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Flights · Documents · Riding gear · Licence

Travelling from the UKFly in, collect your BMW, ride.

Every tour starts and finishes in a city with a major international airport, about two to three hours from the UK. Here is what you need to know about flights, passports, your licence and bringing your riding gear.

Flights

Which airport to fly to

Fly into the city where your tour starts. Flight times are approximate, from London.

Fly toFlight from LondonTours that start here
BilbaoAbout 2 hoursThe Great North, Picos de Europa, Picos Express
BarcelonaAbout 2 hoursPyrenees Escape, Pyrenees Grand Tour, Transpyrenees, Costa Brava, Priorat & Maestrazgo
MálagaAbout 2 hours 45 minutesPure Andalucía, Anda Eastwood, Road to Portugal
MilanAbout 2 hoursAlps Mountain Route
Madrid, Sevilla, AlicanteAbout 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutesBespoke tours and motorcycle rental

When to book your flights

Send us your dates first. Once we confirm your bikes and hotels, book your flights. Arrive on day 1 and fly home on the last day of the tour, after you hand back the bike.

Which UK airports

Barcelona, Madrid, Málaga, Alicante and Milan have direct flights from most large UK airports. Bilbao and Sevilla have fewer routes, mostly from London and Manchester, so check those first or connect through Madrid or Barcelona.

Getting to your hotel

Each start city has a taxi rank and public transport from the airport into the centre. We send you the address and directions with your booking.

Before you go

Passport, licence and insurance

Passport

  • Issued less than 10 years before the day you arrive.
  • Valid for at least 3 months after the day you leave.
  • You can visit Spain and the rest of the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180 days without a visa.

Border checks

The EU Entry/Exit System is now in use. On your first trip you may have your fingerprints and photo taken at the airport, so allow a little extra time. It is free and there is nothing to do before you travel.

The EU travel authorisation (ETIAS, €20) has not started yet. Only apply on the official EU website once it opens.

Driving licence

  • A UK photocard licence is all you need in Spain. You do not need an International Driving Permit.
  • For the Alps tour, a photocard licence is also fine in Italy, Switzerland and Austria. A paper licence needs updating to a photocard or an International Driving Permit.
  • You need a full motorcycle licence for the bikes you choose. Tell us your licence category when you enquire.

Travel insurance

Take out travel insurance that covers you riding a motorcycle over 125cc abroad. Many standard policies do not, so check the small print. Bring your GHIC or EHIC as well.

The motorcycle itself is insured. You need a credit card for the bike deposit.

Entry and licence rules can change. Check the latest GOV.UK travel advice for Spain and driving abroad before you travel.

Riding gear

Bring your own gear, or hire it from us

Flying with your helmet

Most riders carry their helmet in the cabin, in a helmet bag or a small holdall. Check your airline's cabin bag size, as some helmets are close to the limit and low-cost airlines are strict.

Jacket, boots and intercom

Wear your boots and jacket on the plane to save space, or pack them in a hold bag. Keep intercom units and spare batteries in your hand luggage.

Hire gear instead

Travel light and hire it here, subject to availability: helmet €10 a day, jacket, gloves, trousers or boots €10 a day each, or the full set for €50 a day (max. €300). Tell us your sizes when you enquire.

On the road

Riding in Spain

Keep right

Ride on the right and give way to traffic already on roundabouts. Most riders settle in within the first hour, and your routes start on quiet roads out of town.

Never a motorway

Your GPS routes use mountain and country roads, so you avoid toll roads and fast traffic. Speed limits are in km/h.

Money

Spain uses the euro and cards are accepted almost everywhere. Carry some cash for small cafés and fuel stations in the mountains.

Questions

Travelling from the UK: quick answers

Do I need an International Driving Permit to ride in Spain?

No. A UK photocard driving licence is enough to ride in Spain. A paper licence should be updated to a photocard before you travel.

How long is the flight from the UK?

About 2 hours to Bilbao, Barcelona or Milan, and about 2 hours 45 minutes to Málaga or Sevilla, from London.

Can I take my motorcycle helmet on the plane?

Yes. Most riders carry their helmet as cabin baggage in a helmet bag. Check your airline's size limit, and keep intercom batteries in your hand luggage.

Do I need a visa or ETIAS?

No visa is needed for stays of up to 90 days in any 180 days. The EU travel authorisation (ETIAS) has not started yet. Check GOV.UK before you travel for the latest.

Does my travel insurance cover the ride?

Check it covers riding a motorcycle over 125cc abroad. Many standard policies do not. The motorcycle itself is insured as part of your tour.

When should I book flights?

After we confirm your tour dates, bikes and hotels. Arrive on day 1 and fly home on the last day of the tour.

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