train station to the Plymouth ferry terminal.

Book a train to Plymouth >> (train tickets provided by Trainline)

Plymouth Port facilities: Baby changing, bureau de change, café, disabled access.

Ferry tickets provided by Brittany Ferries (NB. To book as a foot passenger , choose the ' on foot' option from the vehicle selection drop-down selection on step 1 of the ferry booking process):

On arrival at Santander ferry terminal: The ferry terminal lies just one block along Avenida Castilla to Santander's main train station - if you have too much to carry, it's just a minute in a taxi. Santander's train station is well connected to the Spanish rail network, with trains running to major centres in the region and the rest of the country. Santander is the capital of Spain's verdant Cantabria region (part of the wider 'Green Spain' region, along with the Basque Country, Asturias and Galicia), with rugged mountain ranges and a beautiful stretch of coastline including the stunning Picos de Europa mountains.

On arrival at Bilbao ferry terminal: The port of Bilbao is 10 miles (16km) north-west of Bilbao-Abando railway station, from where there are regular train services to major centres across

Spain, including Madrid and Barcelona. There is no public transport direct from/to the ferry terminal, however there is a taxi rank outside the ferry terminal, or you could walk just under 2 miles (3km) to Santurtzi metro station to take the metro to Bilbao-Abando station (Santurtzi is the last stop on Line 2 and goes direct to Bilbao city centre).

For ideas of where to stay, great locally run restaurants, heritage attractions and activities, see our Green Traveller's Guide to Green Spain .

Here's a video we produced about a trip Green Traveller made to Green Spain:

Video produced by Green Traveller Productions

By train from the UK to Spain

It is possible to travel by train to Spain in a day from the UK. The fastest route is to take the Eurostar from London St Pancras International Railway Station then change in Paris to catch a high speed train to Figueres, Girona and Barcelona. From Barcelona there are trains throughout Spain, including to Madrid and south to destinations such as Cordoba, Seville and Malaga . En route to Spain, you have to change stations in Paris from Gare du Nord to Gare de Lyon, which can take about half an hour on the Paris RER line (it's only two stops, though we recommend you leave at least 50 minutes for the entire transfer - you have about an hour and a half to get the connection, though you could get an earlier train and spent a bit more time in Paris, e.g. have lunch at the wonderful Train Bleu Restaurant in Gare de Lyon). See our guide to How to transfer between train stations across Paris . At Gare de Lyon, you board a TGV high speed train to 'Barcelona Sants' station.

By train from London to Barcelona

Journey Time: from 10 hours 10 minutes

Sample timetable: Depart London 10.24am, arrive Barcelona 9.46pm

Transfer: Paris Gare du Nord to Paris Gare de Lyon

Frequency of Departures: 15/day

Carbon emissions: 7 kg (flight would be 180kg)*

Car hire at Barcelona Sants Railway Station: Yes

For more information about the journey and arriving in Barcelona, see our guide to How to travel by train from London to Barcelona

Stopover hotels to break the journey in Paris

If you want to break the journey and stay overnight to see a bit more of Paris while you're travelling through (and catch the day time train the following day down to Barcelona), there are lots of lovely places to stay in Paris conveniently near both Gare du Nord and Gare de Lyon. Here are some examples of hotels that are conveniently near these stations:

Hotels near Gare du Nord

Hotels near Gare de Lyon

For details of to travel to Ibiza from Barcelona, see our step-by-step guide:

Train and ferry from London to Ibiza, Spain

* Data for carbon emissions

============

Please note : The information on this page aims to give you a reasonable idea of train and ferry routes, times and tickets, in order that hopefully there’s enough detail to know what's available, how to plan an overland journey and where to book tickets. The information was up to date at time of publication, but services do change from time to time and we cannot take responsibility for any errors or inaccuracies we provide. Always confirm details when you book with the relevant travel operator. If you are aware of any inaccuracies, we'd really appreciate being informed via our contact page so we can make the relevant changes to the information provided for the benefit of other travellers.

• Flight-Free Route Guides

Related Posts

Green Spain's Food and the Great Outdoors

Train and Ferry from England to Santander, Northern Spain

Train from London to Barcelona, Spain

Driving to Spain from UK: Best Routes & Driving Tips

This post may contain affiliate links, from which we earn an income.

The Best Routes to Spain from the United Kingdom

Are you desperate for some Spanish sun but don’t want to fly? With great routes across Europe, it’s easy to drive to Spain from UK by car, arriving refreshed and unstressed from the comfort of your own vehicle.

As Brits travelling in Europe, we’ve driven to Spain numerous times; in a car, motorhome and on a motorbike. We’re sharing the best routes with costs and comparisons plus tips about driving once you’re there. Our Spain from UK guide will help you decide which is the best route for your driving trip to Spain, so you can get there relaxed and ready to go!

Summary of the best routes to Spain from UK

• The quickest route is Calais – Rouen – Le Mans – Tours – Bordeaux – Irun
• The most scenic route is Calais – Paris – Orleans – Clermont-Ferrand – Millau – Beziers – Perpignan – Barcelona
• The cheapest route is Calais – Rouen – Chartres – Poitiers – Angouleme – Bordeaux – Irun . Don’t forget to set your sat nav to avoid tolls .
• The alternative route is Calais – Rouen – Le Mans – Tours – Bordeaux – Somport Tunnel – Zaragoza
• The ferry route is Portsmouth – Santander Book it here!

Crossing the Channel

Eurotunnel le shuttle.

The fastest channel crossing route is using the  Eurotunnel Le Shuttle  from Folkstone to Calais. The crossing under the channel takes 35 minutes, and with a slick check-in and loading/unloading process, you can be in France proper in an hour.

This crossing is ideal if you are driving to Spain from UK with a dog or just want to get to the other side as quickly as possible. 

Dover to Calais

The quickest way by ferry is undoubtedly the Dover-Calais route, on which both P&O and DFDS operate up to 40 crossings between them a day in July and August. Taking just an hour and a half, you’ll have time on board for a meal or drink and perhaps a quick snooze.

Getting on and off can take a while though, as they have to piece all the vehicles together like a jigsaw puzzle.  Not as quick as the shuttle, but very possibly a bit cheaper, especially if you can be flexible with crossing times.

Portsmouth to Caen / Cherbourg

More expensive and quite a bit longer than the Dover-Calais route, the Brittany Ferries crossings from Portsmouth may prove to be cost-effective in fuel and toll costs if you don’t live in the southeast of England.

The Caen route operates three crossings a day, one of them overnight, meaning you’ll arrive in France refreshed (but will have to book a cabin or reclining seat) and ready for a full day’s driving.

The Cherbourg route crosses at least 12 times a week and uses a fast catamaran service, taking just three hours port to port.  

Other Popular Crossings

There are a handful of other routes out of Newhaven, Folkestone and Poole which are also worth exploring. You could also consider sailing to Le Havre or St Malo from Portsmouth or Dunkirk from Dover.

The key here is to be flexible with dates and times to get the best deals…this is where you may just find a bargain.

England to Spain

One of the simplest ways of getting to Spain is to miss France altogether and get a ferry crossing to Spain from UK, sailing from Portsmouth or Plymouth to Santander or Bilbao in northern Spain.

The catch is that the UK to Spain ferry crossings take a long 33 hours and you’ll need to spend a night (or two in winter) onboard. The boat gets booked up quickly and can be expensive, even taking into account the costs of tolls and fuel prices in France.

The long journey is also notoriously rough in the winter months, so you may want to find ways of avoiding seasickness if you choose this route!

However, if you don’t enjoy driving in Europe , have a pet with you or just want to take things a little more slowly, then taking a boat from UK to Spain may well be the best option.

Is this your first time visiting France and Spain? Get all the information you need in our France Travel Guide and Spain Travel Guide including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there and practical tips to help you have the best trip!

The Best Routes Through France to Spain

Uk to spain driving routes map.

The Quickest Route

All routes assume travel from Calais to Spain in a 2.5l diesel car. Costs updated November 2023. Find your car’s toll costs and fuel consumption  here .

Calais – Rouen – Le Mans – Tours – Bordeaux – Irun

• Distance: 1059km
• Driving Time: 10 hours 40 minutes
• Toll Costs: €94
• Fuel Costs: €113

Whether you cross into Calais, Caen or Cherbourg, the quickest road to Spain is down the western side of the country via the A28 and A10. You’ll miss the major high ground in the middle of France and be able to travel on autoroutes pretty much all the way.  

From Calais, head for Rouen, then Le Mans, Tour, Bordeaux and down to the border at Irun. For those arriving in Caen or Cherbourg, head for Le Mans and pick up the remainder of the route there.  

You could barrel all the way down to the Spanish border in a day if you were sharing the driving, but we would suggest an overnight stay in Tours if coming from Calais before a second stop in San Sebastian in Spain. If coming from Caen or Cherbourg, Bordeaux makes a perfect stopover. If coming from Caen or Cherbourg, Bordeaux makes a perfect stopover.

Be aware that if you take the route shown on our Google Map, you will need a Crit’ Air sticker, as the whole of Rouen is covered by a low-emission zone. There are also several low underpasses on the route which will decapitate a motorhome or car with bikes on the roof. You can avoid these by taking the street-level side road next to them, just be aware!

RELATED POST: 19 Helpful Long Distance Driving Tips

Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when visiting France and Spain . We recommend True Traveller for their 5-star TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities cover as standard, great prices, and excellent service.

The Most Scenic Route

Calais – paris – orleans – clermont-ferrand – millau – beziers – perpignan – barcelona.

• Distance: 1321km
• Driving Time: 12 hours 40 minutes
• Toll Costs: €91
• Fuel Costs: €142

Driving from UK to Spain by car doesn’t have to be boring. This great route will take you through some of France’s most spectacular scenery and across the Massif Central via the A71 and A75 roads.

From all the ports, head for the Paris ring road and follow your sat nav judiciously…you really don’t want to end up in inner-city Paris! Perhaps stop off, find a good hotel and take in one of the most beautiful cities in the world before heading south.

Next up is Orleans on the banks of the Loire River and home to Joan of Arc. From here, head south Clermond-Ferrand, surrounded by dramatic extinct volcanoes and authentic French countryside villages, perfect for a few days hiking before you hit the road again.

Make for Millau and cross the highest road bridge in the world en route, the incredible Millau Viaduct. 

Your next stop is Beziers, home to the Canal Du Midi and its’ famous nine locks. This often-overlooked city makes a great pit stop.

Finally, you’ll reach pretty Perpignan where you can enjoy the last of France before crossing the border into the north of Spain and driving to  Barcelona, the perfect city in which to stop for a day. 

You will be able to find great hotels in all these destinations, allowing you to enjoy a slower pace and see some  off-the-beaten-track France . 

Perhaps take the scenic route to Spain and take the fast route for the return journey, when you’ll be looking forward to getting home.

The Cheapest Route

Calais – rouen – chartres – poitiers – angouleme – bordeaux – irun.

• Distance: 1060km
• Driving Time: 15 hours 10 minutes
• Toll Costs: €0
• Fuel Costs: €122

Driving to Spain from UK avoiding tolls is very possible. You will still travel down the western side of the country, with the route relying heavily on the A28, N10 and A63 toll free roads. Make sure to set your sat nav to avoid tolls .

Although this is a good route for those travelling on a budget, not all stretches are dual carriageways and you risk slow-moving vehicles, and traffic jams, especially on the approach to larger cities. This choice of route is likely to take longer than the stated 15 hours.

Be aware that if you take the route shown on our Google Map, you will need a Crit’ Air sticker , as the whole of Rouen is covered by a low-emission zone. There are also several low underpasses on the route which will decapitate a motorhome or car with bikes on the roof. You can avoid these by taking the street-level side road next to them, just be aware!

RELATED POST: Road Trip on a Budget: 36 Tips to Save Money in Europe

The Alternative Route

Calais – Rouen – Le Mans – Tours – Bordeaux – Somport Tunnel – Zaragoza

• Distance: 1261km
• Driving Time: 17 hours 30 minutes
• Fuel Costs: €145

Using the fast A28, N10 routes south before veering east at Bayonne for the Túnel de Somport cuts out the border at Irun and the long drive down to Zaragoza. This alternative route works well if you’re heading for Spain’s east coast, the capital city of Madrid or the south of Spain.

Unbelievably, the 5.3km of the tunnel is toll free, although this route can be affected by bad weather in winter and carrying snow chains is a must.

Looking for the best SIM card deals in Europe for your trip? Check out our guide to the best data SIMs in Europe and get the best deal for your trip to France and Spain.

Visiting France & Spain

Thankfully, there are some common laws and regulations across most European countries for visitors from the UK and elsewhere. Make sure to carry the correct documentation and understand EU driving rules.

• You must have at least three months remaining on your passport (issued in the past ten years) at your intended date of departure.
• You must have at least 3rd party insurance for your vehicle. Update August 2021 – you no longer require a green card to prove you have vehicle insurance cover when travelling in Europe.
• From 28th September 2021, you will have to display a UK sticker on the rear of your vehicle, instead of a GB sticker, unless you have a new style UK numberplate which displays the Union Jack flag.
• You must have a valid UK licence. This allows you to drive in all EU countries for up to six months. If you only have a paper driving licence or a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man then you will need an  International Driving Permit .
• Headlight beam converters must be in use unless you can adjust your headlights automatically.
• Seat belts must be worn by the driver and all passengers in all the countries of the EU.
• It is illegal in all countries of the EU to use a mobile phone when driving. In addition, in France, you are not even allowed to use a mobile phone using a hands-free device, which you are permitted to do in Spain and the UK. On the spot fines are applicable in all countries if you are caught using a phone at the wheel.
• Every EU country apart from Ireland  drives on the right-hand side of the road. This means that when you’re at a junction or roundabout, the vehicle approaching from the right has priority over the one coming from the left unless other signage is in place.
• Both France and Spain are members of the Schengen Area, meaning borders between both countries are open. However, you may find that random roadside checks are in place at border crossings due to the number of undocumented migrants travelling through Europe. Make sure to have your passports to hand when approaching country borders.
• If you have an accident you’ll need to complete the EU Accident Statement, which you can find to download in English in our free resource library if your insurer hasn’t provided one. Stop safely and use your hazard lights and warning triangle to alert other drivers. Exchange details (a  translate app  comes in handy here) and take lots of photos to add to your form when you submit it to the insurers. If the other party won’t give details or there has been an injury, you should call the police on 112.

RELATED POST: Driving in Europe – Everything You Need to Know

Driving in France

Driving from UK to France and through the country is easy, with well-maintained roads and generally considerate and well-mannered drivers.

On the downside, France is one of the most expensive countries in which to drive and travel in Europe due to the high fuel costs and expensive tolls, especially if you’re travelling in a larger vehicle like a motorhome .

There are also regular disruptions and fuel blockades due to political tensions, so make sure you check the current situation when you leave home. 

Follow these tips for a safe and easy transit through France on your road trip to Spain from England.

