Air Travel
- Companies: Brussels Airlines, Vueling, Iberia
- Duration: Approximately 3 hours (non-stop flight)
- Distance: 1,600 km (1,000 miles)
- Costs: $200 - $350 CAD (depending on booking time and class)
- Roads/Routes: Not applicable
Pro Tip: Book your flight in advance and consider using the "flexible dates" option to find the lowest fares with Brussels Airlines.
Train & Bus Travel
- Companies: Eurostar (to Paris), SNCF (French trains), ALSA (bus to Marbella)
- Duration: Approximately 15 hours (with layovers)
- Distance: About 2,000 km (1,243 miles)
- Costs: $100 - $200 CAD (train and bus combined)
- Roads/Routes: Route via Paris and A-7 highway in Spain
Pro Tip: Purchase a Eurail pass if you plan to explore more cities in Europe; it can save you money on multiple train journeys.
Car Rental
- Companies: Hertz, Europcar, Sixt
- Duration: Approximately 20 hours drive (not including rest breaks)
- Distance: About 2,000 km (1,243 miles)
- Costs: $150 - $250 CAD (rental + fuel), plus tolls along the route
- Roads/Routes: E40 highway from Brussels to Paris, then A-7 highway in Spain
Pro Tip: Download a navigation app that works offline, like Maps.me, as mobile data may be limited in certain areas.
Overall Recommendation
If you're looking for the most efficient and practical option, I recommend flying from Brussels to Marbella. The direct flight is the quickest and eliminates long layovers, making it ideal for maximizing your vacation time. While the train and bus combination is cheaper, it requires significantly more time and coordination. If you enjoy road trips, then driving gives you the freedom to explore along the way, but be prepared for a long journey.