india to europe road trip

How To Travel To Europe From India? The Complete 2024 Guide

So how do you actually travel to Europe from India?

Planning a trip to Europe can be a daunting task, especially if you are travelling from India.

With so many different countries and cultures to explore, it can be difficult to know where to start.

Fortunately, with some careful planning and research, it is possible to have a seamless and enjoyable travel experience when visiting Europe from India.

It doesn’t matter if you are planning a solo trip to Europe or a family holiday, we have got you covered!

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about visiting Europe and planning your trip. By the end of this article, you will be confident about anything a trip to Europe could throw at you.

Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned pro, this guide will help you navigate all the ins and outs of travelling to Europe from India.

So what are we waiting for? Let’s get started!

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THIS 7-Day Taste of Central Europe Tour  is great if you want to see Europe with an expert

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Planning A Europe Trip? Check Out These Resources

🚖  Need to book an airport transfer?

Get door-to-door service with  Kiwitaxi .

📍  How to find the best tours and experiences?

Check out the most amazing tours and activities with  Viator .

🚗  How to hire a car?

Road trips are my jam and the only company I use is  Discover Cars .

🏨  How to find hotels?

I always find great deals for accommodation with  Booking.com .

How much does a Europe trip cost from India?

Unfortunately, there is not a direct answer to this question, as the cost of a European trip from India will depend on a number of factors, including the length and type of travel, the time of year you plan to visit, and your budget preferences.

A budget-conscious traveller can expect to spend around $1000, whereas those who are seeking a more luxurious trip can spend upwards of $10,000 for a trip to Europe from India.

If you are looking for a more affordable option, there are many budget-friendly travel packages available that can help you plan an exciting and memorable trip at an affordable price.

These packages may include basic transportation, accommodation, and activities such as sightseeing tours.

There are a lot of great tours around, but if you want to save money, it is best to book everything yourself .

When is the best time to visit Europe from India?

Most will instantly say the summertime (June-early September)

Without a doubt, the summer months are the most popular time to plan a trip to Europe.

However, it does depend on your preference. And planning your trip from India to Europe will be a lot more expensive during the summer.

Your visit during the warmer summer months will be filled with plenty of festivals and outdoor activities all across the continent. Or you might want to opt for winter to see the festive decorations and enjoy some of the cosy, winter-inspired activities on offer.

The best time to visit Europe does depend on what you want out of your trip. But if you want warm weather and cheaper prices , I recommend visiting in April , May/ early June.

The best way to get to Europe from India

There are a number of different ways to travel to Europe from India for your travels.

If you’re looking for the most affordable and fastest option, consider taking one of the many low-cost airlines that operate between India and various European cities.

These airlines include WOW Air, Norwegian Air Shuttle, and IndiGo.

No matter what you decide is the best way to get to Europe for your trip, make sure you have the best luggage for exploring Europe .

👉 This is my #1 option because it is really durable and can handle a lot!

What is the best way to tour Europe?

There are countless ways to explore this beautiful continent.

Whether you prefer a luxury tour bus with all the comforts of home, an adventurous solo backpacking trip through the countryside, or anything in between, there is something for everyone when it comes to travelling around Europe.

There are a few different ways to travel between countries. One option is to fly from one destination to another.

This can be a quick and easy way to get around, but it can also be expensive.

The most popular option is to take the train. This can be a great way to see the countryside and meet other travellers, but it isn’t always the fastest way.

One of the most popular ways to tour Europe by train is by using an interrail pass.

There are so places in Europe like the Balkans and Greece where getting the train can be hard work, so to make your life easier, take a local bus or hire a car.

I hire a car for most of my trips to Europe, it’s a great way to save money and see a lot of places in a short amount of time.

👉 When looking to rent a car in Europe, I recommend and  always use   Disc over Cars 

How to plan a solo trip to Europe from India

Solo travelling to Europe can be a long and expensive journey- But it’s worth it!

It can also be a bit daunting, especially if you’re not used to it. If you’re thinking of taking a solo trip from India to Europe, there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind before you go:

✅ Start by researching the visa requirements for both countries. Indian citizens will need to apply for a Schengen visa in order to enter Europe

✅Make sure you do your research and pick a destination that you’re comfortable exploring on your own. Places like Copenhagen have epic tours and I find it easy to visit alone.

✅ Start planning your itinerary and booking your accommodation and transport in advance. If you’re on a budget, look for hostels or Couchsurfing, they are fantastic options!

✅ Make sure you have a good travel insurance policy in place.

✅ Check you have all vaccinations that you may need for visiting Europe

✅ Learn a few key phrases to use at the destinations you are visiting.

✅ Share your plans with a family member or friend so someone knows where you are.

✅ Grab a beer and check out the best places to eat in Europe

Planning a couples trip to Europe from India

So how do you travel to Europe from India as a Couple? – pretty easily!

Couples travelling from India to Europe for the first time often have a lot of questions. How do you plan an efficient and cost-effective trip? What are the best places to visit? And how can you make the most of your time together?

Here are a few tips to help you plan the perfect couple’s trip from India to Europe:

✅Choose your destinations carefully. Do some research and decide on a few must-see sights.

If you are looking for Europe’s most romantic places to visit, take a look at this guide

✅ Then, start planning your route. Look for flights and accommodations that suit your budget and schedule.

✅ Take a look at what visa options you need and if you need any vaccinations

✅ Once you’ve got the basics sorted, it’s time to start thinking about what you’ll do on your trip.

✅ Make a list of activities that both of you will enjoy, and try to include something for every taste.

Applying for a Schengen Visa

If you’re visiting Europe from India, you’ll need to apply for a Schengen Visa .

The Schengen Visa is a short-term travel visa that allows you to visit any of the 26 Schengen countries for up to 90 days . The visa is valid for six months from the date of issue, and you can apply for it up to three months before your trip .

The process is relatively simple, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First of all, make sure you have all the necessary documents.

You’ll need your passport, as well as evidence of travel insurance and proof of financial means. You’ll also need to fill out the Schengen Visa application form and submit it, along with the other required documents, to the consulate or embassy of the country you’re visiting.

Once your application is processed, you’ll be issued a visa that allows you to travel freely within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days . So don’t forget to apply for your Schengen Visa before planning your trip to Europe from India!

How To Book Accommodation In Europe

It doesn’t matter if you are on a solo trip from India or taking the whole family, it is really easy to book accommodation throughout Europe.

There are a few different options available, and it can be tricky to know which one is best for you. Here’s a quick guide to help you make a decision.

One option is to stay in a hotel . This can be a good choice if you’re looking for somewhere comfortable and convenient, with all the amenities you need on-site.

This is one of the popular options as you’ll have someone to help you with any questions you might have about the area. Plus, most hotels offer breakfast, so you won’t have to worry about finding a place to eat.

However, it can also be quite expensive.

Another option is to rent an apartment or house . This is usually cheaper than staying in a hotel, and it gives you more space and freedom. However, it can be more work, as you’ll need to cook and clean for yourself.

If you’re looking for something relatively cheap, hostels are always an option. You can usually find them in most major cities, and they’re a great way to meet other travellers.

✅ To Find The Best Accommodation In Every Location In Europe, Use Booking.Com!

What To Pack For A Europe Trip

Whether you’re going to Europe for business or pleasure, you’ll want to make sure you dress appropriately .

And when it comes to packing, you need to remember that Europe has a wide range of climate zones.

From snow to sun, Europe can hit you with anything during your trip, so it is best to be prepared!

Here are a few things you to consider when packing for your visit to Europe:

✔️ The weather in Europe can be unpredictable, so it’s important to pack a mix of light and heavy clothing-Layers are always a good idea.

✔️If you’re visiting during the summer, remember that the sun can be intense. Pack sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from sunburn.

✔️ Packing comfortable walking shoes is a must – you’ll be doing a lot of walking!

By following these simple tips, you’ll make sure you’re prepared for anything – and ready to enjoy your trip to Europe from India!

FAQs about travelling to Europe from India

You have probably realised that there are lots of things to consider when you are trying to figure out how to travel to Europe from India.

And I am sure a few more questions about visiting Europe have popped into your mind. To help you plan the ultimate trip, here are some of the most frequently asked questions and answers:

Can you go to Europe by road from India?

Sure, you can road trip it from India all the way to Europe if you’re feeling ambitious (and have a trusty vehicle)!

It’ll take some serious planning and effort, but it’s doable.

Before you hit the road you will need to have the right documentation and make sure your vehicle is up to European standards.

You’ll likely need to obtain a visa for the countries you drive through and make sure your vehicle is up for the long journey – you’ll be doing a lot of driving!

Once you’re all set, map out your route and hit the open road. travelling by road from India to Europe is an adventure in itself, and you’ll get to see some amazing scenery along the way.

If you’re prepared to put in the planning and legwork, visiting Europe from India by road is definitely possible. So whether you’re dreaming of touring the French countryside or experiencing the nightlife in Berlin, start mapping out your route – Europe awaits!

What should I include in a 10 days Europe tour from India?

How Can I travel to Europe from India in Just 10 days? – it’s pretty easy!

If you’re visiting Europe from India, there’s a lot to see and do in just ten days. Here are some of the highlights you should consider adding to your Europe itinerary :

📍Start your trip in London, one of the most iconic cities in the world.

📍From there, head to Paris to see the Eiffel Tower and enjoy some French cuisine.

📍Then it’s on to Amsterdam, where you can explore the canals and visit the Anne Frank House .

📍From Amsterdam, fly to Barcelona to experience the unique culture and architecture of this vibrant city.

📍 Finally, end your trip with a few days in Rome, visiting ancient ruins like the Colosseum and exploring Vatican City.

With so much to see and do, you’re sure to have an amazing time on your ten-day Europe tour from India!

Should I get a sim card for my trip?

If you need to use the internet for google maps or to book an uber without WIFI, I highly recommend you purchase a sim card just for your trip.

You can get some really cheap sim-only cards all across Europe for as little as €10 .

Buying a European sim card will make your trip go a whole lot smoother!

Final thoughts on how to travel to Europe from India

For many people, visiting Europe is the ultimate travel dream. And if you’re lucky enough to live in India, you can make that dream a reality!

Planning a trip to Europe from India is easier than you might think. There are a number of direct flights from major Indian cities to European destinations, and with a little bit of planning, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free trip- And this guide is here to help .

No matter how long you spend in Europe or what you want to do, it has so much to offer. Just make sure you apply for your visa in advance to avoid disappointment!

Here are some more posts that will help you make the most of your trip to Europe:

The Best European Food To Try On Your Next Trip

Can You Drink Tap Water In UK? Everything You Need To Know

The Best lightweight luggage for international travel

What Countries In Europe Speak English?

What Are The Best Greek Islands To Visit ?

Lowri Thomas is the founder of Many Other Roads. She lives and travels in Europe and has explored more than 40 countries. She is joined on her travels with her dog Scout and they explore Europe mostly by road. Born in Wales, she also shares the best things to do in Wales, UK and beyond. She helps over 50,000 people per month plan epic Europe adventures and road trips.

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Trip Overview

Someone, somewhere once exclaimed, “Please understand, I have been waiting to leave ever since I figured out that there were roads willing to take me anywhere I wanted to go.” And in doing so, encapsulated perfectly the need wanderers feel to just pack those bags, and get out in the open. We, at Adventures Overland , understand and personify this feeling, as there is none other that will partner you so ably in this wonderful world of ours – one winding road at a time. This is where one of our most thrilling and exciting self-driven endeavors, your bid to explore Road to London 2025, comes into play.

This epic India to London road trip cannot be categorized as a mere escapade. It’s an experience that promises to stay with you forever as we set on an adventure where we cover 15000 Kilometres while driving from India to London by road . Set to launch from the city of Gorakhpur in India, the 2024 edition of Road to London will have you cruising through the countries of Nepal, China, Kyrgyzstan , Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Russia , Georgia, Turkey , Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary, Austria, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Germany, Belgium and France , before coming to a glorious finish in the UK. Driving through these diverse regions during this 65-day expedition will treat your eyes to countless sights of unparalleled beauty, allowing you to explore hidden nooks and crannies, and sample delightful local culinary fare.

The journey truly encapsulates the very essence of life in different parts of the world – an epic India to London road trip adventure awaits.

Download the Brochure --> INR 27,50,000/- Per Person on twin sharing Excluding 5% GST & 5% Or 20% TCS, (EMI Option available)

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Our group embarks on the epic road trip, the ' Road to London 2025 ', from the vibrant city of Gorakhpur in North India, Uttar Pradesh. Meet and greet the organizing team, and bond with fellow road trippers who will be your companions in this exciting journey spanning the next two months. Our journey unfolds as we leave Gorakhpur and cross the border into the stunning Himalayan landscape of Nepal at the town of Bharatpur. Kathmandu, the Nepalese capital and one of the Oldest Continuously Inhabited Places in the World, beckons us next. Amidst its temples and palaces, we'll immerse ourselves, spending a week exploring and luxuriating while fulfilling essential visa formalities for the Road to London. Driving from India to London by road is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that promises unforgettable experiences and we’ll prep ourselves accordingly. 