• In recent years there has been a significant increase in speeding fines issued by French authorities to British citizens. Many get home from a holiday or road trip to a nasty surprise in the post. Be aware and stick to the speed limit when driving in France.
• You must carry at least one reflective jacket within the passenger compartment of your vehicle and must put it on before you get out in an emergency or breakdown situation You must also carry a warning triangle.
• France has very strict drink driving laws compared to the UK. The UK maximum legal limit is 0.8 mg/ml and the French maximum is 0.5 mg/ml of alcohol per litre in your blood. If you are tested and found to be over the limit, you may face up to 4,500 euro fine and have to appear in court, and possibly even be given a prison sentence.
• From 1st January 2021, all vehicles over 3,500kg are required to display infographic ‘angles morts’ or  blind spot stickers . Stickers must be visible on both sides and at the back of the vehicle and must be placed between 0.90m and 1.50m above the ground. Stickers must be placed in such a way that they don’t cover the vehicle’s regulatory plates and inscriptions, or any of the lights or signals, and don’t hinder the driver’s field of view. Find out more about motorhome driving in France here .
• As of January 2013 the French government announced that the introduction of an €11 fine for not carrying a breathalyser/alcohol test had been postponed indefinitely. However, the law still states that drivers must have an alcotest ready for use in their vehicle even though no penalty will be imposed if they cannot present one during a police road check.

Mountain Law in France

On 1 November 2021 the Loi Montage II or ‘mountain law II’ came into force in 48 French mountainous departments within the Alpes, Massif Central, Jura, Pyrenees, and Vosges regions.

Anyone travelling in a vehicle through one of these areas between 1 November and 31 March will be obliged to fit four approved winter tyres or carry at least two snow chains or socks in the vehicle. You can find out more about France’s mountain law here .

Motorway Breakdowns in France

French motorways are privately managed and you’re not allowed to request your own assistance company to attend to you if you break down.

If you do break down, you should use the orange emergency telephones that are situated every 2km along French motorways to call the police or the official breakdown service operating in that area. Alternatively, if no orange telephone is available, you should call the emergency services by dialling 112.

You will be towed to a safe designated area where you can make onward arrangements for your own breakdown insurer to assist if you have it. Otherwise, the towing company will be able to provide support or signpost you.

Charges for assistance on a motorway are fixed by the government and are reviewed and revised each year. Many of the government-appointed towing services allow large insurers to pay them directly, but this is at their discretion and will depend on who your European breakdown cover is with. 

If this is not the case, you should pay directly and then seek recompense from your insurer.

Motorway Tolls in France

Driving through France can be hideously expensive if you only use toll roads, but they do allow you to travel through the country to your destination quickly. 

You may want to consider carrying an electronic toll tag, like EMovis or Bip&Drive (both of which cover you in Spain and Portugal as well as France) that deducts the fees from a credit card automatically, meaning you don’t have to stop at a booth or barrier.

Crit’Air Vignettes

France has introduced ‘clean air’ windscreen stickers as a legal requirement in many of its cities, towns and their peripheries, to identify a vehicle’s emissions levels and to restrict access in order to improve air quality. 

This six-category sticker system is designed to identify what emissions vehicles produce, and are categorised based on your vehicle’s Euro emissions standard. These are known as Crit’Air stickers and you may need one for your vehicle, depending on where you visit or stop as you transit through.

If you intend to travel close to a city or use its ring road, it’s worth getting the sticker, which costs €4.61 from the official website. The transitional period during which violations will not be fined ends on 31st December 2023. Find out more and purchase Crit’Air stickers from the official certificat-air.gouv.fr website.  

Don’t forget your road trip essentials! Our free road trip checklists help you remember everything, including road trip snacks , podcasts , and road trip songs for the journey!

Onward Travel in Spain

You’ve arrived! Spanish motorways and roads are typically well-maintained, and the drivers are considerate and relaxed.

Some of the best roads in Spain are in the interior, where you will have long stretches of sweeping Autopista (motorway) and Autovía (dual carriageway) to yourself. The trade-off is the Costas where traffic ramps up and tailbacks are frequent.

Depending on where you are heading, you’ll find a good network of Autopistas, with the AP7 from Barcelona enabling driving through Spain from north to south before heading west to Malaga, one of the warmest places in winter in Europe . From this road, you can head inland to Madrid or across to Portugal.

Alternatively, take one of the western routes from Irun or Santander and explore beautiful green Spain before dropping down into Portugal.

Spain Travel Inspiration

Spain Road Trip: 8 Amazing Routes for an Epic Trip

The Perfect Andalucia Road Trip: Itinerary, Map & Tips

Madrid in One Day: The Best Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide

A Seven Day Pyrenees Hiking Tour

One Day in Barcelona – Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide

Motorhoming in Spain: Your Complete Guide for 2024

Cordoba in One Day: Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide

One Day in Seville – Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide

North Spain Road Trip: Itinerary, Route & Tips

Tarifa to Tangier: Tips & Tricks for a Day Trip to Morocco

Driving in spain.

Follow our guide for safe driving in Spain and enjoy your holiday!

• You must carry two warning triangles for the front and rear. These warning triangles are now being phased out and from 1st July 2021, a new law requires that a V16 flashing emergency light is used, although both means of advising other traffic will be legal until the end of 2024.
• You must also carry reflective jackets for the driver and all passengers, a spare wheel and the tools to change a wheel or a tyre repair kit.  
• You must carry a spare pair of spectacles if you wear glasses.
• The use of winter tyres in Spain is regional. Look out for traffic signs indicating that winter tyres or snow chains are compulsory where you are.
• Anything with a screen (television, video, DVD etc.) which could distract you when driving should be positioned where you can’t see it. This doesn’t apply to a sat nav but you must not touch or program your sat nav unless parked in a safe place.
• Using radar detection equipment is prohibited under Spanish law and new regulations from January 2021 mean that it will also be illegal to be in possession of such equipment.
• On roads with single carriageways in built-up areas the speed limit established may not be exceeded by more than 20 km/h when overtaking.

Toll Roads in Spain

Toll roads are pay-as-you-go and are very reasonably priced, with some charges being abolished by the Spanish Government in early 2020 and more in September 2021. These free motorways cover the eastern route south from Perpignan as far as Alicante. You can pay with cash or a credit card or use an electronic toll tag like Emovis or Bip&Drive .

Due to the huge swathes of nothingness in the interior, the toll roads are definitely worth taking if you are trekking from one side of Spain to the other. The AP7 on the Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol retains some charges, but they are minimal. 

Low Emission Zones in Spain

At the start of 2023, there were 16 low emission zones in Spain and municipalities with more than 50,000 inhabitants have to implement a LEZ by the end of 2023.

Spanish registered cars will be registered and receive a sticker, but currently, foreign vehicles can’t buy stickers although they have to meet the required standards.

If you are stopped, you may be able to do this with your V5C, Certificate of Conformity or LEZ sticker from another country. The only exception is in Barcelona, where you will need to register your vehicle in order to drive within the LEZ  here .

Driving to Spain FAQs

How long does it take to drive to spain.

It can take anywhere from around 11 hours to 17 hours to drive to Spain depending on which route you choose, the traffic conditions and your driving style.

Can you take your car from UK to Spain?

Yes, you can drive your own car from UK to Spain. You must have a driving license, and a minimum of third-party insurance and your car must be legally registered and taxed in the UK with a valid MOT.

How much does it cost to drive to Spain from UK?

You need to take into account the cost of the ferry or Eurotunnel, the cost of fuel, tolls and any additional cost for EU insurance for your vehicle. You may also want to factor in EU breakdown cover, overnight stops and food to eat along the way, as well as wear and tear on the car.

With the cheapest channel crossing and the most cost-effective route, plan to spend at least £300/€343 for a one-way road trip to Spain.

Is it cheaper to fly or drive to Spain?

If you can get a bargain low-season flight at 5am, don’t mind a seat at the back and don’t need to carry much more than a toothbrush, it might be cheaper to fly than drive to Spain. But we’ve noticed in this post-pandemic era that those flights are becoming less and less and often, driving seems a better option.

Can UK tourists drive in Spain?

Yes, UK tourists can drive in Spain for up to 6 months on their UK license. As you can only stay in Spain for 90 days before applying for residency, and only stay in the entire Schengen Area for up to 90 days in every rolling 180 days, it’s unlikely that you’ll reach the limit.

Are you looking for more road trip inspiration? Check out these top posts…

Stelvio Pass: The Best Mountain Road in Italy?

Croatia Road Trips: Five Incredible Routes

Dolomites Road Trip: Explore the Best of Northern Italy

Great Dolomites Road: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know!

Route des Grandes Alpes: An Epic French Road Trip

Love it pin it.

Find cheap flights to Spain from £20

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from the united kingdom to spain departing on 27/6. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to spain.

Save 28% or more Compare multiple travel sites with one search.

Track prices Not ready to book? Create a price alert for when prices drop.

Filter your deals Choose cabin class, free Wi-Fi and more.

Bundle and save Save money when you bundle your flight + hotel.

Best Spain Flight Deals

Cheapest return prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours

Good to know - Cheap tickets to Spain

Faqs - booking spain flights, how do i get from adolfo suárez airport to the city centre.

Adolfo Suárez Airport is the main airport in Spain and is a few miles from the city centre. You can consider three transfer options: train, taxi or shuttle. The subways on the other hand are easily accessible in Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the airport with an approximate travel time of 15 min to the city centre. Alternatively, you can take the yellow express bus that will get you to the city centre in about 20 min.

Are there mobility facilities at Adolfo Suárez Airport?

Worry not if travelling with mobility limitations, as you can easily access a wheelchair at Adolfo Suárez Airport. The airport also has a dedicated special assistance team, broad alleyways and washrooms. Alert your airline about 48 hours before your flight if you are travelling with mobility limitations.

Do flights to Spain depart only from the main airports in the UK?

Many low-cost airlines now fly from smaller airports in the UK direct to popular tourist destinations across Spain. You can fly on Ryanair direct from London Southend (SEN) to destinations such as Bilbao, Reus and Palma de Mallorca or from Nottingham East Midlands Airport (EMA) to Girona Costa Brava Airport (GRO).

Which airport is closest to the village of Ronda?

To get to Ronda, consider flying into Seville Airport (SVQ) in Andalusia and then travelling by road to Ronda. You can also fly to Málaga, where you can get a train or hire a car to take you to the village.

Where should I fly to in Spain if I want to see the Alhambra?

If you are going to see the Alhambra, you will need to get to Granada. From the UK, you can fly directly to Granada with easyJet from Gatwick, or you can book flights with a stopover in a larger international airport, such as Barcelona or Madrid.

Where is it best to buy currency in Spain?

If you have taken GBP with you, it is advisable to buy EUR at an official exchange desk or at a bank. It is possible to use a debit or credit card, but be aware you may need to show ID in the form of a passport to do so.

How long is the flight to Spain?

An average direct flight from the United Kingdom to Spain takes 3h 01m, covering a distance of 1012 miles. The most popular route is London - Málaga with an average flight time of 2h 50m.

What is the cheapest flight to Spain?

The cheapest ticket to Spain from the United Kingdom found in the last 72 hours was £9 one-way, and £26 round-trip. The most popular route is London Heathrow to Malaga and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was £90.

Which airlines fly to Spain?

British Airways, easyJet & Iberia fly the most frequently from the United Kingdom to Spain.

What are the most popular destinations in Spain?

Based on KAYAK flight searches, the most popular destination is Málaga (17% of total searches to Spain). The next most popular destinations are Barcelona (16%) and Palma de Mallorca (11%). Searches for flights to Alicante (11%), to Madrid (9%) and to Ibiza (5%) are also popular.

How does KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travellers know whether to wait or book now.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Spain

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Spain flight deals.
• You can consider a car hire once you arrive at Adolfo Suárez Airport (MAD) for flexibility during your vacation. Once you exit the terminal building, the car rental desks are in the car park. You can choose from various car models with major car rental companies like Enterprise, Alamo, Hertz, and Sixt. By choosing car hire over the public transit options, you will experience flexibility, privacy, and freedom to set your exploration schedule. You can consider booking through KAYAK before arriving in Spain to access discounts.
• Consider the Air rooms on the first floor of Terminal 4 if you wish to refresh on arrival at Adolfo Suarez Airport after a long flight. If you wish to nap on arrival, you can head to Terminal 4 just after Gate 17, which has some comfortable chairs. Grab a snack or drink at some of the on-site lounges, including Sala VIP Cibeles in Terminal 1 or Sala VIP Puerta De Alcala in Terminal 2.
• If flying to Spain for the popular Sagrada Familia Basilica, consider flying to Barcelona Airport (BCN) once you find cheap flights to Spain. The airport is approximately 10 miles from the attraction, with major transit options, including the bus, metro, and taxi. The metro area is in both Terminals 1 and 2 but you can take a taxi for a more comfortable ride.
• Spain has a number of airport hubs that provide onward connections to other destinations within the country. Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport (MAD) is the central hub, which has flight connections to both the north and south of the country. You could consider flights into Málaga Airport - Costa del Sol (AGP) if your visit is focused mainly on the south of the country, while flying into Bilbao is a good option for the Basque region in the north and if you would like to visit the east coast of Spain, then Alicante–Elche Airport (ALC) or Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN) are good options.
• If you are looking at flights to Spain to follow the popular Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage, you will need to travel to Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ) in Galicia. Ryanair and Vueling fly direct from London, while from other locations in the UK such as Manchester Airport (MAN) and Glasgow Airport (GLA), you will need to take a flight via Madrid or Barcelona.
• Visitors wanting to spend time in the Extremadura region on the westernmost border of Spain in order to visit the Roman cities of Mérida and Cáceres can fly into Madrid Airport and make the journey west by road or rail. Alternatively, you could fly into Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) in Lisbon and then travel east by car, as the Extremadura region is situated almost exactly half-way between Madrid and Lisbon.
• By law, it is necessary to use a child car seat when driving with children under the age of 5 in Spain. Car hire companies have suitable seats, so you won’t need to take your own if you plan to hire a vehicle, however, remember to reserve it in advance when you book your car. Some taxis do have car seats, but it may be more difficult to book one that offers this service and you may have a longer waiting time at the airport.
• If you are interested in visiting the wine region in the north of Spain, you could consider flying into Bilbao and then travelling by road to La Rioja – the region of vineyards. It is possible to book flights direct from various airports in the UK to Bilbao and then hire a car or use public transport to take you to your final destination.

Top 5 airlines flying to Spain

No hot drinks but otherwise a good flight with decent leg room

The boarding at both ends good, the seats were a tad hard for any long flight, but okay for short haul, 2A and 2B had good leg room. On the return flight we landed at terminal 2 as opposed to where we should have land at terminal 1, so we had a bit of a wait for a bus, which delayed the onward journey. But all in all a good flight.

The flight was okay, seats slightly more comfortable than Easy jet, but wouldn’t want to fly much more than 3.5 hours in those seats, hard and uncomfortable for further journeys. Boarding was okay, never eat or drink on Eco airlines, food not good and expensive for what you get. But it is what it is, and for the price one can not really complain.

