Ferry Port
St Malo
400 km, 4-5 hours
Airport
Bordeaux-Mérignac
From Calais
9-10 hours
Est. Tolls
£60-£75
About Bordeaux
The wine capital of the world, Bordeaux is a beautiful 18th-century port city on the Garonne River. Beyond its world-famous vineyards (Saint-Émilion, Médoc, Pomerol), Bordeaux offers stunning architecture, a revitalized waterfront, excellent restaurants, and proximity to Atlantic beaches. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site with over 350 classified monuments.
Best for
Tips for Getting to Bordeaux
Portsmouth-St Malo overnight ferry is ideal for Bordeaux — you wake up in Brittany with just 4-5 hours driving.
Brittany Ferries Portsmouth-Caen route puts you 5-6 hours from Bordeaux with relatively low tolls.
The western route through France (via Nantes/N137) has fewer tolls than the eastern autoroute.
Bordeaux's wine regions (Saint-Émilion, Médoc, Graves) are worth dedicating extra days to explore.
Bristol to Portsmouth is only 2 hours — western UK cities are well-positioned for Bordeaux.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to get to Bordeaux from the UK?
Portsmouth-St Malo overnight ferry (from £100-£200 return) plus 4-5 hours driving is often the best value and most relaxing option. Budget flights to Bordeaux are also available from several UK airports.
How long does it take to drive to Bordeaux from the UK?
From Calais: 9-10 hours. From St Malo ferry port: 4-5 hours. From Caen ferry port: 5-6 hours. Western ferry routes are far better for Bordeaux.
Is Bordeaux good for a wine tour?
Absolutely. Bordeaux is surrounded by some of the world's most prestigious wine regions: Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, Médoc, Graves, and Sauternes. Book vineyard tours in advance during peak season.
Calculate Your Trip to Bordeaux
Get exact costs for tunnel, ferry, and fly + hire options for your specific dates.
Compare Options to BordeauxGetting to Bordeaux from the UK
Compare routes from 4 UK cities to Bordeaux.
| From | Distance | Drive Time | Best Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| London | 950 km | 10-11 hrs | Ferry or tunnel |
| Manchester | 1,150 km | 12-14 hrs | Ferry overnight |
| Birmingham | 1,050 km | 11-13 hrs | Ferry or tunnel |
| Bristol | 900 km | 10-12 hrs | Ferry or tunnel |