64 Nights / 65 Days

The second week of this incredible India to London road trip dawns in Kathmandu, which we bid adieu to, the following day to cross the border into the picturesque wonder that’s Tibet. Let the crisp mountain air wash over you, as you meander through the stunningly quaint towns of Nyalam and Tingri. En route to Tingri, prepare to be humbled by the colossal magnificence of the Himalayas , as we visit the Everest Base Camp. Crossing the cities of Shigatse, where we also acquire the requisite driving licenses and plates for our India to London road trip , our merry troupe finally zooms towards the Tibetan capital of Lhasa.

On the road to Lhasa, pay your respects at the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery which was founded by the first Dalai Lama. Perched high amidst the mountains, and the nerve center of the Tibetan Buddhist world, Lhasa is a treat for the senses. Revel in the towering grace of Potala Palace - a World Heritage Site, which soars over 380 ft above the Red Hill. Let the spiritual essence of Jokhang Temple overwhelm your senses, as you pay obeisance at this World Heritage Site which comes surrounded by a vibrant, one-way praying route known as Barkhor Street. Gaze in awe upon the towering Mount Everest, sip upon a piping-hot brew, soak in the spiritual serenity of Tibet, click amazing pictures, and create memories to last a lifetime.

The third week of this thrilling road journey begins with our adventurous drivers gearing up to navigate the challenging terrains as we progress on the Road to London drive . Our enthusiastic motorcade heads towards the Tibetan county of Damxung, making a pit stop at the stunning Namtso, also known as Lake Nam. Take a moment to bask in the natural beauty of the Qiangtang Grasslands, home to the famous Wild Yak, as we make our way to Amdo.

Our route then leads us to the city of Golmud, passing through the remarkable Kekexili Nature Reserve, providing a chance to encounter uninhibited wildlife. The latter part of the week commences with our arrival in Dunhuang, Gansu, where we traverse through the awe-inspiring Kunlun Mountains and the mesmerizing salt plains of Qarhan. Qarhan Playa, a sight to behold, is a rich source of valuable salt, minerals, and rare earth reserves.

Upon reaching Dunhuang, immerse yourself in the stark splendor of the Gobi Desert, setting the stage for an entertaining evening to conclude the day. The following day is dedicated to exploring the Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring 500 temples showcasing majestic Buddhist art. As the week concludes, our group of explorers embarks on the next leg of the India to London road trip, heading towards Turpan in Xinjiang, a region notable for sharing a border with eight countries, including Mongolia, Russia , Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan , Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, as well as India.

We find ourselves embarking on the fourth week of this life-altering road trip. Our journey bids a fond farewell to Turpan, propelling us toward Kuerle, the second-largest city in the Xinjiang region. A restful night renews our spirits for the Road to London 2025 , as our group of adrenaline-seekers once again hits the road in their sturdy SUVs, setting sights on the edge of the Tarim Basin, the city of Aksu.

Get ready to traverse the remarkable Tarim Desert Expressway, showcasing your driving prowess while admiring the vastness of the desert. Aksu, a prominent stop on the India to London road trip is followed by the enchanting, old-world charm of Kashgar, one of the Oldest Continuously Inhabited Places in the World. Amidst the winding alleyways of the Old Town, you'll taste local flavors and catch glimpses of vintage houses and engraved gates.

Venturing further, we'll tackle the historic and incredibly challenging Pamir Glacier Highway, a vital segment of the road to London from India , surrounded by the majestic Pamir Mountains, aptly known as the 'Roof of the World'. As we prepare to push our limits on this iconic route with over 2000 years of history, we cross yet another border, arriving at the Silk Road-era city of Osh in Kyrgyzstan .

Osh, a center for trade, beckons with its expansive bazaar along the Ak-Bura River—a significant point on the Road to London by road map . Don't miss the chance to visit the only World Heritage Site in Kyrgyzstan, Sulaiman Too. As we bid adieu to Kyrgyzstan and prepare to continue our journey on the road to London from India , we head towards the garden city of Fergana in Uzbekistan, marking the end of week four of this incredible India to London by road adventure.

This week is all about discovering the verve and charm of the country that can be aptly described as Central Asia’s biggest draw - Uzbekistan. With Fergana whizzing past in the rearview mirror, our SUVs eat up the miles as we head towards the gorgeous capital city of Tashkent. Meander through the lively chaos at Chorsu Bazaar; revel in the vintage vibe of the Museum of Applied Arts; and seek blessings for your loved ones at the pristinely stunning Minor Mosque.

Next up on the Road to London from India stands one of the most impressive and gorgeous cities that marked the bygone Silk Road - Samarkand. The veritable jewel of Uzbekistan, this spectacular city will leave you spellbound with its attractions like the Registan Square which comes framed on three sides by marvelous madrassas. The other must-visit destination here is the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum. Intricately detailed and shimmering in varied shades of blue, Gur-e-Amir serves as the final resting place of Turco Mongol conqueror, Timur. The penultimate city on this leg of our trip to London in 2025 is the mesmerizing Bukhara.

Enjoy the structural brilliance of the oldest existing funerary building of Central Asian Islamic Architecture, the Tomb of Ismail Samanid. Soak in the views of the historic Ark of Bukhara - a rambling fortress of immense stature. Step back in time with a visit to the Chor Minor; an iconic gatehouse that forms one part of the World Heritage Site Historic Centre of Bukhara. Having experienced and captured in snapshots the very best the region has to offer, the week concludes with our terrific troupe cruising onwards from Bukhara on the India to London road trip , heading to the city of Khiva.

We are now into week six of this incomparable road adventure. We've traversed lands, marveled at diverse cultures, and etched countless memories into our journey. Leaving Nukus in Uzbekistan, we cross the border into Kazakhstan at Beyneu, a pivotal point on our Road to London 2025 Drive. Our caravan graces the transcontinental city of Atyrau, offering picturesque seascapes near the Caspian Sea for that perfect photo-op. A day of respite follows, allowing exploration of Atyrau's charming lanes.

As we progress into the latter half of the week, we prepare to cross another border, transitioning from Kazakhstan to Russia, a key leg of our India to London road trip. The journey unfolds in the expansive expanse of Russia, commencing in Astrakhan, a city straddling the banks of the formidable Volga River. Savor local delicacies and absorb the unique pace of life in this southernmost Russian outpost.

Week six concludes with our arrival at Budënnovsk, a mid-size town in Stavropol Krai of Russia, marking another significant milestone on our journey. The adventure continues, fueled by the allure of the road and the promise of what lies ahead in our India to London road trip.

A new week is here, ripe with the promise of exploration, revelation, and adventure! We launch into the seventh week of our sojourn with an exciting drive from Budënnovsk towards the picturesque city of Nalchik which sits at an elevation of 1800 ft, on the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains. En route to Nalchik, prepare to be wonderstruck by the sight of the highest peak in Russia and Europe, Mount Elbrus, a dormant volcano that rises approximately 18,510 ft above sea level. Following Nalchik, we will arrive in the lush green village of Verkhniy Fiagdon in North Ossetia-Alania to spend a night of tranquility and peace. Prepare to cross the border into the country of Georgia, as we wave a heartfelt goodbye to Russia and enter the Georgian capital city of Tbilisi. 

Tbilisi, a truly cosmopolitan city set in a postcard-pretty valley, boasts an Old Town at its heart hosting some of its most historic attractions. Next up on our Road to London itinerary is the Georgian port city of Batumi, known for its superbly distinctive architecture and sculptural beauty, adding to the allure of this gorgeous seaside destination, often referred to as the ‘Las Vegas of the Black Sea’. We conclude this leg of our road trip par excellence by exiting Georgia and making an entryway into the ever-fascinating Turkey. As we move forward on the Road to London 2024 Drive , our journey continues to unfold, revealing the wonders that lie ahead on this journey as we drive from India to London road by road .

The week begins in Trabzon - a city on the Black Sea coast of northeastern Turkey - from where we will head towards the city of natural wonders Cappadocia, an ancient district in East-Central Anatolia, situated on the rugged plateau north of the Taurus Mountains. The next day, after experiencing a Hot Air Balloon Ride at sunrise, which is undoubtedly the best way to see the incredible Cappadocia landscape, we'll resume our road trip. Later in the day, we will visit the Devrent Valley known as Imagination Valley with its spectacular fairy chimneys and beautiful landscapes, adding another memorable stop to our India to London road trip.

Post Cappadocia, our group of adventurers, fueled by the excitement of the Road to London , will head for the capital city of Istanbul. Urbane, yet infused with an infectious vintage feel, Istanbul is sure to leave an indelible impression on you. A tour of this magical city, along with a luxurious cruise upon the strait of Bosphorus, will bring our Turkish endeavor to a splendid close, readying us for the next leg of our Road to London 2025 drive.

Mid-week sees us crossing the border from Turkey into Greece, a significant progression on our India to London road trip . From Greece, we'll further chart our course passing through the capital of Bulgaria, Sofia. We get a full day in Sofia to decipher the best-kept secrets of this wonderfully varied city, which has a distinctive relaxed vibe to it, making it a memorable stop. Following Sofia, our convoy, still on the Road to London , will cross the border into Belgrade, Serbia, a dream destination for history and antiquity enthusiasts, and an essential segment of our India to London road trip. The capital of Serbia is one of the Oldest Continuously Inhabited Cities in the World, adding a historical and cultural dimension to our journey. Take in the sights of this classical city, as you sit back and enjoy a cruise upon the second longest river in Europe, the Danube, making it a fitting segment of our Road to London 2025 drive.

It's time to take the wheel again and add to those climbing numbers on the odometer. The ninth week of our road trip begins with us exiting Belgrade to crossover into the capital of Hungary, Budapest, as part of the Road to London 2025 . The financial and artistic nerve center of Hungary, Budapest is cosmopolitan, suave, culturally and architecturally blessed, and home to an abundance of natural hot springs, making it a highlight of our journey from India to London by road . Budapest will soon make way for Prague, the capital of Czechia (aka the Czech Republic), continuing our exciting Road to London from India.

A multi-hued cityscape in Prague, displaying Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles of architecture, makes visiting Prague an experience to cherish during our India to London road trip. Post Prague, our fleet of road beasts is ready to cross into the country of Belgium at the capital city of Brussels. Top-notch gastronomical offerings, World Heritage Sites , an art scene to remember, and more earn Brussels a high spot on one's list of must-visit cities of the world.

We have now entered the homestretch, and the anticipation builds as we head towards the last country on our route, before finally arriving in the UK. The Road to London from India has been an incredible journey , and the adventure continues as we inch closer to our destination.

We embark on the final stretch of our journey, beginning with a ferry ride from Calais to the port of Dover in the UK. The anticipation of driving from India to London in 2025, with the Indian flag proudly adorning your vehicle, adds a unique thrill to the experience. The exhilarating road trip, capturing the essence of India to London by road, is a story etched in the memories of every traveler. A delectable farewell dinner awaits, allowing us to reminisce and celebrate this incredible journey. As our vehicles are prepared for the return trip to India , we savor the moments from this unparalleled expedition. 'Road to London 2025' is more than a journey; it's an unforgettable journey that will forever remain a highlight in your collection of cherished memories .

Download The Brochure

Adventures Overland offers a unique Road Trip from India to London, as part of which your cars are shipped to Iran and you start the drive from Bandar Abbas to London.

On a Road Trip to London, we drive 4-6 hours on some days and 8-10 hours on others depending on the destination. Total driving hours will range to approx 240-250 hours over a period of 60 days.

Yes, It is possible with Adventures Overland, India’s premium Road Trip Company.

June to August are the summer months for the London Road Trip.

We have carefully scheduled our days to ensure our participants are comfortable. On days we cross borders or have planned activities, the driving hours typically range from 4 to 6 hours. However, they might extend to 8 to 10 hours on certain days, depending on the destination.

We will assist you with Visa arrangements, shipment of vehicles, border crossings, Logistics, and more. This is a fully guided end-to-end road trip experience.

For this journey, it is recommended to have USD/EURO. Our local team will be there to assist you with currency exchange.

We advise you to activate your international roaming before embarking on your journey from India. Additionally, we can assist you in procuring a local SIM as and when needed.

The AO Crew and the local support team will be available to provide assistance in the event of a medical emergency. Typically, all hotels we stay at have a doctor on call to address any medical issues or incidents.

AO Crew and local support team will assist you in taking care of your vehicle.

The driving distance from India to London via China is approx 16000 Km.

Testimonials

Explore the firsthand accounts of participants who have embarked on journeys with adventures overland and delve into their immersive experiences..