Excellent outbound flight to Arrecife on a new very clean Airbus with great flight crew. Flight was only delayed around 10-15 mins and boarding was very good. Comms from pilots and crew was very welcoming and excellent throughout flight.

Flight was ok with a great landing. What could have been better would have been sitting away from the lady behind me who was coughing and sneezing all through the flight. I have been ill with a very bad cold ever since and can only put it down to being sat in front of that lady!

I liked boarding the crew were excellent but the seats are too close together for such a long flight.

The seats could be better as they’re not very comfortable and the arms would be better padded. Only place we found to fill our water bottles was at the Castle Rock bar who had one small sticker on one pillar saying they would refill your bottles with tap water for free! Need some/more refill stations around the departure area.

Boarding went well, seats could have been a little more comfortable

Great flight from malta airport, all on time & no delays, Birmingham Airport a little confusing with the ongoing upgrades!

The plane was late in so we were late leaving. The plane had been cleaned and was tidy, the staff were welcoming. Our standard seat had good legroom but after an hour or so of sitting, the Seat started to feel uncomfortable. We didn’t have any food so can’t comment on that and there was no entertainment available. We did buy some duty-free goods and the prices are good. We made up the lost time and landed slightly early.

The whole flight was coughing and farting all the way. It was impossible to breathe. If people are traveling sick they should either not be allowed to fly or made wear masks

I will never fly vueling. 1h30 delayed, connexion missed with the crew closing the boarding in front of us. 40 people missed the Barcelona-Orly connexion. hours waiting for rebooking and hotel.. inadmissible

3 hr flight from Barcelona to Gran Canaria. Ŵent according to plan No issues with staff oŕ flight. Many people includiñg us could not get luggage self checķ in termìnals to work. Had to wait in check in line.

The communication about the delay could have been better before and during the flight. Also, this online form could have less bugs. It is almost impossible to type in this window.

Boarding was very poor as the flight was initially delayed. We were told the flight would be at 21:40. We were with our 10 month baby who was sleeping. I received an email from Kayak which said the flight was now due to take off at 21:04. When we checked the screens at Gatwick we were told the gate was closed. The lack of communication was extremely poor and we had to run with our baby and there were many other passengers, including elderly people, also running to the gate. When we got to the gate, the staff had no reasons for the poor communication.

We got to the airport 2 hours before the flight. We waited in a line to check our bags onto the flight for an hour, even despite having checked in online, as there weren't enough self check terminals allocated to Vueling (yet loads of empty BA ones right next to them). There also weren't enough staff, making them stressed and rude. We had to try and rush through security to get to our gate, which they announced as gate 35 at first and then changed it after ten minutes with no announcement to anyone in the airport that it had changed. So we then had to rush to the correct gate to arrive just as boarding started. It was a thoroughly stressful process and one travelling couple almost missed boarding because of it. The flight boarding and the flight itself werre fine, the staff were polite, but I was dehydrated due to the airport and had to buy a bottle of water as they didn't offer free drinks.

I didn't get the wheelchair assistance I'd requested and my flight was on the tarmac, which was extremely painful for me. If this airline isn't for me, that's fine. The crew was fantastic and friendly ab

It was a short flight but the seat was very straight. I didn’t need any service, but wifi was not available. In resume, a normal service. Nice, the punctuality. Thanks

Last time bucking this company if I would know I wouldn’t do it, they made me lose my flight

Le vol et l'embarquement se sont bien déroulé, mais une fois arrivé à destination nous n'avons pas trouvé notre valise. Nous avons été voir au guichet pour en savoir plus et c'est à ce moment qu'on nous dit que par manque de place dans la soute notre bagage est resté à Paris et sera enregistré sur le vol de demain et qu'il faudra revenir le chercher le lendemain à 16h. Le lendemain à 16h personne ne fût capable de nous renseigner et on nous à donné 3 versions différentes de la procédure à suivre. Finalement nous avons réussit à récupérer notre valise après 26h de retard. On nous à donné un numéro pour contacté la compagnie mais en appelant le numéro dédié à la France on tombe sur des personnes qui ne parlent qu'anglais ou espagnol ou bien on nous raccroche au nez.

The trip itself was good. I have given only good as rating, because my first flight has been cancelled by a different airline and that caused disruption in my trip. I spent over ten hours in Luton airport and that caused me high tiredness, sickness, because of the very early initial trip. easyJet staff has been professional and friendly.

Very pleasant crew, working hard on a full plane. Delay by a broken seat. However crew made back 60% of the delay.

Delayed and then further delayed with no announcement made so that all the passengers (who were standing in the jetty) could hear. We stood there for well over 20 minutes. We were further delayed through weather but no one explained that to us until the pilot made an announcement when finally on board

easyJet need to ensure that whether pre-booking seats or not children aren’t split from their parents the crew spent the majority of boarding asking passengers to move to accommodate two families. Surely the system identifies minors on a booking !!!!! It was all very frustrating to watch and caused delays which I’m sure cost easyJet more in the long run rather that automatically allocating families with minors seats together automatically.

Not great! Rude staff in London and the worse baggage reclaim I’ve ever seen. Great staff in flight but doubt I’ll fly with them again

Staff had been really impolite at the boarding area and for both ways charged high extra fees without a reason. For the check-in luggage which was measured 3.5 kg and was confirmed by the stuff to cost 40 € , 60 Euros had been purchased from our credit card. When confronted staff did call us both liars and claimed to never have announced anything. Flight back , when not wanting to press a backpack in a measuring metal instead of hand measuring , staff got angry that one did not follow her order, which was than escalated by the team. Although carrying a baby anyways staff did not offer any help in the unreasonable process and than charged again extra money. Cabine crew has been friendly but this experience LL lead to not booking easy jet at all in the future. Check in process in Edinburgh anyways chaotic,to the family check-in and disabled check-in everybody else was guided for check in process, so people just getting in between each other, not possible to monitor your own stuff.

As you would expect from a budget airline Left and arrived on time, no frills, not even a glass of water offered But you get what you pay for

I had an emergency escape seat. The attendant gave the extrA briefing to my side of the aisle but didnt direct it at all to the other where my wife was sitting

Boarding great. Didn’t eat or drink so can not comment.

I got denied boarding bevause they said they "ran out of seats on a plane"

Speakers were blaring. It's like being in a Moroccan market and you keep getting shouted at with what's for sale

What can you say Ryanair get you there,no frills Not so cheap anymore ..... but what is now days! Would use again as always. Good flight times for us.

3 hours delay, non comunicated until past the time of original boarding, no assistance, witnessed land crew shouting at a passenger

Very unpleasant staff, disgusting service, ignoring requests, refusal to help

Letting people wait outside for boarding in the rain and almost 0 degrees for a high temperature destination is very customer unfriendly

Late again rude staff at gate bullying passengers made us stand in the cold 3degrees for 40 mins before they let us board

Largas colas para el check-in, por seguridad, sin explicación, el equipaje de mano pequeño tuvo que pasar a bodega,

Enjoyed our flight with Ryanair to Arrecife. Flight boarded pretty much on time, crew were welcoming and very good. Generally good for a frequent low cost flight, Seats could however have been more comfortable.

Toulouse Alicante, excellent. But the 2 next fligth by Air Europa canceled. Bad bad

my original flight was cancelled the previous day, and i was rescheduled onto this flight, which left much earlier in the morning, impacting my previous evening and requiring me to get up much earlier in the morning to get to the airport online. This practice happens way way way too much, and it seems on every airline, though AA is probably the worst.

The flight was on time and the crew very professional. Everything went as expected and I will use BA again for this trip.

We paid to have overhead carry-on baggage. When we got to the gate we were told that our carry on bags would need to be checked and go below because the flight was full. Notably we were nowhere near the last people to board and about 30 other passengers also had to check their carry-on bags. Other than that the flight was fine.

Very bad plain although I paid A business class ticket I was stuck in a stiff fixed seat without any entertainment or Wi Fi for 5 hours I will never ever book a flight on British airline.

Self check in Kiosk did not recognize that I had prepaid for my luggage. This caused a 40 minute delay even though I had my British Airways email receipt for the prepaid luggage.

Crew were very friendly and helpful. They explained to us in detail the delay in our takeoff due to the storm that rolled in from Belfast and did their best to make up the time. Always great to fly BA!

Staff were very helpful. The free WiFi for messages was also very useful to keep in touch

Crew was more interested on looking at their phones than welcoming passengers during boarding.

The crew was very attentive and kept busy serving a variety of treats!

Terrible. Missed my flight to final destination because of delayed British Airways flight. Had to spend 12 hours in airport and $1500 for new plane tickets

Book Cheap Spain Plane Tickets

Cheapest flights to Spain from the United Kingdom found in 2024

Recent return flight deals

Search by stops, search by airline, search by price, recent one-way flight deals, last minute flights to spain, last minute flight, train and bus deals, flights to spain, return flight deals:.

Spain - United Kingdom

Cabin classes:

Browse origins:.

• Flights  » 
• United Kingdom

Browse destinations:

• Worldwide  » 

Flight search

• Adults Remove adult 1 Add adult
• Children Aged 2-11 Aged 2 to 11 Remove child 0 Add child
• Infants In seat Remove infant in seat 0 Add infant in seat
• Infants On lap Remove infant on lap 0 Add infant on lap
• Premium economy

Popular destinations

Travel Safe

Urban tourism

Walks that make you fall in love with the historic gardens of Spain

Seven caves to take you to the heart of Castile and Leon

15 spectacular blossoms to experience up close

Discover Spain's most Magical Towns

Have you ever visited the impressive Royal Heritage Sites?

Spain seen through the eyes of the best travel media

Discover our destinations

The capital city with a thousand options

One of Spain’s most avant-garde cities

A great city with lots to discover

A cosmopolitan vibe

The essence of the Mediterranean

The capital of the Costa del Sol is reinventing itself

An inspiring destination

The final destination of St. James’ Way

The Golden city of a thousand legends

Ideal for a getaway

A picturesque medieval setting

European sunshine capital

Idyllic coves, beautiful sunsets...

Santiago de Compostela

Canary Islands

Balearic Islands

Not to be missed

Choose the travel plan you like the most to make your stay in Spain unforgettable

A good time of year to take the Camino de Santiago

Visit Córdoba and discover the city in all its glory during its main festival

Summer music festivals where you can dance non-stop

11 incredible trips around Spain for train lovers

Nights of candles, flowers and concerts

Other ideas for your trip

Do you want some more suggestions for your holidays?

Original tours with staged performances that will surprise you

Journeys inspired by the meanings of colours

Are you coming on the route of the windmills?

Discover magical legends in nature

Are you sure you want to delete this route?

Route planner

Create your own plan for your trip to Spain with a route to suit your requirements

Enjoy the best events

Exhibitions, festivals, festivities... Don't miss a thing!

13 June 2024 - 15 June 2024

Sónar. International Festival of Progressive Music and Multimedia Arts in Barcelona

31 May 2024 - 16 June 2024

Madrid Book Fair

23 June 2024

The San Juan Bonfires (A Coruña)

20 June 2024 - 24 June 2024

Bonfires of San Juan (Alicante)

29 June 2024

Battle of Wine

21 June 2024 - 23 June 2024

Motor racing: Spanish Formula 1 Grand Prix

All the useful information you need.

Trip advice to get the most out of your holidays

The weather in Spain

Today in: Cuenca

How to get there

How to get around, practical information.

Book your experience

Thousands of activities thought out for you

#visitSpain

Share the best of Spain on our networks

The best ideas for travelling around Spain

Subscribe to receive monthly information with unique travel plans

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 112 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Spain
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Spain , including:

• biting insects and ticks

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Spain. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro .

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. There are details in the guide to getting healthcare in Spain .

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro .

Healthcare in Spain

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Spain where some staff will speak English.

Health insurance cards

To get medically necessary state healthcare in Spain, you need a Global Health Insurance Card ( GHIC ) or a European Health Insurance Card ( EHIC ). 

The NHS’s getting healthcare abroad webpage has details about:

• how to apply for a GHIC
• how to get temporary cover if you lose your card or it does not arrive in time
• who qualifies for a new EHIC instead of a GHIC
• what treatment counts as medically necessary

A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. You may have costs your GHIC or EHIC does not cover, including:

• changes to travel and accommodation bookings
• additional standard costs for treatment
• medical repatriation to the UK
• treatment that is ruled non-urgent

There is more guidance on healthcare if you’re visiting Spain . There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Spain .

Hospital treatment

If you need hospital treatment in Spain, you’re more likely to receive appropriate care in public healthcare facilities. However, in some tourist areas there may not be any public healthcare facilities nearby. Your insurance or medical assistance company will be able to provide further details.

Some hotels may call private doctors or ambulances to take patients to private hospitals. The GHIC or EHIC will not be accepted there.

Use of face masks

Due to an increase in respiratory infections such as flu and COVID-19, you may have to wear a face mask at doctors’ surgeries, hospitals and pharmacies. Rules on face masks may vary by region. Follow the advice of the local authorities and make sure you are aware of the measures in place.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health . There is also guidance on TravelHealthPro .

Related content

Is this page useful.

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone.

• 02084326004
• +447300463745
• [email protected]

Spain New travel rules for 2024 – Guidelines including passports & visas

Spain, with its picturesque landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage, continues to be ranked as the top destination for visitors worldwide. But before embarking on your Spanish adventure in 2024, understanding Spain’s new Spain Travel Rules in 2024 is essential.

As we enter 2024, Spain has applied new fresh travel guidelines to enhance travellers’ security, efficiency, and overall experience worldwide. Furthermore, whether you’re planning a business trip, & already booked a Spain Visa From London , going on a leisurely vacation, pursuing academic studies, or reuniting with family, everyone must understand the latest Spain travel guidelines.

No worries. To give you detailed insights, we’ve curated this comprehensive guide to help you navigate new rules for Spain travel to ensure your journey to Spain is seamless with all the latest rules and regulations.

Understanding the Types of Visas 

Spain offers several types of visas that help to cater to different kinds of travel purposes. Moreover, select your intended purpose from the options below to tailor the information to your needs.

Tourism: Streamlined Process for an Unforgettable Visit  

The country has announced streamlined processes for its visitors who are eager to discover the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture of Spain. Furthermore, anticipate simplified documentation requirements, extended visa validity, and faster visa processing times. In addition, visitors can now expect a more efficient application process, providing a more hassle-free manner to plan your gateway to Spain.

Business: Simplifying Short-term Professional Engagements 

Professionals who travel for business purposes will appreciate the updated rules of Spain to simplify the application process for short-term visits. Furthermore, the country realizes the significance of business travel and reduces the complexities of the documentation process, making it convenient for all professionals to engage in business undertakings.

Also see, 9 Things To Do in Madrid in December

Study: Navigation of the Complete Student Visa Applications Guidelines 

Prospective students who are planning to study or pursue education in Spain. Take note of all the updated requirements needed for student visas. Moreover, the new Spain travel guide emphasizes the need for comprehensive health insurance coverage throughout the student educational program. In addition, prospective students must ensure they have met all the essential criteria to make their academic journey seamless.

