Why should you plan a road trip to Europe? While this may sound like an odd thing to do, in reality, Europe, and particularly the Schengen zone, is a fantastic destination.
Once you’ve crossed the Channel, you could be driving through the French rural north, then head to Brussels for a cheeky waffle and finish the day in the Black Forest. So many landscapes and cultures are just next to each other in the same Schengen territory; that’s why a European road trip can be an eye-opening experience.
Moving between countries once in the Schengen zone is relatively seamless, so this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to discover Europe with the family. But, before you start planning the best itinerary to hit all the top destinations, there’s one thing you want to think about: the actual road part of the road trip. European roads are different from the UK ones, and they tend to follow different regulations too. So, how do you best get ready?
Visa or no visa?
For now, UK travellers can enter most EU countries for short stays without applying for a traditional visa. However, the EU’s ETIAS travel authorisation is expected to come into force in the last quarter of 2026.
When introduced, ETIAS will require UK passport holders to apply online for pre-travel authorisation before visiting participating European countries. It is not a visa in the traditional sense, but it will be an additional step alongside ensuring your passport is valid and meets entry requirements.
So, depending on when you are planning to travel to Europe, you may need to apply for the ETIAS.
The European Motorways
Once you are on continental roads, you will notice one immediate difference: speed limits are in kilometres per hour.
On motorways, the typical limits for passenger cars are:
| Country | Speed limits |
| France | 130km/h when dry – 110 km/h in rain and wet conditions |
| Spain | 120 km/h |
| Portugal | 120 km/h |
| Italy | 130 km/h when dry – 110 km/h in rain and wet conditions |
| The Netherlands | 100 km/h during daytime – up to 130 km/h at night |
| Austria | 130 km/h |
| Belgium | 120 km/h |
| Germany | When not specified: 130 km/h There are stretches with unrestricted speed limits, and these are clearly marked. There are also stretches with a minimum speed limit, so don’t get your speed signs mixed up! |
How do they check your speed? Most countries use average speed camera systems which tend to be announced by a series of signs on the motorways. Can fines follow your home? It’s best not to find out!
A little about toll systems: France, Spain, Portugal, and Italy have toll networks, for which you can sometimes buy toll devices ahead of time. Austria requires a vignette, which you need to buy before driving on the motorway. Vignettes are readily available at most service areas and in towns before the Austrian border.
Driving a UK Car in Europe
You can take your own car to Europe, and it’s often the best and easiest option.
However, you need to be aware that UK headlights are designed to dip left to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic. So, in countries such as France, you must adjust the beam pattern by law. This is to prevent it from shining into other drivers’ eyes. Beam converter stickers are widely available from motoring retailers and ferry terminals. You can also find them at specialist car shops like Halfords, or even on Amazon.
Naturally, you should check that your vehicle documents are in order before the road trip.
You will also need a car insurance policy that provides adequate cover for driving in Europe. It is generally a good idea to consider insurance with European breakdown cover. The last thing you need is getting stuck on a European roadside.
Where to Stop
Are there service areas along European motorways? Of course!
But they are not all the same. You will find service areas with facilities like fuel, restaurants, toilets, shops, and picnic zones. Others have only the most basic facilities or sometimes none at all.
How can you spot them? Typically, motorway signs will let you know whether the next service areas have any facilities. However, it can be helpful to check online and mark the suitable service areas as stops along your itinerary. The last thing you need is to run out of fuel and not know when to refuel!
If you are travelling with children, look for larger service areas with playground areas, as many European countries have these too. It can be a great option to let the kids relax after a long drive.
Hopefully, these few tips can help you get ready for European roads.