Dreaming of hitting the open road and exploring Europe at your own pace? A road trip across Europe is one of the most exciting ways to experience the continent, from winding coastal roads and medieval towns to dramatic mountain passes and hidden villages you’d never see by train.

As someone who was born and raised in Germany and Spain, road trips are part of some of my favorite childhood memories. I remember piling into the car with my family and spending a whole week driving from Germany to Austria, Italy and back, stopping in tiny towns along the way. Looking back, those trips showed me that the best part of traveling Europe by car is the spontaneity: you can take detours, chase sunsets, and turn every drive into an adventure.

This guide will show you some of the best road trip routes across Europe, from short weekend getaways to multi-country adventures. I’ll also share practical tips on how to rent a car in Europe without stress, what to know before you book, and a packing checklist to make sure you have everything you need.

There’s something magical about driving through Europe, stopping whenever you see a castle, taking detours to tiny villages, or catching sunrise over an alpine pass. Unlike train or bus travel, having a car gives you total freedom to go wherever your curiosity takes you.

Ultimately, the journey is the destination, and the best moments often happen between the “big” destinations. Some of the advantages of exploring Europe by car is

• Reach hidden gems: Many of Europe’s most beautiful spots (hilltop villages in Tuscany, remote alpine passes, quiet beaches in Croatia) are far from train stations or bus routes.
• Set your own schedule: No rushing for train or bus departures or waiting endless times in stations. You can linger over lunch, take scenic detours, or stay an extra night if you fall in love with a place.
• Travel at your own pace: Whether you want to cover multiple countries in a week or spend days exploring a single region, you’re in control. For many travelers, this flexibility is what turns a good trip into an unforgettable one.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or you’ve been to Europe before, these routes and tips will help you plan an unforgettable trip — one where the journey is just as exciting as the destination.

Europe is full of incredible road trip opportunities, from coastal drives to mountain passes, and the best part is that many of these routes can be combined into one longer adventure if you have the time. For example, you could drive the Romantic Road in Germany, continue south through Austria, and end your journey exploring the Dolomites in northern Italy. Whether you have just a few days or several weeks, these routes offer something for everyone.

Here are some of my favorite classic and lesser-known route ideas to inspire your next European road trip adventure:

Short Europe Road Trip Ideas for 2–5 Days

If you’re short on time, these trips pack in plenty of scenery and charm without rushing.

1. The Amalfi Coast, Italy – A jaw-dropping coastal drive with stops in Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello.

• Start: Naples or Salerno
• Distance: ~75 km (47 mi) along the coast
• Highlights: Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, Fiordo di Furore
• Driving Time: 3–5 hours total (plus stops)
• Tip: Choose a small car — the roads are narrow and winding!

2. The Romantic Road, Germany – Fairytale towns, Bavarian countryside, and the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle.

• Start: Würzburg → Füssen
• Distance: ~350 km (220 mi)
• Highlights: Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Dinkelsbühl, Neuschwanstein Castle
• Driving Time: ~4–6 hours total (spread over 2–3 days)

3. French Riviera & Provence, France – Combine glamorous coastal towns with lavender fields and hilltop villages.

• Start: Nice or Marseille
• Distance: ~250 km (155 mi) depending on route
• Highlights: Nice, Cannes, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, lavender fields in Provence (June/July)
• Driving Time: 3–4 hours total

From left to right: French Riviera, Neuschwanstein Castle (Germany) and Amalfi Coast (Italy)

Long Europe Road Trip Ideas for 1–2 Weeks

Perfect if you want a slightly slower pace, dive deeper into each region and see as much as possible.

4. Scottish Highlands, UK – Drive the famous North Coast 500, see castles, and stop at whisky distilleries.

• Start: Inverness (NC500 loop)
• Distance: ~830 km (516 mi)
• Highlights: Loch Ness, Durness beaches, John o’ Groats, castles, whisky distilleries
• Driving Time: ~5–6 hours per day for 7–10 days

5. Croatian Coast & Montenegro – Hug the Adriatic coastline, explore Split and Dubrovnik, and cross into Montenegro.

• Start: Split → Dubrovnik → Kotor
• Distance: ~400 km (250 mi)
• Highlights: Split, Makarska Riviera, Dubrovnik, Kotor Bay
• Driving Time: 6–8 hours total (spread over a week)

6. The Ring Road, Iceland – Circle the entire island and see waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, and black sand beaches.

