Madrid to London van transport and part loads

Two ways from Spain to the UK

From Madrid we have two sensible ways to London. The first is north to the Spanish coast and onto a Brittany Ferries sailing from Bilbao or Santander to Portsmouth or Plymouth, which keeps the van off French motorways and lands it on the south coast a short drive from London. The second is overland through France to Calais, then across on a ferry to Dover or the Eurotunnel shuttle to Folkestone. Madrid to London is a long trip either way, so we agree the collection window and expected arrival with you before you book.

How we choose the crossing

The ferry from northern Spain suits loads that need to arrive on a set day, because the sailing replaces a long drive and the timetable is fixed. The overland route through France is more flexible when sailings are full or do not match your dates. We look at your collection date, the size of the load and the rest of the van, then tell you which route we plan to use and why.

Where we collect in Spain

We collect across Madrid and the surrounding area, and further afield on request. Tell us the exact address, the floor, whether there is a lift and where the van can stop. Many Madrid apartment buildings have a porter and set hours for moving furniture, so let us know the building rules and we will plan the collection around them.

Customs from Spain to the UK

Goods leaving Spain for Great Britain need an export declaration on the Spanish side and an import entry when they arrive in the UK. If the van crosses France, the goods normally travel under a T1 transit document, which lets them pass through without being cleared in France. Businesses sending or receiving goods need an EORI number, and the receiver in Great Britain needs a GB EORI for commercial imports. Personal belongings for someone moving to the UK may qualify for Transfer of Residence relief once HMRC approves it, which must be done before the goods travel. We tell you exactly which documents apply to your load at quote stage.

What we carry on this lane

We carry part loads, boxes, furniture, bikes, artwork and equipment, as well as the contents of a flat for people relocating to the UK. Because we run part loads, you pay for the space your items take on a van rather than for a whole vehicle. Every job is driver included, and we load with blankets and straps so nothing shifts on the long motorway stretches.

Delivery in London

We deliver to any London postcode and across the South East. Tell us about parking, stairs, lifts and building rules at the delivery end, and we will plan the arrival so the van is not left waiting for a space. The driver calls ahead before arriving.

Timing and arrival

Most of the time on this lane goes on the drive to the coast or across France and on the border paperwork. We plan driving within legal hours, so a Madrid collection is followed by delivery in London a few days later rather than the next morning. If you have a fixed date in London, tell us when you ask for a quote and we will say honestly whether we can meet it.

Questions about Madrid to London

Do you use the ferry or drive through France? Either, and we tell you which before you book. Do I need an EORI number? Businesses do; for personal belongings we explain what applies to you. Can you collect outside Madrid? Yes, ask with your address. Can I send only a few boxes? Yes, part loads are what this lane is built for.