Family Reunion: Shortening Documentation for the reuniting Families

The latest regulations for family reunions intend to make the documentation requirements easier for all the family members who reside in different countries to unify in Spain. For important family events, the latest and updated guidelines facilitate smoother document processing to reunite with their loved ones.

Also see, December Festivals in Barcelona – Travel Guide

Essential Spain Travel Requirements 2024 

Tick the entire Spain travel checklist required for your selected purpose of travel. Make sure that you have all essential Spain travel requirements for the smoother application process.

• Online Visa Application Form: Firstly, obtain the newest and updated Spanish application form from the Spain visa website. Fill out the form completely and accurately.
• Valid Passport: Make sure that your passport is valid for at least three months before your planned departure date.
• Passport-sized Photograph: Recent coloured photo in accordance with the Schengen visa photo requirements.
• Flight Itinerary: A confirmed round-flight reservation is required.
• Accommodation Reservation: Proof of accommodation is required for the entire stay like hotel bookings or a letter of invitation from a host.
• Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance, which covers medical expenses and repatriations, is required.
• Proof of Funds: Bank statements presenting the sufficient balance of funds to cover your stay.
• Cover letter: A letter that explains the purpose of your visit, itinerary and all the other crucial details.
• Proof of Employment: Enrolment certificate or letter of employment from your educational institution
• Schengen Travel History: If applicable, seek to provide all the necessary evidence of your travel history within the Schengen zone.

Spain Travel Rules From UK 2024- Step-by-Step Visa Guide 

To successfully fulfill the entire Spain visa application process to obtain the Spain visa, follow these simple steps as per the instructions.

Step 1: Determine Your Travel Purpose 

Before diving right into the application process, it’s essential to identify the travel purpose, whether it’s family reunion, study, work, business or tourism.

Step 2: Select the Appropriate Type of Visa

After determining the purpose of travel, secondly, understand whether you want to stay within the country for short-term or long-term purposes.

Step 3: Compilation of all the Necessary Documents 

Subsequently, you must ensure that you have the documents required, including the visa application form, photos, passport, flight itinerary, proof of funds, travel insurance, and other details specific to travel purposes.

Step 4: Complete an Online Interactive Application Form

Next, accurately use the interactive online application form with all your complete information. Obtain real-time feedback and guidance required to ensure a thorough and precise application.

Step 5: Understand the Application Timeline

Lastly, make sure to enter your intended dates of travel to receive a personalized application timeline. In addition, stay on top of the deadlines for visa processing, document submission, and interviews.

Spain travel rules Update

A new update for Spain travel restrictions will be introduced in Spain’s Travel Rules is the European Travel and Information Authorisation System (ETIAS). It is not a visa but an ETIAS visa waiver system, representing the first of its kind in Europe.

Also see, Top 10 Spanish Cities For Every Traveler Itinerary

Upon approval, the ETIAS visa UK, along with your travel document or passport, is all you require for a 90-day stay within the 180-day stay period, allowing you free movement all over the Schengen zone. While not impacting the visitors, the ETIAS is mandatory for all third-country nationals from all the eligible nations who could previously enter Europe without a visa permit.

Guidelines for a New rules for Spain travel

• Start Early: Firstly, begin your application process well in advance to allow yourself for any uncertain delays.
• Appropriate Documentation: Ensure that all the documents doubled times for accuracy and completeness.
• Clear Communication: Clearly mention the purpose of your visit in your cover letter.
• Book a Refundable Accommodation: If applicable, try to consider booking accommodation with the cancellation policy till your visa is permitted.
• Prepare for an Interview: The applicants need to be prepared for the interview. Prepare all the necessary questions in accordance with your trip.
• Follow up: Frequently monitor the status of your visa application and follow up wherever it is required.
• Understand the Processing Times: Know the typical visa processing times and plan accordingly too.

The Spain travel rules for 2024, the adventure to this captivating country has become more streamlined and accessible. Without any doubt, you can navigate the visa application process smoothly by following each step and using the appropriate tools. Whether you’re fascinated by the rich history, vibrant culture or picturesque landscapes, the updated Spain’s travel restrictions from the UK ensure you a smoother and unforgettable experience.

So, what are you waiting for? Book your Spain Schengen visa appointment today to experience a seamless trip to Spain. Apply for a Spain visa from UK to immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience.

What are the essential changes in Spain’s New Rules 2024?

The significant Spain travel rules update might include the restructuring of the visa categories, potential modification of the application form, and updates in eligibility criteria. It’s crucial to specify the necessary changes relevant to your type of visa.

Are there any new requirements for student visas?

Yes, student visas have the latest New Spain travel rules, including changes in qualification acceptance, possible changes in post-study work opportunities, and financial documentation.

Are there any modifications for retirees trying to move to Spain?

Retirees might face changes in terms of healthcare requirements or financial criteria.

Let's Connect

Visa Type 30 Days Tourist Visa 60 Days Tourist Visa

• Travel Planning Guide

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Spain vs. the UK for Museums & Attractions, Beaches, Hiking, and Families

• Pros & Cons
• Museums & Attractions
• Culture & History
• Small Towns
• Christmas Markets
• National Parks
• Adventure & Outdoor Activities
• Watersports
• Outdoor Activities
• Backpackers
• Transportation
• More time in Spain or the UK?
• Which is Cheaper, Spain or the UK?

Should you visit Spain or the United Kingdom?

Which is cheaper to visit which is more expensive for vacation.

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Spain and the UK can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

We'll start with a quick overview, and below we will go into all of the details.

Spain is a diverse, historic, and proud country. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, water sports, and beaches.

From the popular coastlines to the rugged interior, Spain is full of history, natural beauty, vibrant people, amazing cities, unique cuisines, and gorgeous views. While Madrid is the capital, it's by no means the main attraction of a country full of beaches, ancient castles, and cultural diversity. Barcelona is the hub of the Catalan region with its own unique culture, and the southern areas have a deep historic relationship with Moorish culture, too. Visitors will also find epic hikes, world-class food, vineyards and wineries, epic nightlife, famous art, natural wildlife, multiple coastlines, cultural dances and music, friendly smiles, and affordable prices.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is a traditional, prosperous, and beautiful country. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, theater, history and culture, and nightlife.

The United Kingdom, also commonly referred to as Great Britain, offers visitors a diverse set of experiences and attractions throughout the large cities, small town, and countryside. Consisting of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, travelers can explore a deep and rich history and culture along with modern attractions and beautiful, diverse landscapes. From cities such as London, Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Belfast, it's easy to get out into the smaller towns and countryside to explore the mountains, coastline, and agricultural regions of this island nation.

Spain and UK: Pros and Cons

• Popular museums and historical sights
• Great culture, history, and arts
• Popular beach
• Good for hiking
• Beautiful national parks
• Plenty of watersports
• Great road trips
• Family-friendly
• Good for couples and romance
• Good for backpackers and budget travelers
• Impressive beauty
• Less theater options
• Less popular for skiing
• Less popular for students
• Numerous theater shows
• Good for students
• Less attractive beach
• Not as many national parks
• Less adventure activities
• Less watersports
• Less popular with couples

How is Spain different from the UK?

Which is better for a holiday.

Below we will examine the differences and similarities between Spain and the UK. With this information, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Spain or the UK?

While you'll find a number of sights and museums in both Spain and The UK , those in The UK are generally more well known.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, The UK has many famous sights for visitors. Visitors will find some terrific museums not just in London, but all over the country. For starters, the British Museum is world famous, but York also has the Railway Museum. The smaller town of Bath has its Baths, and you'll find plenty of art galleries all over such as Kelvingrove in Glasgow or the McManus in Dundee.

London : The city has so many iconic sights that we can't list them all, but some of the most famous include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the British Museum. You can fill many days exploring the treasures found at each of the venues.

Edinburgh : The most famous sights include the Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the National Museum of Scotland. There are also kid-friendly museums like Camera Obscura.

Bath : The main draw to Bath is the rich history and most sights are focused on the area's spa city past. The Roman Baths are a highlight of a trip to the city, but other not to be missed places include Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent, and Pulteney Bridge.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Spain. The major cities of Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Granada, and others all have world-class museums that cover a variety of topics from history to art to science. Many of them are also family-friendly. In Barcelona, don't miss the Picasso museum dedicated to the famous artist. Casa Batllo is one of Gaudi's famous buildings and worth a tour along with Casa Vicens, too. MNAC is a great place to learn about the local Catalan art and history. And the Joan Miro museum is dedicated to the work and life of this famous artist. In Madrid, you can find plenty of historical places such as the Royal Palace and the National Archaeology Museum. If it's art you seek, make sure to visit the Prado, the Queen Sofia Arts Center, or the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, all of which have world-class art from Spain and Europe. In Valencia, kids will love the Oceanografic aquarium and the Bioparc zoo. In Seville, the Real Alcazar has fascinating architecture. and the Flemenco museum showcases Spain's most famous dance. This is just a small sample, as you'll find even more museums in Bilbao, Malaga, Granada, and other cities around the country, too.

Seville : This elegant city is filled with historic buildings and world famous architecture. From the iconic Catedral de Sevilla to the Real Alcázar and Plaza de España, there is an endless supply of world class sights around town.

Cordoba : The city is filled with monuments that reflect its past. The Great Mosque (La Mezquita) is one of the most iconic sights. You can also visit Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, Palacio de Viana, and Puente Romano.

Granada : Many visitors head to Granada specifically to visit the famed Alhambra. The palace and fortress complex will not disappoint. The gardens are beautifully maintained and the palace is filled with intricate details. It's easy to spend hours wandering around. In addition to The Alhambra, the Granada Cathedral is also impressive to visit. If you have kids or extra time to fill, head to Parque de las Ciencias, which is the city's Science Park.

Santiago de Compostela : The iconic Cathedral of Santiago has long attracted pilgrims and travelers from around Europe and the world. The spectacular sight includes a museum and the crypt and tomb of Saint James. Another interesting sight in town is the former hostel for pilgrims, the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos. Also make sure you visit Plaza del Obradoiro and the Galician Center of Contemporary Art.

See also Barcelona: The Ultimate Travel Planning Guide .

Is Spain or the UK Better for Culture, Arts, and History?

While both cultures have their own history and culture, generally The UK offers more of this on a visit than Spain

For those interested in history, art, and culture, The UK is not to be missed. Thousands of years of history is on display all over the U.K. With historical destinations such as London, Stonehenge, Edinburgh, Cardiff, numerous castles, and historical small towns, history lovers will find plenty to do here.

See also Free and Cheap Things To Do in Belfast , and The Castles of Scotland .

Spain is a terrific destination to visit for history, arts, and culture, as it has many sights worth visiting. The blending of cultures in this region of Europe along with the accessibility of historic sights and cultural traditions make this country an obvious place to visit for history lovers. A long period of Spain's history was influenced by the Moors from the south, and you can see it in the architecture, art, cuisine, and music. Furthermore, the Catalan region in the east has it's own cultural differences. The Roman empire also left its mark, as did visitors from the rest of Europe and northern Africa. Some of the best historic places to see in Spain include the Alhambra palace and fortress in Granada, the huge cathedrals of Seville, Barcelona, and Madrid, El Escorial palace outside of Madrid, Montserrat Monastery near Barcelona, amongst others. Some of the best historical sites are actually the smaller castles and fortresses that are left from the long conflict between the Spanish and Moors that dot the countryside in the southern regions. Furthermore, Spain has made unique contributions of music, theater, and culture to the world stage. Flamenco dancing and Paso Double are just two of the musical art forms that are worth seeing on a smaller, intimate stage during a visit. And don't miss the world-class cuisine, too.

See also Barcelona: Activities, Tickets, and Things to Do , Things to Do in Madrid , and Cheap Tours and Activities in Granada, Spain .

Is Spain or the UK Better for Big City Activities?

You'll find a similar number of great big city activities in both Spain and The UK .

As Spain has many big cities, visitors will find plenty to do. Madrid and Barcelona are the two largest cities and most popular places to visit. Both have world-class museums, historical attractions, cathedrals, parks, shopping, restaurants and cafes, markets, and unique culture. Some of the other cities in Spain should not be overlooked either, as they also offer plenty of big city activities, museums, and culture. Valencia, Seville, Alicante, and Cadiz are also large and full of terrific activities.

The UK has large cities with plenty of activites for visitors as well. London is the first name that comes to mind when thinking of large cities in Great Britain, and rightly so as this huge global city attracts visitors from everywhere because of its history, museums, theatre, nightlife, food, and monuments. After London, the U.K. has many large cities with their own atmosphere and cultural experiences to offer. Liverpool, Manchester, Cardiff, Edinburgh, and Belfast all have terrific attractions, nightlife, and cuisine for visitors.

See also 1 Day in London On A Budget , and The Best Things to Do in Glasgow .

Is Spain or the UK Better for Small Towns and Villages?

Spain offers more villages and small towns to explore than The UK.

Spain also offers a huge number of beautiful small towns with plenty of sights and activities. A few of the most popular small towns to visit include Ronda with its dramatic cliffs, Besalu and it's bridge and castle-like gate, Cudillero on the northern coast, and Morella with its castle. All around Spain visitors can find small towns that once contained fortified cities, fishing villages, monasteries, and more. Bunol, near Valencia, is the location of the famous annual tomato fight. And Pamplona is home to the running of the bulls every year. Benasque in the Pyrenees sits in a valley and offers plenty of outdoor activities. And don't miss the famous hanging houses of Cuenca. Frigiliana is full of white-washed Andalucian houses, along with other nearby towns worth visiting. Every region of Spain offers something unique and special, so make sure you add some of these places to your itinerary.

The UK is a great destination to visit small towns and villages just waiting to be explored. Some of the most popular and scenic small towns in England include St. Ives, Bath, Castle Combe, Bibury, and Shaftesbury. And in Scotland, don't miss Tobermory, Anstruther, Linlithgow, St. Andrews, and others. In Wales, you'll find beautiful scenery in Tenby, Solva, Rhossili, and others. Outside of Belfast in Northern Ireland, you'll find small town charm in Bangor, Kilkeel, and Portstewart. All of these towns across the nation offer that traditional quaintness that visitors seek from a typical town in the countryside. You'll find pubs, historic architecture, the occasional ruins of castles and churches, farms, and more.

Is Spain or the UK Better for Theater?

With more venues to choose from, The UK is more regarded as a theater destination.

Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in The UK that are not to be missed. The London theatre scene is world famous, and when visiting, seeing a show is a must. But venture further into the rest of the country for even more. Stratford-upon-Avon is the birthplace of Shakespeare, after all. You'll find even more theatre experiences in Manchester, Edinburgh, Brighton, Cardiff, and more.

London : The West End theater district is where you'll find the most popular musicals. Famous theaters include Apollo Theatre, Palace Theatre, and Piccadilly Theatre. There are often Wednesday matinees that are a bit cheaper than the evening shows. You may also be able to get discounted last minute tickets if you're visiting during the less touristy times.