• Start: Reykjavik
• Distance: ~1,300 km (808 mi)
• Highlights: Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss waterfalls, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Myvatn geothermal area
• Driving Time: ~4–5 hours per day (8–12 days recommended)
• Tip: Book a 4x4 if you plan to drive on F-roads or visit the Highlands. 

7. Swiss Alps & Northern Italy Loop – Combine alpine passes with Italy’s northern lakes and charming Swiss towns.

• Start: Zurich or Milan
• Distance: ~900 km (560 mi)
• Highlights: St. Moritz, Gotthard Pass, Lake Como, Lugano
• Driving Time: ~3–4 hours per day (10–14 days recommended)

From left to right: Scottish Highlands, Croatian coastline and Seljalandsfoss waterfall in Iceland

Pro Tip: Many of these routes can be linked together for a longer, once-in-a-lifetime European road trip.  

If you’re planning a multi-country road trip, make sure your rental allows cross-border travel and check if there are any additional fees.

How to Choose the Right Rental Car for Your Europe Road Trip

Booking a rental car in Europe doesn’t have to be complicated. I recommend using Discovercars, they compare 1,000+ suppliers in over 145 countries and show you everything upfront (no hidden fees!). Here’s a few more reasons why I like them:

• Easy filters: Choose manual/automatic transmission, fuel policy, car size, and more.
• Transparent pricing: You see the full cost before booking.
• Peace of mind: Free cancellation or changes up to 48 hours before pick-up.
• 24/7 Customer Support: Get instant help, available in 31 languages.
• Trusted by travelers: 4.6/5 rating on Trustpilot from over 200k reviews.

Must-Know Rental Car Tips (Read Before You Book)

To avoid stress, here are some key tips to keep in mind:

• Get full coverage insurance. It’s worth the small extra cost for peace of mind, especially if you’re driving in busy cities or remote mountain roads.
• Don’t set your pick-up time as your flight arrival time. Delays happen — give yourself at least 1–2 hours buffer.
• Bring a credit card in the driver’s name. Most rental companies require it for the deposit.
• Double-check cross-border policies. Some rentals restrict travel to certain countries.
• Save money by booking early. The best deals go fast, especially in peak summer season.

Road Trip Essentials to Pack

Before you hit the road, make sure you’re fully prepared. Having the right documents, gear, and small comforts on hand means you can focus on enjoying the journey instead of scrambling for things last minute. A well-packed car also helps you save time and money on the road (fewer unnecessary stops!) and keeps everyone more comfortable.

Here’s a complete checklist before you go:

• Documents & Paperwork

  • Passport (check validity!)

  • Driver’s license + International Driving Permit (if required)

  • Rental car confirmation + insurance documents

  • Credit card for deposit

  • Emergency contact list

• Navigation & Tech

  • Download Google Maps offline + a backup app like Maps.me

  • Car phone mount for hands-free navigation

  • Charging cables + USB adapter or power bank

  • Spotify playlist, podcasts, or audiobooks for entertainment

  • Local SIM card or eSIM for data (I recommend Roamless)

• Comfort & Safety

  • Reusable water bottle + plenty of snacks

  • Sunglasses and sunscreen

  • Lightweight blanket or travel pillow for naps

  • First aid kit (painkillers, bandages, motion sickness tablets)

  • Hand sanitizer and wet wipes

• Car Organization

  • Small trash bag (keeps the car tidy)

  • Coins and small bills for tolls or parking machines

  • Compact umbrella or rain jacket

  • Flashlight or headlamp (helpful if you arrive somewhere after dark)

• Extras for Convenience

  • Reusable shopping bag for groceries or souvenirs

  • Camera or GoPro for capturing epic moments

  • A paper map (yes, old-school — helpful if GPS fails in remote areas!)

Final Thoughts: Europe by Car Made Easy

A road trip through Europe isn’t just about getting from point A to point B. It’s about the moments in between. The unplanned detours, the roadside cafés, the castle ruins you stumble upon, and yes, that extra scoop of gelato in Italy “because you’re on holiday.” These are the memories that make a road trip truly unforgettable.

Now I’d love to hear from you! Have you done a road trip in Europe before? Which route was your favorite, or which one is still on your bucket list? Drop your ideas in the comments! And who knows, you might inspire someone else’s next adventure!

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