You are in the right place if you are seeking a flight-free approach to get from the UK to Spain! There are many picturesque and stress-free substitutes whether your reasons for avoiding flying are environmental, comfort, or just enjoyment of the trip.
From boats crossing the Bay of Biscay to high-speed trains speeding across France, we will show you the finest routes to get Spain without flying.
Slowness of journey has a certain enchanted quality. You may rest, take in the changing scenery instead of hurrying through an airport. Here are some reasons you should give travel to Spain without flying some thought.
✅ Trains and ferries have less carbon footprint than airlines, so they are more sustainable.
✅ It's more laid back; there is no baggage restriction or airport anxiety; simply pleasant sailing, or rolling.
✅ It's more adventurous; along the trip you will visit more France, Spain, and even other European nations.
✅ It's more versatile; you can pick one that fits your travel style from the several paths accessible.
Including train lines, ferries, and coaches, this guide will walk over the five best ways to get to Spain without flying including advice on ticket purchase and maximizing your trip.
From flight delays to language barriers, our Expert Opinions on Travel Challenges guide shares real-world advice from seasoned travelers.
Scenic Route #1 – UK to Spain by Ferry
Taking a ferry from the UK to Spain is a great choice if you enjoy the concept of a leisurely maritime trip free of luggage limitations and breathtaking ocean views. For road trips and longer stays, ferries allow you to bring your vehicle, bike, or even pet.
UK to Spain via Ferry: Routes & Alternatives
With Brittany Ferries, which operates services from Portsmouth and Plymouth to Bilbao and Santander, sailing straight to Spain is the simplest approach. Here's what you should know:
Two sailings every week, 28 to 33 hours from Portsmouth to Santander
Portsmouth to Bilbao: Two to three sailings every week, 28 to thirty hours
Plymouth to Santander takes about twenty hours, one to two sailings every week.
Comfortable rooms, restaurants, bars, even theaters onboard make some boats feel like mini-cruise liners. For a less expensive choice, request a reclining seat; for an overnight stay, book a cabin.
Public Transport Travel to and From the Ferry Ports
You can still catch the ferry if you are without a car when traveling! One can go to the ports as follows:
Trains from London Waterloo (1hr 30min) then a brief bus or taxi ride at Portsmouth Ferry Terminal.
Trains from London Paddington (3hr 15min) then a brief cab or bus journey at Plymouth Ferry Terminal.
Arriving near city cores, Santander & Bilbao Ports' ferries provide simple train and bus connections to Madrid, Barcelona, and beyond.
What Should One Expect During Onboarding?
Consider boat travel as a little vacation before you ever go to Spain. Certain ferries have:
🍽️ onboard bars and eateries
🎥 Cinema and entertainment
😏 Sleeping quarters for comfort
🐶 Pet-friendly substitutes
This is a terrific way to start your Spanish vacation if you enjoy unhurried, picturesque travel and want zero airport hassle.
Scenic Route #2 – UK to Spain by Train
Taking the train from the UK to Spain is a quick, pleasant, and picturesque approach if you would like land travel over sea. Barcelona is reachable in ten to fourteen hours, and other areas of Spain not far away. Train travel is an excellent substitute for flying with high-speed trains, sleeping choices, and beautiful stopovers.
From London to Spain by Train: The Best Lines of Action
Although there is no direct rail from London to Spain, Paris or another important French city is easy to reach.
This is how:
Route 1: Fastest Option—the High-Speed Train
Take the Eurostar from London to Paris two hours fifteen minutes. Step 2: Travel six hours thirty minutes from Paris to Barcelona on the TGV InOui. From Barcelona, fast AVE trains will get you to Madrid, Seville, Valencia, or another Spanish city. Depending on connections, total time is roughly 10–14 hours. Perfect for those who like to get here the same day with few stops. 🛏️ Want an overnight choice? After an evening Eurostar, spend night in Paris and take the early TGV to Barcelona.
Route 2: Southern French Scenic Stopover
Would like to stop your trip and investigate France in route? Try as follows: Start with the Eurostar from London to Paris. Train from Paris to Nîmes, Avignon, or Perpignan in second step. Step 3: Before heading to Spain, spend a night in Southern France. Get on an early train heading to Barcelona, Madrid, or Seville. Total time: ~12 to 24 hours (depending on stopover length). Ideal for those who enjoy sightseeing and are not in hurry.