Stratford-Upon-Avon : Shakespeare enthusiasts must check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. There are often tickets available the day of for a reduced price.

With some theater and performance venues, you might want to see a show in Spain. In Madrid, you can see plays and musicals at the Theatro Real Theatre and from the National Classical Theatre Company or the National Drama Centre. The Spanish National Ballet and the National Dance Company provide terrific opportunities to see world-class dance productions. Also, you can see Flamenco shows at small, intimate venues around Madrid and other cities, too. For example, in Barcelona you should try to catch a Flemenco show at Tablao Flamenco Cordobes which is one of the best venues in the country. Also in Barcelona, the Gran Teatre del Liceu is a large historic venue with a gorgeous interior that hosts a variety of productions. And don't miss the Palace of Catalan Music where you can listed to music from the region. Many other cities host terrific theater productions from the local culture as well as touring shows.

Is the Food Better in Spain or the UK? Which Country Has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at great restaurants in both Spain and The UK .

Spain has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Tapas are perhaps the most famous Spanish culinary export. These small sharable dishes started as something to snack on while drinking, and have transformed into a style of meal all their own. Typical tapas dishes include potatoes, sausages, stewed meats, calamari, olives, cheese, and more. But tapas are not the only local foods you should try. Chirizo is a special type of smoked sausage, and jamón Iberico is a smoked ham with tons of flavor. Calamares (rings of squid) are also popular around the costal areas, and are cooked with a variety methods. Anchovies and other seafood are popular, too. Paella is also famous. The name comes from the wide pan that the rice dish is served in, usually with seafood or meat and a variety of spices for flavoring. Finally, while in Spain, taste the local olives, bread, cheese, and fruit as they are all usually fresh and delicious.

Madrid : The city has a mix of flavors that come from all of Spain. There are amazing markets where you can grab a meal or snack. There are also many high quality restaurants around town where you're guaranteed a good meal. Local favorites include roast suckling pig, Spanish omelette, and meat and chickpea stew.

Valencia : The city is famous as the birthplace of paella, which is one of Spain's most famous dishes. Beyond the paella, there are a number of other amazing traditional dishes. Fideuà is similar to paella but made with noodles instead of rice. All i pebre is an eel and potato dish and clóchinas are tiny local mussels. For dessert make sure you try the flan de calabaza, which is pumpkin flavored. Many restaurants also have tapas that can be shared. Restaurants in the old town are charming and delicious, but out by the beaches the quality isn't as good.

San Sebastian : It is a famed culinary capital of not just Spain, but the entire world. The city has many Michelin-starred restaurants where you can experience modern or traditional recipes prepared by world class chefs. There are also pintxo bars, food markets, and gourmet food shops, that sell local ingredients and dishes. Much of the cuisine includes seafood, but you'll also find a local twist on traditional tapas. Dining is a true experience in this town.

Almeria : The food is focused on local, fresh ingredients with many traditional recipes that have been passed down for centuries. Popular dishes change with the seasons because they rely so heavily on local produce. Particularly during the winter months you'll find hearty stews like patatas en ajopollo and gurullos con conejo, which is prepared with rabbit. Sardines are also popular year round.

See also Food and Dining in Madrid , Delicious Tapas Tours in Madrid , and The Best Cheap Food Tours in Madrid .

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, The UK makes for a great culinary experience. In the last few decades, the food scene in Great Britain has taken off as world-class chefs have opened restaurants featuring menus from all corners of the globe. When visiting the U.K., you'll be pleasantly surprised by the quality and creativity of the food. That being said, traditional British food itself is not particularly famous. Fish and Chips, meat pies, black pudding, bangers and mash, and "toad in the hole" (sausage in batter) tend to be first on people's lists of interesting foods to try when visiting. But they are not the final say in modern British cuisine anymore.

York : Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

Is Spain or the UK Better for Nightlife?

Both Spain and The UK have great vibes after the sun sets.

Spain has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Barcelona, Madrid, Granada, Seville, Malaga, Valencia, and many other beach resort towns all have active nightlife scenes, each with their own personality. Barcelona is very popular with all types of bars and dance clubs for locals and travelers alike. Sidecar, Opium, and Pacha are some of the most popular places, and many more can be found in Raval, El Born, and the Gothic Quarter. In Madrid, check out Kapital, Barbara Ann, or Ochoymedio. Along the coast, the nightlife varies from family-friendly restaurants and theaters to more active dance clubs, pubs, and bars for singles and younger couples.

Barcelona : The city offers an amazing nightlife at a much more affordable price than many places in Europe. There are beach parties, boat parties, and bars that stay packed late into the night. The city also hosts many street fiestas and music festivals.

Valencia : Dinner starts late, so you can expect the nightlife to pick up even later. During the summer there are all night terrace parties and year round you'll find nightclubs filled from evening to dawn. If all night raves aren't really your thing, you'll also find plenty of local bars where you can hang out with friends in a more relaxed setting. The nightlife scene really is varied enough that there's something for everyone.

Malaga : The city has some of the most active nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of opportunities to party in Malaga and you'll find the most vibrant nightlife in the Centro Historico.

Palma de Mallorca : Head to Magaluf and Palma for the most popular places.

Marbella : European tourists flock to the town for its beaches and resorts. The town has a glamorous nightlife scene with exclusive clubs and ritzy cocktail bars, particularly in Puerto Banus and along the Golden Mile.

See also Barcelona Nightlife , The Best Nightlife in Madrid , and Party Hostels in Barcelona .

The people in The UK know how to have a good time. London is one of the most popular cities in the world for nightlife. From bars and clubs to theatre shows, the activity in the city is always pulsing. Liverpool, Manchester, Edinburgh, Belfast, and other large cities also have plenty of nightlife options, too, with active nightclubs, varied music scenes, and theatre productions.

London : Some of the best neighborhoods for nightlife are Camden, West End, Soho, and Shoreditch. There are many festivals, concerts, and shows worth checking out and the nightlife scene is diverse enough that there really is something for everyone.

Glasgow : The city has some of the best nightlife in the entire country. There are clubs, bars, techno warehouses and more. Some of the best clubs include Sub Club, The Berkeley Suite, and The Garage.

See also London's Party Hostels .

Is Spain or the UK Better for Beaches?

Spain is considered to be a more popular beach destination than The UK.

The beaches in Spain are among the best in the world. The beaches in Spain are world-class, popular, and extensive. With a huge stretch of coastline on the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, as well as famous islands such as Ibiza and Mallorca. The coastline of Andalusia and Valencia are perhaps the most visited, as tourists from all of Europe, and all of the world, come here for holiday beach vacations in Spain. Good food, sunny warm weather, wide sandy beaches, and family-friendly amenities are found up and down the coast. Some areas are more party-oriented, while others offer a calm, relaxing vibe, or family-friendly activities. Some of the best and most popular beach destinations in southern Spain include Tossa de Mar in Costa Brava, Puerto Banus near Marbella, Bogatell in Barcelona, Almunecar in Costa Tropical, and the beaches of Cadiz, amongst others. You can't go wrong with any of them.

Palma de Mallorca : The island is lined with sandy beaches and rocky coves, which have contributed to it becoming one of Europe's most popular beach destinations.

Almeria : Outside of town you'll find kilometers of stunning coastline and beaches. There are pristine natural beaches that still feel undiscovered with beautiful long stretches of sand. One of the biggest resort areas is Roquetas de Mar.

Marbella : The area boasts some of the best beaches in Europe. They are hubs of activity with lots of energy, and there are more than 18 miles of sandy beach in the area. Popular options include Guadalmina Beach, San Pedro de Alcántara Beach, and Nueva Andalucía Beach.

The UK is a good spot to see the beach. The southern coastline of Britain has a variety of beach areas, some with wide sandy beaches lined with restaurants, boardwalk shops, and other fun activities. While the water is generally cold, the summer months are still quite popular. Some of the more visited spots include St. Ives, Brighton, Newquay, Bournemouth, and West Wittering. This is just a few, and many more areas are favorites with locals, too.

Is the Shopping Better in Spain or the UK?

While Spain and The UK are both popular shopping destinations, overall The UK is considered to be better.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in The UK. London offers plenty of shopping experiences all over the city, and has various neighborhoods with different styles, trends, and vibes. Other large cities also have their own shopping districts where locals and travelers alike can find anything they want from clothes to gifts to locals artisan crafts.

London : With so much iconic shopping around town, it's hard to decide where to go. Head to Oxford Street, Regent Street, or Piccadilly Circus for a quintessential British shopping experience.

Spain is a great destination for shopping. In Barcelona, visitors can find plenty of great areas with fashion boutiques, local arts and crafts, and souvenirs. Check out Portal De L'Angel in the Gothic Quarter, Paseo de Gràcia with its high-end stores, Avenida Diagonal for its diversity of shops, and the famous Boqueria Market where you'll find fresh food and other surprises. In Madrid, don't miss Gran Via, Calle Preciados, Calle de Fuencarral, or the historic El Rastro flea market where you can find plenty of hidden gems. Elsewhere in Spain, most beach resort areas have shopping streets, and the larger towns such as Valencia, Malaga, and Marbella have multiple shopping neighborhoods. In Granada and Seville, it's also possible to find those special local arts and craft shops for the perfect gift or souvenir.

Madrid : Gran Vía is a main thoroughfare in Madrid that is also popular for shopping. Calle Fuencarral is where you'll find the fashion shops and Calle Preciados is a fun pedestrian area to explore.

Barcelona : Head to Portal De L'Angel, Rambla de Catalunya, or Passeig De Gracia for some of the city's best shopping districts.

Marbella : This area attracts vacationers from around Europe and the shopping is some of the best in Europe.

Is Spain or the UK Better for Christmas Markets?

Both Spain and The UK have great Christmas markets during the holiday season.

During the holidays, visitors often browse through the Christmas markets in Spain . Despite weather that's warmer than most of Europe, this country still has strong Christmas traditions and therefore the major cities showcase decorations in public places along with Christmas festivals, markets, and shows during the holiday season. Malaga is on the southern coast, but still boats some terrific lights and decorations for the holidays. Madrid and Barcelona also have festivals and large public displays of lights along with some outdoor markets and performances. Seville, Granada, Bilbao, and other cities do the same. So, if you're in Spain for the holidays, don't miss the festivities.

The UK is a good spot to see some Christmas markets. Visitors over the holidays can find Christmas markets in London, Bath, Bournemouth, Cardiff, and Edinburgh, among others. In addition to shopping, many of these markets offer fun activities, ice skating, shows, Santa encounters, and delicious holiday cuisine.

London : The city has many Christmas markets. There is Winter Wonderland Christmas market, Southbank Centre Winter Market, and Selfridges Christmas Market, among many others.

Is Spain or the UK Better for Skiing?

While The UK and Spain both offer snow skiing, overall Spain has more to offer.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Spain for snow skiing. For many, it's surprising to hear that the interior mountains of Spain have a variety of ski areas. While they are not as high-quality as those in the Alps, they are still good and offer plenty of runs, and usually at a much lower price. Some of the best include Formigal and Candanchu in the Pyrenees, Pradollano near Granada in the Sierra Nevada range, and San Isidro near Leon. If you're in the area in the winter months, they are worth a visit.

While skiing is available in The UK, for many travelers it is not the primary purpose of their visit. Aberdeenshire in Scotland offers a handful of ski resorts such as Glenshee and Lecht. Also nearby you'll find Cairngorm mountain and Glencoe. A few more ski resort areas can be found in Cumbria, and a few more around the mountainous areas of central Britain. However, the skiing at these resorts does not compare to those in mainland Europe, but they are still fun for the locals or anyone who wants to make a short and quick trip for some downhill runs.

Is Spain or the UK Better for Hiking?

While The UK and Spain both have hiking trails, overall Spain is more well-known.

Known for its hiking, Spain draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The Camino de Santiago is Spain's most famous hiking route. Also known as the Way of St. James, this historic 500 mile-long pilgrimage route stretches across the entire width of Spain and also has numerous secondary paths. Hikers come from around the world to trek the entire length or just a small portion of the trail which ends at the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela in the northwest. Additionally, you'll find plenty of other hiking opportunities in the Pyrenees mountains, the various national parks, or even in the Canary islands or Mallorca. Also, the Caminito del Rey has amazing trails along cliffs near Malaga. From Barcelona, it's easy to reach the base of Montserrat, where you can hike up to the monastery instead of taking the cable car, or hike on the higher up trails as well. Sierra Nevada national park, near Granada, also offers plenty of hiking trails that are close to a major city. And in the Costa Brava region up the coast from Barcelona, even more gorgeous trails have great views of the landscapes and Mediterranean Sea. Generally, no matter where you visit in this country, you can find some great trails.

Santiago de Compostela : This small city is the culmination point for the famed Camino de Santiago. The 780 kilometer route is followed by pilgrims and travelers who seek enlightenment or adventure. Hikers travel both independently or as part of organized tours.

Tenerife : The island's volcanic landscapes mean that there are dramatic and breathtaking hikes throughout the island. Some of the best hikes are found in the Anaga Rural Park, Teide National Park, and the Teno Mountains.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around The UK. Hiking and "walks" are very popular ways to experience and explore the beautiful landscapes of the U.K., as a number of long routes weave their way through the countryside and along the coastline. It's quite popular to do a multi-day walk with stopovers in quaint towns, especially as many of these walks are on routes with easy elevation and clearly defined paths with good signs. Some of the more popular routes include the Hadrian’s Wall Path, The Cleveland Way, Norfolk Coast Path, and Cotswold Way. If it's more strenuous mountain hiking that you're after, definitely visit one of the national park areas such as Cairngorms, Peak District, Lake District, or Snowdonia, as they all offer mountain trails with gorgeous scenery.

Isle of Skye : Hikes on the island range from family-friendly to some of the most challenging in Scotland. The setting is dramatic and beautiful and the hikes are a varied as the landscape. Some of the most popular hikes include the Fairy Pools, the Old Man of Storr, Neist Point Lighthouse, and the Quiraing.

Snowdonia National Park : There are approximately 1,500 miles of walking paths and hiking trails in the area. You can hike to waterfalls, along beaches, or to the top of Mt. Snowden. Aber Falls is a popular trail or you could explore lakes and try to see wild ponies along the Llyn Idwal Trail. For a particularly strenuous and adventurous trail, head to Glyder Fawr or The Snowdon Horseshoe Circular Walk.

Outer Hebrides : The islands offer some of the area's best hiking. You'll pass by stunning beaches, see unique wildlife, and enjoy a remote and tranquil setting. Follow the Hebridean Way, which covers the full length of the archipelago. It spans 156 miles and goes through 10 islands with 2 ferry trips.

Lake District National Park : There's a huge selection of hikes to choose from in the area, ranging from easy strolls to more strenuous climbs. The park offers some of the best hiking in the country and you can spend days exploring. Some of the favorite hikes in the area include Scafell Pike, Helvellyn, and Catbells.

