Road tripping through Europe is a great idea if you’re looking to travel further afield whilst keeping the costs down. A European road trip can offer you beautiful destinations across varied landscapes, vibrant cultures and scenic routes.
While many people opt to cross the Channel, it’s worth noting that there are other ways to reach Europe from the UK. You can hop on ferry crossings over the North Sea to the Netherlands, the northern coast of Spain, and different ports around Ireland. For a handy map of ferry routes, check out this guide here.
With so much to explore, from the vineyards of France to the rugged coastlines of Ireland, the road trip routes in this blog are sure to inspire your next adventure.
Our top recommendations for road trips
- Calais to Franche -Comté, France – 722km
- Bern to Geneva, Switzerland – 186km
- Bilbao to San Sebastian, Spain – 133km
- The Flower Route and Amsterdam, the Netherlands – 120km
- Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland – 2,600km
Why plan a European road trip?
Europe is one of the most accessible and exciting regions for road trips, offering diverse experiences just a few hours from each other. Whether you’re driving through picturesque countryside, dramatic mountain ranges, or along breathtaking coastlines, the variety of landscapes is endless. A European road trip also allows you to discover an array of unique cultures and traditions easily.
The beauty of road tripping in Europe lies in the convenience of connected countries and cultures. In Europe, travellers can drive seamlessly across multiple countries. Many European countries are also known for having well-maintained road networks, ensuring safe and enjoyable drives.
Best European road trip routes from the UK
Embarking on a European road trip from the UK provides access to some of the most scenic routes on the continent. From the charming towns of France to the coastal roads of Spain, these routes make for an unforgettable way to explore the continent.
Calais to Franche -Comté, France – 722km
This road trip route begins by taking the ferry from Dover to Calais. The drive from Calais to the picturesque Franche-Comté region is a journey through the heart of France, offering a mix of culture and scenic highlights. As you leave Calais, you can stop in Lille, known for it’s historic architecture and vibrant arts scene, before continuing south.
Make a detour through Reims, giving you the perfect excuse to stop and enjoy wine from the many world-renowned vineyards in the region. During your journey you’ll also pass through Dijon, the capital of the Burgundy region, famous for its mustard and wine. Dijon is rich in medieval and Renaissance history, and a perfect stop for wine lovers.
If you’d rather extend your trip, why not visit the famous city of Lyon? Just over two and a half hours away by car, you can meander through the Old Town and explore the largest Renaissance neighbourhood still intact today.
When you arrived in Franche-Comté, you’ll be greeted by the peaceful landscape and rural way of life set against the Jura mountains. Here you can take a drive through the winding roads and discover hidden gems like Besançon, a UNESCO-listed town with Roman ruins and an impressive citadel.
Bern to Geneva, Switzerland – 186km
A drive through Switzerland is nothing short of spectacular, and the route from Bern to Geneva is the perfect example of the beautiful Swiss landscapes.
To reach the start of this route you must pass through France after taking the ferry from Dover, so is a great follow on from our previous route. You start your journey in Bern, the Swiss capital, known for its medieval old town and the Zytglogge clock tower. From Bern, follow the winding roads alongside Lake Thun, offering stunning lake and mountain views.
As you drive parallel to the Alps, make a stop in Montreux, famous for its annual jazz festival and beautiful lakeside promenade. After Montreux, continue your drive along Lake Geneva, passing through scenic vineyards that cling to the slopes above the lake. End your journey in Geneva, where you can explore the city’s iconic Jet d’Eau, the United Nations, and vibrant international culture.
It’s worth noting that to drive on motorways in Switzerland, you need to have a special sticker on your car called a Swiss Motorway Vignette. You can purchase one of these at customs when you enter the country.
Bilbao to San Sebastian, Spain – 133km
The northern coast of Spain offers a captivating mix of dramatic landscapes and vibrant cities, with a road trip from Bilbao to San Sebastian showcasing the best of the Basque region.
Kick off this road trip by getting the ferry from Portsmouth to Bilbao. You’ll travel east along the Atlantic coast, stopping in scenic Basque towns and villages as you make your way to San Sebastian, home to the second most Michelin stars per capita in the world.
