London to Lisbon – your complete driving guide

Consumer Editor

8 minute read|16th Jun 2026

Are you thinking of driving to Lisbon from the UK? According to Government statistics, more than two million Brits visit Portugal ever year – and many of them visit the city of Lisbon.

It is a city that has a rich history that stretches back centuries, which incorporates stunning views, warm weather, and a vibrant culture.

Here, we show how to drive there from the city of London as part of a European road trip.

Orange Vauxhall Astra on back of yellow tow truck being driven through a street.

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^*Price is based on European comprehensive breakdown cover for a 14 day trip, in a vehicle up to 1 year old, travelling in zone 1.

How long does it take to drive to Lisbon?

Driving to Lisbon from London without stopping takes a minimum of 22 hours. However, unless you are planning to defy international driving laws and forsake your physical health, you'll need to break the journey up for rest, food and sleep.

It can sometimes take up to 27 hours to drive to Lisbon.

As a result, a drive to Lisbon from London will take at least two or three days to complete. The total travel time may be longer due to delays crossing the borders and local traffic.

Driving to Lisbon from London requires travel across France and Spain, before you will then enter Portugal.

What documents will you need?

It is important to ensure that you have all of the necessary documents with you before you leave on your holiday.

You’ll need your in-date UK passport, another proof of ID (e.g., driving licence), travel insurance documents, and any vignettes or emissions stickers.

If you are renting a car, make sure they have everything you need to give them.

However, if you are looking to take your own car, make sure you have European Breakdown Cover, along with your V5C certificate and proof of car insurance.

Make sure you also have your UK sticker.

Remember:

Driving licence
V5C
Travel insurance
UK sticker

Before setting off, ensure that you have European breakdown cover.

Driving from London to Lisbon

If you are looking to drive from London to Lisbon, it can take anywhere from 22 to 26 hours. This depends on a variety of factors, including border crossings, traffic, or the type of transport you use.

You will need to factor in breaks for food, sleep and rest on your London to Lisbon drive - this means it may actually take two or three days to complete the drive.

On your travels, you will drive through three European countries.

Drivers could take a few detours along the way to many European destinations, including Paris, Le Mans, Bordeaux, Bilbao, Valladolid, Madrid, and then into the central part of Portugal.

Things to do in Lisbon

If you are looking to visit some of the biggest attractions in Lisbon, we have highlighted some of the most popular ones for tourists.

Oceanario de Lisboa – a globally-renowned aquarium with thousands of species for people to see
Alfama – a historic neighbourhood that includes restaurants serving local cuisines, beautiful gardens, and steep streets
National Tile Museum – dedicated to the nation’s famous ceramic tiles
Mosteiro dos Jeronimos – this monastery has stood for more than 200 years and has now been turned into a cultural museum
Bairro Alto – cobblestone streets and a vibrant nightlife for visitors
Santa Justa Lift – built in 1902, this elevator offers a unique view of the city skyline
Torre de Belem – steeped in history, this 16th century tower sits a few feet out to sea and is surrounded by stunning views of the harbour
Praca do Comerico – the town square/plaza is a central part of the city of Lisbon
Padrao dos Descobrimentos – a historic monument, honouring the Age of Discovery
Two iconic football teams – watch a game involving the cities major teams, Sporting CP and Benfica

European breakdown cover from £3.57 a day*

Instant cover available

24/7 rescue at the roadside
Help to get home if your vehicle can't be fixed
5 star Defaqto rated cover

Buy European breakdown cover

^*Price is based on European comprehensive breakdown cover for a 14 day trip, in a vehicle up to 1 year old, travelling in zone 1.

Driving from the UK to Lisbon - FAQs

How much would it cost to drive from the UK to Portugal?

The total cost of driving from the UK to Portugal typically ranges from £300 to well over £1,000, depending on your route, vehicle and travel style. The biggest expenses are fuel, toll roads and your crossing from the UK to mainland Europe. This doesn't include the type of accommodation you use.

Fuel alone can cost more than £500 for a return journey, depending on your car’s efficiency, type, and current fuel prices. You’ll also need to factor in French, Spanish and Portuguese tolls, which can add more than £200 depending on your route and how much of the motorway network you use.

Also, crossing the Channel via the Eurotunnel (LeShuttle) or ferry usually costs between £100 and £300, while overnight accommodation and food will add to your total if you split the drive over multiple days.

Choosing toll-free roads or taking a longer ferry route to northern Spain can reduce driving costs, but may increase overall travel time.

Are there ferries from the UK to Portugal?

There are currently no direct ferries from the UK to Portugal. If you’re travelling by car, you’ll need to cross the Channel to France first or take a ferry to northern Spain. If you do use a ferry, you will likely have to split up the journey into several days and stop/stay along the route.

What is the distance from the UK to Portugal?

The driving distance from the UK to Portugal is typically between 1,100 and 1,300 miles (1,770 to 2,100 km), depending on your starting point and the route you take.

However, a journey from London to Lisbon usually covers around 1,250 miles (2,000 km) via France and Spain.

This can drastically increase if you are taking detours along the route to Portugal.

What should I know about driving in Portugal?

Driving in Portugal is generally straightforward, but there are a few important differences UK drivers should be aware of. Many motorways operate an electronic toll system, particularly on smaller or newer roads, and some routes do not accept cash payments. You may need to pre-register your vehicle or use a temporary toll device when entering the country.

Speed limits are similar to other European countries and speed cameras are common, with fines issued on the spot.

In cities such as Lisbon, driving can be busy and parking is often limited, so it’s worth planning ahead. You must also carry essential documents, including your driving licence, insurance and vehicle registration, and ensure your car is equipped with any required safety items for European travel.

Read our Portugal travel guide for more.

Can you drive from the UK to Portugal in one day?

Technically, you can drive from the UK to Portugal in a day, as the route can take a minimum of 22 hours. However, this would take a lot of planning with ferries and travel times.

It is advisable to break the journey up across several days, and enjoy the journey through France, Spain, and Portugal.

What side of the road do you drive on in Portugal?

Remember, like most of Europe, cars travel on the right hand side of the road in Lisbon and across Portugal.

Where should I stop when driving from the UK to Portugal?

If you are driving from London to Lisbon, here are the towns and cities you could travel through or are near to the major roads:

Dover
Calais
Amiens
Paris
Le Mans
Tours
Bordeaux
Toulouse
Biarritz
Sab Sebastian
Huesca
Zaragoza
Burgos
Madrid
Valladolid
Evora
Setubal

How many days do you need to drive to Portugal?

It is best to split up the 1,250+ mile journey into two to four days. This will be more enjoyable and keep you safely rested to be driving this sort of distance.