Srivijay Ravi Sastry

RTL Aug 2022

Kalpana Chitnis

RTL Oct 2023

Swati Saraogi

RTL April 2019

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Supercar Drive - South of France 2024

7 Nights / 8 Days

Iceland Expedition

Kyrgyzstan Overland

Brazil & Peru Overland

Brazil-15 Nights / 16 Days | Peru- 9 Nights / 10 Days

Scandinavia Overland

22 Nights / 23 Days

Jordan Overland

Lahaul & Spiti Drive

Ladakh Expedition (Via Srinagar)

Road to Lhasa

21 Nights / 22 Days

Supercar Drive – The Alps Edition- Season 3

Mongolia Overland

10 Nights / 11 Days

How AO became the pioneers of the epic Road to London Drive.

Embark on an extraordinary expedition with Adventures Overland, a journey that epitomizes the spirit of adventure and wanderlust. Since its inception in 2017, the Road to London Drive has become an iconic saga, inviting adventurers to traverse from the heart of India to the vibrant streets of London. As pioneers of this awe-inspiring journey, we have orchestrated over five remarkable seasons, leading more than 100 intrepid travelers on a self-drive journey through the boundless roads and diverse landscapes.

The adventure unfurled with the inaugural season in 2017, venturing through India, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, China, Kyrgyzstan , Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Russia , Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, France , and ultimately reaching the United Kingdom . Each subsequent year saw a reprise of this grand expedition, capturing the essence of friendship, adventure, and the thrill of exploration.

Our services encompass meticulously planned overland expeditions that cater to both the thrill-seekers and the wanderers-at-heart. Whether you're a solo traveler or looking to bond with family and friends, we have something extraordinary for everyone.

Picture this: You're seated in a custom-fitted 4x4 vehicle, wind in your hair, as you journey through the majestic mountains and lush valleys. Our experienced guides, who double up as storytellers and local experts, will take you off the beaten path, unveiling the heart and soul of each destination. No stone goes unturned as we curate self-drive road trips that ensure a perfect blend of adventure and cultural immersion.

With Adventures Overland , you won't just see the world; you'll live it.

International Road Trips:

Road to london:, super car drive:, jordan overland:, iceland expedition:, brazil overland:, morocco overland:, kyrgyzstan overland:, road trips in india: , ladakh expedition:, lahaul and spiti expedition:, northeast expedition:, here’s what you get: , guided expeditions:, luxury road trips:, global destinations:, customer reviews/testimonials:, the option to choose:, explore more:.

Use the following FAQs , we can choose 5-7 FAQs 

What are Guided Self-Drive Expeditions?

Are these road trips suitable for beginners, what destinations do you offer, what's included in a luxury road trip package, can i customize my expedition or road trip, do i need to bring my own vehicle, how do i book an expedition or road trip, what safety measures are in place during expeditions, can solo travelers join your expeditions, how can i get in touch with your team for more information.

In 2022 and 2023, the route evolved to encompass the captivating landscapes of Iran, Turkey , Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary, Austria, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, France, and once again culminating in the vibrant heart of London. This journey, mirroring the trailblazing route of the previous year, embraced the spirit of continuity, inviting adventurers to rediscover the allure of the road and witness familiar landscapes through a new lens.

For those dreaming of traversing from India to London by road, the Road to London drive offers an exhilarating and transformative adventure. Our meticulously crafted itineraries ensure that every mile of the journey is imbued with discovery, wonder, and shared memories . 

Join us as we redefine the boundaries of exploration, one mile at a time, and embrace the legacy of the Road to London drive. Discover the road less traveled, witness the enchantment of the journey, and be part of an adventure that transcends distances and cultures, leaving an indelible mark on your soul.

2017: The Grand Inception

In the year of 2017, the Road to London Drive was born – a grand tapestry of adventure, unity, and discovery. We set forth from the bustling streets of India, embarking on an exhilarating journey that unfolded across 18 countries. As the wheels rolled, travelers experienced the seamless blend of diverse cultures and landscapes. The rugged terrains of Myanmar, the bustling cities of China, the historic Silk Road routes, and the charming European countryside – every mile told a story of resilience and triumph.

Driving through the undulating paths, travelers forged memories etched in time. The friendship among the participants grew, a bond forged by shared adventures and the thrill of conquering new horizons. Camping under the starlit skies, savoring local delicacies, and exchanging stories around campfires – these were the moments that enriched the journey.

2018: An epic sequel 

In 2018, the expedition witnessed a grand encore, retracing the paths that had captivated the hearts of many the previous year. The road, familiar yet enthralling, unfurled fresh experiences. The azure hues of the Mediterranean Sea, the serenity of the Balkans, and the majesty of European capitals came alive once more. Participants rekindled friendships and built new ones, their spirit of adventure reignited as they charted the journey.

The road, with all its twists and turns, became a canvas of memories. The laughter shared at roadside cafes, the awe-inspired whispers amidst ancient ruins, and the joy of conquering mountain passes together – all became part of the collective narrative. The expedition wasn’t just a drive; it was a journey, weaving stories of passion and wanderlust.

Destinations brought forth new highlights – the azure beaches of Albania, the enchanting Plitvice Lakes of Croatia, and the timeless beauty of Budapest. Each stop was a chapter in the evolving adventure, an exploration that continued to inspire and shape the course of the journey.

2019: A Journey Reimagined

In 2019, the road whispered familiar tales but with a different melody. The adventure was reimagined, offering fresh perspectives and renewed excitement. The expedition embodied the spirit of continuity and evolution, as the trailblazers journeyed once more through terrains traversed before. The expedition showcased the ever-changing tapestry of landscapes, cultures, and experiences that enlivened the expedition.

The driving experience was enhanced by the vast expanses of the Eurasian continent, from the highlands of Kyrgyzstan to the tranquil beauty of the Baltic region. The road became a place of memories, where seasoned travelers reminisced, and newcomers were awestruck. The bonds formed over campfires grew stronger, and the collective passion for exploration formed an unbreakable bond among the participants.

Destinations once again unfolded their unique charm – the charm of Cappadocia in Turkey , the ethereal beauty of the Norwegian fjords, the regal elegance of Vienna, and the iconic landmarks of London. Each destination held a promise of new experiences and collective wonder, crafting an unforgettable narrative of the journey.

2022: Expanding Horizons

The year 2022 witnessed the expedition embracing new horizons, unfolding an awe-inspiring adventure. The Road to London route was carefully curated, taking explorers through the mesmerizing landscapes and captivating cultures of the Middle East and Europe. The expedition was a testimony to the spirit of discovery, breaking barriers, and conquering uncharted territories.

The driving experience evolved through the rugged terrains of Iran, the stunning landscapes of the Balkans, and the scenic beauty of Northern Europe. The road became a journey of contrast and diversity, a tapestry woven with the threads of adventure and cultural exploration. Each day brought a fresh panorama, a new tale, and a memory to be cherished.

Destinations beckoned with their unique allure – the ancient city of Persepolis in Iran, the historic city of Belgrade, the natural wonders of Finland, and the artistic splendor of Amsterdam. Each stopover was a revelation, a chance to delve deeper into the fabric of the world and create memories that would resonate for a lifetime.

2023: The Adventure Continues

In the vibrant tapestry of 2023, the Road to London drive beckoned once more, offering intrepid travelers the chance to traverse a route that mirrored the splendors of the previous year. The expedition encapsulated the spirit of continuity, inviting adventurers to rediscover the allure of the road.

Driving through the breathtaking landscapes of Iran, Turkey, Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary, Austria, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, France, and ultimately the UK, participants relished the journey.

The experience of driving through the familiar yet exhilarating roads was enriched by the shared memories of the past year’s journey . The road unfolded a story of adventure, a narrative etched with the laughter of camaraderie and the awe-inspired whispers amidst nature’s marvels.

Destinations once again cast their enchanting spell – the ancient ruins of Persepolis in Iran, the historic landmarks of Istanbul, the surreal beauty of Cappadocia, the charming streets of Prague, and the iconic sights of London. Each stopover was an opportunity to deepen the connection with diverse cultures and create lasting memories.

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• Delhi to London By Road: These 3 Indian Super Moms Drove Across 17 Countries in Just 95 Days

27 Mar 2023

A travel tale of three mothers who drove from New Delhi to London, covering 23,700 Kms, crossing 17 countries in just 95 days. Join them and know how they reached from India to London by road as they take us through the most EPIC road trip journey EVER!

Delhi To London By Road

A road trip is like a travel none other. And to do that across 17 countries, covering Delhi to London distance by road of 23,700 kilometers in over 95 days is life changing to say the least.

Road trips are unpredictable and unstructured and add to that, the thrill that there are countless amazing destinations waiting to be stumbled upon. To us, the world has always been a large ball of twine, just waiting to be unraveled and what better way to do it than with the wind in your hair and the road ahead of you. Here is our account of Delhi to London by road.

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How It All Started!

It all began with Women Beyond Boundaries. Women Beyond Boundaries is conceptualized by Nidhi Tiwari and Smita Mazumdar. WBB is a platform to empower women drivers with skills to reach out to other women in far-flung areas, in difficult terrain in order to deliver goods and services.

When Nidhi proposed this crazy expedition from Delhi to London in an Indian car, across 17 countries, we promptly hitched our excitement to hers, packed our bags and jumped into the car. Incidentally, Nidhi was the solo driver for the expedition.

Suggested Read: London vs Paris: Which City Would You Prefer For A Fancy Holiday?

The Journey Across 17 Countries

The three of us flagged off from Dhyanchand Stadium on the 23 rd of July 2015 and reached London on the 28 th of October 2015, after having traversed across Myanmar, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Germany, Belgium, France and UK.

The Indian leg was surprisingly the most exciting and adventurous. All went as planned till Manipur. Driving from Kohima to Imphal, we were stuck in the middle of the road due to a strike called at Imphal. The roads were blocked and we could not move further or go back to where we started. So, we were sitting in the car with nowhere to go, watching the protesters pass us by, some with sticks and stones in the hand!

They looked on us curiously wondering what these women were doing on the road. One guy, drunk to his gills, walked up to us and started talking to us. We kept a straight face and humored him by making some polite conversation. He told us all about how we reminded him of his sisters back home, for about 15 minutes and then moved on.

Phew! So we thought to ourselves, this is what we will have to endure for the next 7 hours. Then came another bunch of guys who first passed us by and then came back curiously peering into our car.

One of them told us that it was not safe for us to be sitting in the car during these protest hours and urged us to come to his house where he could organize lunch for us. We were in a dilemma now, to trust or not to trust? Just trusted our instincts and drove behind him to his house.

Planning your holiday but confused about where to go? These travel stories help you find your best trip ever!

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Sightseeing. Monasteries. Trekking. And beauty all along

To Trust Or Not To Trust

When we parked the car outside his house, it was a by lane with a small wooden entrance and just as we parked, about 4 guys walked out to check us out. We were now getting slightly panicky! Was it a wrong decision to trust our instincts and follow him? He kept asking us to come inside his house. We asked him where his family was and he urged us to come inside his house yet again.

We stepped into his house with a lot of trepidation only to be greeted by the most welcoming smiling faces of his mother and two sisters. What a relief! From then on, till 7 in the evening, we probably had a wonderful time.  His mother cooked the most awesome pork and some authentic Manipuri food for us, after which we went for an off-road drive to a picnic spot by the Sekmai river, he played the guitar for us, sang songs and made us feel so at home and like a part of his family.

These were the first of the many people we met en route who went out of their way to help us.

Most Memorable Part

On completing the trip, people always ask us, what was the most memorable part of the trip? Well, the ‘Stans! Driving through the erstwhile silk route was an onslaught to the senses from the quirky to the exotic, Las Vegas meets Purani Dilli.

Deserts, Mountains, High altitude lakes, Lush valleys, this region has it all! Dictators and nomads, yurts and palaces, the soviet detritus and the excitement of a new nation, over a 1000 years of history to explore and we were straining at the leash!

You Are Only A Stranger Till You Say Hello!

We were completely blown over and amazed by the impact that the Indian culture has over this region, particularly Bollywood. It is almost reverential. We got the first taste of this when we crossed over from China to Kyrgyzstan.

Disco Dancing In The ‘Stans

It was quite chilly and we were waiting for the customs to clear our papers. This big and burly officer walks up to us and says, “ Hindustan?” we nod yes and he gives us a big grin and breaks into a gig, singing” Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy”! He then went on to ask us about Mithun Chakraborty!

We never thought we would be having a sign language conversation with a Kyrgyz official about Mithun’s health and acting prowess! And it has been like this throughout central Asia. The moment the locals would figure out we were Indians, they would either start singing or dancing to Mithun’s songs.

At a few places, they would even whip out the mobile phones, play the songs and request us to dance along with them. Dancing to “I am a disco dancer” on Tashkent streets is probably our most bizarre but favorite memory.

