Nov 25, 2024
Ah, the Old World, with its majestic castles, narrow streets, and great food. Travelling through Europe should be on everyone’s bucket list.
And there’s nothing better than exploring Europe by car! If you’re about to plan your ultimate Europe road trip, follow this guide to make the most of your European travels.
Before you buckle up, decide what kind of holiday you want and pick the time of the year for your European road trip. Below, we’ll discuss each season in detail and give our recommendations on which one suits which traveller.
To start planning a trip to Europe, you must settle on the month(s) first. Keep in mind that the hottest months throughout Europe are July and August (particularly in the south), and the chilliest ones are usually from November to February.
If you’re after wintery landscapes and chilly temperatures, December to February is the best time to go on a European road trip.
These months are the peak viewing times for the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) and are worth adding to your winter travel itinerary.
However, it’s crucial to be an experienced driver and know how to drive on ice and in snowy conditions.
If you’d like to add a touch of culture to your road trip, keep in mind that many famous attractions, such as the Vatican Museums in Rome and the Louvre in Paris, might be closed during the Christmas period.
With unstable weather and the possibility of snow in Northern, Eastern, and Central Europe, early and mid-spring aren’t optimal for a road trip around Europe. Temperatures may range from 7°C to 12°C (45°F to 54°F), so there’s little to no hope of catching some sun. Sigh!
Southern Europe and Mediterranean countries, however, are lucky to enjoy warmer weather, with temperatures often reaching 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F).
March to May is also considered the low season, where the costs of accommodation, car rental, and tourist attractions are significantly lower compared to the peak summer season.
So, if you’d like to travel through Europe without breaking the bank, March to May are just the right months to do so.
Spending summer in Europe is an experience in itself — beach weather, long days, and sunshine will be your constant companions.
Summer is also great for family travels, as kids have longer holidays. However, be mindful of the challenges you might face during summer travels, such as larger crowds, higher prices, and potentially extremely hot weather.
With the summer crowds dispersed, autumn provides a more serene atmosphere to explore historical sites, museums, and local festivals.
And these autumn events — from the Baltic Herring Market in Finland to the Pumpkin Festival in Germany — will help you make the most of your Europe road trip.
Additionally, check out our guide on the best places in Europe to travel to in October. You won’t be disappointed!
Now that you’ve decided on a season and potential activities for your trip, book your plane/train tickets before proceeding to the next step.
Hopefully, you have your tickets booked and can start planning your best route to travel to Europe. So, here are some of the main things to consider:
Additionally, out of seasonal considerations, you might want to adapt your European road trip route based on weather patterns in different regions.
To give you some examples, here are 2 possible itineraries you can use as a base for your road trip in Europe:
| Southern Europe, starting from Lisbon | Northern Europe, starting from Stockholm |
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| Days 1–3: Lisbon, Portugal Highlights: Start in Lisbon, diving into its history and charm. Day 1: Explore Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, and the waterfront area. Sample Portuguese pastries like pastéis de nata in Belém. Day 2: Discover the lively Alfama district, São Jorge Castle, and the vibrant Bairro Alto neighbourhood for dining and nightlife. Day 3: Take a half-day trip to nearby Sintra, known for its fairytale-like palaces, including the colourful Pena Palace. | Days 1–3: Stockholm, Sweden Highlights: Begin in Stockholm with its beautiful islands, historical sites, and vibrant culture. Day 1: Explore Gamla Stan (Old Town), the Royal Palace, and the Nobel Museum. Day 2: Visit the Vasa Museum, dedicated to a 17th-century warship, then explore the Moderna Museet for modern art. Day 3: Relax with a boat tour of Stockholm’s archipelago or stroll through the peaceful Djurgården island. |
