Manchester
United Kingdom
1,150 km
12-14 hours driving
Bordeaux
France
Distance
1,150 km
Drive Time
12-14 hours
Est. Fuel
£90-£115
Est. Tolls
£45-£60
Route Overview
Manchester to Bordeaux works well with the Portsmouth-Caen overnight ferry. Drive from Manchester to Portsmouth (3.5 hours), take the evening ferry, and wake up in Normandy with a 6-hour drive to Bordeaux.
Best crossing option
Portsmouth-Caen overnight ferry
Cost Comparison
| Method | Crossing Cost | Est. Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Tunnel | £130-£200 | £265-£375 |
| Ferry | £140-£220 | £270-£395 |
| 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
An overnight Portsmouth-Caen ferry lets you sleep through the crossing and arrive rested in France.
Portsmouth is closer to Manchester (3.5 hours) than Dover (4-5 hours), saving time and fuel.
The western route through France via Nantes has fewer tolls than going via Paris.
Bordeaux is surrounded by world-famous wine regions — Saint-Émilion and Pauillac are within an hour.
The Brittany Ferries Portsmouth-Caen service runs year-round with cabins available on night crossings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to get from Manchester to Bordeaux?
Driving via the Eurotunnel and the A10 autoroute is typically cheapest at around £265-£375 one way. The overnight Portsmouth-Caen ferry costs slightly more but includes a cabin so you save on a hotel. Flying from Manchester to Bordeaux can also be competitive at £80-£160 per person return.
How long does it take to get from Manchester to Bordeaux?
Total journey time is 12-14 hours via the Eurotunnel. Via the overnight Portsmouth-Caen ferry, you drive 3.5 hours to Portsmouth, sleep on the ferry (6 hours), then drive 5-6 hours to Bordeaux — arriving by early afternoon.
Is the overnight ferry worth it from Portsmouth to Caen?
Yes, especially from Manchester. You save on a hotel, arrive rested, and the western route into France avoids the busy Calais-Paris corridor. Cabin prices start from around £60-£90 per cabin on top of the vehicle fare. The ferry also has restaurants and entertainment on board.
Get an exact cost for Manchester to Bordeaux
Compare tunnel, ferry, and fly + hire prices for your specific dates and vehicle.
Compare Manchester → Bordeaux