Birmingham
United Kingdom
1,050 km
11-13 hours driving
Bordeaux
France
Distance
1,050 km
Drive Time
11-13 hours
Est. Fuel
£80-£100
Est. Tolls
£45-£60
Route Overview
Birmingham to Bordeaux is around 1,050 km. The Portsmouth-Caen ferry offers a western route with less French driving, while the Eurotunnel/Calais route via Tours is faster but involves more autoroute tolls.
Best crossing option
Portsmouth-Caen or Eurotunnel
Cost Comparison
| Method | Crossing Cost | Est. Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Tunnel | £130-£200 | £255-£360 |
| Ferry | £120-£200 | £240-£355 |
| Fly + Hire | £110-£260 | £185-£440 |
Estimated costs for 2 adults, standard car. Actual prices vary by season, booking time, and vehicle. Use our calculator for personalised results.
Tips for This Route
Portsmouth is 2.5 hours from Birmingham — the Caen ferry puts you 6 hours from Bordeaux.
The western route via Nantes and the N137 has lower tolls than the A10 autoroute via Tours.
Bordeaux's wine tourism is world-class — consider building in time for vineyard visits.
If using the ferry, book an overnight cabin for a more relaxed journey into France.
Bordeaux city centre parking is expensive — look for Park and Ride options on the tram lines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to get from Birmingham to Bordeaux?
The cheapest driving option is via the Eurotunnel and the western route through France, costing around £240-£360 one way. Flying from Birmingham to Bordeaux can be competitive at around £80-£150 per person return, especially for 1-2 travellers.
How long does it take to drive from Birmingham to Bordeaux?
The total journey takes 11-13 hours including the Channel crossing. Via the Eurotunnel, the French leg is about 8-9 hours. Via the overnight Portsmouth-Caen ferry, you drive 2.5 hours to Portsmouth, sleep on the ferry, then drive 5-6 hours to Bordeaux.
Which ferry route is best for Birmingham to Bordeaux?
Portsmouth-Caen is ideal. Portsmouth is 2.5 hours from Birmingham, and the overnight ferry lets you sleep through the crossing. From Caen, the western route through Rennes and Nantes to Bordeaux takes about 5-6 hours with lower tolls than the autoroute via Paris.
Get an exact cost for Birmingham to Bordeaux
Compare tunnel, ferry, and fly + hire prices for your specific dates and vehicle.
Compare Birmingham → Bordeaux