We have always believed that no one parties like the Punjabis, but believe us, they are not a patch on the Uzbekis. They are tireless. This one time, we were at a restaurant and on the way to the restroom, we passed a table of Uzbeks who were celebrating the birth of a child of one of their mates.

Next thing we know, we were practically kidnapped, boxed in between these people, no way out, gyrating to what? I am a disco dancer! Again!

The most bizarre experience would probably be when the ladies would plonk their kids in our arms and demand to click pictures with them. The experience was unsettling and surreal to say the least.

What’s Was Like Traveling As Women Through Central Asia?

These countries are Muslim, but of a more moderate, open and secular variety than you might find in parts of the Middle East. This combined with Soviet and Russian influence, can make Central Asia feel like the land of paradox. It never felt unsafe and we were treated like royalty. We for one felt like exotic spices on this silk route!

Another most frequently asked question is how easy or difficult it was to get the permit. The process is laborious but doable. Myanmar and china require permits if you plan to drive. Myanmar regulations require that an escort vehicle follows you from entry to exit. The fee included our accommodation and meals.

Also, China requires an English speaking guide in the car for self-drive vehicles. We also had to take care of the food and accommodation of the guide. The best way to go about it is to contact travel agencies in these countries and they would process it for a fee (and it doesn’t come cheap!)

On a journey of this magnitude, the challenges are as much within as outside. But pushing those boundaries was what this expedition was all about.

Suggested Read: 40 Romantic Things To Do In London For A Trip For Two In 2022!

A few tips:

• Make sure the paperwork and visas are in order before you leave.
• If you are planning a road trip, the procurement of visas needs to be a well-choreographed dance, given that some of the countries issue transit visas for a few days only.
• The entry, traversing the country and the exit need to be well planned.
• Ensure that all the papers are in order. Make sure you have enough number of copies. If stopped by police, preferably show the copies instead of the originals. Especially, Central Asia and Russia.
• Diesel was a problem in Uzbekistan in the sense that they didn’t have any! Had to buy in black and adulterated one at that.
• Ensure that the basic maintenance of the vehicle is carried out every 5000 kilometers.
• Split your money between travel cards and cash.
• If traveling in the winter, make sure that you are geared up with enough warm clothing. The cold is brutal. We have the deepest appreciation and respect for Bangalore weather post this expedition.
• Lastly, ensure that you pack an open mind and a whole lot of curiosity. Travel is liberating and the learning is immense.

So, next time you plan a trip abroad, we recommend Central Asia. Just get off the plane/car and yell “Mithun Chakraborty” and let the magic unfold!

A Delhi car in London- Yes, a feeling of accomplishment!

Further Read: Celebrate Your Honeymoon In London Like A Royal Affair With This Travel Guide!

Book your trip to London with TravelTriangle now!

ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Schedule

Besides the above info, you must be aware of the upcoming Cricket World Cup tournament. So, if you are a cricket lover and eagerly waiting for it, here is ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Time Table ! Check-out!

Frequently Asked Questions About Delhi To London By Road

Can we go to London by road from India?

Yes, you can definitely travel to London from India by road just like these Indian mothers did. You will have to cross boundaries of 17 countries i.e. 23,7000 km approximately. You would need multiple permits to cross international boundaries. The road trip can be expensive and requires meticulous planning. However, if you do it right, it could be the most epic journey of your lifetime.

Can we go to Russia by road from India?

Yes, you can travel to Russia from India by road but you will require an international driving license and the same permit for your car. It won’t be an easy journey but it will the most amazing road trip of your life. You have to be careful as you will cross countries like Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Kazakhstan. Some of these countries are rampant with terrorism and unrest.

Is there a roadway from America to India?

No, there is no direct roadway from America to India as the two continents are not joined. You will have to cross the oceans to reach America from India or vice versa. It is better to take a flight which is long and an ordeal itself.

Which city is called the London of India?

Mumbai is known as the London of India owing to its architecture and being the financial capital of India. You will even find the weather contrasts between the two cities.

Which country can we visit by road from India?

One can easily go for a road trip from India to Europe, Malaysia, Thailand, Middle East, Myanmar, Bhutan and more after completing all the necessary paperwork.

Can we go by road from India to Dubai?

One can travel by road from India to Dubai and cover the distance of 2196 kilometers depending upon the speed of the vehicle.

Can we go to Singapore by road from India?

Yes, one can easily travel from India to Singapore via the India-Myanmar-Thailand-Singapore highway (AH2).

Can we go to China by road from India?

There is only one way to reach China from India by road and that is bypassing through Nepal via Tibet.

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Planning A EuroTrip From India in 2024 (Tips, Apps and websites to Use, Budget etc)

Everyone wants to go on an ideal Eurotrip but are usually confused. Here, I write a guide on planning a Europe trip from India all on your own.

Written by: Soumya Nambiar

Last Updated on: February 10, 2024

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links we may make a commission from.

Many of us have that dream. To spend one summer, backpacking across Europe.

Even though it was not my first time in Europe , I finally got some time off to do a trip across Europe this summer. I am not sure why. But suddenly, I am getting queries from many of my readers to help them plan their trips to Europe and they see me as some kind of a Europe vacation planner.

Even though many of my readers consider me as a Europe trip planner from India, I really cannot spare the time to plan someone else’s vacation. Planning Europe trip from India is not a cakewalk but I give you pointers in this post. I had written a similar one for USA and hopefully, this guide will be as helpful as that one. Here I give you tips on planning a Europe trip from India.

I have gone more than 20 times to Europe in the past 10 years and you can find more about my favourite European destinations . This Europe travel blog by an Indian hopes to be the foremost expert on this subject.

Planning your Europe trip at the last minute?

I know everyone is busy and don’t have time to plan their itinerary to Europe. Here are some quick links to make you the best Europe trip planner.

• Booking is my go to for booking boutique hotels in Europe.
• I always use Skyscanner for all my flights to Europe.
• Getyourguide is my favourite tour aggregator in Europe.
• I use Hostelworld to book all my hostels in Europe.
• I use DiscoverCars to compare car rental prices.
• FlixBuses for all my bus transportation in Europe.
• RailEurope for all my train bookings in Europe.

Don’t want to plan your Europe trip on your own? I found many preplanned Europe tours for you to choose from:

• Europe for 12 days
• Jewel of Europe for 14 days
• Balkans for 12 days

Table Of Contents

• 0.1 Find out my recommendations for Europe
• 1.2 Read a lot of travel blogs/ travel articles online while planning Euro trip from India:
• 1.3 Booking Your Flight tickets while planning a Euro trip from India:
• 1.4 Preparing a 5-6 week Europe trip itinerary from India
• 1.5 Applying for a Schengen Visa for Indians:
• 1.6 Internal Travel within Europe during your Euro trip:
• 1.7 Accommodation while Eurotrip planning from India:
• 1.8 How to book other Activities to plan a trip to Europe from India:
• 1.9 Public Transportation in Europe:
• 1.10 What to Pack for Women for a trip to Europe?
• 1.11 Foreign Currency in Europe:
• 1.12 Europe trip cost from India / How much does it cost for Europe trip from India?
• 1.13 Which Mobile SIM to use in Europe:
• 1.14 Using Google Maps in Europe:
• 1.15 Inform all your banks and mobile phone operators while planning a Europe trip from India:
• 1.16 How do I plan a 15 day trip to Europe?
• 2 Conclusion:

Find out my recommendations for Europe

Before we go any further, find out some of my recommendations for day trips for your trip to Europe.

Hvar, Croatia

The 5 island tour from Split is a favorite

Colmar, France

Colmar is definitely one of the prettiest towns in Europe.

Algarve, Portugal

My favorite beaches in Europe are here

Tips on planning a Europe Trip From India / How to plan Europe trip from India

Find below some sample itineraries if it is your first time in Europe. You can find more details in my detailed Europe itinerary post.

Read a lot of travel blogs/ travel articles online while planning Euro trip from India:

A year ago, if you had asked me where Algarve was , I would have probably stared at you like you were from outer space. But now that is a thing of the past and Algarve has been added to my list of favourite places from around the world. I read a lot of travel blogs, national geographic/ lonely planet / Conde Nast travel articles every day.

I read voraciously any travel related content that I can get my hands on. I now have a better sense of the places that I really want to visit. So why do I ask you to read them? Because if you don’t, then you end up visiting only the famous cities like Paris , Amsterdam etc and you tend to ignore all the other gorgeous lesser-known cities/towns/villages. If you want to be your own Eurotrip planner, then no one can judge your tastes better than yourself.

As travel bloggers, we can only give you our version of how a place is and give you tips based on our experiences on how to plan Euro trip. This post gives you some ideas on how to plan a Europe trip from India.

Booking Your Flight tickets while planning a Euro trip from India:

This comprises a huge chunk of your travelling expense. So you need to find the best possible deal for this. In my case, I had made my mind to fly into Lisbon and then fly back to Bangalore via Dubai (I stayed with my sister for a few days on my way back) from one of the cities in Western/Central Europe.

With this intention in mind, I logged into Skyscanner and Kayak  to give me the best possible rates and dates for this combination. After many iterations, I finally got a good deal and picked Emirates which was my best option. Both these sites are extremely good when it comes to finding the best flight deals.

I flew into Lisbon and flew out of Frankfurt via Dubai to Bangalore . Even though my cheapest option was Oman Air, I did not want to spend a lot of time in transit and preferred a straightforward route rather than taking multiple flights.

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Preparing a 5-6 week Europe trip itinerary from India

I know that there are many people who would love to take traveling as it comes. Go without any pre-set plan and make plans on the go. I am not such a person. I always love to know beforehand where I will be staying, for how long I will be there in any particular place.

Even though it sometimes does not go according to plan , my mind is still at peace if I knew beforehand.So what did I first do? While planning my Europe travel itinerary , I made an initial list of places I wanted to visit. I did take a lot of inspiration from this post by BlondeAbroad . So my initial draft of places for my Europe tour plan from India looked like this:

• Lisbon • Porto • Madrid • Costa Del Sol • Seville • Barcelona • Andorra • Paris • Strasbourg • Luxembourg • Bruges • Ghent • Amsterdam • Frankfurt But then I decided to consult a map and realised that my geography was all over the place. I knew that I had to make some changes. A friend helped too. He was like why are you not going to Central Europe or Mallorca in Spain ?

Since I had been to Paris, Amsterdam and Frankfurt, I decided to cut short my days there and decided to add Vienna and Prague to the list. I had to remove Andorra also since I realised that I needed a multiple entry Schengen Visa and I had applied for a single entry.

After multiple iterations, my itinerary finally looked doable. My final Europe tour itinerary looked like this:

• Lisbon • Algarve • Madrid • Seville (This got canceled) • Barcelona • Mallorca • Paris • Amsterdam • Brussels (Took day trips from here to Luxembourg, Bruges and Ghent) • Luxembourg • Bruges • Ghent • Strasbourg (Day Trip to Colmar) • Colmar • Vienna • Prague • Frankfurt (Only went to catch a flight to Dubai since changing the port of exit to Prague meant paying a huge deal of money.) Whew, that is too many places to see. Don’t get disillusioned by the number of places. It is definitely doable. I wish I can follow the concept of ‘slow travel’ but currently, that is not an option for me. Once the places were decided, I had to decide how many days I was going to spend in each of these locations.

I had an excel sheet where I tracked all these changes and I have no clue what I would have done without that excel sheet.

Recommended Read – Where to go in Europe

Applying for a Schengen Visa for Indians:

I have already written about this in detail here . Once I figured that I was going to spend 9 days in Spain, I realised that I had to apply for a Schengen Visa through Spain consulate.

There is one thing I would like to tell my readers here. I cannot give you any guarantee that you will be granted a visa. But what I have seen is that if you have all the required documentation, then they have no grounds to reject the visa.

Internal Travel within Europe during your Euro trip:

I know the temptation of buying those Europe travel packages from India. But you need not do this and can entirely plan your travel within Europe on your own at half the price.

If you do not use Rome2rio yet, please start using it at once. It is one of the most helpful websites that I have come across. So what does it do? It gives you a list of options of how you can go from one place to another. It even tells you which mode of transportation is the shortest and the cheapest.

Many people asked me if it is required to get a Eurorail pass . There are contradictory views to this. But when I evaluated it in my case, it was coming out to be too expensive. The only advantage that an Eurorail pass gives is flexibility and it may work out to be cheaper if you are less than 26 years old. Also in some of the countries I visited, buses were cheaper and more convenient. Since my dates were already fixed, it was easier for me to pre-book all my tickets. But if you want flexibility, then a Eurail pass may be better.

Another great resource for train travel in Europe is Man in Seat 61 . This dude knows everything about train travel and you can check him out. He gives you multiple options on which trains to take from Point A to Point B. He also tells us which website is better to book trains in each country.

