Burgos to Exeter Road Trip: How to Drive Across France and UK

Driving from Burgos, Spain to Exeter, UK covers roughly 1,300 km (808 miles) and takes about 14-16 hours of pure driving time, not including ferry crossings and breaks. The route crosses the Cantabrian Mountains through the Santander ferry to Plymouth, then the A38 into Exeter.

A little-known fact: the segment from Burgos to Santander includes the E-70 highway, which tunnels through the Sierra de Híjar at an elevation of 1,100 meters, offering sudden views of snow-capped peaks even in late spring.

Planning stops is essential not just for fatigue management but for experiencing contrasting cultures: from the Spanish meseta to the green valleys of Cantabria, ferry crossing, then the rolling Devon countryside. For deeper insights on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, check our dedicated guide.

The recommended route is: Burgos to Santander via AP-68 (toll) or N-623 (free, slower). From Santander, take the ferry to Plymouth (Brittany Ferries). Then A38 from Plymouth to Exeter.

• Key highways: AP-68 (Spain), A-67 (Spain), A38 (UK), M5 (for Exeter).
• Tolls: Spanish AP-68 costs about €30 for the Burgos-Santander stretch. UK roads are toll-free except the M6 (not used here).
• Ferries: Santander-Plymouth overnight (24h) or fast ferry (4h, seasonal). Book early for summer.

Fuel economy: With a typical car (8L/100km), expect fuel costs around €160-€200 for petrol. Diesel cars might save 15%. Filling up in France (on the ferry? no, but in Spain) is cheaper than UK. Fill tank in Spain before ferry.

• Fuel station density: Every 20-30 km on Spanish highways; less on UK A38, so plan stops.
• Topography affects efficiency: mountainous in Cantabria, flat in Devon.

Spanish highways are well-maintained with good lighting in tunnels. The UK A38 is a dual carriageway with some roundabouts. Night driving: safe but rural sections (Devon) have no lighting; watch for deer.

• Rest zones: Area de Servicio Reinosa (A-67, km 78) has a playground and picnic area. In the UK, Devon Services (M5) near Exeter has a kids' zone.
• Pet-friendly: Many Spanish service stations allow dogs on leads. In Cantabria, the beach at Liencres (near Santander) is dog-friendly. On the ferry, pets in kennels or car deck (check policy).
• Fatigue management: recommended nap spots – Rest area at Puerto de Híjar (quiet). In UK, stop at Buckfastleigh (free parking with toilets).

Family suitability: The Cantabrian coast offers aquariums (Santander) and dinosaur footprints (near Noja). Interactive museums: Altamira Museum (replica cave).

• Hidden off-route spot: 10 km east of Santander, the fishing village of Somo (ferry from Santander) offers deserted beaches off-season.
• Another hidden gem: the ruins of the San Vicente de la Barquera monastery, just off the A-8.

For more tips on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, refer to our related article.

The journey begins on the dry, flat Burgos plateau (800m altitude). After 100 km, you climb into the Cantabrian Mountains, with dramatic limestone cliffs and lush valleys near Santander. The ferry crossing offers a 24-hour marine landscape; dolphins are common in summer.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites directly on route: none, but Burgos Cathedral (UNESCO) is your starting point. A short detour to the Cave of Altamira (near Santillana del Mar, about 30 km off route) is a must. In the UK, the Devon coast (Jurassic Coast, UNESCO) is close to Exeter.

• Best sunset viewpoint: near Reinosa, Spain (mirador at Puerto de Híjar) around 7:30 PM in summer.
• Local crafts: buy sobaos pasiegos (sponge cakes) and quesada (cheesecake) in Cantabria. In Devon, try clotted cream and cider.
• Roadside markets: frequent in Spain along N-623 near villages like Aguilar de Campoo.