How to Get to Portugal by Car

Portugal by Air

Portugal by Car

Portugal by Train

If you are based in continental Europe then getting to Portugal by car is relatively simple as there is a good network of national and motorways. However if you are travelling from the United Kingdom travelling to Portugal  by car means you will have to book the services of a ferry.

There are various ferry routes from the United Kingdom to mainland Europe, docking in both France and Spain. Prices vary depending upon the route and the time of the year, below are links to the relevant ferry operating companies who operate to both France and Spain.

Operate ferries from Portsmouth to Bilbão in Spain and from Dover to Calais in France.

Operate ferries from Portsmouth to Santander in Spain and to Cherbourg, Caen and St Malo in France. From Plymouth to Santander in Spain and Roscoff in France From Poole to Cherbourg in France.

Operate ferries from Dover to Calais in France.

Operate ferries from Dover to Dunkirk in France.

Portugal does have a good road network providing easy transit from the Spanish border. If you are heading south to central Portugal or to the Algarve, the easiest route to follow is the A23 dual carriageway. If you are heading west to the Blue Coast (Porto) or north then it's best to follow the A25.

If you are worried about the level of traffic on both of these roads, then why not keep up to date with the latest travel news from Estradas de Portugal. Their website gives information on which roads are undergoing works and where there are any holds up from accidents or weather.