| Days 4–6: Madrid, Spain Drive: Lisbon to Madrid (6 hours). Highlights: Enjoy Madrid’s art, history, and culinary scene. Day 4: Arrive in Madrid, settle in, and explore the Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol. For dinner, enjoy tapas at Mercado de San Miguel. Day 5: Visit the Prado Museum, the beautiful Buen Retiro Park, and the Royal Palace. Day 6: Take a day trip to nearby Toledo, an ancient city with a rich cultural history, famous for its medieval architecture and historic monuments. | Days 4–5: Copenhagen, Denmark Drive: Stockholm to Copenhagen (6.5 hours, or opt for a scenic ferry and drive combo). Highlights: Enjoy the Danish capital’s relaxed vibe, famous design, and beautiful waterfront. Day 4: Explore Nyhavn’s colourful harbour, visit the Little Mermaid statue, and stroll down Strøget, one of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets. Day 5: Discover Rosenborg Castle and its gardens, then wander through the Tivoli Gardens amusement park, which transforms beautifully in the evening. |
| Days 7–9: Barcelona, Spain Drive: Madrid to Barcelona (6.5 hours). Highlights: Immerse yourself in Barcelona’s architecture and beachside culture. Day 7: Stroll through Las Ramblas, the Gothic Quarter, and visit La Boqueria market. Day 8: Explore Antoni Gaudí’s masterpieces, including La Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. End the day at Montjuïc Hill with city views. Day 9: Visit the Picasso Museum, relax on the Barceloneta Beach, and enjoy a seafood dinner. | Days 6–8: Hamburg, Germany Drive: Copenhagen to Hamburg (4.5 hours). Highlights: Delve into Hamburg’s lively port city atmosphere. Day 6: Visit the Speicherstadt (Warehouse District), Elbphilharmonie, and explore Hamburg’s harbour area. Day 7: Walk around Planten un Blomen, a large park with themed gardens, and discover the Hamburg Kunsthalle, one of Germany’s largest art museums. Day 8: Take a day trip to nearby Lübeck, a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its medieval architecture and historic charm. |
| Days 10–11: Nice, France Drive: Barcelona to Nice (5.5 hours). Highlights: Enjoy the beauty of the French Riviera. Day 10: Arrive in Nice, relax along the Promenade des Anglais, and explore the Old Town with its colourful buildings and markets. Day 11: Take a short day trip to nearby Monaco or Cannes. Enjoy a coastal walk or visit the stunning Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild on Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. | Days 9–11: Cologne, Germany Drive: Hamburg to Cologne (4 hours). Highlights: Experience Cologne’s stunning cathedral and riverside views. Day 9: Visit the iconic Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) and stroll along the Hohenzollern Bridge. Day 10: Explore the Museum Ludwig for modern art and take a walk through the historic Old Town along the Rhine River. Day 11: Take a scenic Rhine River day cruise to see Germany’s famous castles and vineyards. |
| Days 12–14: Rome, Italy Drive: Nice to Rome (7 hours). Day 12: Begin with the iconic sites: the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Day 13: Discover Vatican City, including St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. End the day at Piazza Navona and the Pantheon. Day 14: Enjoy a final morning exploring Trastevere’s charming streets and savouring authentic Italian gelato. Depart in the afternoon or evening. Yes, it takes 7 hours to drive from Nice to Rome, but we wouldn’t let this stop us from visiting the Eternal City. | Days 12–14: Paris, France Drive: Cologne to Paris (5 hours). Day 12: Begin with iconic landmarks: the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, and the Arc de Triomphe. Day 13: Visit the Louvre Museum in the morning and say hi to the Mona Lisa, then take a leisurely walk along the Seine River to Notre Dame Cathedral. Day 14: Explore the artistic Montmartre neighbourhood, see the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and relax with a final French meal at a cosy bistro. If you have some more time in the City of Love, check out our comprehensive Paris guide put together by locals. |
We hope the examples above gave you an idea of what your ultimate European road trip could be.
Once you’ve settled on your route and outlined the anchor cities, it’s time to choose a car. For those arriving from abroad, getting a rental car is inevitable.
