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Hull - Rotterdam
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Dover To Calais
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Hull To Rotterdam
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Rotterdam To Hull
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Cairnryan To Larne
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Dover To Calais
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Calais To Dover
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Hull To Rotterdam
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Rotterdam To Hull
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Cairnryan To Larne
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Larne To Cairnryan
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Day trip
From: Dover
To: Calais
 
 
Day trip
 
Day trip
Discovering Road Trips in Europe

Whether you are planning a road trip in Europe for summer sunshine, winter scenery, or a multi-country adventure, travelling by car gives you complete freedom. With your own vehicle, you can seamlessly navigate dramatic mountain passes, coast along sun-drenched beaches, or explore medieval villages, because Europe has a route tailored to your unique interests.

Booking your ferry travel makes it incredibly easy to connect the UK to mainland Europe, allowing you to start your journey as soon as you arrive.

Discover Road Trips in Europe

Driving Holidays in France

Loire Valley

Loire Valley Castle and Wine Route

The Loire Valley is a favourite European driving holiday route as you drive along the Loire River, which showcases opulent Renaissance châteaux, manicured gardens, and world-class wine tastings. The best time to visit is from April to October when the weather is ideal for exploring.

As you travel through the region, you should plan to stop at Orleans, Tours, and Saumur. A major highlight along this riverside route is the magnificent Château de Chenonceau.

Normandy Road Trip

Normandy and Brittany Coastal Explorer

Taking a coastal drive in Normandy offers a perfect blend of cultural history and beautiful scenery. The best time for European road trips in this region is the summer, allowing you to enjoy the coastal history and scenic drives comfortably.

You can start this French road trip by visiting the beautiful city of Rouen, which is famous for its association with Joan of Arc. Further along your route, spend a few hours admiring the dramatic cliffs of Étretat and taking short hikes to take in the impressive natural landscapes. Moving west, you will want to discover the vast, boundless landscapes of Mont Saint Michel.

French Riviera Road Trip

Route des Grandes Alpes and French Riviera

The glamorous French Riviera is a dream destination for those wanting to travel Europe by car. A popular extended route starts near Florence, snakes through Tuscany and Genoa, then follows the beautiful Ligurian coast all the way to Nice. You can expect a coastal drive filled with Renaissance art, colourful villages, and spectacular ocean views.

The ideal time for this journey is from April to July, or from September through October. You will definitely want to avoid August due to the extreme heat and heavy traffic. Along the way, you can stop to discover the beautiful French beaches, enjoy an aperitif in Cannes, and marvel at the stunning yachts in Monaco.

Dutch and Benelux Road Trip Routes: Starting in Rotterdam

Tulip Route Netherlands

The Dutch Coast and Tulip Route

A road trip through Europe is incomplete without exploring the flat, highly scenic roads of the Netherlands. You can expect very relaxed driving and beautiful waterways connecting vibrant cities. The best time to go is during the spring and summer months when the weather is pleasant for outdoor sightseeing.

From Rotterdam, you can take a drive towards The Hague and then loop up to Amsterdam. During your stops, you can discover incredible historic windmills, beautiful canals, and a very welcoming culture. Taking the time to explore these coastal drives near The Hague provides a very peaceful alternative to busy motorways.

The Ardennes Road Trip

The Ardennes and Benelux Circuit

If you want the best driving holidays Europe can offer, a cross-border trip to Belgium is incredibly rewarding. The Ardennes region features stunning forests and quiet countryside roads that are perfect for travellers seeking quieter alternatives to popular tourist areas.

The best time to visit is during the warmer months, although winter light festivals make the historic cities very appealing in colder seasons. You can easily drive between Bruges, Ghent, and Brussels because the distances are short. At these stops, you will discover stunning medieval architecture, picturesque canals, and world famous local delicacies.

Northern Ireland Driving Holidays: Wild Coastlines from Larne

Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland

The Causeway Coastal Route

A European driving holiday around Northern Ireland offers some of the most dramatic views in the UK. You can expect towering sea cliffs, rugged, wind-whipped coastlines, and cosy traditional pubs along the way. The route spans a vast distance, but the best time to experience it is from May to September.

Your road trip around Europe should definitely include a stop at the famous Giant's Causeway and the Carrick a Rede Rope Bridge. Driving from Belfast to Derry gives you access to hidden villages and off-the-beaten-path destinations that many visitors miss.

