Bristol
United Kingdom
900 km
10-11 hours driving
Bordeaux
France
Distance
900 km
Drive Time
10-11 hours
Est. Fuel
£70-£90
Est. Tolls
£40-£55
Route Overview
Bristol to Bordeaux benefits from western ferry routes. Taking a Portsmouth ferry to Caen or St Malo cuts hours off the French drive compared to going via Calais.
Best crossing option
Portsmouth-St Malo or Portsmouth-Caen ferry
Cost Comparison
| Method | Crossing Cost | Est. Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Tunnel | £130-£200 | £260-£365 |
| Ferry | £120-£200 | £230-£345 |
| Fly + Hire | £110-£270 | £185-£450 |
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 only 2 hours from Bristol — much closer than Dover (3+ hours).
A Portsmouth-St Malo overnight ferry means you wake up in Brittany with a shorter drive to Bordeaux.
The western route through France (via Nantes/N137) has fewer tolls than the autoroute.
Bordeaux's wine region (Saint-Émilion, Médoc) is worth a stop on the way in.
The Brittany Ferries Portsmouth-Caen route puts you 6 hours from Bordeaux with minimal tolls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to get from Bristol to Bordeaux?
The cheapest driving option is usually the Portsmouth-Caen or Portsmouth-St Malo ferry combined with the western route through France. This avoids expensive autoroute tolls. Total one-way cost is around £230-£345 depending on season. Flying from Bristol can be competitive, especially off-peak.
How long does it take to get from Bristol to Bordeaux?
The total journey takes 10-11 hours. Drive from Bristol to Portsmouth (2 hours), take the ferry to Caen (6 hours) or St Malo (8-11 hours overnight), then drive 5-6 hours south to Bordeaux. An overnight ferry means you can arrive by lunchtime.
Should I take the ferry from Portsmouth or drive to Dover?
From Bristol, Portsmouth is significantly closer (2 hours vs 3+ hours to Dover). The western ferry routes also put you closer to Bordeaux in France, saving 2-3 hours of French driving and avoiding expensive autoroute tolls through northern France.
Get an exact cost for Bristol to Bordeaux
Compare tunnel, ferry, and fly + hire prices for your specific dates and vehicle.
Compare Bristol → Bordeaux