From Rome2Rio , I figured out if it was better to take a bus or a train. It also redirects to the websites of the various bus operators in the continent. Flixbus is a good and cheap bus service if you want to book buses within Europe. I took only one flight within Europe, that was from Barcelona to Mallorca and back. I booked through Ryan Air and they are one of the cheapest options. But there are several things to keep in mind if you are flying with Ryan Air. I will detail them out in a later post.

Accommodation while Eurotrip planning from India:

So do you want to book hostels, budget hotels or luxury hotels ? It really depends on what kind of a traveller you are. Since I was given sponsored stay in some locations, I did not have to worry about them. But for the rest of the locations, I still needed a place to stay. I went with a combination of all three.

I researched like crazy on Tripadvisor , Booking and narrowed my choices for the hotels.

In cases where I was staying in hostels, Hostelworld and Hostelbookers were my go-to guide. If you are staying in a 4-bed female dorm in a hostel, it will cost you a minimum of 25 Euros and this depends on how expensive the city is. Even in hostels, a private room can cause you around 80-100 Euros easily. In some cases, the hotels were cheaper than the hostels. All my accommodations in Europe cost me between 20 Euros – 110 euros per night during my Euro trip plan.

Need more budgeting tips. See how Amy managed to go around Europe in 45 days on a 3500$ budget .

Many people are apprehensive when it comes to booking hostels. But I really enjoyed my time in hostels this time around and I would definitely be using them more next time.

Most hostels now cater to the luxury traveller who wishes to have some privacy but at the same time want to meet new people. Hostels host a variety of fun events like bar crawls, free walking tours, traveller nights etc.

I did not opt for an Airbnb this time since I was travelling alone. Else Airbnb is an excellent choice in Europe. I was very happy with all my choices and the only one I would have changed is the one in Amsterdam .

But you cannot have everything in life and there will be few cases when all the above sites fail you. But through all the three sites, you can research which is the best locality for you and which hotel/hostel suits your tastes. All these sites also offer deals and they can be a steal if you do your research right.

How to book other Activities to plan a trip to Europe from India:

You can always book for other activities online through Viator and GetyourGuide . But for most of it, I left the day’s activities idle. This gave me the flexibility for me to go there and decide what I wanted to do and what I did not want to do.

However, for things like the Opera in Vienna , you may have to make your booking in advance if you want a good seat.

Public Transportation in Europe:

I love the public transportation system in Europe and you can always use Google maps to help you figure out how to go from one point to another. Else you can always walk, which I feel is the best way to discover a city in Europe.

I did not have much success with Uber though in Europe. They were always 15 minutes late. This has definitely become much better over the years.

What to Pack for Women for a trip to Europe ?

Carry an umbrella. You never know when it is going to rain. Since I was there during Spring/early Summer , I had carried with me a combination of clothes that would suit both weather conditions. I was able to wear shorts only in sunny Algarve . Most of the other places I had to stick to wearing jeans and tops coupled with a light sweater. I wore a lot of dresses but I had to wear tights along with it. A jacket is also ideal for colder locations like Paris. You are going to be doing a lot of walking. So it is ideal that you carry a good walking shoe and a pair of flip flops. I managed to considerably reduce the amount of baggage I was carrying this time. The thing to remember is that you can do your laundry there and most hostels will have a washing machine which you can hire for less than 5 euros. Europe uses round pins for all their electronic devices. So make sure to carry multi plugs if your devices have a square pin. Try to keep all your toiletries to the maximum allowed limit. Most of the hotels and hostels provide them.

Foreign Currency in Europe:

Do not carry too much cash. That is always my motto. Even though I lost all my cards this time , I will still stick to carrying the minimum amount of cash. In case you want to withdraw, you can always go to an ATM  and withdraw cash.

Only thing to note is that you have to pay around 3% on every card transaction. So it makes better sense to withdraw in bulk.

Also get yourself a cash passport. They are the most helpful cards that I have used till date.

Europe trip cost from India / How much does it cost for Europe trip from India?

Most people ask me how much it cost for my European vacation. In most places, I was able to manage with 50-100 Euros per day.

It also depends on the location you are travelling to. Places in Eastern Europe like Montenegro and Sarajevo are some of the cheapest destinations I have travelled to in Europe.

Which Mobile SIM to use in Europe:

I preferred Orange in Europe . You can use your Orange sim in all the countries in Europe. The only issue is that you cannot recharge them in another country. For instance, if you bought a SIM in Spain, you can use the SIM card in France too. However, you cannot recharge the card if it is out of balance. Initially, in Portugal, I went for a lesser-known company. But that SIM stopped working the minute I was out of Portugal. Hence it is better to stick to the known operators. But public free Wifi is the best thing in Europe. I will definitely write on that later.

Using Google Maps in Europe:

Always remember to download an offline Google map of the next city in your itinerary. You will not realise how useful this is for you. I forgot to do this for Madrid and you know how that turned out.

Inform all your banks and mobile phone operators while planning a Europe trip from India:

You are going for a long trip. So it is better that you inform all your concerned banks and mobile phone operators.

Airtel has pathetic customer care service and be prepared to scream at them for their incompetence. In spite of informing them, I still had to pay an exorbitant amount once I got back.

How do I plan a 15 day trip to Europe?

I have written extensively about planning your Europe itineraries . Use a combination of any of them to pick out the best one suited for you.

Conclusion:

These are some of my tips on how to plan a Europe trip on your own from India? Do you have any other queries regarding your trip to Europe ? You can always shoot me an email and I will get back to you at the earliest. Hopefully, I have covered most of the queries first-timers have about their Eurotrip .

Don’t forget to take a printout of every booking and leave a copy of it at home. Liked it, then pin it.

Find some recommendations for Europe guidebooks

Guidebooks for Europe

Traveling to Europe and need more guidance on which books to read? These are our recommendations for you to read before you go.

• Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe
• Lonely Planet’s Guide to Europe
• DK Eyewitness Guide to Europe

Recommended : Best DAy Trips in Europe

BOOKING RESOURCES

Looking to book your trip now? Find some of my favorite resources I use while booking my trip. You can also find my travel gear here .

Book Your Flight

I am a  Skyscanner  fan when it comes to booking international flights. I use  Makemytrip  and  Yatra  for domestic flights.

Book Accommodation

Booking  is my go to resource for booking hotel accommodation and I use  Airbnb  for booking my homestays. I also compare prices on  Tripadvisor  always. Another one I always use is Expedia .

Travel Insurance

As an Indian, I prefer  ICICILombard  and I am always insured when I am traveling outside India. In addition, I have used  World Nomads  and SafetyWing for some of my trips.

I do go on a lot of day tours especially when I am traveling solo and love going on road trips with my husband.. Depending on convenience, my choices are  Viator  or  Getyourguide .

About Soumya Nambiar

Soumya Nambiar here. I am an avid traveler, travel blogger, vegetarian foodie and entrepreneur from Bangalore, India who grew up in Tanzania, Africa. I have been to more than 60 countries and in this blog, I write about my personal experiences as an Indian traveller around the world as well as my struggles as a vegetarian. I can be reached at [email protected] .

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2019 in review: a year of loss, gratitude, new beginnings (and mexico), how to change wordpress theme to astra in 2024 (using elementor pro builder), 66 thoughts on “planning a eurotrip from india in 2024 (tips, apps and websites to use, budget etc)”.

I'd imagine that for most travellers from India, six weeks in Europe would really tax the budget. Exchange rates would be pretty tough when you're converting Rupees to Euro. That's possibly why you're getting lots of enquiries about budget travel. What are the most popular destinations in Europe for travellers from India?

Great all-inclusive post about travel to Europe. I must admit, I had to google Algarve. Now that I've seen photos of it though, I am dying to go! Great tip about the visa, too.

Great tips about planning the trip! I must say I would have really hard time choosing just some places to visit during a trip like that. Europe offers so much, I really do not know how would I choose. What was your criteria, besides geography? 🙂

I plan my trips pretty similarly, with a lot of research and inspiration from fellow travelers and magazines. I love Rome2Rio also and I use it nearly every time I travel near or far. Hopefully I'll be touring Europe soon and I'll probably borrow some of your itinerary!

It sounds like you are super organised in planning your trip, especially using an excel spreadsheet – sounds just like me! I am a planner too and love to read up on places to go and also keep an eye out using sites like Skyscanner. Your trips are fantastic and really helpful to plan a trip to Europe, especially for first time visitors.

There was so much useful information crammed into one post! I have done both kinds of long term trips : planned from start to finish, and completely unplanned. I honestly enjoy both but I agree that sometimes it's better to have an itinerary planned, especially if traveling to areas like Europe that tend to cost more than say, SE Asia. It's definitely no fun to get to city and realize the only available accommodation is either out of your budget or already booked. I've been in those situations and sometimes you just have to bite the bullet, which ends up costing more. Plus, pre-planning your trip allows for more time to actually enjoy the place you're in instead of surfing the web. I'll definitely have to check out Rome2Rio. Thanks for sharing!

I know some friends who have done the backpacking trip and I so wish I had the energy to do it! There are a ton of amazing tips in here. I was surprised to read that you were able to find some good deals with Emirates. I thought they were the nicer airline companies that are on the pricier side 🙂

Great article abput how to plan a trip to Europe. It has all the important information one could need about visa, currancy etc. Thanks a lot! I love planning holidays. Probably my favourite past time activity.

Great itinerary for a Eurotrip, I've been to several of those cities already, a great choice of places! Also very useful info about those who travel to Europe for the first time. Thanks for sharing this!

There is definitely a lot to consider when planning a long trip especially in Europe. Hope it works out. Great list of things to research and places to visit.

Currently the most popular destinations are Paris and Amsterdam. Hopefully this will change in the coming years.

You should definitely go. It is a gorgeous place.

Well I wanted to go to Western Europe this time. So that was my criteria this time. 🙂

Hope you have a fun time in Europe when you go.

Yes I love planning most of my trip. I leave only some parts of the trip unplanned.

Yes Europe can turn out to be costly if we do not prebook in advance.

I am a frequent traveler on Emirates. So I usually have points. However this time I booked well in advance so the price difference was not much. Not as cheap as Oman Air. But the travel time for Oman Air was like 50 hours which meant I had to sleep in two different airports each way. Definitely not worth it.

Yes It is definitely a fun activity.

You are welcome

Yes I definitely did have a great trip except for a few bumps here and there.

Looks you have planned out your trip in detail very efficiently and its good to plan before visiting the place so you can utilize your time maximumly and can explore and enjoy the place.

Yes I love the planning part the best. So the trip was carefully planned.

Your article is a life saver. I can’t tell you how relieved I feel after getting all the inputs from your side. Coincidentally I started the planning thing on excel as I was bored at work :D. You’ve wonderfully attempted to explain every important aspect of travelling. Kudos !!

Thank You so much Abhishek. I am glad that you found it helpful.

You have mentioned about the Excel file with the planning here in the article. Could you share that with me please.

Even as a Swede I would probably try to mix it up a bit and put it into groups. This because some countries are easier to explore than others. Countries like France, Germany and Italy are groups one by one due to their size. Then you have the Benelux countries which is easy to travel between. You have the Iberian peninsula. You have Eastern Central Europe, with Austria, Czechia, Hungary and Slovakia. You have the Nordics (Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland), Balkans and Balticum. There are of course a few more. By sorting it out in groups like this, then for a 6 week trip you have the possibility to choose three groups and really have the time to explore and enjoy each place. 🙂

I think you managed to pick a lot of lovely places, mostly very characteristic of their countries. I have realized that there is no such thing as a perfect itinerary. We need to enjoy each destination for what it is.

You definitely have some great tips here. Picking a geographical area is definitely key. Also, I’m heading to Belgium this summer, and saw you did a day trip from Brussels to Luxembourg. Now googling that for my trip 🙂

Europe is an expensive destination but if planned well and in advance definitely could be done. We have recently moved To Ireland and are planning to cover as much Europe possible by scoring some deals on flights. Downloading offline maps is a great way.

You have done a fab job listing these tips for someone looking to plan a Europe tour. Though everyone has their own set of plans but these basic tips would surely be handy. Agree public transport in Europe is awesome and they make it lot easy to travel across Europe. You have covered some of the best destination we missed looks like we need another trip planned 😉

It’s a dream for most Indians to go a Europe trip. But, money isn’t the only problem, the biggest challenge is to plan and execute the trip. You have just given the most amazing way to fulfill this Indian dream. We consider ourselves privileged to have been able to visit the lovely continent on a couple of occasions.

Totally loved your article. My Europe trip is planned in a month, and most of the planning part is done, still I am going to bookmark it for further reference w.r.t forex, google maps etc. It will help if you can add some info on some apps that might have come handy during this trip. We are also people in job, and we didn’t have time to go on a long backpacking trip. So, we are going on a two weeks holiday. Some things like booking your flight in advance, booking your hotel options in advance and making the right choice totally makes sense no matter for how many days you travel.