Beginning in Bilbao, where you can visit the iconic Guggenheim Museum before heading out of the city. The coastal drive along the Bay of Biscay is breathtaking, with cliffs, beaches, and quaint fishing villages along the way. Don’t miss a stopping in Guernica, the beautiful and historic subject of one of Picasso’s most famous paintings. You’ll also pass through Getaria, a charming village known for its seafood and picturesque views.
You’ll end this route in San Sebastian, a foodie haven renowned for its pintxos, stunning beaches and beautiful old town. If you want to extend the length of this road trip, consider passing south through Vitoria-Gasteisz earlier in your journey. Visit the medieval quarter and marvel at its impressive architecture, with buildings including the gothic Santa Maria Cathedral and the Church of San Miguel with its magnificent early-baroque altarpiece.
The Flower Route and Amsterdam, the Netherlands – 120km
Thanks to great links by ferry and via the Eurotunnel, a road trip to Amsterdam from the UK is easy to do. If you love nature and vibrant colours, it makes sense to drive along the country’s fabled ‘Flower Route’ which lets you see the countless fields of colourful tulips, hyacinths narcissi and daffodils along the way. The best time to take this road trip is in spring when the flowers are in full bloom.
You’ll start this route at Hook of Holland, after taking the ferry from either Harwich or Hull. From here you’ll visit Naaldwijk, renowned for its many greenhouses and auction houses. The next stop is Leiden, roughly 40 minutes away. In the city centre, you’ll find the Hortus Botanicus, the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands, which showcases more than 10,000 flower varieties from all over the world.
From here drive north for half an hour to Lisse. The quaint town is home to the Keukenhof, the world’s second largest flower garden. With more than 800 different varieties of pastel-coloured tulips to see here and fascinating talks on flowers every week.
Next up is the artsy northern town of Haarlem, where floral-themed artworks enrich the walls of the Frans Hals Museum. It’s also the endpoint of the annual Flower Parade, where you can see an incredible procession of flower floats if you time your visit right.
After enjoying the stunning Flower Route, you can continue your road trip on to the nearby Amsterdam. Whether you want to visit the Van Gogh Museum, take a canal tour, or explore the Anne Frank House, it’s easy to see why this elegant city is such a popular tourist destination.
Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland – 2,600km
For a truly wild and scenic road trip, the Wild Atlantic Way on Ireland’s west coast is an unforgettable experience. Start your journey in Dublin, easily reachable by ferry from Holyhead or Liverpool. From there, make your way west to join the Wild Atlantic Way, stretching over 2,500km along rugged coastlines, towering cliffs, and sandy beaches.
Drive through quaint towns like Galway, known for its lively arts scene, and Killarney, where the famous Ring of Kerry offers one of the most scenic drives in the world. The route ends in Donegal, a region of unspoiled beauty with rolling hills and windswept beaches.
For more information on the Wild Atlantic Way, you can check out the official website here.
Things to consider for your European road trip
Before setting off on your European road trip, there are a few things you need to consider:
- Driving documentation: It’s smart to check the UK Government’s travel guidance when choosing which countries to visit for your road trip. Pay careful attention to what documentation you need for driving. Depending on where you go and for how long, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
- Driving regulations: Different European countries have varying road rules, so it’s essential to familiarise yourself with speed limits, toll systems, and specific driving requirements such as low-emission zones in cities.
- Car preparation: Ensure your car is road-ready. This includes checking your tyres, oil levels and ensuring you have all required equipment such as warning triangles, high-visibility vests, and first-aid kits.
- Things to pack: pack essentials like maps, snacks, and a travel guide for each country you plan to visit. You should also ensure you have an EU travel kit, including a UK sticker or identifier for your vehicle.
- Travel insurance and car insurance: make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance and car insurance to cover your trip abroad.
Get temporary European car insurance with Dayinsure
Before you hit the road, make sure your vehicle is covered with European car insurance. Whether you’re borrowing a vehicle or want to split the driving on your road trip, you’ll need to make sure that you’re fully insured for your time away.
Dayinsure offers short-term European cover with flexible options ranging from 1 day up to 30 days, so you can travel across Europe worry-free.
For all details relating to our EU cover, including full terms and conditions, visit our short-term European car insurance FAQ page here.
