European Road Trip

Everyone has a road trip on their bucket list. But now is the time to tick it off. And what better place to do it than Europe? Skip the travel chaos at airports and explore the continent by road. From the scenic valleys of Belgium to the beautiful fjords of Norway, buckle up for the trip of a lifetime. Although most of Europe is landlocked, there is no shortage of ferries that allow cars onboard. So why wait any longer? Hit the road and prepare yourself for an unforgettable adventure.

Where to go on a road trip in Europe

With 44 countries to pick from, each with their own unique culture and identity, Europe is the perfect place for a road trip. But choosing a route can be overwhelming when there is so much choice. If you are driving from the UK, the best way into mainland Europe is via the Eurotunnel or the Dover to Calais ferry. From there, the world is at your feet. Here is an idea to get you started.

Dover to Calais Ferry

Kickstart your road trip by taking the ferry from Dover to Calais. This service runs throughout the year and is available with DFDS Seaways, P&O Ferries and Irish Ferries. Better yet, you can save time and reach France via the Eurotunnel in just 35 minutes. Whichever method you prefer, please check everything you need to know about driving from UK to France before you leave. If you have time, feel free to explore the historic port city of Calais, with its picturesque seafront and its incredible restaurants serving authentic French cuisine.

Depart Calais via the coastal route and cross the border into Belgium. Follow the E40 through Ghent and then take the E17 slip road towards Antwerp. After 3 hours and 30 minutes, stop for the night in Eindoven. Located in the south Netherlands, this is not only a convenient throughway into Germany but a great city to unwind with tranquil parks and iconic museums. If you enjoy art, don’t leave without visiting Van Abbermuseum and the Van Gogh Museum.

When you leave for Rostock, prepare to drive through the diverse landscape of northern Germany. With rolling morainic hills and glacial valleys, there is a surprise waiting for you around every corner.  

Alternatively, if you prefer to bypass France, you could get the Harwich to Hook of Holland ferry instead. This will take hours off your journey, but you do miss France and Belgium.

Rostock Gedser Ferry

Climb aboard the ferry from Rostock to Gedser with Scandlines. This crossing takes only 2 hours so stretch your legs in the premium lounge and treat yourself to a snack while you wait. Take in the beautiful views of the Baltic Sea before arriving in Gedser, the southernmost point of Denmark. This quaint coastal town is located on the Danish Island of Falster and provides easy access to the other Nordic cities including Copenhagen.

The capital of Denmark is only 95 miles north of Gedser so you can drive there in less than 2 hours. Simply follow directions for the E47 and then cross over the monumental Faro Bridges that connect the islands of Falster and Zealand. This will give you a proper taste of Scandinavia, especially as you gaze over its rolling plains and its spectacular coastline.

When you arrive in Copenhagen, you should take the metro to Tivoli Gardens. Founded in 1843, this is one of the world’s oldest theme parks and even inspired Walt Disney to build his own magical world years later. Located opposite is the Ny Carlsberg Glyptoteket. This art and sculpture museum is certainly worth visiting, especially once you see its breathtaking winter garden. If you have enough time, take a canal tour in Nyhavn and snap a photo of the colourful 17^th century merchant houses.

 Copenhagen to Oslo Ferry

The next stop on your European road trip is Norway. Take the car ferry from Copenhagen to Oslo with DFDS Seaways. This route takes approximately 18 hours and 30 minutes so make yourself at home in your very own private cabin. Embrace the magnificent sea views from the upper deck as you sail up the strait of Kattegat towards Oslo.

Before you reach the capital of Norway, prepare to be greeted by the Oslo Fjord. These extraordinary rock formations are something out of a fairytale and will leave you stunned even before you arrive in the city. Take a leisurely stroll around the harbour promenade or drop by Vigeland Park where you can admire Norway’s best sculptures and street art.

Set off from Oslo via the E18 and follow this road all the way to Stockholm. Along the way, don’t hesitate to stop in either Olme or Kristinehamn. These beautiful towns are located on the fringes of the Vanern, Sweden’s largest lake, otherwise known as their inland sea for its vast size. This drive takes around 6 hours, but given its breathtaking scenery, you’ll wish it was longer.

Stockholm to Helsinki Ferry

Continue your European adventure by taking the ferry from Stockholm to Helsinki with either Viking Line or Tallink Silja Line. As the capital of Sweden is spread over 14 islands, there are 3 different ferry ports. If you are sailing with Viking Line, you will need to locate Stadsgarden port. While those sailing with Tallink Silja will need to locate Vartahamnen port. This route takes around 16 hours and 30 minutes to cross the Baltic Sea and arrive in Finland.

When you get to Helsinki, stretch your legs down the city’s central avenue called Mannerheimintie, where you can visit the National Museum and the Parliament House. If you want to let your hair down, there is no better way than taking a steam bath in the iconic Loyly Public Sauna. Afterwards, you should head towards the harbourside to the Helsinki Market Square and enjoy some food in the heated café tent. The Uspenski Cathedral is also located nearby so you can walk around it before you leave for Tallinn.

Helsinki to Tallinn Ferry

To complete your lap of Scandinavia, take the ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn. Cross the Gulf of Finland in 2 hours and 15 minutes with Eckero Line, Viking Line or Tallink Silja. Relax in the passenger lounge and help yourself to a refreshment from the onboard snack bar.

While not the largest city in Europe, Tallinn has a unique allure which draws millions of visitors every year. Not only does it strike the perfect balance between liveliness and tranquillity, but the Estonian capital is one of the most photogenic cities in the world. Take a walk through the beautiful Old Town, with its cobbled streets and baroque architecture preserved for many centuries. If you want to tighten the purse strings, you will be pleased to know that Tallinn is incredibly cheap.

After Tallinn, you can commence your journey back to the UK. You can either return the way in which you arrived or drive through mainland Europe via Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Germany and the Netherlands. This route leads you past some of the most remarkable cities in Europe including Riga, Warsaw and Berlin.

Can I drive my car from UK to Europe?

If you're driving your own vehicle to Europe for less than a year, then you will be required to carry your V5C logbook with you. However, if you're driving a car that you have rented or leased, then you will be required to get a VE103 form to prove that you have permission to drive it outside of the UK.

Does my UK insurance cover me to drive in Europe?

All UK vehicle insurance offers the minimum of third-party cover in most European countries including:

• the EU (including Ireland)
• Norway
• Serbia
• Switzerland
• Iceland
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Lichtenstein 
• Andorra

Before embarking on your road trip, check with your insurance provider if your policy covers you in the event of theft or damage to your vehicle while abroad.