Great tips for travelling Europe from India. I really like the itineraries that you made. Those are some great cities with tons of stuff to see.

Great tips of planning Euro trips from India! I’ve never been to Europe but hope to visit soon. I also liked your visa tips!

I’ve lived in Europe for 4 years and travelled so much but this was still informative. I did look at your first itinerary and was like hmm that seems pretty erratic but then your second one made so much more sense haha. I agree with you on the wifi thing. I never had a functioning sim card outside of Denmark and I never needed it because wifi was everywhere!

It is a well written post with all little details. An Indian really need to plan well a budgeted trip to Europe otherwise the expenses will go beyond anything. Apart geography what else you considered for selecting the location for one week. Skyscanner is a real good option for flights and Rome2rio is new for me. Will bookmark this for my future reference.

Great post. Thanks a lot for taking so much effort to explain the things. Indians planning their first foreign trps always go through a lot of uncertanties and hesitations. As for myself, I am yet to even start planning but this should help!

Such a comprehensive guide this is. Thank you for sharing the tips. It will definitely help everyone who is planning a Europe Trip in coming days. I wish to go on a long trip like this someday

This is a very good guide not only for Indians who want to travel to Europe but for everybody. We should all spend time to careful plan our vacations in order to get the best deals and see as much as possible while also having fun. For me personally, when I backpacked Europe, the Interrail was very useful because I chose to travel a lot by train in Scandinavia. Just 2 train tickets in Norway would have made up the entire cost of the Interrail so for me it was a no brainer to buy the pass instead.

Such a long trip requires massive planning and you have good pointers to that. I usually do in smaller installments that is little easy on the pocket too and can balance with office and school schedules. But then your pointers are helpful for shorter vacations too.

Thanks for sharing this information.Europe is a dream destination of so many people to spend their Vacations. While visiting Europe we have to be careful about choosing best deals.

Wow! Amazing post for someone from india to plan a Euro trip from India. Bookmarked this post for my future travel plans.

Hope you get to visit Europe one day.

Thank you for making our knowledge more because it is most important to know about place we would like to visit once and we will see all location with is describe by you your blogs are very nice

Hi Soumya, Is Dec a good time to venture western European counties for an Indian couple?

Christmas markets and other winter activities are definitely a must in December. If you don’t mind the cold.

Many of us have a dream of travelling to euro countries from India. Thanks for this awesome post. This will definitely help many of our people and guide them.

Great tips you got there! Do Africans fit into the visa ideas?

Your blog is very informative thank you. It’s really helped me. Thank you

I have read your blog post and i found it is quite absolutely interesting. Keep up the good work!

Fantastic article, but you’re missing Europe’s most beautiful and inexpensive destination, Albania! No Schengen. easy visa

Hi A well written article How about a bus trip across europe, like landong in budapest and return from some other destinations?

Good luck 🙂

Thanks for sharing your detailed info. I love traveling very much. and I want to know which website is sharing cheap flight tickets.

Such a informative content! I hope everyone loves to travel for mental freshness. With the help of travel, we can improve health and immunity.

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A Step-by-Step Guide On How To Plan A Europe Trip From India

Europe is considered as one of the most loving travel destinations for Indians.

UNWTO reports stated that Europe sees 20% of the travellers from India’s outbound traffic. France, Italy, Germany, and Switzerland are considered favourite countries in Europe.

But still, no matter who you are from India, one basic question comes to your mind before planning a trip to Europe, i.e., how to plan a Europe trip from India – without overreached the earned leaves or budget?

Before deep-diving into this matter let’s find out one thing. Why do we Indians love Europe so much as our dream travel destination?

Needless to say, one of the major influences comes from our Bollywood movies – It’s a romantic gateway for heroes and heroine to cherish their love, where we can witness some stunning landscapes across different parts of the continent, ease of travel throughout the continent, variety of culture, etc. Sometimes the influence becomes so strong that some of us planned their proposal in the ‘City of Love’ – Paris or go on to choose Switzerland as their honeymoon destination to witness the magic of Europe in reality.

I am quite sure, there are some issues with many travellers who are mostly on budget and try to do all sorts of calculations to cut off the expenses related to the trip such as flight charges, accommodation, food, and most importantly visa problem, which hold them back.

Relax! In this article, I will provide you some pro tips and a step-by-step outline on how you can go ahead carefully planning your dream Euro Trip a reality without any stress or any kind of brainstorming and most importantly on a budget.

Let’s go then!

Jump ahead to:

How to Plan A Budget Europe Trip From India

Planning an organized trip can really take as long as you want. However, if you planning to visit at least the big cities/capitals, you should have to spend a minimum of 2 full days in each city you visit and smaller cities might need only 1 full day. Write-off your arrival day to Europe for sure. It’s very natural to get a jet-lag.

Before starting your dream Europe trip plan, here are a few tips for your trip around Europe on a budget:

Choose your destinations wisely — If you have a clear idea about what you want to see like Colosseum or Vatican City in Rome and the Eiffel Tower or Louvre in Paris, you already know where you will go. Found out the main attractions you want to see and do in each city you’d like to visit. Make a list for your reference, so that you won’t miss out on anything.

Plan Your Travel Path — You might have your heart set on Prague, Rome, Amsterdam, Paris, and Athens, but if you only have two weeks or less, you’ll have to rethink. These cities are spread out and you need to spend a lot of time traveling than enjoying Europe. Plan out a travel path that is closely connected, and leave the remaining destinations for your next visit. It’s next to impossible to travel even only the big cities in Europe in a month’s time!

Figure out your budget — Apart from planning a travel path that won’t take up your entire trip, you should also plan out how much you need to spend for traveling place to place, food, stay, etc. If it’s starting to hit you hard, try to skip a destination that would be fun, but not worthy for this trip.

Plan Day Trips — Sometimes you may discover after checking your travel route that some places you want to visit are pretty close to bigger cities where you want to stay in. So, planning a day trip to the countryside instead of spending a night in a small town could be exciting and trust me, the European countryside will always surprise you with its beauty and it’s better to have a break from the bustling city.

Look for cheap and convenient travel options – One of the major portions of our budget usually goes into booking the main flights to and from India. I will suggest you use some of the flight app trackers like Skyscanner, Google Flights, or can visit the direct sites to compare the fares to keep a watch on the flight rates well ahead of your tentative travel date to get the best lowest rates or connection. Always look for a cheaper connection from major cities like Delhi or Mumbai. When you are traveling within European cities, you can also plan to take buses, trains, or budget airlines (through low-cost European carrier Ryanair or Wizz Air) on your trip but the prices will depend on how close cities are and which European budget airline you fly with.

Depending on the number of countries you choose, it is often economical to buy a Eurail Pass , an all-in-one train ticket giving you unlimited access to most trains across various destinations. Let me tell you one important thing if you manage your carry-on luggage strictly under 10 kgs, then you can fly as cheap as 30 Euro or less than that to different destinations within Europe to save time. Although, if not then, going by the bus (Flixbus) is the next best but definitely the cheapest option while travelling within Europe. My total intra-Europe travel cost including commuting to five countries through 4 flights, and 1 train travel came up to a total of ₹ 6780.

Find out budget Accommodation – Finding cheap accommodation is another aspect when you have a few days to stay in a city. Some of the best options for affordable accommodations include Airbnb, Youth hostels—or luxury hostels, hotels, and the cheapest of all couch surfing. Each of them will vary in price and location, but according to your budget, you should try to stay near to the city centre as it saves some travel time while visiting the tourist destinations.

When and Where To Visit In Europe

I planned my Euro-trip when I was doing my M.Sc. in Business Administration in Rome.  It took me two months to decide on which places to visit and finally came up with a fully packed 10-day itinerary covering 5 cities (only capital cities) with a complete estimate of what the middle-class me as a student was most worried about – Budget!

Here’s a brief outline for those who are planning a European vacation for the first time.

Now, the answer to this when and where to visit in Europe lies in the time you have available as well as your budget.

So, if you are clueless about what would be the ideal time to travel to your favourite European holiday destinations then the answer will be any time between the high season and low season (Known as Shoulder season) is often considered as the ideal time to visit Europe as major cities don’t seem to be as crowdy as in high season.

Ideally Spring (between March-May) and Autumn (between September-November) are the best time to travel but most of the cities are happen to be crowdy and sightseeing could be a bit expensive as well.

If you are travelling Europe for the first time, try to do a sampling of all the exotic locations that Europe has to offer. Keep the rest for your next visit, which may be a long stay in a destination that really close to your heart, and skip over a place you may not have enjoyed.

No need to worry about that!

Here’s a simple breakdown of the minimum duration of your stay in each country (only for 11 Schengen countries). In this chart below, we are assuming that you are going to visit at least 2 major cities and 2 minor cities in each country for your Europe trip.

Europe Trip Itinerary From India

To make your life easier I am going to suggest a 14-Day Europe trip itinerary from India, which is something like this:

Delhi (India) —> Budapest (Hungary) *

• Budapest is one of those European cities that has a little bit of everything. The main attractions are the Parliament Building, Buda Castle, Szechenyi Chain Bridge, Fisherman’s Bastion, the ruin bars etc and is perfect for the budget travellers and backpackers as many of its tourist sights are FREE! In addition, you can also visit few other major urban cities like Eger , Szeged , Pecs .

Budapest (Hungary) —> Vienna (Austria)

• Guess what! Your next destination has been ranked the most livable city in the world! You should definitely visit Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg Palace, Belvedere Palace, The Museum of Fine Art, and last but not the least, the classical Vienna Coffee with Sacher cake. Include Innsbruck and Salzburg in your list as well (Bollywood has a special inclination towards these three locations – 85 movies were partly shot in Austria in the last few years)

Vienna (Austria) —> Prague (Czech Republic)

• Capital of Czech Republic – Prague or Praha is also known as the “City of Thousand Spires”, situated at the centre of Europe. The most significant landmarks include Charles Bridge, Prague Castle Complex, The Old Town, Prague’s Astronomical Clock, and of course, the Czech beer!  Don’t miss out Brno , second biggest city and considered as one of the  top places to visit in Czech Republic. From Brno you can visit Adršpach Rock City, famous for formations made out sandstone that are pretty unusual in appearance. This one is perfect city for those who’re looking forward to an offbeat adventure. Your last stop could be Liberec, city with perfect balance of art and adventure. Adventure lovers can hike and ski at Jizera Mountains. Also, visit Jested peak that offers jaw-dropping views.

Prague (Czech Republic) —> Paris (France)

• Most people prefer to visit the ‘City of Love” – Paris during their first trip to Europe. Paris is a plethora of fashion, food, art and culture. The most popular attraction in Paris is none other than the Eiffel Tower, an engineering marvel in itself. Other popular attraction includes – Louvre Museum, Arc De Triomphe, Palace of Versailles. Finally, how you can miss the Champs-Elysées evening stroll and Ladurée’s macarons which are the perfect balance of flavours that simply melts in your mouth! A walk in Montmartre is perfect to end your day of exploration. If you are a lover of good food and wine, then Bordeaux, the capital of French wine is the place for you. Nice and Marseille are among the other best cities to visit in France.

Paris (France) —> Rome (Italy)

• There are so many incredible cities to visit in Italy alone, you could easily spend your whole 14-days’ vacation in this wonderful country with a stunning natural beauty and rich historical, architectural brilliance. The cities that you shouldn’t miss apart from Rome is Florence, which require at least 2-3 days each, while smaller cities like Naples and Venice can be seen in a day or two.

Rome (Italy) —>Delhi

*Write-off your arrival day to Europe

For internal travel between cities check options through  rome2rio , which shows the best and cheapest options for buses, flights, or trains.

Moreover, if you don’t want to plan your Europe trip by yourself, then you can travel through some Indian Tour agencies who provide some best Europe tour packages from India, like Thomas Cook, SOTC, etc, but I personally don’t recommend that as they have some pre-planned trips with time-bound.

Finally, if you are looking for a guided and expert planned vacation and travel packages and want to plan your own custom Europe trip, your best place could be ‘TravelStride’. They will match you with a local travel expert and plan, a custom itinerary for you as per your budget!

How cool is that!!

Things To Take On Europe Trip From India

Before heading out to the booking your flight, there are few very important things that you’ll need to take on a Europe trip from India.

Before you pack your bags and be ready to go, check all your travel documents and other necessary things prepared. This includes your passport (valid at least 6 months from your arrival), Europe travel insurance, travel itinerary, Europe trip package information, hotel reservations, visas (if necessary), copies of your passport, Europe travel map, and an international driver’s license if you intend to drive in countries that require one.