Is Spain or the UK Better for its National Parks?

Spain usually beats out The UK for its wide range of national parks.

Many visitors go to Spain to see the national parks. With sixteen national parks and a variety of other natural parks and wilderness protection areas, visitors are offered a diverse set of natural destinations to explore. Some are in the mountains, some at the coast, and others are found in unique ecosystems. Some of the most popular include Cabañeros in the mountains of Toledo, Guadarrama near Madrid, and Illas Atlánticas de Galicia near A Coruna on the northern coast. Several national parks are found on the Canary Islands and make the trip there even more interesting if you have the time. In many of Spain's national parks, you'll find hiking, camping, horseback riding, adventure sports, and beautiful views.

The UK is a good destination to visit the national parks. A few of the most popular national parks in the U.K. include Snowdonia, Peak District, Lake District, Cairngorms, and Loch Lamond. Most of these parks offer beautiful mountain scenery, rivers, camping, lakes, and outdoor experiences for the whole family.

Is Spain or the UK Better for Adventure Travel?

Spain generally offers more adventure travel options for travelers than The UK.

The adventure travel options in Spain attract many visitors. From the mountains to the coastline, visitors can experience bungee jumping, mountain biking, paragliding, zip-lines, ropes courses, rock climbing, canyoning, whitewater rafting, and more. The coast also offers surfing, kite surfing, wind surfing, scuba diving, and boating. It's possible to find these activities all around the country, usually in the countryside not far from major cities.

The UK is a good destination for those who seek adventure travel experiences, as there are a few options to explore. Some of the more popular areas to participate in adventure sports are in the more wilderness regions and national parks of the nation. Zip lines, rock climbing, kayaking, paragliding, river rafting, and canyoning are all popular in the mountainous areas. Surfing is sometimes found along the coast, too.

Is Spain or the UK Better for Visiting the Mountains?

While The UK and Spain both have beautiful mountain areas, overall Spain is considered to be better for visitors.

Spain has some beautiful mountain areas that attract visitors. The Pyrenees are the largest mountain chain in the country, making a divide between Spain and France. Here you'll find epic views, hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, mountain biking, ski resorts, and more. Elsewhere in Spain you can find plenty of other mountains, as the inland is quite varied. The Sierra Nevada mountains in the south are some of the most beautiful, and are also easily accessible. Across northern Andalusia, you can find even more mountains north of Seville and Cordoba, with several national parks and wilderness areas. In all of these places you'll find natural beauty, wildlife, horseback riding, hiking, camping, and even paragliding. And don't miss the Canary Islands, where you'll find even more great activities. Tenerife is the largest island and offers gorgeous mountain views, native wildlife, and an exotic, tropical atmosphere. Spain absolutely has some gorgeous mountains worth visiting.

The UK is a good destination to visit the mountains, as there are some fun activities. Many of the national parks in Britain offer gorgeous mountain scenery with hiking, horseback riding, adventure sports, camping, and more. Snowdonia, Peak District, Lake District, Cairngorms, and other parks have plenty of mountain adventures waiting for visitors. Also, the northern areas of Scotland are rugged and mountainous. The Hebrides for example, offer amazing natural landscapes where the mountains meet the sea to the north.

Is Spain or the UK Better for Watersports?

While The UK and Spain both have plenty of watersports, overall Spain is considered to be better for travelers seeking these activities.

The watersports in Spain attract many visitors. With a huge length of coastline both on the southern Mediterranean shore and the northern Atlantic shore, water sports in all forms can be found here. Surfing is very popular on both coasts, as wake boarding, kite surfing, and wind surfing. It's also easy to rent kayaks or canoes both on the coastline or in the rivers and lakes of the interior. Scuba diving and snorkeling are popular along the coast, as well as in the Canary Islands and around Ibiza and Majorca. The beaches and clear waters of these island paradises attract plenty of water bound tourists for a good reason. If you're interested in doing more at the beach than just laying on the sand, Spain is the place for you.

The UK is a good destination to participate in watersports, as there are some fun activities. Surfing is popular in some areas of the coastline such as Cornwall and in Snowdonia National Park. It's also possible to find a few river rafting outfitters around the country, too. Kayaking, fishing, and boating are all quite popular along the shore, too.

Is Spain or the UK Better for Outdoor Activities?

While The UK and Spain both have plenty of outdoor activities, overall Spain is considered to be better for travelers seeking outdoor adventures.

The outdoor activities and experiences of Spain attract many visitors. Popular outdoor activities here include camping, hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, mountain biking, and more. Canyoning is popular, especially in the Pyrenees. The Sierra de Guara is one of the most popular spots for this, located outside of Zaragoza. Or, try rock climbing in Andalucía where you'll find a variety of spots not far from Malaga, Cordoba, and Granada. For those looking for a hike, trails are everywhere and not just in the national parks. Of course, there's always the famous Camino de Santiago if you're looking for an adventure.

The UK has some outdoor activities that attract visitors. Outdoor activities in Great Britain include hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, adventure sports, camping, and more. It's easy and accessible to get out into nature here from the big cities, and a diverse array of activities can be found.

Is Spain or the UK Better for a Road Trip?

Spain and The UK both have plenty of great places to explore on a road trip.

Taking a road trip through Spain is very good way to see the countryside and smaller destinations. The roads in Spain are efficient, quick, and well-maintained, making it easy to get around. If you don't have a car, it's also easy and often affordable to rent or hire one at the airport upon arrival. Many visitors take a road trip along the coastlines. The northern coastline in particular is very scenic with epic views and small towns The southern coastline is lined with beaches, more small towns, and larger cities. The Catalan coast north of Barcelona is especially beautiful with small towns, cliffs along the sea, and historical sites. The interior shouldn't be missed either, as you'll find national parks, castles and fortresses, and beautiful cities such as Granada, Ronda, Seville, and Toledo. And since Spain is not too large, the drives won't be too long between destinations.

See also Andalusia Road Trip .

The UK is an extremely popular destination for those that want to take a road trip. The roads in the U.K. are great, and with plenty of small villages, national park areas, seaside destinations, and historical sites, a road trip is a great way to see the country.

Is Spain or the UK Better for Families?

Both Spain and The UK are great to visit with kids.

Spain is an extremely popular country to visit for families. Beach vacations are one of the first things that come to mind for a family holiday or vacation to Spain. The Mediterranean coast has multiple beach resort towns such as those in Valencia or around Malaga and Marbella. Even Costa Brava and the areas around Barcelona are popular beach spots, too. But don't assume that the beaches are the only thing to see for families, as the big cities and mountains have plenty of activities as well. Madrid has kids tours of the Prado museum, the Mercado de San Miguel, a great zoo, the Warner Brothers Park, a railway museum, and a fantastic natural sciences museum. Barcelona offers the CosmoCaixa science museum, Montjuic and it's fun gondolas, the chocolate museum, a terrific aquarium, and plenty of interesting architecture. Kids also love all of the old castles and fortresses that dot the countryside, especially the Alhambra, the Castillo de Peñíscola, and the Royal Palace of Olite. Furthermore, plenty of cities have a mix of cultural and historical sites combined with modern family attractions such as amusement parks, water parks, and natural park areas. The mountains also have national parks with wide open spaces which are great for family hikes, bike rides, camping, and road trips. You can't go wrong with a family trip to Spain, as there's just so much to do.

Tenerife : The island has many great waterparks for kids, with one of the best being Siam Park. Other family-friendly destinations include Aqualand, Loro Parque, Jungle Park, and Monkey Park. There are whale watching trips, outdoor adventures, and kid-friendly beaches as well.

See also The Ultimate Guide to Madrid .

With a huge array of activities for kids, The UK is very family-friendly. From the big cities to the countryside, if you're traveling with kids you'll find something great to do. London has family-friendly museums and attractions such as science museums, the Tower of London, and amusement parks. Plenty of beach resort areas are found along the coastline, too, such as in Blackpool, Cornwall, the Isle of Wight, or Paignton. Head north to Snowdonia for hiking and watersports, or to Scotland for the lakes, historic railways, and castles. Kids of all ages, and parents also will love if.

London : Whether you do a Harry Potter Tour, take a ride on the London Eye, or enjoy afternoon tea, there are plenty of activities for kids around town. The Harry Potter Studio Tour is fun for everyone, but should be booked well in advance as it sells out. Theatre enthusiasts will enjoy catching a musical in West End and sampling dim sum or a hot pot in Chinatown. There are often Wednesday matinee showings that are perfect for kids with early bedtimes.

York : The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

Is Spain or the UK Better for Couples?

Spain offers a wider variety of romantic activities for couples than The UK.

Spain has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. In addition to the historical centers of Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Valencia which contain plenty of romantic attractions, couples and honeymooners also love Majorca and Ibiza for it's epic beaches, the southern coast of Spain for the beach resorts, and Costa Brava for its charming small towns with fantastic cuisine. Honeymooners could stay in one spot for a week, or spend their entire trip touring the highlights. Or, if you're just looking for a quick weekend getaway, any of the major cities or smaller towns offers plenty of charming activities. Andalucía is a popular destination because it combines the beaches with historic towns, mountain retreats, and fantastic food. The Asturias region on the northern coast is popular for many of the same reasons. No matter where you visit, it's easy to combine all of the best features of Spain into one terrific and romantic trip.

Marbella : The area has luxury resorts, nice beaches, water sports, golf, and water activities that are perfect for a honeymoon or a romantic weekend or a honeymoon.

See also Hostels for Solo Travellers, Female Travellers, & Couples in Madrid , Hostels & Campgrounds in Ibiza for Solo Travellers, Couples, and Groups , and Hostels in Pamplona for Backpackers, Solo Travellers, and Couples .

The UK is a nice destination for couples. Plenty of destinations in Great Britain are great for couples. London for starters has many nice hotels, restaurants, and romantic spots around town. Or, head to the countryside of Scotland or Wales for castles, beautiful natural scenery, lakes, and more. If you're looking for an active trip, check out some of the national park or wilderness areas such as Lake District, Snowdonia, or Cairngorms. Also, many of the beach destinations have nice resort areas for couples, too.

London : With every type of entertainment that you can imagine, this city is the ultimate couple's getaway. There are world class musicals, evening concerts, and restaurants of every style, cuisine, and budget. It's easy for couples to fill days in this vibrant city.

Bath : With its beautiful architecture and fascinating history, this city is perfect for couples. Take a canal cruise or wander through the scenic areas to enjoy a romantic trip.

Snowdonia National Park : Explore the beautiful outdoor scenery by taking one of the many hikes in the park. There are many diverse walking routes or you can head to the top of Mt. Snowden. There are also waterfalls and castles that couples can explore.

See also Hostels in Liverpool for Solo Travellers, Groups, & Couples .

Is Spain or the UK Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Spain and The UK are both great destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Spain . Affordable prices, easy transportation, and a wide array of budget accommodation make this country extremely popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Barcelona, Madrid, the costal cities, and small towns all have plenty of hostels, pensions, and guest houses. Barcelona is also known for its nightlife, attracting younger travelers on a budget, and plenty of places cater to them with low-cost accommodations with a party vibe. Also, a huge number of museums and cultural attractions have low-cost or free entry tickets, or provide discounts for anyone under 25. Affordable food is also found everywhere, whether at local restaurants, street vendors, or markets. Transportation is also easy, cheap, and efficient, and serves the entire country. Overall, prices in most spots in Spain tend to be a little more affordable than in the rest of Europe.

Barcelona : There are many hostels around town, each with its own personality. Many of the hostels also organize activities or dinners for guests so it's easy to meet other travelers. Backpackers will also appreciate the young vibe and late night party venues that keep the city fun and entertaining.

Malaga : From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

See also The Best Hostels in Seville , Party Hostels in Barcelona , and Partying at Hostels in Madrid .

Backpackers come from all over to visit The UK . The overall price of travel in the U.K. can be quite high, so backpackers and budget travelers will need to plan ahead to find affordable accommodations and entertainment options. London in particular offers plenty of hostels and budget accommodation options, but they are still priced higher than in many other cities. Smaller cities, towns, and destinations in the countryside can usually be more affordable. Prices aside, the overall amenities and infrastructure for budget travelers and backpackers are everywhere and very frequent. It's easy to find lower-priced options everywhere, along with plenty of free and cheap activities, so don't let the overall costs dissuade you from visiting.

London : Although the city is very expensive, it has tons of hostels, affordable restaurant options, and great public transit. There's a huge backpacker network here and it's easy to meet other travelers. The nightlife scene is also second to none.

Edinburgh : The city has some good hostels and an active nightlife, so it's not hard to find other travelers to hang out with. It's a well visited city with many areas that attracted younger travelers or students.

Lake District National Park : There are plenty of camping options throughout the park with a range of hookup facilities to meet everyone's needs. Waterfront campsites are also available.

See also Hostels for Solo Travellers, Female Travellers, & Couples in London, England , London's Party Hostels , and London Hostels Near Kings Cross .

Is Spain or the UK Better for Students?

While Spain and The UK are both good for students, overall The UK is genreally more popular.

The UK is a very popular country for students. Students will find not only a huge number of universities in the U.K., but also a large support network on top of affordable travel opportunities. Many of the major universities around the country are in locations with fun activities, vibrant nightlife, and affordable sights and attractions.

London : The city has a number of universities and is a popular study abroad destination. It's also a very diverse city, so international students will feel right at home.

Birmingham : With world class academic institutions and a very diverse and international population, this is a popular place for international students to study.

Oxford : At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

Cambridge : The town is home to more than 25,000 students who come from 140 different countries. This is one of the most iconic university towns in the world, and there's really no better place for students to visit or reside.

St. Andrews : At its heart, this is a university town with a long standing history in teaching. You'll find the town's population doubles when students are in town.

See also Hostels in Glasgow, Scotland for Students, Backpackers, and Solo Travellers , Hostels in England for Backpackers and Students , and Hostels in Scotland for Backpackers and Students .

Spain is popular with students. Other than Barcelona and Madrid, the most popular cities for students include Granada, Seville, Valencia, and Bilbao. Here, you'll find large universities surrounded by student-friendly neighborhoods. Nightlife, bars, affordable restaurants, and fun activities can be found in all of these cities which cater to budget travelers and locals alike. Spain is a popular destination overall for study-abroad students and younger travelers.

Madrid : With several great universities, this city is popular with international and study abroad students. The city also has a diverse population and an active nightlife that appeals to students.

Barcelona : This is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find international students from around the world. It's a beautiful city with plenty to see and do. It's also a lively city, but do expect the price tag to be higher than other Spanish cities.

Valencia : The city is young and vibrant with a lot of culture and beautiful neighborhoods. It's also well connected to the rest of Spain with a convenient central train station.

Seville : It's a top destination for international students who appreciate the many great educational institutions, beautiful year-round weather, and many festivals and evening activities.

Cordoba : It's a top study abroad destination for international students. The university is excellent and the city is easy to navigate. It's a cultural city with a great student-friendly atmosphere.

