Millhouse

Hello !

I'm flying into Madrid late December and plan to drive down to Marbella. Is that an insane snow-blocked path, or is it feasible. I plan on it taking a good +3 hours over the google estimate of 6hours. Otherwise, is the drive from Barcelona better?

I know the obviously solution is to fly/train but I'll be with a dog, 2 kids, 2 adults and around 150Kg of luggage.

agree_to_disagree

From Barcelona it is 10 hours drive according to google maps and Madrid just over 6 hours. Also, you travel along the coast you are going to have more local traffic to slow you down than the route from Madrid.

Can you not get someone to drop you off an airport in the UK that will fly you closer to your final destination in Spain? Seems like the best option to me...

Anyway given the two choices you have presented, Madrid is better option.

As for the weather, who knows after last XMAS/January!!!

Millhouse

thank you. Sadly, I'm coming from Dubai and my only options are Madrid or Barcelona. What happened last XMAS/January??

agree_to_disagree

Can you not get a connecting flight for travel within Spain? Your luggage could be transferred without you laying a hand on it. I guess they could do the same with the dog.

agree_to_disagree

Madrid Barajas Airport Operations Suspended Due to Record-Breaking Snow Storm

https://loyaltylobby.com/2021/01/09/...ng-snow-storm/

Millhouse

Well, that looks like fun. The kids & dog will enjoy that.

I pray that doesn't happen until December 24th!

agree_to_disagree

But why are you not getting a connecting flight that would take you closer to your final destination, as opposed to driving?

Millhouse

The dog & the massive amount of luggage. Will look into it though

agree_to_disagree

Did a quick check on skyscanner and you may even be able to get a cheaper flights via a connection to Malaga, as opposed to a direct flight to Madrid or Barcelona. That is not to even factor in the additional cost of a hire car and fuel!

Loafing Along

It's an excellent road , been well-developed over recent years. No hassle at all . Actualkly a bit boring until you get to Andalucia. Plenty of good service stops. You should have no problems.

agree_to_disagree

Which road?

Loafing Along

E5 best bet then onto Granada, down to Antequera , Malaga and into Marbella , either motorway or take turn off and go through Fuengirola . Only problem now is the way the motorway has been constructed blocked access to some great local bars/restaurants where one could get excellent food. Also several speed cameras.
Linares / Granada also improved immensely with some superb construction engineering

Millhouse

thank you. That’s great intel. I appreciate it.

Retired in Euskadi

We did the TAV (high speed train) 2 yeras ago from Madrid to Malaga. Perfect; 2.5 hours. Able to sit and read. Luxurious. You could then hire a car in Malaga at the station. Luggage no problem. For what you have, you'd need a pretty large vehicle. The only thing I cannot answer re the train is the dog. But the RENFE website should be able to inform you.

SanDiegogirl

I'll second this.... did the journey many years ago (Santander to Marbella) but remember it as being hot and nothing much to see = miles and miles of flat parched land. (except in the mountainous area north of Madrid) . Road was good even then though.