Hi,

My parents are moving back to the UK from Spain and are planning to drive a Luton van from Alicante to Calais or Boulogne in May.  I have looked at various routes for them but given that they will have the van and possibly their car as well, they would probably want to avoid the expensive tolls but still get there as quickly as possible.

All of the websites - viamichelin, AA, Google Maps, etc - can give me a route with or without tolls, but I’m looking for a route that avoids the really expensive stretches but some tolls would be ok if it’s much quicker.

Can anyone suggest a route, including stopovers, and also give me an idea of the tolls for a Luton van?

I’d also be interested if anyone knows a reliable and reasonably priced removal company that could do the move for them - one way of course.

Many thanks,

Philippa

Hi,

Have you thought about taking the ferry from Bilbao to Portsmouth?

P&O would charge 255 UKP.

http://www.poferries.com

Sun 02 May 2010 12:30
1 x 2 Bed Inside  
1 adult , Van, (Luton Van, Length: 4m, Width: 2m, Height: 2.2m)

The food on the ferry is terrible, and expensive. You could also take Brittany ferry, but it is more expensive, but the food I’m told is better. (Santander to Plymouth / Portsmouth)

I personally hate driving in France, I would stay on the autoroutes, to make it pass faster.

I found this web site, for van hire to and from Spain…
http://www.mylocalvanhire.co.uk/vanhiretospain.php

good luck!

you can get to Santander or Bilbao without using toll roads (all autovia) though the ferry is not cheap if you look at accommodation and fuel through France it ain’t that bad.

John

Thanks both ... I think you’re right - I’m now looking at driving via Madrid and getting the ferry from Spain.  Looks easier overall.

Go with Brittany ferries if you can afford the extra. The Pride of Bilbao, P and O ferries is AWFUL.