Visa for Europe Trip From India

For Europe, there are 26 countries that are covered under the Schengen Visa scheme. Firstly, be very clear about your plan and the number of countries you intend to visit, check whether they are covered under the Schengen scheme or not?

For traveling to Europe, you need to apply for a short-term Schengen visa under the “tourist” specification from India. Schengen Visa Fees for Indian Passport holders is around ₹ 7000.

You can easily apply through the VFS centres in your respective city. Still having doubts, don’t!

You can apply your Schengen Visa on your own through VFS Global .

It is highly recommended to apply for a visa at least two months prior to your probable travel date to avoid last minute tension.

SIM Card For Europe Travel From India

Are you planning to buy a SIM card for Europe travel from India?

If possible, try to avoid that. It’s always better to buy a local SIM card in the respective country as roaming charges do apply and network availability might vary. For example, in Italy Wind mobile is economical and easily accessible across all cities with attractive plans.

Europe Travel Insurance

When you are travelling to Europe, it is compulsory to have well-covered travel insurance for visa purposes as well as for our own medical assurance. It is recommended to always purchase insurance which covers not only the actual number of days but extra days as well. There are various approved Indian travel insurance companies (Apollo Munich Health Insurance Company, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company, etc), where you can purchase travel medical insurance for the Schengen visa process. I purchased my insurance through Bajaj Allianz at the time of my travel. It will cost you around ₹ 2000 to ₹ 3000.

How Much Does It Cost For Europe Trip From India?

Many people ask this question, but honestly speaking that is quite difficult to answer.

Firstly, Europe is not a country, it’s a continent that comprises many countries. Some of them are more expensive to travel like, Switzerland and some are relatively cheaper like, Greece, while a few of them are pretty cheap e.g., Budapest.

Please keep in mind that your cost will entirely depend on which places you visit at what season, the kind of accommodation you stay at, the modes you choose for intra-city transportation (flights, taxis, train, buses, etc.).

How much would a solo Europe trip from India cost?

Europe trip budget from India for a normal 14-day trip that covers 4-5 countries usually costs people up to 1 to 1.5 Lakhs per person. On the other hand, if you are doing the entire Europe trip backpacking (hitchhiking, staying in hostels, choosing cheap transportations wisely etc.), the costs will be substantially different from a regular trip.

You can get an idea of the costs from the posts on Eastern Europe tours from India .

I hope this gives you a clear idea about the cost of Europe trip from India.

I am quite sure that this article will help you plan a budget Europe trip with ease and serves as a complete Europe trip guide from India. If you find it useful, have any questions, or suggestions for improving the blog please write feedback in a comment.

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FootLoose Dev

Travel blog by an Indian travel blogger.

How To Plan A Europe Trip From India

The very process of how to plan a Europe trip from India can feel daunting.

From applying visas to shortlisting destinations to following a strict budget, there is a lot to plan.

When I was thinking of my first ever backpacking trip to Europe, I was quite doubtful too. I had limited money and was travelling alone. To make it even worse, I was travelling Europe for 2-month, straight, covering 8 countries in total. But then, it helped me learn how to plan a Europe trip from India.

And now that I’ve been to Europe about a dozen times since my first trip in 2017, I think it’s time that I share some useful tips and a step-by-step guide and help others in planning a Europe trip from India, the way I did. So here we go…

Before I start, let’s see a quick Youtube video I have posted on my Youtube Channel. This is an overview of my 2 months Europe backpacking trip :

Now let’s start with TIP number 1 in our list of how to plan a Europe trip from India…

Know Your Budget

There is no denying the fact that Europe is an expensive destination for Indians. Even a basic meal in Mc Donalds, somewhere in Zurich, can cost over 1000 Rupees. Knowing how much you can spend always helps.

I suggest you take a pen and paper write down the approximate costs because thinking of budget figurately is a lot different than putting it on paper. Writing down your budget is the first step to plan a trip from India to Europe.

To give an idea, the day-to-day costs including accommodation, food, sightseeing, public transportation, and a few extra incidental costs come to somewhere between 60-100 EUR per day in Western Europe and 40-80 EUR per day in Eastern Europe, for a budget traveller. This is when you are not living lavishly but not making too many sacrifices either. If you’re doing activities like sky diving or visiting an adventure park, add those expenses on top.

If you are a little more careful, you can save about 20%-30% more. This includes cooking your own food than eating out, travelling on a bus than on a train, and so on and so forth.

Here’s a related article you may want to read: Top Budget Travel Tips for Europe .

Once you know your budget, the next things to do in this travel blog on how to plan a Europe trip from India is creating an itinerary.

Create An Itinerary

Once you are done with the budget part, the next thing is shortlisting destinations, creating a route-map and finalizing your itinerary.

If you’re planning a one week trip in Europe, for example, I suggest you start with deciding a base city for you, and travel around it, doing a loop. This allows you to not redo the same journey and travel only new places.

For example, during my Europe trip, I chose Zurich as my base city (or my starting and finishing point) and did a big circle around it. Here’s what I did:

The reason I chose Zurich was that flights from India to Zurich were the cheapest India. Zurich, Frankfurt, Paris, Berlin, Rome are a few popular destinations with cheapest flights from India. Consider starting your trip from one of these cities.

Additionally, ask yourself whether you are into history or art or culture? Or perhaps adventure. And choose destinations accordingly. Also, if you want to travel on a low budget, focus on Eastern Europe. Scandinavia and Western Europe are the two most expensive regions in Europe.

Once you’re done with a rough the itinerary, consider yourself halfway to their entire dilemma of how to plan a Europe trip from India.

Search A Flight

While there is no standard time to book a flight, doing it about 6 weeks prior to your trip is a good idea. Remember, it can also take up to 4 weeks to get your Schengen visa.

A round-trip flight is always cheaper than a one-way flight. But if you want to start from one destination and finish at the other, a multi-destination flight works the best.

If you have some time before you travel to Europe, it’s best to keep checking the flights from time to time. Signup for a reminder when the price for the flight you’re looking for becomes the cheapest. You can do that on flight booking sites like Skyscanner, Goibibo and others. For best flight deals, check the offers here as well.

And here’s a more detailed article to help you with more tips: Top Tips For Booking Flight Tickets .

Buy Travel Insurance

For Indians travelling to Europe, travel insurance is mandatory. There are several domestic companies like Aditya Birla, Bajaj Allianz and Bharti AXA, among others, I never bought my travel insurance from them.

Because they don’t cover every aspect of my trip.

When buying travel insurance you should know what kind of coverage your insurance policy entitles you to. Travel insurance is not just medical insurance. There are different types of coverage available based on your needs.

Since I carry a lot of expensive photography/computer gear I need something that also covers me in case I get robbed. Eg, I got robbed in Bratislava a few years ago, but my insurance plan covered my damages.

So if you are someone who travels alone, carry a lot of digital equipment, book too many hotels/flights in advance, and want to stay covered no matter what, I suggest you buy your insurance from this company called ‘SafetyWings’. I’ve been using them for a couple of years for all my international travels. It covers me for medical problems, accidents, travel delays, lost checked luggage, and even natural disasters.

Think of travel insurance as an investment and not an expense. It covers you if something goes wrong. A wrong (or a cheap) travel insurance is just as good as having no insurance as all.

You can check Safetywing’s website by clicking here . Check different plans, and buy the one that best suits your needs.

Apply For Schengen Visa

Of course, you cannot plan a trip to Europe from India without getting a valid Schengen visa. Apply for a single-entry tourist visa, and you can use it to cross borders across the Schengen territory.

It is advised to apply for a Schengen Tourist Visa at least 4 weeks prior to the planned trip. In most cases, however, The Embassy Consulate takes only around 10 days to process the application. A tourist Schengen visa is commonly valid for stays no more than 90 days.

Though the process of applying for a Schengen visa looks complicated, it’s rather very simple. I suggest you apply for a Schengen visa on your own and save the agent fee. Here’s a detailed article on How To Apply for Schengen Visa As Indians .

Nex tip in this blog on how to plan a Europe trip from India is learning how to travel inside the continent.

How To Travel Inside Europe

Now that you are ready for the journey, let’s figure out how to best travel inside Europe. From booking hotels to buses, in Europe, everything feels so organised and orderly done — contrary to how we are accustomed to in India — making travelling in Europe fairly easy.

One thing you want to do as soon as you end up in a new town in Europe is visiting the local Tourist Information centre and collecting the free city-map and other reading material. This allows you to know the latest tourist attractions as well as get some local information not covered in guidebooks and online travel blogs.

If you’re going to be using public transport and visiting a lot of museums, invest in a City Card. Most towns across Europe have a City Card that allows unlimited free public transport and free entry to museums. For tourists who enjoy doing too much in too little time, a City Card saves them time as well as money. It is possible to buy a City Card online as well as from the local tourist information centre.

Between your arrival and departure in Europe, you won’t find any immigration checkpoints. Just catch a bus or a train and cross borders inside the Schengen zone, just like you enter from one state to the other in India.

Here’s more information on different transportation modes inside Europe:

Flights : It is possible to find a cheaper flight ticket in Europe than a train/bus ticket, so keep an eye. And it mostly happens for prominent long-distance journeys like Rome-Paris or Paris-Barcelona or Barcelona-Amsterdam. For example, I once travelled from Rome to Paris, with Ryanair, for 25 EUR. The same journey in train and bus would have cost me 80 EUR and 60 EUR, respectively. My three favorite low-cost budget airlines in Europe are Transavia, EasyJet, and Ryanair.

Buses : Buses in Europe are a lot cheaper than trains, and most budget backpackers rely on them to keep their travel costs low. Speaking of my personal experience, during my 2-month backpacking trip to Europe in 2017, I did 18 bus rides and 2 train rides in total. By doing so (and roughly speaking) I saved around 200 EUR. Where a train ride would have cost 50 EUR, the bus took 35, sometimes even lesser. Though of course buses take comparatively more travel-time, for me time was never a problem, and speaking of comfort, I personally found buses just as comfortable as trains. Megabus, Flixbus , Eurolines, Regiojet are a few international bus operators in Europe.

Trains : Trains in Europe are faster than buses, and take a more scenic route, passing through beautiful countryside. Almost every country has its own national train service that is cheaper than EuRail. But if you’re visiting a few countries and you want to travel by train, it’s best to buy a weekly pass for EuRail.

Various bus operators also have a weekly/monthly travel pass. Compare different bus/train operators and find what suits you the best.

Car-Hire : I once did a one-week road trip across Germany and totally loved the experience. It may take a couple of days to get used to, but driving in Europe has its own charm. And if you’re a group of more than 3 people, hiring a car moreover saves you a great deal of money. Read this article for more tips: Tips For Renting A Car In Europe .

I recommend you to check deals at Discover Cars for car rental options.

How To Book Accommodation In Europe

From budget hostels to luxury hotels to b&bs, Europe has something for everyone. And the best thing is, no matter what you choose, you’re going to find it neat and clean. There will be no smelly bedsheets waiting for you in Europe.

For me, backpacker hostels are the preferred accommodation type. And this is for two reasons… 1) I travel solo and hostels allow me to meet other travellers. 2) hostels are cheap.

If you want luxury and high-standard, and you are travelling in a pair, choose to stay in a hotel. If you want luxury and high-standard, and you’re three or more people, consider renting an apartment (apartments come with a kitchen too, allowing you to cook your own food). Airbnbs are good if you want a more local experience.

Either way, your place to stay with cozycozy , the accommodation search engine, where you’ll find hotels, hostels, Airbnbs and more.

If you’re a long-term backpacker, or local experiences attract you, I suggest you try Couchsurfing as well. I have personally tried Couchsurfing in Europe and loved the experience. It is also possible to volunteer in Europe as an Indian. Use websites like WorldNomds and workaway.info to find volunteering options. Read my horse riding experience In Germany . If you’re planning to volunteer and travel, you only need to apply for a tourist visa.

Best Months For To Plan A Europe Trip From India

Honestly speaking, any time is a good time for Europe.

If you want more backpackers around and want to enjoy open/street cafes, summer is the best time. But remember that summer is the peak season for most countries in Europe, so expect more crowd and high prices wherever you go.

If you want to experience Christmas markets in Europe and cosy indoor cafes, visit during winter. Daylight remains fairly limited during winter, but that doesn’t stop locals and tourists to enjoy the charms of Europe. Winter makes for a romantic time to travel in Europe.

If you want to visit Europe in the off-season (though there’s nothing like an off-season for Europe, but only fewer tourists around) visit during monsoon. Unlike in India, it only drizzles in Europe. The rain never stops any movement in Europe.

What To Carry From India For A Europe Trip

Wondering what to carry for your Europe trip? My advice: Not too many things.

Taxis are expensive in Europe. You may have to walk. Chances are, you are moreover going to shop in Europe, so don’t carry too much.

