What are the best road trip routes in Europe?

Europe is packed with unforgettable drives, from coastal routes in France and Spain to alpine passes in Norway and Italy. There is something for every explorer. With your car onboard, a DFDS ferry makes it easy to start your journey smoothly and explore at your own pace.

When is the best time to take a European road trip?

Late spring and early autumn are ideal, offering mild weather, quieter roads and beautiful scenery. Summer is great for coastal trips, while winter suits mountain routes and festive city breaks.

Are European road trips suitable for families?

Yes, European road trips are a brilliant choice for families. Travelling by car means flexible stops, familiar comforts and plenty of space for luggage, making the journey part of the adventure.

Which European countries offer the most scenic drives?

Norway, Scotland, Italy and France are famous for their scenic routes, with dramatic coastlines, mountains and countryside. Each offers well-maintained roads and plenty of places to pause and explore.

Do you need special documents to drive across Europe?

Most travellers need a valid driving licence, passport and car insurance documents. Depending on where you're going, you may also need an international driving permit or vehicle safety equipment, so always check before you travel.

The Best Road Trips Around Europe

Whether you're planning a relaxed road trip through Europe or an exciting itinerary packed with the most scenic drives in Europe, there's no better way to explore the continent than on a road trip. With some of the best European destinations only accessible by car, it's the easiest way to find hidden gems, breathtaking landscapes and vibrant locations.

From which road trips in Europe are ideal for families to practical advice for driving in Europe, our guide offers everything you need to plan one of the best European road trips that you'll remember for years to come.

Why is Slow Travel Perfect for A Road Trip?

Europe is ideal for slow travel, with its mix of cultures, cuisines and landscapes just a stone's throw apart. Driving in Europe means you don't need to rush from capital to capital. Instead, you can focus on one region and discover everything from coastal roads to lively market towns and rolling vineyards to peaceful lakesides, all in a single road trip.

The joy is in the flexibility: linger in a village you love or veer off when a mountain pass or local food festival pops up. Road trips let you explore a range of underrated places in Europe that trains and planes often miss, giving you a richer, crowd-free travel experience and unique memories that will last a lifetime.

Essential Tips for Driving in Europe

A stress-free road trip starts with confident preparation, especially if driving in Europe is new to you. Whether you're driving in France, Holland, Belgium or Germany, we've put together some essential advice to help your European car travel go as smoothly as possible:

Check the local driving rules for each country you plan to enter.
Plan your route with manageable daily distances and regular breaks.
Keep your itinerary light. Choosing two or three bases over a week is often more relaxing than moving to a new hotel every night.
If you're crossing borders, keep all key documents together and easily accessible.
Allow extra time for tolls, traffic and parking.
Download offline maps or a navigation app in advance, in case you lose signal in rural areas.

Classic Road Trips Through Europe's Best‑Loved Destinations

Some road trips in Europe have earned their place on every traveller's wish list, including:

The Romantic Road, Germany

Stretching for 350km from Würzburg to Füssen, the Romantic Road weaves through medieval towns, storybook scenery and historic landmarks. Highlights include the quaint Rothenburg ob der Tauber and the famous Neuschwanstein Castle.

The Amalfi Coast, Italy

While only 50km long, the Amalfi Coast delivers some of Europe's most dramatic scenery. Cliff‑hugging roads connect Positano, Amalfi and Ravello, with stunning views over the Tyrrhenian Sea.

The Alsace Wine Route, France

This legendary 170 km-long route winds through rolling vineyards and colourful half-timbered villages. Peppered with charming towns, it offers a blend of local wine culture and gentle countryside driving.

H2: Underrated Places in Europe for a Crowd‑Free Road Trip

If you're keen to avoid the crowds, try these off-the-beaten-path European spots.

The Alentejo Coast, Portugal

Portugal's Alentejo Coast is home to unspoilt beaches, quiet fishing villages and scenic views. It's ideal for those who want calm coastal driving in Europe, far removed from busy resort towns.

The Jura Mountains, France

Bordering Switzerland, these Mountains offer tranquil drives through forests and lakes. Less crowded than the Alps, they're perfect for those seeking nature, local food and scenery off the tourist trails.

The Ardennes, Belgium and Luxembourg

With forested hills, winding valleys and quiet rural roads, the Ardennes offers scenic views and tranquil adventures. Travelling between Belgium and Luxembourg, you'll visit charming historic towns, such as Dinant and Bastogne.

Hidden Gems to Discover on a European Road Journey

Part of the joy of road trips is stumbling upon secret hidden gems in Europe. When planning, factor in time for surprises: a castle you spot from the road, a riverside walk, a tiny museum or a bakery worth a detour. From remote mountain villages to lesser-known wine regions, these underrated places in Europe offer authentic local culture without the crowds.

Hidden-gem travel lets you savour meaningful moments rather than simply ticking sights off a list. Europe's lesser-known destinations are best discovered when you slow your pace and embrace the freedom to stop wherever you like, from a quaint farm shop to a welcoming village café. These laidback journeys often reveal quiet valleys, charming towns and untouched coastlines, turning every scenic drive into a truly memorable adventure.

Nature‑Filled Road Trips and Scenic Drives Across Europe

If you're eager for open skies and stunning scenery, these routes showcase some of Europe's most beautiful natural destinations.

The Route du Mimosa, France

This route stretches for 130km from Bormes‑les‑Mimosas to Grasse. Passing coastal views and inland hills, it's most striking in season when the landscape is lit up with yellow blooms.

The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way runs 2,500km along the west coast, offering dramatic cliffs, windswept beaches and stunning seascapes. It's best enjoyed at a relaxed pace, with plenty of scenic stops.

The Dolomites, Italy

Discover dramatic European mountain driving, with high passes, alpine villages and towering peaks in the Dolomites. Soak in breathtaking panoramic views and winding alpine roads through UNESCO-listed mountains.

How to Plan a Memorable European Road Trip

Travelling to Europe by car with DFDS is stress-free, thanks to our flexible ferry routes. Hop on our most popular Channel crossing from Dover to Calais for the quickest option, or Dover to Dunkirk if you're planning to explore Belgium, the Netherlands or Germany. For those heading to western or central France, Newhaven to Dieppe is the best option, while Newcastle to Amsterdam is perfect for reaching the Netherlands and Germany with ease.

Upon arrival, head for destinations that match your interests, from mountainous regions to sun-drenched coastlines. Don't forget to plan realistic routes that allow time for spontaneous detours and scenic drives in Europe. This relaxed approach lets you savour the freedom of the open road, as each day's adventure unfolds at its own pace.