Where2next

I will be driving from Madrid to Lisbon and would like to know what I should expect when crossing the Spain/Portugal border. Is it a long process to cross over? How much time should I add to my traveling estimate?

On a side note, is it safe to make this drive? Is it worth saving the money to drive rather than fly/train? Keep in mind, from Lisbon I will be driving to Faro and then back to Seville in order to avoid the drop-off charges.

Any suggestions?

lincasanova

there are no border crossings anymore, so not much else to add.

if you need a car on vacation, i would defintely drive also. the roads are fine.

P_M

There is no longer a border between these 2 countries. You'll barely notice when you cross, it's like driving from one state to another.

The roads are good, but how much money are you saving? Are you aware of the cost of gas in Europe? I've never driven in Spain, but I was recently in the UK and it was around $6.00/gallon.

Personally I would take the train.

nytraveler

As everyone has said going from Spain to Portugal is like going from New Jersey to Pennsylvania - the only way you know you've done it is the sign that sayd Welcome to wherever.

Also - I donlt know what you mean about safe - road consitions are fine. Are you asking about criminal activitiy?

Also don;t know if it's worth it - since we have no idea what you're paying for the car (and gas etc) vs what you would pay for the train or plane. But if you just want the car to go from Lisbon to Faro - why not just rent it there - instead of driving all the way from Madrid - and then back to Seville?