Driving to spain

I have to drive from Hertfordshire to Murcia with my dog this weekend or Monday at latest. I have sorted out the car insurance. I've got the euros....But nothing else. I'm going to buy 2 triangles for the car but here is the thing...It's an emergency situation and although I've been to Spain a few times I have never driven there, so can someone tell me the easist route for complete beginners and how i pay for toll roads. Thank you.

Toll roads you can pay by cash €s which you can get at any bank or by credit/debit card which you can also get at a bank.

Drive on the left once you reach Spain.

It is advisable to have a first aid kit, a bottle of water, some food, a blanket and a mobile phone with you.

Never done it before, but I have looked at doing it myself in the past. Driving through France would be the best and quickest, as opposed to boat to Santander. Google Maps shows several options. I imagine the toll booths have options to pay by cash or credit card, they have on the AP-7, so I see no reason it would be any different. Don't forget your hi viz and beam converters, plus GB sticker if not on your number plates. You are supposed to have a breathalyser in France, but in reality the law isn't enforced and the fine is only 15€ anyway. 

How are you navigating? A phone using Google Maps allows you to download the route to conserve data. Something like a Garmin or TomTom with Euro maps are better in my opinion, if you have one.

Mark

I drive the route from France to Spain twice a year with my dog. I NEVER pay tolls. I have an established route I always use. Essentially the N10 to Bordeaux then to Pau avoiding the centre then the Somport tunnel, down to Zaragoza, then Valencia to your destination on the coast. I use pet-friendly Ibis hotels at Lascar Pau and Zaragoza. The Ibis at Valencia airport is also convenient. To enjoy the trip I never drive more than 4 - 5 hours per day.

Via Michelin will offer this route in detail if you add the filter no tolls.

Do you use more fuel and does it take longer by avoiding Toll roads?

No because if you examine that route most of it is on free motorways built by the EU. The only none motorway section is around Pau to the Somport Tunnel and down to Huesca but they are improving it currently. The ecologist's pressure group will not, however, allow development in the Aspe valley on the French side of the Pyrenees so that remains a beautiful section and much slower for about 50km.

Slightly off thread. I went on the AP7 two days ago and from what I could see I was the only one on it. 30 pay toll booths and not a car in sight. All that time and money building them, for what?

Road trips are a joy in Spain and France precisely because the roads are uncongested. Cheap flights take most of the tourist traffic and trucks are banned on Sundays. What's not to like?

Thank you for all your replies as I'm really nervous. You have been very informative. It's one if those things - you learn as you go along. 

Don’t be nervous, look at it as an exciting adventure. Your dog will love it.

Don't be nervous, Rosie. The worst part of the entire journey without any doubt will be getting from Hertfordshire to the Channel. Just relax, take your time, enjoy the scenery. You'll be fine. ¡Buen viaje!

(P.S. ignore earlier the advice to drive on the left once you reach Spain - it was either a reference to bad Spanish driving habits or just a wind up!)

Sorry Roberto and Rosie, steering wheel on the left, drive on the right. Dementia setting in.

Excused! But we should point out that if Rosie is driving though France, she does need to switch to driving on the right long before reaching Spain!! And assuming that she can't move her steering wheel over, just take extra care (or avoid) overtaking.

Rosie,

As has been said there is no need to be nervous, but do be aware and alert.  If you stop in a motorway service station, or anywhere that tourists are stopping always check your wheels before you set off again. 

You may find a piece of wood with a nail through it just under your tyre, so after a mile or so you have a puncture.  You are then a bit vulnerable to someone who is following you and offers to help, but is really after your luggage.

It seems to be less common these days, so really very unlikely - but if you check all your tyres before you re-commence driving you avoid the problem - and the cost of new tyres!

The drive itself, whichever route, is a doddle.  I find having a lot of small change helps.

** EDITED - Against forum rules- inciting **

It is good that Rosie and others are aware of the risk and know how to avoid it.

Like all activity in life, risks exist everywhere however in more than 30 years going back and forth to France and Spain I have never experienced any problems. Here are a few of my do's and donts.

Never stop for anyone who flags you down or tries to distract you. Be particularly vigilant on motorways that circumnavigate large cities such as Barcelona.

If a police officer in uniform flags you down stay in the car lock the doors and wait until you see an ID. If none produced visibly call 112 on a mobile. If the cop is bogus he will run for it.  Make a note of the policeman's badge number. It is always displayed on their uniform jacket.

If you stop at a service station leave a passenger with the car. Never leave it unattended.

When paying for fuel lock the car. Never leave it unattended even for a minute.

If you have a hire car remove the company logo from the back window. Its a flag saying, vulnerable tourist. 

If a police officer in uniform flags you down stay in the car lock the doors and wait until you see an ID. If none produced visibly call 112 

Good advice but who knows what a genuine police ID is ?

At one time I knew what a real London Met police one looked like but I would have no idea now 

When the police just had a warrant card, it was a small black fold over.  On the outside in gold letters it said METROPOLITAN POLICE.   Most officers in plain clothes just showed the outside and it was almost always accepted as ID !!!!

 John - Spanish cops of all types have their ID registration on display on their uniform blouse as do genuine security guards. Always look for that.

I doubt there is any full proof answers to this.

The days of the Sweeney and we haven’t had any dinner are in the past, also the days of the imitation rag bag police officer wearing trainers have gone.

Perhaps always call 112, sadly that’s the way it is now.