Route 3: The Night Train Adventure (Slow but Scenic)
Take a sleeper train from France into Spain if you enjoy classic train travel. Although this choice is more daring, it calls more preparation. Travel the Eurostar from Paris first. Second step: Train to Latour-de-Carol or Cerbère, close to the Spanish border. Third step: board a local train headed for Barcelona via the Pyrenees. About twenty-four plus hours total, including a slow, picturesque mountain trip. Greatest for adventurers, backpackers, and train enthusiasts.
Book Your Train Tickets: How?
Two to three months ahead book your flights to get the best rates. You may purchase them from this page: Eurostar tickets are found at eurostar.com.
TGV and French train connectivity: sncf-connect.com
Renfe.com is the Spanish train website.
Excellent for flexible travel around Europe, Interrail passes (interrail.eu).
Top Tip: If booked early, prices start at £78 one-way from London to Barcelona.
What is the travel like?
Easy chairs and quick WiFi on Eurostar and TGV trains.
Views of French mountains, coastlines, and vineyards spectacularly beautiful.
Easy border crossings; no security modeled by an airport!
Excellent food and drink choices aboard.
If you enjoy fast travel with breathtaking landscape, this is the ideal approach to get to Spain without flying.
Cheap Flights to Spain – If you change your mind about flying, this guide will help you find the best airfare deals.
Scenic Route #3 – UK to Spain by Coach
Taking a coach from the UK to Spain is the least expensive approach if your budget is tight. Although it's not the fastest or most cosiest choice, it's reasonably priced, simple, and a fantastic way to see Europe on a shoestring.
Coach: Routes & Options UK to Spain
From London to big Spanish cities, several businesses provide long-distance buses including: 🚍 FlixBus: reasonably priced direct routes to Valencia, Barcelona, Madrid. BlaBlaCar Bus provides reasonably priced trips to several Spanish cities. One of the biggest coach systems in Europe, Eurolines (by ALSA)
The length of the journey?
Depending on stops and traffic, a direct London to Barcelona coach takes 24 to 30 hours. Madrid and southern Spain take longer—up to forty hours.
⏳ Sample journey times:
London to Barcelona: 24 to 30 hours
London to Madrid takes thirty to forty hours.
London to Valencia: 28 to 36 hours
Why Do You Want a Coach?
✅ Most affordable choice: Early bookings start prices as £50 one-way.
✅ No baggage fees; unlike budget carriers, you are frequently allowed to bring big bags.
Coaches leave London Victoria Coach Station and other UK cities from several departure points.
Overnight travel: Cut costs on lodging for one evening.However, be ready for...Long distances mean a slow approach to travel with lots of stops. Basic comfort: Though there is no bed or shower, seats slide back. Bring drinks and snacks for the travel since there are few dinner options.
Booking Your Coach Tickets: How To Do It
Book in advance on to identify the lowest fares:flixbu.co.uk Blablacar.comsala.es
💡 Top Tip: To uncover the greatest prices, compare Omio (omio.com) fares.
What is the journey like?
While some buses offer greater legroom, comfortable but basic seats are found here. Onboard toilets are limited, hence try to use rest stations anywhere you can! Usually found on most newer coaches, USB charging connections and WiFi are available. Rest breaks at service stations; plan meal stops every four to six hours. Taking the coach is the least expensive way to access Spain without flying if you have a limited budget and do not mind of a long journey.
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Scenic Route #4 – A Multi-Stop European Journey
Why not make your travel a multi-stop European excursion instead of merely going from A to B? Along the way, you might investigate France, Belgium, the Netherlands, or perhaps Switzerland rather than rushing to Spain.
If you wish to visit more of Europe, split up your travel, and savor multiple locations in one trip, this is ideal.
Top Multi-Stop Train Routes from the UK to Spain
Here are some picturesque and adventurous routes to get to Spain from some of the most lovely towns in Europe.
First choice: Fast and effective classic Paris and Barcelona route
First step: spend two hours fifteen minutes from London to Paris using the Eurostar. Spend a day or night in Paris; see the Eiffel Tower, meander down the Seine, or savor a café breakfast. Take the six-hour thirty-minute high-speed TGV from Paris to Barcelona. From Barcelona, catch a Spanish AVE train headed to Madrid, Valencia, or Seville. Perfect for those who like to reach Spain rapidly yet break up the trip with a leisure stay in Paris.
Amsterdam, Paris, and Barcelona (See More in One Trip) Option 2
First step: spend three hours fifty minutes from London to Amsterdam using the Eurostar. Spend a night in Amsterdam; see the canals, Anne Frank House, or Van Gogh Museum. Third step: ride a high-speed Thalys train three hours twenty minutes to Paris. Step 4: Remain in Paris or link to the TGV to Barcelona (6hr 30min.). Proceed to Madrid, Seville, or Valencia via Spanish train in step five. Perfect for travellers wishing to stop in the Netherlands before continuing south.
