Best road trips in Europe

From the cliff-hugging Amalfi Coast to Norway’s Atlantic Ocean Road and the Black Forest’s sweeping B500, the best road trips in Europe mix cinematic scenery with diverse driving cultures. This guide covers prime routes, smart timing, essential rules, and how to choose the right car—whether that’s a roof-down convertible or an electric tourer.

Best road trips in Europe: your guide

Europe rewards curiosity behind the wheel. You can stitch coastlines, castles, and mountain passes into one seamless journey, changing languages and landscapes as easily as playlists. The roads themselves are part of the experience, from silky Italian autostrade to sinewy alpine passes where every hairpin is a postcard, so the car you choose matters as much as the map.

Before you turn a wheel, tune into local regulations and common-sense etiquette. Most countries signpost limits clearly and enforce them, while Germany’s Autobahn famously combines restricted sections with stretches signed as “unrestricted” but advised at 130 km/h; for an overview of prevailing limits across EU states, see the European Commission’s page on EU speed limits at a glance.

If you’re plotting an electric grand tour, infrastructure growth is on your side. Public charging across Europe expanded sharply through 2024, and the share of fast chargers continues to rise—helpful for minimizing coffee stops on long legs. The upshot is simple: pick your rhythm, budget extra time for scenic diversions, and let the continent do the rest.

Route ideas and seasons

Classic summer itineraries orbit water and light: the Amalfi Coast gleams at golden hour, Portugal’s N222 traces the Douro’s river bends, and Croatia’s D8 strings together coves and medieval towns. Spring and autumn favor high-country drives like Austria’s Grossglockner High Alpine Road and the Swiss Furka–Grimsel loop, where snow walls recede to reveal immaculate tarmac. Winter belongs to the north: Norway’s Atlantic Ocean Road and the Lofoten archipelago serve up steel-blue seas, low sun, and crisp grip on stud-approved rubber.

If your heart says hairpins and your luggage says light, a convertible can make the scenery feel closer without sacrificing comfort. For flexible, verified choices across Germany and delivery options into neighboring countries, explore the DRIVAR marketplace’s More on this: rent a convertible

EV-ready and road rules

Electric touring is now a practical option for the best road trips in Europe thanks to rapid network growth and a rising share of fast DC sites. According to the International Energy Agency’s latest outlook, Europe surpassed one million public charging points in 2024 and is on track for continued acceleration this decade; planning against the IEA Global EV Outlook 2025 on charging helps you gauge density and charging types along your route.

Rules vary by border, but some principles travel well: keep right except to pass, watch for variable limits, and learn local signage for emissions zones or vignettes. If you want a legal blast as part of a longer itinerary, Germany’s network still includes derestricted sections; pair them with scenic B-roads like the Schwarzwaldhochstraße for a rounded trip. For curated high-speed experiences, packages, and etiquette pointers, the DRIVAR knowledge base on Tip: Autobahn car rental

Planning a themed detour? Build a three-stage itinerary that mixes Autobahn, Black Forest and track time via Germany Behind the Wheel

Numbers, Data, Facts

Hire: best road trips in Europe

For an itinerary that blends coastal sweepers with alpine climbs, the right hire car unlocks the route. DRIVAR’s marketplace connects you with verified convertibles, grand tourers, SUVs, and EVs across Europe, with clear pricing, proper self-drive insurance, and optional delivery to airports or hotels. That makes it simple to start where the scenery starts—no compromises, no guesswork.

Booking is straightforward: browse the fleet, filter by body style, powertrain, or transmission, and reserve instantly with transparent inclusions on mileage and deposit. Need help choosing? Concierge support can match car to route and season, and every listing is vetted for availability and documentation. Compare directly: Sports car rental

Editor’s pick

Build your dream European road trip

Choose a roof-down convertible for coastlines, an EV for city clean-air zones, or a grand tourer for alpine miles—verified cars, flexible delivery.

Browse cars

FAQ about “best road trips in Europe”

Road trip planning

Quick answers to the most common questions about timing, rules, EV charging, and car selection for your European drive.

When is the best time to drive Europe’s classic coastal routes?

Late spring and early autumn balance warm weather with lighter traffic and fair prices. July and August can be spectacular but busy; book accommodation and ferries well ahead, start early, and plan shaded breaks for both driver and car.

Do I need a vignette or to pay tolls in multiple countries?

Many countries use distance-based tolls, while others sell time-based vignettes for motorways. Buy online where possible and keep proof handy at borders; check official transport portals for current pricing and validity before you set off.

Is an EV practical for long European road trips?

Yes. With Europe now exceeding a million public charge points and fast-charging share rising, you can plan reliable legs between hubs. Use route planners that filter by connector type and add a 10–15% buffer for weather or detours.

What documents should I carry when crossing borders by car?

Carry your driving licence, passport/ID, rental agreement, proof of insurance, and any emissions-zone or vignette documentation. Some cities require pre-registration for low-emission zones; sign up online before arrival to avoid fines.

Which car type suits mixed alpine and coastal routes?

A torquey grand tourer or performance SUV handles long motorway stints and luggage, while a convertible adds open-air drama on scenic legs. If you’ll meet city LEZs, consider a modern hybrid or EV with strong DC capability.

See Europe-ready options