See also Hostels in Bilbao, Spain for Groups, Students, or Solo Travellers .

Is Spain or the UK Easier for Transportation? Which is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will be able to get around equally well in both Spain and The UK .

Spain has a great public transit system. High speed trains as well as local trains take visitors and residents around all of the cities in Spain fairly quickly. Once in a city, the local transit systems are excellent at reaching most places quickly. And if you choose to drive, you'll find a quality and efficient highway system, too. Buses can fill in the spots where trains don't go, and sometimes buses are a cheaper alternative to trains or flights between cities as well. The most popular airport connections are found in Madrid and Barcelona.

• It's very easy and convenient to travel by train.
• It's fairly easy to travel by bus.
• Traveling on cruise ships and excursions is extremely popular.
• It's quite common to get around if you join an organized tour.
• It's quite common to travel by car.
• It's possible to travel by airplane.

Public transit in The UK is top-notch. Public transit in the cities, combined with the national railway system makes it very easy for travelers to move around the country without their own car. London as well as other major cities are also hubs for airlines with connections abroad. Also, as an island nation, a huge number of ferry services connect Britain to Ireland as well as mainland Europe. The smaller islands just offshore are also connected by regular ferry routes, too.

• Traveling by train is extremely popular.
• It's possible to travel by bus.
• It's possible to travel by car.
• Travel by airplane is possible.

Is Spain or the UK more Comfortable for a Trip?

Spain and The UK are both modern and comfortable places to visit.

Spain is a very comfortable and luxurious destination with plenty of hotels, restaurants, and activities. Luxury beach vacations and historical attractions in famous cities usually come to mind when people think of Spain. Rightly so, because this country is modern and offers a wide array of comfortable modes of travel and vacationing. It's easy to find budget-friendly accommodation, but even at the lowest prices, guests can still expect to find modern and comfortable amenities. The roads, trains, and public transit are also clean, safe, and can get visitors anywhere. The tourist infrastructure here is extensive, and anyone can travel comfortably here no matter their budget or price range.

Generally, The UK is considered to be a comfortable and luxurious place to visit. Whether you're traveling on a budget or looking for higher-end luxurious accommodations, Great Britain offers a high-standard of living and travel for visitors. As a modern, affluent nation, tourists will find comfortable amenities at any price point along with an extensive network of transportation to get around the country. Nice restaurants, delicious food, and an abundant supply of professional tour operators and entertainment venues make a trip to the U.K. very easy, convenient, and comfortable.

Is Spain or the UK more Touristy?

Spain and The UK are both quite touristy, seeing a large number of visitors every year.

Spain is a destination which hosts plenty of visitors. While Madrid and Barcelona are the most popular cities to visit, the beach resort areas in Andalucía and Valencia can also get touristy, especially in the busy summer months. Additionally, other cities such as Toledo, the towns in Catalonia, Granada, and Seville attract many visitors. The summer months are the most busy, and you can expect larger crowds in these destinations as well as at major tourist sites. In some places, entrance queues for museums or attractions can get quite long. The most popular places to visit in Madrid include the Prado museum, the Royal Palace, the Crystal Palace in Retiro park, and sometimes the football museum at the Real Madrid football stadium. In Barcelona, you can expect crowds at the Sagrada Família cathedral, Park Güell, the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc at night when it's lit up, and in the streets of the Gothic Quarter. Despite the crowds, it's never too chaotic or unmanageable, and Spain is absolutely worth the trip in any case.

The UK sees a large number of visitors. London, Edinburgh, various castles, seaside resorts, and some of the national parks can be heavily touristy, especially in the peak summer months. Some of the smaller popular cities and towns for visitors also include Stratford upon Avon, Bath, Cambridge, Inverness, Stonehenge, and more. Despite the number of tourists, these destinations are still very manageable if you're on a trip and wish to see everything. It's also quite easy to avoid the crowds by escaping the larger cities or travel during non-peak seasons.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain , The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain , The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Spain , The Best 2-Week Tours in Spain , The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain , The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain , The Best Adventure Tours to Spain , The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain , The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain , The Best Luxury Tours to Spain , The Best Budget Tours to Spain , The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain , The Best Contiki Tours to Spain , The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain , The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Madrid , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona , The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid , The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona , The Best 2-Week Tours from Madrid , The Best 2-Week Tours from Barcelona , The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom , The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom , The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom , The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom , The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom , The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom , Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom , The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom , The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom , The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom , The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United Kingdom , The Best Luxury Tours to United Kingdom , The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom , The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom , The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh , The Best 3-Day Tours from London , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh , The Best 10-Day Tours from London , The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh , The Best 2-Week Tours from London , and The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh .

Should I spend more time in the UK or Spain?

How long in spain or the uk.

Spain and the United Kingdom both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Spain than the United Kingdom because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 7-21 days is a good amount of time for Spain, and 5-14 days is enough time in the United Kingdom.

Families should spend more time in Spain than the United Kingdom. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Spain, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Spain than the United Kingdom. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Spain that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Spain than the United Kingdom if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Spain.

• How many days should I spend in Spain or the UK? Ideal Length of Stay --> Spain 7-21   UK   5-14

A weekend in Spain or the UK?

Spain is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in the UK. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Spain or the UK?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Spain. Adventure travel is very popular here, too. With so much to do, five days is probably not enough time to see everything. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The UK is a fun place to experience. In the UK, many people enjoy the nightlife, live music, and food that this destination offers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Spain or the UK?

Many travelers enjoy the adventure travel, national parks, and history and culture when visiting the proud destination of Spain. This country offers a variety of activities to choose from. It's also known for its adventure travel activities. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In the UK, many people enjoy the live music, food, and hiking that this beautiful destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Two weeks in Spain or the UK?

Many travelers enjoy the adventure travel, national parks, and history and culture when visiting the friendly destination of Spain. This country offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have two weeks, this is a great place to go. With all of its activities, you can easily fill two weeks here.

In the UK, many people enjoy the live music, food, and hiking that this traditional destination offers. Plenty of people spend two weeks in the area when traveling. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. This would be the perfect place to spend two weeks, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Which country is cheaper, the UK or Spain?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

• Spain Prices UK Prices
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day Spain € 150 UK € 163

The average daily cost (per person) in Spain is €150, while the average daily cost in the UK is €163. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each country. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Spain and the UK in more detail.

Accommodation

• Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person Spain € 67 UK € 89
• Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room Spain € 134 UK € 178

Compare Hotels in Spain and the United Kingdom

Looking for a hotel in Spain or the United Kingdom? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Spain

Hotels in the United Kingdom

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.

Local Transportation

• Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. Spain € 27 UK € 34

Typical Local Transportation prices in Spain

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Spain:

• Taxi Ride € 26
• 10 Trip Metro Ticket € 7.80
• Airport Bus € 5.00
• Bus Ride € 3.50
• Taxi Ride € 6.80
• Bus Ride € 1.25
• 7 Trip Bus Pass € 5.00
• Metro € 2.10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Spain

Also for Spain, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

• Barcelona Airport to Barcelona City transfer : $31
• Barcelona Airport to Cruise Port Private Transfer: $40
• Barcelona City to Sant Train Station Barcelona private transfer: $31
• Coasteering in South Mallorca with Transfers: $71
• Malaga Airport (AGP) to Marbella - Arrival Private Transfer: $44
• Mallorca Airport (PMI) to Magaluf - Arrival Private Transfer: $43
• Transfer From Barcelona Airport to Barcelona Cruise Port: $40
• Adeje: Guided Bike Tour to Masca with Transfers and Drinks: $99
• Airport Transfer: $120
• Airport Transfer: Malaga Airport AGP to Malaga by Luxury Van: $57
• Airport Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Business Car: $51
• Airport Transfers Barcelona Minivan : $75

Typical Local Transportation prices in the UK

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in the UK:

• Taxi Ride € 17
• Heathrow Express € 21
• Luggage Storage € 9.35
• Local Bus € 4.21
• Rail to Airport € 13
• London Map € 1.51
• Oyster Card € 42
• 24 Hr Bus Passes (for 2) € 23
• Ferry to Isle of Wight € 18
• Parking € 2.34
• Toll Way - Mersey tunnel € 1.99
• City bike hire Liverpool € 7.01

Hired Cars and Shuttles in the UK

Some specific examples of transportation prices in the UK:

• Windsor Castle to/from Central London | Private Transfers: $69
• Windsor Castle Ticket & Private Transfer: $319
• Windsor Castle - Private Transfer - Pickup & Return: $292
• Warner Bros. Studio Tour London The Making of Harry Potter with return transfers: $126
• Warner Bros. Studio London: Tour with Bus Transfers: $149
• Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in London HTL - APT (LGW,STN): $135
• Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in London APT-HTL(STN,LYC): $116
• Trump Turnberry Hotel Resort Luxury Transfer: $229
• Transfers between Southampton and London via famous attractions: $153
• Transfer in private car from Central London - London Airport (LGW): $96
• Transfer in private Vehicle from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) - Central London: $96
• Transfer in Private Vehicle from London City Center- to Gatwick Airport (LGW): $115

Is it cheaper to fly into Spain or Spain?

Prices for flights to both the UK and Spain change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.

• Food Meals for one day Spain € 40 UK € 44

Typical Food prices in Spain

For Spain, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:

• Hot Cocoa & Churro € 4.15
• Sandwich € 1.70
• Baguette & Horchata € 3.80
• Coffee € 2.00
• Lunch € 14
• Fiesta Paella € 8.00
• Soda € 2.50
• Sangria € 2.50
• Sandwich to go € 3.00
• Bocadillo & Drink € 6.25
• Lunch € 9.50
• Ice Cream € 2.30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Spain

For Spain, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

• Valencia: Flamenco at Toro y La Luna with Drinks or Dinner: $19
• Barcelona Street Food Tour with Local Market & City Center Visit: $21
• Barcelona Guided Street Food Tour and Gothic Quarter Visit: $21
• Local cooking class in Cordoba. Hands on: Salmorejo: $21
• Walking Tour + Flamenco + Tapas Dinner (choose options): $27
• Barcelona: Flamenco at El Patio Andaluz with Optional Dinner: $27
• Tipsy Tapas Food Tour with Drinks and Food: $27
• Seville: Flamenco at El Palacio Andaluz with Optional Dinner: $28
• Malaga: Tablao Flamenco Show Antojo & Optional Dinner: $29
• Hard Rock Cafe Barcelona with Set Lunch or Dinner: $30
• Alicante: Secret Flavors Food Tour: $31
• Jerez: Flamenco Show & Optional Dinner at Tablao Puro Arte: $32

Typical Food prices in the UK

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in the UK:

• Lunch at Starbucks € 15
• Tea € 7.01
• Morning Tea € 2.92
• Ice Cream € 3.51
• A Quick Snack € 4.67
• Dinner € 26
• Breakfast € 9.93
• Dinner at Filling Station € 12
• Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason € 46
• Lunch € 17
• Morning Tea € 7.42
• Pastry € 5.84

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in the UK

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in the UK.

• (Thur 7pm) Comedy Magic Show includes 1x Pizza & 2 glasses of Prosecco: $25
• Manchester: Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $30
• Edinburgh: Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $31
• Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $33
• London: Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $34
• Picadilly Circus: Hard Rock Cafe Set Menu Lunch or Dinner: $36
• Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly Circus with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $38
• Traveling Spoon Nepalese Momos Private Online Cooking Class: $40
• Pistachio LOVERS Italian Dinner Experience: $44
• Breakfast Food Tour in York: $51
• London: Pizza Making Cookery Class: $52
• York: Party Cruise with Welcome Drink, Dinner, and DJ Music: $56

Entertainment

• Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc. Spain € 27 UK -

Typical Entertainment prices in Spain

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Spain's activities, tours, and tickets:

• Picasso Walking Tour and Museum Pass € 42
• Souvenir Gaudi Book € 8.55
• Snorkel € 5.00
• Flamenco Tour € 16
• Entrance to Cathedral € 8.00
• Garden Entrance Fee € 6.00
• Admission to Museo Picasso € 6.00
• Entrance to Castillos € 7.10
• Concert € 31
• Cadiz Sightseeing Tour € 15
• Tower of Hercules € 3.00
• Valle de los Caídos Monument € 6.00

Tours and Activities in Spain

For Spain, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

• Madrid Essential: Free Walking City Tour: $1.07
• SEVILLE in one day: GPS-AutoGuided Audio Tour: $1.07
• Old Town of Santiago de Compostela Walking Tour: $1.09
• Group walking tour in Lugo: $1.09
• GROUP walking tour in Vigo: $1.09
• Walking Tour in Pontevedra: $1.09
• San Sebastian : Discovery Stroll and Reading Walking Tour: $2.13
• Parte Vieja San Sebastian : Self-Guided Reading Walking Tour: $2.13
• Self-Guided Tours Barcelona: 150+ Captivating Audio Stories: $2.14
• History & Legends Comedy Tour: Barcelona Gothic Quarter: $2.94
• Toledo: First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
• Gothic Quarter Free Walking Tour in English: $3.21

Typical Entertainment prices in the UK

Here are a few typical costs in the UK for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:

• Two Tickets to a Concert € 97
• Show Tickets € 37
• Movie Tickets € 9.35
• London Symphony Orchestra € 40
• Movie Tickets for Two € 14
• Donation for Storytellers € 7.01
• Bike Rentals (for 2) € 23
• Newspaper € 0.99
• Luss Highland Games Entrance Fee (for 2) € 14
• Two Bike Rental € 40
• Thermal Bath Spa € 41
• Warwick Castle (2) € 69

Tours and Activities in the UK

Here are a few actual costs in the UK for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

• An Evening in London. Panoramic night Tour by Executive Luxury Vehicle: $229
• Belfast A Music and StreetArt Experience. Small Gr Walking Tour : $25
• Belfast The Troubles cab tour Adventure 2hrs personal guide : $113
• Boogie Shoes Christmas Silent Disco Walking Tours London : $32
• Boogie Shoes Silent Disco Walking Tour Camden: $64
• Boogie Shoes Silent Disco Walking Tours Christmas Special: $32
• David Bowie "Golden Years" Walking Tour of Brixton & Soho: $32
• Dorset Pint Glass Explore Breweries and Orchards Tour : $165
• Edinburgh's Landscapes Tours with a Local Guide: Private & Personalized: $153
• Food Walking Guided Tour of Perth: $82
• Fully Guided Bath Ghost Tours: $20
• Gems of Boston (UK) – Private Walking Tour for Couples: $222
• Alcohol Drinks for one day Spain € 19 UK -

Typical Alcohol prices in Spain

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Spain:

• Beer € 5.00
• A Sangria & a Beer € 6.50
• Bottle of Wine € 5.00
• Wine in Front of Cathedral € 4.00
• Beer € 3.00
• Bottle of Wine € 1.65
• Beer € 1.20
• Celebratory Shots € 5.00
• Beer € 2.80
• 1 Pint Beer € 2.00
• Drinks and Tapas (for 2) € 13
• Coffee € 3.10

