Planning Your Journey from France to Portugal: The Essential Route Through Spain

Understanding the Direct Route: France to Portugal via Spain

When traveling from France to Portugal by land, the only country you will pass through is Spain . The two countries do not share a direct border; Spain sits geographically between them on the Iberian Peninsula. Whether you are driving, taking a train, or using bus services, your route will involve crossing from France into Spain and then from Spain into Portugal. There are no alternative land routes that bypass Spain, making it a critical component of any overland journey between these two nations [1] .

Step-By-Step Guide: How to Travel from France to Portugal

There are several practical ways to travel this route, each with its own considerations. Below, you’ll find detailed steps for making this journey and tips for a smooth experience:

1. By Car: Road Trip Across the Iberian Peninsula

Driving offers maximum flexibility and the opportunity to explore scenic regions along the way. Here’s how you can plan your drive:

Choose your entry/exit points: Popular French departure cities include Bordeaux, Toulouse, and Bayonne. From these cities, you will cross into northern Spain, typically near San SebastiÃ¡n or Irun.
Spanish crossing: After entering Spain, drive towards major Spanish cities such as Bilbao, Burgos, Salamanca, or Madrid, depending on your preferred route and final Portuguese destination.
Entering Portugal: Common border crossings into Portugal from Spain include Vilar Formoso (for central Portugal and Lisbon), ValenÃ§a (for northern cities like Porto), and Badajoz (for central and southern Portugal, including Lisbon and the Algarve) [2] .
Travel time: The most direct route, such as from Bayonne (France) to Porto (Portugal), typically takes about 10-12 hours of driving, not including breaks or overnight stops. Major highways and toll roads (autopistas in Spain, autoestradas in Portugal) ensure a comfortable journey, but be prepared for toll charges.

Example: A common itinerary is Bordeaux (France) â†’ San SebastiÃ¡n (Spain) â†’ Burgos â†’ Salamanca â†’ Vilar Formoso (Portugal) â†’ Lisbon or Porto. This route is favored for its efficiency and scenic potential [2] .

2. By Train: Rail Options and Transfers

While train travel between France and Spain is well established, there are currently no direct high-speed trains between France and Portugal . You must change trains in Spain, usually in Madrid or another major Spanish city. Here’s how you can organize your journey:

Book a train from your French city (such as Paris or Bordeaux) to a major Spanish hub (Madrid or Barcelona) using the French SNCF or Spanish Renfe rail networks.
From there, transfer to a Spanish long-distance train (Renfe) heading to the Spanish-Portuguese border, such as Salamanca or Vigo.
Cross into Portugal by connecting to a Portuguese train (Comboios de Portugal, or CP) heading to cities like Porto or Lisbon.

Note that rail service between Spain and Portugal is less frequent than within either country, so check current schedules and allow ample transfer time. For up-to-date timetables, visit the official rail operator websites (SNCF, Renfe, Comboios de Portugal). If you need assistance, consider visiting their official websites and searching for ‘international train routes between France, Spain, and Portugal.’

3. By Bus: Budget-Friendly and Flexible

Buses are a cost-effective way to travel between France and Portugal, with major companies operating cross-border routes. You’ll typically travel through Spain, stopping at major cities along the way. While journey times are longer than trains or cars, buses provide direct connections and can be booked online through large, established operators such as FlixBus or Eurolines. To find and book these routes, search for ‘international bus France Spain Portugal’ on the operator’s official website or through reputable online aggregators.

4. Alternative: Flying (If Overland Travel is Not Required)

Although not a land route, flying from France to Portugal is often the fastest option. Many airlines offer direct flights between major cities such as Paris and Lisbon or Porto. However, if your goal is to experience the overland journey, this option may not be suitable.

Rental Cars and Cross-Border Travel

If you plan to rent a car, it is essential to confirm with the rental company that cross-border travel from France through Spain to Portugal is permitted. Many major rental agencies do allow this, but policies vary. Always check:

Whether an additional fee applies for cross-border travel
If specific insurance or documentation is required
Any restrictions on dropping off the vehicle in a different country

To ensure a smooth experience, contact the rental company’s customer service directly or review their official policies online. If uncertain, book with well-known international brands and specify your intended route at the time of reservation.

Case Study: Real-World Itineraries

Travelers frequently combine visits to Spain and Portugal, often starting or ending in France. For example, one popular road trip route detailed by experienced travelers includes stops in French cities like Bordeaux, traversing northern Spain through San SebastiÃ¡n, Burgos, and Salamanca, and then entering Portugal via Vilar Formoso to head towards Lisbon or Porto [2] . This journey is noted for its mixture of scenic landscapes, historic towns, and culinary delights across three countries.

For those with more time, many extend their exploration to Spain’s vibrant regions such as Andalusia (Seville, Granada) or the Basque Country, before continuing to Portugal for the coast or cities like Lisbon and Porto. These routes are well-documented in travel blogs and guides, offering inspiration and practical advice for travelers [1] .

Challenges and Solutions

Crossing multiple countries by land often involves logistical hurdles:

Tolls: Both Spain and Portugal use toll roads extensively. Carry a credit card or obtain an electronic toll tag if you plan frequent travel.
Language: While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, learning basic Spanish and Portuguese phrases can be helpful.
Border Controls: As all three countries are part of the Schengen Area, routine border checks are rare for EU residents, but carry your passport or ID for occasional checks.
Driving Requirements: Ensure you have all required documents, including an international driving permit if your license is not from the EU.

Alternative Approaches and Scenic Detours

While the most direct route is through Spain, consider scenic detours depending on your interests:

Explore northern Spain’s Basque Country or Galicia for unique culture and landscapes before entering northern Portugal.
Travel along Spain’s Mediterranean coast for a longer but rewarding journey, visiting cities like Barcelona and Valencia before heading west towards Portugal.
Take advantage of Spain’s extensive parador (historic hotel) network for memorable overnight stays.

Practical Tips and Final Guidance

For the most efficient journey, plan your route and mode of transport in advance, confirm all bookings, and double-check travel requirements for each country. For up-to-date route maps, travel advisories, and road conditions, consult the official tourism boards or highway authorities in France, Spain, and Portugal. If you need personalized assistance, reach out to the national tourism offices or reputable travel agencies, whose contact details are available on their official websites.

References

[1] Global Gallivanting (2025). Our Epic Spain and Portugal Road Trip Route & Tips.

[2] Travels of John and Flo (2021). Portugal-to-France Road Trip.

[3] Tripadvisor (2018). 30 Days road trip France, Spain, Portugal.

[4] Just Traveling Thru (2025). Three Week Itinerary; Paris to Portimao.

[5] Rick Steves Travel Forum (2025). Spain / Portugal / France suggested itinerary.