Mourne Mountains Road Trip

Mourne Mountains and Glens of Antrim Loop

For an unforgettable adventure closer to home, the Glens of Antrim offer one of the most underrated road trips in Europe. You can expect sweeping coastal roads and beautiful rolling hills that make for an incredibly relaxing drive. The warmer months are perfect for tackling these scenic loops. 

As you stop in the local towns, you will discover charming historic sites and very welcoming communities. These UK based road trip adventures provide fantastic scenery without the need to travel too far onto the continent.

Extended Road Trips Through Europe

Romantic Road Germany

The Romantic Road, Germany

Often cited as one of the best road trips in Europe, the Romantic Road offers a quintessential European cultural experience. You can expect a 220 mile journey running from Wurzburg down to Fussen right through the heart of Bavaria.

The best time to visit is from May to October for warm weather, or December to discover the iconic Christmas markets. Key stops include Rothenburg ob der Tauber, which is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe, and Wurzburg, where you can explore fine baroque palaces. The main highlight to discover is the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle.

Transfagarasan Highway

The Transfagarasan Highway, Romania

If you are looking for the best road trip in Europe for high-alpine thrill driving, this is the perfect choice. You can expect a brief but intense 56-mile stretch cutting right through the Southern Carpathian Mountains. The route is famous for its sharp hairpin turns, dramatic elevation shifts, and stunning alpine vistas.

The best time to go is from late June to October, because the road actually closes for the rest of the year due to heavy snow. It is highly recommended to stop frequently at the designated pull-outs to safely discover the breathtaking mountain peaks.

Amalfi Coast Road Trip

The Amalfi Coast, Italy

A European road trip through Italy offers luxury coastlines and incredible seafood. You can expect to navigate the narrow, winding 31-mile SS163 road stretching from Sorrento to Amalfi. Along the way, you will discover pastel coloured villages clinging to cliffs and deep blue waters.

The best times to visit are May and September; avoid August due to extreme heat and heavy traffic. You can stop in places like Cefalu or Palermo for incredible local dining experiences that reveal a completely new side of Italian culture and cuisine.

Essential Checklist for a European Road Trip

To make the most of your road trip in Europe, you need to be prepared. Driving rules in Europe vary slightly by country, but they typically include driving on the right-hand side of the road and following speed limits shown in kilometres per hour.

Many historic cities in France and Italy require special environmental windshield stickers, such as the Crit'Air in France, to enter urban centres. Additionally, countries like Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia require you to purchase a highway sticker known as a vignette at the border rather than using standard toll booths. Depending on your home country's license, you may also need an International Driving Permit to legally rent and drive a vehicle in the EU.

Booking your ferry crossings in advance during peak seasons is a smart way to ensure a smooth start to your driving holiday in Europe.

Plan your Road Trip to Europe

Frequently Asked Questions About European Road Trips

1 What are the best road trips in Europe?
The best road trips in Europe include France’s wine regions, Germany’s Black Forest, Scotland’s North Coast 500, and Belgium’s city routes.
2 What are the best countries for road trips in Europe?
France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Scotland, and Northern Ireland are among the best countries for road trips in Europe.
3 What is the longest road trip in Europe?
The longest road trips in Europe often combine multiple countries, such as UK to Southern Spain via France.
4 Are road trips in Europe good in summer?
Yes, summer is one of the best times for road trips in Europe, especially for coastal and vineyard routes.
5 Are winter road trips in Europe worth it?
Yes, winter road trips in Europe offer festive markets, snowy scenery, and quieter travel routes.
6 What are the best European road trips for first-timers?
If you are new to continental driving, the Netherlands and Belgium offer incredibly relaxed driving and scenic waterways. You can easily navigate the city loops around Amsterdam or explore the short distances between Bruges and Ghent, making them among the easiest countries for road trips in Europe.
7 How do I prepare for European road trips?
Always plan your routes, but allow for some flexibility. You should check the driving rules in Europe before your departure, carry essential documents and safety equipment, and plan for toll costs and fuel stops.
8 What are the best road trips in Europe for families?
Families will love the Loire Valley Castles route in France, where you can discover fairytale châteaux and beautiful riverside routes. Alternatively, the Dutch coastal drives provide plenty of flat, accessible stops and wonderful outdoor scenery that is perfect for children.