Introduction
The E17 highway connecting Ghent to the French border follows the path of the historic Roman road known as the 'Via Bracara Asturicam,' which once linked Braga in Portugal to Astorga in Spain. This ancient route, established in the 1st century AD, formed part of the network that facilitated trade across Roman Hispania and Gaul. Today, modern drivers covering the approximately 2,100 kilometers from Ghent to Lisbon traverse landscapes that have served as corridors for commerce, pilgrimage, and migration for two millennia. The journey crosses five distinct national borders—Belgium, France, Spain, and Portugal—each with unique driving regulations, toll systems, and road conditions. Belgian license plates are among the most commonly seen foreign vehicles on Portuguese highways, reflecting a well-established travel corridor. This guide provides specific information for planning this substantial European drive, including highway designations, estimated driving durations, and notable locations along the route.
Route Logistics and Practical Details
| Segment | Highway/Road | Distance | Estimated Drive Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ghent to Lille | E17/A14 | 85 km | 1 hour | Cross into France at Tournai. French tolls begin after Lille. |
| Lille to Paris | A1/E15 | 215 km | 2 hours 15 min | Heavy traffic around Paris. Consider bypass via A104 if not stopping. |
| Paris to Bordeaux | A10 | 580 km | 5 hours 30 min | Longest uninterrupted stretch. Multiple service areas with fuel. |
| Bordeaux to San Sebastián | A63/E5/E70 | 200 km | 2 hours | Cross into Spain at Irun. Switch to Spanish AP-8 toll road. |
| San Sebastián to Burgos | AP-1/A1 | 260 km | 2 hours 30 min | Mountainous section through Basque Country. |
| Burgos to Salamanca | A62/E80 | 220 km | 2 hours | Flat meseta landscape. Fewer service stations. |
| Salamanca to Lisbon | A62/IP5/A23/A1 | 530 km | 5 hours | Cross into Portugal at Vilar Formoso. Portuguese tolls (Via Verde). |
Total driving distance is approximately 2,090 kilometers. Non-stop driving would take roughly 20-22 hours, but this is not recommended. Budget for fuel costs of €250-€300 for a standard gasoline vehicle. Tolls vary: France uses Liber-T tags or credit card payments, Spain has both free (autovía) and paid (autopista) sections, and Portugal requires pre-registration for electronic tolls or post-payment. Speed limits change at borders: typically 120 km/h in France, 120 km/h in Spain (130 km/h on some highways), and 120 km/h in Portugal. For those wondering how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, consider using resources like how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities to identify interesting detours.
A Three-Day Driving Schedule
A Ghent to Lisbon itinerary 3 days allows for manageable daily drives with overnight stops. Day 1: Depart Ghent early via the E17, reaching Bordeaux by late afternoon (approximately 7 hours driving with brief breaks). Overnight in Bordeaux. This covers 880 kilometers. Day 2: Leave Bordeaux for Salamanca via the A63 and A62 (approximately 6.5 hours driving). This 540-kilometer segment includes crossing the Spanish border at Irun and traversing the northern meseta. Overnight in Salamanca. Day 3: Complete the final 530 kilometers to Lisbon in about 5 hours via the A62, crossing into Portugal at Vilar Formoso and continuing on the A23 and A1. Arrive in Lisbon by mid-afternoon. This schedule assumes an early start each day (7:00-8:00 AM) and limited sightseeing en route. Drivers preferring shorter daily segments could add a fourth day, stopping in San Sebastián on Day 1 (5.5 hours from Ghent) and Burgos on Day 2 (4 hours from San Sebastián) before proceeding to Lisbon on Days 3 and 4. Accommodation in intermediate cities should be booked in advance, particularly during summer months. Parking in historic centers often requires paid garages; on-street parking is typically limited.
Recommended Intermediary Locations
When considering things to do between Ghent and Lisbon, several cities offer worthwhile pauses. Bordeaux, approximately halfway at 880 kilometers from Ghent, provides an obvious breaking point with its well-preserved 18th-century architecture centered around the Place de la Bourse. The city's wine museums, such as La Cité du Vin, offer structured introductions to regional viticulture. San Sebastián, 1,080 kilometers from Ghent, is known for its crescent-shaped La Concha beach and the Parte Vieja (Old Town) district, where pintxo bars serve small plates from late morning onward. Salamanca, 1,500 kilometers from Ghent, features a UNESCO-listed historic center with buildings constructed from Villamayor sandstone that glow golden in afternoon light. The University of Salamanca, founded in 1134, maintains an active student population. Coimbra, 1,850 kilometers from Ghent and 200 kilometers north of Lisbon, is home to Portugal's oldest university, established in 1290. The Joanina Library, completed in 1728, contains approximately 250,000 volumes. For drivers seeking less urban pauses, the Dordogne Valley between Bordeaux and Toulouse offers prehistoric cave sites like Lascaux IV, while the Spanish region of Extremadura between Salamanca and the Portuguese border contains medieval towns such as Cáceres with intact city walls.
Continue Your Adventure
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Ghent to Lisbon without stops?
Continuous driving takes approximately 20 to 22 hours, covering about 2,090 kilometers. This assumes adherence to speed limits, brief fuel stops, and favorable traffic conditions. However, European driving regulations recommend breaks every 2 hours, making non-stop travel impractical and unsafe.
What are the primary considerations for deciding if driving is worthwhile?
Key factors include cost comparison with flights (accounting for fuel, tolls, and potential overnight stays), desire for flexibility to visit intermediate locations, vehicle suitability for long distances, and available time. Driving allows transport of more luggage and access to rural areas, but requires more time and involves border crossings with varying regulations.
Which intermediary cities are most practical for overnight stays?
Bordeaux (880 km from Ghent), Salamanca (1,500 km from Ghent), and Coimbra (1,850 km from Ghent) offer convenient distances between driving segments. Each has ample accommodation options and motorway access. Bordeaux is roughly halfway, making it a logical first stop.
Are there specific road regulations to note when crossing borders?
Yes. In France, all vehicles must carry a breathalyzer kit (though fines are not currently enforced). Spain requires two warning triangles and a reflective vest for each occupant if exiting the vehicle on a roadway. Portugal mandates winter tires or chains in certain mountainous areas from November to March. All countries require headlight adjustment for right-hand driving.
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