Third option: the breathtaking views-oriented Scenic Swiss and French Alpine Route!
Take the Eurostar from London to Paris in first step.From Paris to Geneva, Lausanne, or Zurich (~4hr), take a fast TGV.After seeing the breathtaking Swiss Alps, then keep on train to Marseille or Lyon. Step 4: From Southern France, board a train headed for Barcelona or Madrid. Fantastic for those who enjoy mountains, lakes, and picturesque train excursions.
Fourth option is via San Sebastian and the Basque Country—a hidden gem!
Take the Eurostar from London to Paris in first step. Step 2: Spend roughly five hours on a TGV from Paris to Hendaye across the French-Spanish border. Step 3: From Hendaye, board a local train headed to San Sebastian, Spain's gastronomic epic! Step 4: Train from San Sebastian's stunning beaches and tapas to Madrid or Barcelona. Perfect for those wishing to discover northern Spain and sample the finest tapas and pintxos.
Making a Multi-Stop Trip Booking:
Using a rail pass or reserving separate train tickets will help you to personalize your trip. Here's where to begin: Create separate tickets on: Eurostar (London via Europe) SNCF, or French trains Renfe, Spanish trains Travel flexibly with an Interrail Pass.
An Interrail Global Pass (for Europeans) or a Eurail Pass (for non-Europeans) could be less expensive than reserving separate tickets if you are crossing several countries.
Great for comparing train, bus, and ferry costs is Omio (omio.com).
Why Select a Multi-Stop Trip?
✅ Discover more cities; why would you only visit Spain when you could also see France, the Netherlands, or Switzerland?
✅ More freedom: Plan where you stay longer and travel at your own speed.
✅ Scenic paths: Along the way see mountains, beaches, and old cities.
This is one of the finest methods to go Spain without flying if you enjoy unhurried travel, European culture, and visiting fresh locations!
Spain is one of the top destinations for remote workers—make sure you have all the required documents with our Spain Digital Nomad Visa Checklist 2025.
Scenic Route #5 – Byway & Custom Rail Packages
Booking a personalized rail and ferry package is a great way if you want someone else to manage the specifics and appreciate flawless, stress-free travel. Offering flight-free itineraries that simplify planning, services including Byway, Railbookers, and Tailor Made Rail specialize in
Perfect for individuals who desire a seamless, well-considered experience, these packages mix trains, ferries, and hotels into an easy-to-follow schedule.
Top Companies for Travel Packages Free from Flying
🚆 Byway: Your Way, Slowness
Travel agency Byway (byway.travel) specializes on environmentally sustainable, flight-free travel. Custom rail and ferry trips allow you to leisurely see Europe.
✔ Customised travel plans: Tell them where you wish to go, not worry about any planning!
✔ Trains & ferries; all is reserved for you.
✔ Local experiences: They guide you to real-world lodging and activities.
💡 Perfect for environmentally concerned travellers looking for a seamless, well chosen train ride free of the stress of independently reserving every stop.
Luxurious & Comfortable Railbookers: 🚆
Premium train travels around Europe available via Railbookers (railbookers.co.uk). Their area of expertise is first-class rail experiences, mixing trains with carefully chosen hotels and unusual excursions.
✔ Luxury & picturesque paths: use first-class rail tickets to comfortably travel.
✔ Multi-city itineraries; see Paris, Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, and more on one trip.
✔ Flexible departures: Select a trip date that fit for you.
💡 Perfect for luxury guests seeking a first-class rail experience with all their needs catered for.
🚆 Tailor Made Rail: Complete Customizable Adventures
Custom train journeys based on your interests are created by Tailor Made Rail (tailormaderail.com). They may design a custom itinerary for your quick trip to Barcelona or your month-long Spain tour.
✔ Perfectly tailored; pick your hotels, mode of transportation, and cities.
✔ Perfect for groups or single visitors; they design plans for all kind of travellers.
✔ No stress booking; everything is set out all at once.
Families, couples, and single visitors looking for a hassle-free, customized trip will find best fit here.
Custom Rail Package Booking: Techniques
Using a travel professional like Byway, Railbookers, or Tailor Made Rail will save time and effort if organizing several train and ferry trips seems taxing.
Procedures to reserve:
Choose your journey method: do you want a multi-stop experience, a picturesque road, or a speedy trip?
Choose one of Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, or seaside villages you wish to see.