Sample the Local Flavors in Spain

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Spain:

• Madrid: Pub Crawl with Tapas and VIP Club Entry: $9.62
• Visit and wine tasting at BODEGA PIRINEOS: $11
• Valencia: Guided Pub Crawl with Free Shots: $13
• Visit winery and wine tasting: $13
• Pub crawl & Party Tour Madrid: $14
• Barcelona Pub Crawl by King - Bar & Nightclub Hopping Tour: $14
• Tenerife: Guided Tour at Casa del Vino & Wine Tasting: $14
• Barcelona Pub Crawl by KING - Nightlife Party Experience: $16
• Barcelona: Estrella Damm Brewery Guided Tour with Tasting: $16
• Madrid: Guided Pub Crawl Madrid Experience and Club Entry: $16
• Madrid: Pub Crawl Madrid Running since 2005 Bar Exploration: $16
• Visit and wine tasting with sausage and BODEGA PIRINEOS cheese: $16

Typical Alcohol prices in the UK

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in the UK:

• A Couple Beers € 11
• Beers at pub € 6.31
• Beers at Pub € 7.13
• Beers € 5.84
• Beers € 9.35
• Beer & Wine € 17
• Drinks at the Pub (for 2) € 8.82
• Pitcher of Pimms € 18
• Drinks at the Walnut Pub (for 2) € 12
• Bottle of Wine € 14
• Ciders at Kilted Skirlie € 4.09
• Half Pint at Tollbooth Tavern € 1.93

Sample the Local Flavors in the UK

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in the UK:

• Bristol’s Best Brewery Taprooms: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
• Self Guided Audio Tour in London Old Pub Crawl: $7.63
• Edinburgh: Pub Crawl with Free Shots & Discounts: $11
• Belfast: Pub Crawl and Bar Walking Tour with Two Drinks: $15
• Edinburgh Bar Crawl: 5+ Venues, Free Shots, Free Club Entry: $19
• Guided Distillery Tour in South Wales: $19
• Pub Crawl in Edinburgh: $19
• FunnyBoyz Liverpool - Drag Shows, Tributes, Brunches & Bar Crawls: $19
• 1 Hour Folklore Group Tour Through The Stirling Distillery: $19
• Tayport Distillery Tour & Tastings: $19
• London: 2-Hour Haunted Pub Walking Tour: $20
• Haunted London Pub Walking Tour: $20

When comparing the travel costs between Spain and the UK, we can see that the United Kingdom is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

Related Articles for Spain

Related articles for the uk.

More Destination Comparisons

Subscribe to our newsletter.

By signing up for our email newsletter, you will receive occasional updates from us with sales and discounts from major travel companies , plus tips and advice from experienced budget travelers!

Share This Page

Pin this page.

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.

• Privacy / Terms of Use
• Activities, Day Trips, Things To Do, and Excursions

Ukraine-Russia war latest: Moscow rages over Cameron strike remarks, warns of 'direct escalation' and threatens Denmark

During a visit to Kyiv, Lord Cameron said Ukraine has a "right" to strike inside Russia, just as Moscow's forces are doing. Meanwhile, the fall of the eastern town of Chasiv Yar looms closer. Listen to a Daily podcast on whether the UK should send troops to Ukraine as you scroll.

Friday 3 May 2024 19:17, UK

• Cameron: Ukraine has 'right' to strike Russia using British-supplied weapons
• Fall of Ukrainian city a 'matter of time', Ukrainian intelligence officer says
• Russia's 'three-point plan' to victory
• Moscow rages over Cameron remarks
• Exclusive: UK plans to ramp up weapons production for Ukraine
• Analysis: Will US aid help turn tide on Russia?
• Your questions answered: Why can't Ukraine destroy key Crimean bridge?
• Listen to the Sky News Daily above and  tap here  to follow wherever you get your podcasts
• Live reporting by Lauren Russell

That's it from our live coverage for today - thanks for following along. 

Before we go, here is a quick reminder of today's updates: 

• Lord Cameron has been in Ukraine where he told Sky News that the UK will appoint a new envoy to oversee a plan to ramp up the production of weapons and ammunition, which is now a "national priority";
• Russia is planning to launch a three-factor plan to destabilise and claim victory in Ukraine, a top Ukrainian military intelligence officer has said;
• The Kremlin branded Lord Cameron's comments about Ukraine striking inside Russia "dangerous and worrying";
• Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has praised the "new regions" troops have taken control of in Ukraine since the start of the year.

Now to Georgia, which is not directly involved in the war in Ukraine, but whose future is seen as highly significant in the context of Vladimir Putin's ambitions for Russia.

Draft legislation, known as the "foreign agents" law, is winding its way through the Georgian parliament and would require organisations receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as agents of foreign influence.

The proposed law has been attacked by opponents as authoritarian and Kremlin-inspired.

Protesters have taken to the streets of capital Tbilisi for weeks to show their opposition, while the European Union and the United States have urged Georgiato drop the legislation or risk harming its chances of EU membership and a broader Euro-Atlantic future.

The stand-off is seen as part of a wider struggle that could determine whether Georgia, a country of 3.7 million people that has experienced war and revolution since the fall of the Soviet Union, moves closer to Europe or back under Moscow's influence.

Video below shows protesters in Tbilisi blocking traffic as part of their efforts to prevent the bill being passed.

A regular feature of news coverage surrounding the war in Ukraine has been the frequently bellicose statements that have emanated from one of Vladimir Putin's most prominent allies, Dmitry Medvedev.

The deputy chairman of the security council of the Russian Federation is notorious for his inflammatory language and repeated invocation of Cold War-style nuclear threats, which tend to be widely dismissed by most Western commentators.

Indeed, some analysts have suggested the former president's penchant for such wild outbursts are specifically designed to frame himself as an erratic character who could not be considered a viable rival to Mr Putin - thus avoiding the fate of other figures considered a threat to the leader's authority.

It is through that lens that many will view his latest comments, which ostensibly cover his thoughts on the Ukraine peace conference due to take place in Switzerland in June - to which Russia has not been invited.

His assessment is perhaps unsurprisingly dismissive, even going as far as to imply the summit represents positive news for Moscow.

"What is Russia's gain of the Swiss 'peace conference'?" he asks in his post on social media.

 "It's actually threefold. First, it will come as yet another proof of failure of the so-called peace plan by the halfwit zelensky (sic)."

He follows that by referring to Ukraine's leader as "the bandera b******", seeking to associate him with a Ukrainian far-right leader of the mid 20th century.

The Kremlin has long sought to depict Ukraine's leadership as far-right neonazis, efforts that have been widely dismissed by commentators on the region.

"Second, it will be visible evidence of the full impotence of the present-day western elites, who have performed painful self-castration of their own potential to stop the military conflict," Mr Medvedev continues.

"What's more, it has been done on direct orders given by a group of senile doctors from Washington.

"Third, it will allow our Armed Forces to further cleanse Malorossia's [little Russia's] territories from neonazis without any hindrance and regard for some c***'s 'peace initiatives'."

After forecasting "the final collapse of the former Ukraine’s political regime", he concludes: "Thank you, the land of cheese and watches!"

Russian officers has been welcoming foreign military attaches in Moscow today during their visit to an exhibition of Western military equipment captured from Kyiv forces during the fighting in Ukraine.

The event organised by the Russian Defence Ministry features more than 30 pieces of Western-made heavy equipment, including a US-made M1 Abrams tank and a Bradley armoured fighting vehicle.

More now from Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, who has been speaking to journalists this afternoon.

She has said any move by Denmark to restrict the freedom of navigation of Russian ships in the Baltic straits will be seen as a hostile act and draw retaliation.

It is unclear exactly what prompted the threat, but we'll bring you any more detail as we get it.

Denmark has played down suggestions it will begin checking Russian tankers moving through its waters to establish whether they have the correct documentation.

The country allows ships calling at Russia to use its waters due to a longstanding freedom of navigation treaty, although the country's armed forces have said it is standard procedure to track them.

The Baltic straits - the only natural exits from the Baltic sea to the North Atlantic - are notoriously difficult to navigate and international maritime authorities strongly recommend the use of pilots with specialist local knowledge.

However, it is believed more than 20 tankers - so-called shadow vessels - transporting Russian oil but with unknown ownership, have declined offers to use Danish pilots since the start of 2024. 

And the Danish Maritime Authority said in a statement in March that a tanker from Russia's shadow fleet was involved in a collision near Denmark.

The incident involving the 15-year-old Andromeda Star oil tanker took place on 2 March.

A Russian activist has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for attempting to set fire to a military conscription office in protest against the war in Ukraine. 

Angel Nikolayev, 39, was convicted on charges of terrorism for placing two bottles of a flammable substance in the windows of a conscription office in the eastern city of Khabarovsk and setting them alight. 

He was also convicted of damaging Russian flags that were put on the graves of soldiers killed in Ukraine at a local cemetery and removing symbols of Russian military action from a bus stop and several vehicles.

Since 2022, hundreds of people have faced criminal charges in Russia over protests and remarks condemning the war in Ukraine, and thousands have been fined or briefly jailed.

Russia is ready to consider "serious" peace talk proposals to settle the conflict in Ukraine, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has said.

Speaking at a press briefing this afternoon, Ms Zakharova said the talks must be based on existing "realities" and Moscow's security concerns. 

She said part of the proposal would include Ukraine pledging to remain militarily neutral in future.

Russia proposing the possibility of peace talks is nothing new. 

Despite suggesting it is open for discussion, it always seems to blame Ukraine or the West for the breakdown of negotiations.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said troops have taken control of 211 square miles (547 square kilometres) of Ukrainian territory this year.

He referred to the territory as Russia's "new regions".

Mr Shoigu told a group of senior military commanders that Ukrainian forces were retreating along the frontline and that Russian troops were breaking a network of "Ukrainian strongholds".

"Over the past two weeks, the Russian armed forces have liberated the settlements of Novobakhmutivka, Semenivka and Berdychi in the Donetsk People's Republic," he said.

"The Ukrainian army units are trying to cling on to individual lines, but under our onslaught they are forced to abandon their positions and retreat."

Ukraine's top commander said last week that a number of troops had fallen back to new positions in villages on the eastern front.

The advances mean Russia now controls around 18% of Ukraine.

As reported here earlier, Moscow has had a predictably indignant reaction to Lord Cameron's statement's yesterday during his trip to Ukraine (see 10.34am post).

Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has offered a further reflection of displeasure within Vladimir Putin's regime, claiming the British foreign secretary's comments amounted to an acknowledgement that the West was waging a war against Russia using "Ukrainian hands".

Lord Cameron said yesterday that Ukraine had a right to use weapons provided by London to strike targets inside Russia, and that it was up to Kyiv whether to do so.

"Cameron's words are further evidence of the hybrid war the West is waging against our country," Ms Zakharova said.

"Russia is responding to that and will continue to respond."

Russian's Vladimir Putin is planning to visit China later this month to meet President Xi Jinping, according to a report by Bloomberg News.

The visit is scheduled for 15-16 May, Bloomberg reported, citing a person familiar with the Kremlin's plans.

It comes after the White House said it remained "deeply concerned" that it was not seeing China make any changes amid accusations it is helping Russia's military with its war in Ukraine. 

Next week, Mr Xi will visit Europe for the first time in five years.

Beginning in Paris, France, he will visit Hungary and Serbia, the latter of which is a close ally to Mr Putin.

China has always maintained that it remains an objective and just party over the war, adding that its trade relations are "above-board".

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

UK Edition Change

• UK Politics
• News Videos
• Paris 2024 Olympics
• Rugby Union
• Sport Videos
• John Rentoul
• Mary Dejevsky
• Andrew Grice
• Sean O’Grady
• Photography
• Theatre & Dance
• Culture Videos
• Fitness & Wellbeing
• Food & Drink
• Health & Families
• Royal Family
• Electric Vehicles
• Car Insurance Deals
• Lifestyle Videos
• UK Hotel Reviews
• News & Advice
• Simon Calder
• Australia & New Zealand
• South America
• C. America & Caribbean
• Middle East
• Politics Explained
• News Analysis
• Today’s Edition
• Home & Garden
• Broadband deals
• Fashion & Beauty
• Travel & Outdoors
• Sports & Fitness
• Sustainable Living
• Climate Videos
• Solar Panels
• Behind The Headlines
• On The Ground
• Decomplicated
• You Ask The Questions
• Binge Watch
• Travel Smart
• Watch on your TV
• Crosswords & Puzzles
• Most Commented
• Newsletters
• Ask Me Anything
• Virtual Events
• Betting Sites
• Online Casinos
• Wine Offers

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in

An underwater tunnel could connect Europe to Africa by 2030 – at a cost of a £5.1bn

Crossing aims to open in time for morocco, portugal and spain to host the fifa world cup – but regular seismic activity poses a risk, article bookmarked.

Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts

Get simon calder’s travel email, thanks for signing up to the simon calder’s travel email.

A new 17-mile underwater tunnel could link Europe ’s high-speed  rail  network to North Africa by 2030 – if a €6bn proposal goes ahead.

The tunnel would introduce a high-speed train service by connecting Spain ’s existing rail lines to Morocco’ s 200mph Al Boraq route that opened in 2018.

A route departing Madrid , Spain, for Casablanca, Morocco, would travel via Algeciras and Tangier and pass under the Strait of Gibraltar.

While an average flight from Madrid to Casablanca clocks in at one hour and 50 minutes, the full train journey would reportedly take travellers five hours and 30 minutes to switch continents.

Now strategic planning is underway, developers hope the tunnel could open in just six years, in time for the three countries – Spain, Portugal and Morocco – to host the 2030 Fifa World Cup.

It is estimated that the project would cost north of €6 billion (£5.1 billion) to construct, although official costs are unknown.

The Spanish government confirmed €‎2.3 million (£2 million) EU feasibility funding to study the ‘ Europe-Africa Gibraltar strait fixed link ’ just last June.

At the time, Spain’s transport minister, Raquel Sanchez, said: “We are going to give impetus to the studies of a project of maximum geostrategic importance for our countries and for relations between Europe and Africa,

“We are beginning a new stage in the revival of the fixed link project across the Strait of Gibraltar, which we launched in 1981, hand in hand.”

The revived project was first seriously proposed over 40 years ago, in 1979, and could resemble the Channel Tunnel between Dover and Calais.

Surveys of the area by the Moroccan National Company for Strait Studies (SNED) and the Spanish Society for Fixed Communication Studies across the Strait of Gibraltar (SECEGSA) have also revealed several logistical challenges.

At its deepest, the strait dives 2,950ft (900m) down and regular seismic activity on the Azores–Gibraltar geologic fault presents an additional risk.

According to SECEGSA, over 12.8 million passengers per year could benefit from the crossing as well as an increase in trade of 13 million tons of cargo between the two continents if the tunnel is successful.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article

Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.

New to The Independent?

Or if you would prefer:

Want an ad-free experience?

Hi {{indy.fullName}}

• My Independent Premium
• Account details
• Help centre