Hi there. First time in Europe and I'd like to drive prom Porto, Portugal to Leon, Spain. Wondering has anyone made that drive? Is it a lot of mountain ranges? Are the roads narrow? or can an experienced driver from USA make the drive with no problem? Is it safe to cross the border? I've read that it takes 3 hours 51 minutes for the drive.
Any Tips will help.
Thank You
Most of your route is on highways like those in the USA.
There are toll booths in Spain. In Portugal the toll is electronic and only for foreign vehicles, you will see installations with cameras to scan license plates.
There is no control when crossing the border, you will not see any difference apart from an “Espana” sign.
As already mentioned, the drive is mostly highway and will take closer to 4.5 hours. Once you leave Portugal there are no tolls to get to León.
The shortest route has one entering Spain by Puebla de Sanabria. It is a small town with a nicely restored small castle and plaza mayor. There’s also the Iglesia de Santa María del Azogue. Continuing towards León in Astorga is Palacio de Gaudí if you’re a Gaudí fan. There’s also a cathedral that is a museum beside the palace. There’s little else to the town. A large free parking lot is at the bottom of the town. From Astorga to León there is a toll road, but it can be avoided by taking the local, 2-lane, N-120 road that parallels the highway.
If you take a different route to León you’ll pass by Valencia de Don Juan. About 5 miles off the highway is Castillo de Coyanza Valencia de Don Juan that looks fairly impressive from the exterior. It was closed when we stopped, so never made it inside.
In both Puebla de Sanabria and León we stayed at the Paradors in each location.
marleymar7,
Are you renting a car? If so, please be aware of a huge fee for dropping off a car in a different country than you rented it in. Also, be sure to get an International Drivers PERMIT (not license). Cheap at $20.,00. Get it at a AAA office. Search in the forum for suggestions and on the RS website or book for info about car rental. Also, the website Viamichelin.com is helpful in planning routes from place to place, but add in extra time for gas/food/comfort stops.
Buen viaje!
I did that drive last year. It's pretty scenic and not too tough, especially if you're used to driving in the US. The roads are mostly in great condition and not particularly narrow. There are some hills, but nothing too intense. Crossing the border is a breeze, didn’t even have to stop. Just keep an eye out for speed cameras.