Travellers starting their journey from Europe might face a dilemma: whether to take their own car or rent one. Further down, we’ve outlined the advantages and disadvantages of both.
If you’re thinking about going on a road trip through Europe in a rental car, it’s a good idea to check whether the rental company permits cross-border travel.
Also, if you’re planning a one-way trip (starting in one country and ending in another), you might have to pay extra fees.
All in all, renting a car offers the convenience a personal car may lack.
It allows you to choose a vehicle suitable for your needs and opt for a make and model different from your own car. You’ll also avoid the hassle of figuring out the toll payments and other local nuances.
| European road trip hassle example: toll roads in Lisbon, Portugal 💡 |
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| When on a road trip in Lisbon, Portugal, you’ll encounter paid toll roads. While local rental cars are usually equipped with a device for automatic toll payment handling, personal foreign-registered cars are usually not. So, here’s how you can come to Lisbon prepared: purchase a Toll Card online or locally at a post office, tourism office, service station, or Easy Toll Welcome Point. Also, make sure you add pre-paid credit to your physical Toll Card and activate it over text message before hitting the road. An online Toll Card is active from the moment of purchase and can be used immediately. |
Private cars — your car offers a sense of ownership and freedom that renting often lacks. With your own vehicle, you have the ability to customise it to your preferences and ensure it meets your specific travel requirements.
You also have the flexibility to travel whenever you want without worrying about rental policies or availability.
One of the downsides of going on a Europe road trip in a personal car is the potential for unexpected costs. Fuel prices can vary significantly from country to country, and you might find yourself spending more than anticipated on fuel.
Moreover, you’ll need to consider how to handle breakdowns or mechanical issues during your trip. If you’re in a remote area, this can be stressful without access to immediate support.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal preferences, budget, and whether you’re travelling from overseas for a European road trip or you’re already based in Europe.
Once you’ve chosen your mode of transport, the next decision is where to stay. If you travel in an RV, you can skip the next part; otherwise, read on!
Finding an overnight stay for the whole duration of your road trip through Europe might not be as straightforward as it seems. And hitting the right balance between advance bookings and spontaneous stays is crucial. Below, we’ll discuss the pros of both:
Advance booking benefits:
Flexible booking advantages:
As you can see, both options have their advantages and disadvantages. Thus, consider a hybrid approach: book accommodation in major cities while keeping smaller town stays flexible.
Also, whenever possible, choose the free cancellation option for your bookings so you can adapt your travel plans in case something unexpected happens.
And talking about unexpected situations, it’s always a good idea to be prepared for emergencies.
Carry digital and physical copies of important documents on yourself at all times.
If you’re an EU national, you can enter any EU member country as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland visa-free. Be sure to pack a valid passport or an ID card.
If you’re coming from a non-EU country, you definitely need a valid travel document. However, visa requirements vary by country. So you must check all the information on official sources before booking tickets.
According to the Global Peace Index, Europe remains one of the most peaceful regions in the world. But should something happen during your European road trip, it’s better to be prepared than sorry.
If you’re an EU citizen, we recommend you get the free European Health Insurance Card. This card gives you access to healthcare during a temporary stay in any of the 27 EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
If you’re not, buy travel insurance with medical coverage for the duration of the whole trip before you arrive in Europe. Don’t forget to take all your prescription medications with documentation. And always keep this emergency number in mind:
| The European emergency phone number is 112. It’s available anywhere in Europe, free of charge! 💡 |
We hope you’re now ready to embark on your ultimate European adventure!
So, it’s time for our last piece of advice. When visiting big and small European cities and towns, give your car a break: take a Bolt scooter for a spin, jump into the passenger seat of a Bolt ride, or choose from a large fleet of Bolt Drive car-sharing cars, from convertibles to vans.
Download the Bolt app for convenient rides in Europe and worldwide for every occasion!