Get a price; ask Byway, Railbookers, or Tailor Made Rail to create a personalized itinerary.
Once booked, your trip will be confirmed and sent to you along with tickets and documentation.
💡 Top Tip: Use Omio (omio.com) to check costs and itineraries if you want a planned itinerary but nevertheless wish to order tickets yourself.
Why Select a Train Packaging?
✅ Not much tension planning; everything is set for you.
✅ Ideal for first-time rail passengers; there is no need to stress tickets or connections.
✅ Multi-city discovery: See more of Europe on one seamless journey.
A personalized rail package is the perfect choice if you wish a simple, fun trip to Spain free from logistical concerns!
Discover why UK travellers love to travel to Spain with me, especially when exploring alternative routes like traveling from the UK to Spain without flying.
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Essential Travel Tips for Your Journey
Knowing the best routes from the UK to Spain without flying will help you to discuss useful travel advice to help you to have a better trip. From ticket purchasing to basic packing, these ideas will enable you to be comfortable, save money, and enjoy the journey.
💰 How Cheap Is Travel From the UK to Spain Without Flying?
When you book and which class you select determines how expensive train, boat, and coach travel is. Here's a ballpark estimate of what to expect:
Travel Choices
Cost, one-way
Notes are 👆 Train (Eurostar + TGV + AVE) £78 through £250 least expensive if reserved two to three months ahead.
Ferry, to Spain, 🚢
One hundred to three hundred pounds
Prices rely on the ferry line and cabin option.
😌 Coach from London to Barcelona
£50–£150 least expensive choice, but a lengthy distance.
💡 Top Tip: Book early to pay the lowest fares! Because there are limited economy seats on trains and ferries, costs rise nearer departure.
🎟️ Ticket Purchasing Location
Book your travel in advance using these official websites to obtain the best rates and timetables: Eurostar London to Paris → eurostar.com Intercités, French trains (TGV) -> sncf-connect.com AVE, Renfe Spanish trains -> renfe.com For unlimited train travel, Interrail/Eurail Pass via interrail.eu.
Ferry passes for Spain via brittany-ferries.co.uk
Coach tickets (BlaBlaCar Bus, ALSA) -> flixbus.co.uk FlixBus Use Omio (omio.com) to evaluate costs among trains, ferries, and busses for best booking advice. ✗ Packing Essentials for a Flight-Free Trip
Here's what to take for comfort as you will be spending hours, maybe a day or two, traveling:
✔ Travel blanket and pillow; indispensable for overnight trips.
✔ Snacks & Water: Not every train or ferry offers reasonably priced cuisine.
✔ Power bank and charging cables; keep your phone charged for tickets and maps.
✔ Entertainment: For the trip download books, podcasts, or movies.
✔ Comfortable clothing and layers; ferries and trains can get either hot or cold.
✔ Travel wipes and toiletries will help you to refresh yourself on extended travels.
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Explore Spain – Your Next Destination Awaits
Travel Smart: Essential Apps for Your TripTravel Smart: Essential Apps for Your Trip
Train & Ferry Booking Apps: 📌
Omio: Exchange bus, train, and ferry rates.
Trainline: simple European rail ticket buying.
Book boat tickets and review timetables, Brittany Ferries.
📌 Travel & Navigation Apps:
Google Maps let you instantly plan your paths.
Citymapper - Discover the finest public transportation choices in big cities.
📌 Money & Communication Apps:
Revolut/Monzo: Travel expenses free from fees overseas.
For Spanish words, Google Translate is handy.
WhatsApp: Make free texting your means of connection.
🌍 Travel Insurance & Additional Essentials
🔹 Always have travel insurance covering medical emergencies, lost bags, and cancellements.
Get an eSIM for mobile data abroad to avoid roaming fees with companies like Airalo or Holafly.
Useful for public WiFi at stations and ferries, carry a VPN for safe browsing.
Bring an Anker power bank and keep your phone charged—especially on extended trips.
🔹 Choose cozy walking shoes; you will be touring cities and train stations!
💡 Pro Tip: For simpler mobility when visiting several places, think using a light-weight backpack instead of a suitcase.
Why See Spain Without Flying?
🚆 More Scenic: See up close the scenes of Europe.
🚢 More Relaxing: Steer clear of airport anxiety and protracted security queues.
Traveling by train or ferry will help you to lower your carbon footprint, more environmentally friendly.
💰 More Economical: Train and coach costs could be less than last-minute airfares.
Traveling to Spain without flying is an adventure in and itself, regardless of your preferred high-speed train, leisurely ferry, or epic overland trip!
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