For a trip lasting one week or more, this is what I suggest you carry:

• 3-6 pairs of T-shirts
• 2-3 Paris of party wear shirts
• 4 bottoms or pants
• Ankle boots
• 1 sweater/fleece (for all seasons)
• Thermals and a heavy jacket (for winter)
• Sunglasses (for summer and spring)
• Waterproof jacket (for monsoon)
• 5-6 pairs of socks
• Medications and first-aid kit
• Basic Toiletry

9 Tips For How To Plan A Europe Trip From India

• Use websites like Musement, GetYourGuide, Klool and Viator to book group tours in Europe.
• Don’t try to explore too many destinations in a short frame of time. You will end up missing the essence of the place.
• Learn some local phrases. Eg. people in France will behave much nicely if you start the conversation in French and then gradually switch to English. Same with Germans or Italians or Czech.
• The standard voltage in Europe is 230V and the frequency is 50HZ which is the same in India but the socket type varies. I advise you to buy an international converter to be able to use it worldwide. You can buy a converter in most airports around the world.
• Your Indian sim card is either not going to work or charge you hefty amounts for international roaming. Solution? Buy a local sim-card, or get an international sim-card. Matrix, UniConnect and WorldSIM are some of the top international sim-card providers.
• Almost all tourist towns in Europe organise a free-walking tour. Ask the local tourist information center about the timing and the starting point. Walking tours are great to get to know about a city and even make some friends if you’re travelling solo.
• I understand that the first Euro trip is always about seeing the maximum number of countries, so be it. The only advice is don’t just stick to visiting big towns, rather, explore a bit of countryside too. It is the countryside in Europe that makes it more romantic and beautiful.
• Though most people say the contrary, I find tipping in Europe isn’t mandatory — especially in Western Europe. If you do not have the money or don’t like the service, it’s okay to not tip at a restaurant or at a bar. The waiters are not going to frown upon you, as they otherwise do in India.
• Euro is the standard currency across all Schengen countries. Rather than carrying cash, I suggest you carry a travel card. An International travel card works similar to your Bank Debit Card in India — just transfer funds from your bank account to your travel card, and voila. Refill when the funds are exhausted. Countries that have their own currency like Hungary and the Czech Republic happily accept Euros everywhere.

I understand the process of how to plan a Europe trip from India can feel daunting, especially for the first-timers. But after a few trips, you automatically start understanding the continent better. Which bus service is the cheapest? How to find a free walking tour? How to survive in Europe as a vegan. All these learning come to you naturally. But whether you travel Europe as a rookie or as a savvy traveller, any time spent in Europe makes for a beautiful memory.

Also read: How To Travel World Without Money

That’s all in this blog on how to plan a Europe trip from India. If you have more questions, ask me in the comments below.

Great work! Me and my husband are planning our first Europe trip and were just looking out for this kinda content 🙂

It would be great if you can share the locations to book an accommodation in Paris, Amsterdam and Rome.. thanks!

Great blog MR Dev and i am travelling europe may be with in 2-3year acc to this pandamic and full support from me brother love u love from UP And also great explanation of blog

Hi Dev, Very nice and helpful blog I must say. I am planning to visit Europe maybe next year.. depending upon the pandemic situation. Thanks for this post. I will surely consider the points you have listed before planning the trip.

Stay safe and thank you

Thanks Shweta. Stay safe \/

Very nice and detailed blog. I am planning to visit Europe from Delhi India in 2021. Useful suggestions.

Hi dev, u did a fabulous job bro.. I needed ur help to plan my Europe trip as I am traveling along with my wife, as I am holding a budget of bout 3..4 lacs frm, “India” for about 3-4 weeks of trip. I just wanted to know from where to begin & where to end.. Like serial wise..

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How to plan a europe trip from india.

Europe is one of those dream continents for many. The variety of culture, and romantic landscapes, and ease of travel makes it one of the top destinations to travel.

A total of 44 countries make up Europe — some as big or small as some of the states in India.

However, with variety comes a burden of choice.

Starting from which countries and cities to choose from, planning logistics, stay, and deciding on things to do in each country, it can get overwhelming pretty soon!

Introduction on Planning a Europe Trip from India

Europe is a popular tourist destination, with millions of tourists visiting the major European cities every year. And few popular European cities serve as an introduction to Europe for the majority of the tourists like Paris, Rome, Venice, Prague, Vienna, Barcelona, Amsterdam,  Budapest , or London.

Given that Europe has world-class public transport infrastructure, a variety of accommodation options from affordable hostels to swanky 5-star hotels, and a new country only a road-trip away, it’s quite easy and safe to find destinations that will appeal to the explorer in you.

Destination & Things to do in Europe

While every European city is unique and appealing in its own way, detailing all the destinations is well beyond the scope of this post. So, I’m going to give a brief lay-down into some of the top cities.

Most people prefer to visit the romantic French city of Paris during their first trip to Europe. Paris is a cornucopia of art, fashion, food, and culture. One of the most popular attractions in Paris is none other than the Eiffel Tower, which is an engineering marvel in itself. Also visit the  Louvre museum, Arc De Triomphe, Palace of Versailles, in Paris  to start with.

Amsterdam is yet another popular destination among tourists. The capital city of the Netherlands, also known as the city of canals.  Canals, beautiful houses, ‘coffee’ shops, and the Red Light District are some of the most apparent reasons why tourists visit the city . But there’s plenty of artistic heritage, rich history, and culture if you decide to explore further. Also, be it summers or winters, cycling acts as the main lifeline of transportation in the city.

Prague (capital of the Czech Republic), also known as the “City of Thousand Spires” is another popular city in Europe. Cobblestone alleyways, colorful baroque buildings, Gothic architecture, makes the city all the more charming and fairytale-like. And also cheap compared to other popular European cities. Stop by at the  beautiful Prague castle that overlooks the city, iconic Charles Bridge, Old Towns square, and Astronomical clock , to name a few.

Berlin is growing in popularity every year as a touristic spot, and it’s easy to see why. Rich World War II history makes it a prime attraction among history lovers, a variety of food options makes it the ideal place for foodies, and its fascination towards contemporary and modern art makes it a uber-hip city.  East Side Gallery (the longest open-air gallery in the world), Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag building, numerous museums, and expansive parks  only scratch the surface of the things to do in Berlin.

Did you know that the capital city of Austria – Vienna has been ranked the most livable city in the world, the 10th year in a row? While that’s just one aspect, Vienna, with its music, art, and cafe culture, only makes it a perfect city for visitors. Do visit  St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Schönbrunn Palace, Naschmarkt (outdoor market), House of Music (Haus der Musik)  — among other things when in Vienna.

Scandinavia or Nordic Countries

I wanted to specially mention the Nordic countries – Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and  Iceland . While it’s far more expensive and characterized by lower temperatures than the rest of Europe – it has its own charm. If you visit here when the nights are long — that is between November and March, you have a higher chance of witnessing the magical Northern Lights as well.

However, with most of these cities facing overtourism issues like Venice, Rome, Paris — it’s probably is a good idea to either visit these cities during the off-season or finding destinations that are off the tourist radar to get the best out of Europe.

Things to do in Europe

• Go on a free walking tour, which gives you an introduction into the city — history, culture, food, and its main attractions. While it says free, the tour mostly runs on donations. The idea is that, at the end of the tour, you can make a donation to the tour guide based on how you find it. Typically, around 5-10 Euros.
• Like I mentioned before, public transportation in Europe is top-notch. So, a lot of people go on day trips from the city. So, check out if you’d be interested in any day trips from your city.
• While cities are popular among tourists, the countryside of Europe is picturesque and quite fascinating. Consider staying in the countryside and experience the humdrum of daily life which is much slower-paced than in the cities.

Best Time to Visit Europe

While each season has its own charm and the best time to visit depends on your interest, and the kind of crowd you can handle, the most  touristic time in Europe is between June and August.

If you can manage the cold, then try visiting in the winter months between December and March, when you can witness the cities magically clad in snow. It’s a whole different experience altogether, and of course, you end up skipping the tourist crowds. Also, the entrance tickets and stay prices are far more affordable in winters.

Also, Christmas is a big thing in Europe, and you’ll see every significant city decked in lights and local Christmas markets popping up in the Old Town. So, it’s also a fantastic time to be in Europe to bring in the festive spirit.  Tallinn, Zagreb, Budapest, Prague, Vienna, and many parts of Germany and France have some of the best Christmas markets in Europe.

On the other hand, if you want a  compromise between weather and crowd, then the shoulder months of October and April would be ideal  for you.

Visa for Europe Trip from India

Most tourists visiting mainland Europe usually apply for a Schengen visa.

Equipped with a Schengen visa, you have access to 26 countries that are part of the Schengen region. Apart from this, 23 countries are not part of the Schengen region. Still, some offer a free visa on arrival with a valid Schengen visa, including Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, and so on.

However, the Schengen visa is one of the most elaborate when it comes to applying for a visa. It has quite a lot of paperwork involved. To make it simpler for you,  here’s an extensive guide on applying for a Schengen visa from India.

If you are not traveling to the Schengen region, chances are you’d have to apply for a country-specific visa — say Croatia, Romania, Ireland, or the UK.

Flights to Europe from India

You’ll find a reasonable number of flights flying to Europe from major metro cities in India.

Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru are the top places to fly out to Europe .  And Paris, Rome, Madrid, Amsterdam, Istanbul, and Vienna are the major flight destinations in Europe from India.

KLM has direct flights to Amsterdam from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. And AirIndia has direct flights from Delhi to Paris and Air France from Mumbai and Bengaluru to Paris.

The expected duration is about 12-13 hours by flight one way.

On average, flight costs about INR 45,000 for a return ticket. With a little research, you can find flights for about Rs. 30,000 return as well.

Accommodation in Europe

Again, accommodation varies based on which city you’re visiting. Starting prices for accommodation can be much higher in Western Europe than in Eastern Europe.

Having said that, here’s what you can expect in major cities in Europe:

Europe is well-known for its backpacking culture thanks to its closely-knit group of budget-friendly hostels. Usually, dorms range from 4-beds to 16-beds dorm — either categorized by gender or mixed. Also, hostel culture allows you to interact with some cool people from all around the world. Also, it offers numerous activities, like group tours and pub hopping. Some hostels offer free breakfast and usually come fully equipped with a kitchen where you can prepare your meals if you like. Hostel accommodation typically ranges between 15 and 25 Euro per night.

More and more people now prefer to stay in  Airbnb  in a home away from home. Ideal if you are looking for your own space for a private holiday either with friends or family. Airbnb usually comes fully equipped with a kitchen, which makes making dishes all the more convenient. Prices typically start from 20 to 30 Euros per night. Also, check out Airbnb experiences for more exciting experiences with locals.

Here is a definitive guide on how to book an Airbnb for a perfect stay abroad

If neither a hostel or Airbnb is suitable for you, then the next best option would be to stay at a hotel. Hotels usually come with free breakfast, and a concierge service — so it’s quite a convenient means of traveling. Hotel accommodation usually starts at about 35 Euros to 50 Euros per night. Also, prices can vary by where you prefer staying in a city.

Pro Tip: While booking stays for a visa, make sure that your name and all your travel companions’ names are mentioned clearly in the booking to avoid visa problems.

Transportation in Europe

The best part about Europe is that its quite convenient to travel between countries — it’s mostly as easy as traveling domestically.

If you are traveling between countries or cities, plan your itinerary such that you can utilize the extensive public transport network in Europe, either buses or trains. The best and most convenient is to opt for rail pass through services like Eurail.

Eurail Pass

There are different categories of Eurail Passes based on the countries you are planning to visit, and the number of days of travel. Single country passes are cheaper than multi-country passes. Usually,  Eurail Passes costs upwards of 400 Euros for seven days travel in a month per adult on a Global Pass, and around 200 Euros for eight days travel in a month for a single country pass.  With Eurail Pass, you have the flexibility of choosing your days of travel, and it’s not fixed like when you book tickets. If flexibility is what you are looking for, then it can’t get any better than Eurail Pass.

If you are looking for a more affordable way to travel across cities, then check out  Flixbus, which has bus connections throughout Europe . You can find tickets at around 25 Euros for an 8-hour journey if booked a week or two in advance.

Renting Cars

When in Europe,  go on road trips  whenever possible. It’s a fantastic place to go on road trips between countries and enjoying the beautiful scenery at your own pace. Especially helpful when you are visiting small towns where public transportation may not be frequent. Typically, it costs between 50-100 Euros per day of rental.

Local Travel

As far as traveling within a city is concerned, each city typically has trams, buses, a subway, or a metro network. Either you’d have to buy a transport card before your travel and reload it as much as you want, or buy a single ticket within the city limits. And in most major cities, there are multi-day passes that you can avail from the local tourist office or website. And, use Google Maps for public transport suggestions (trams, buses, or subway/metro) within city limits.

Food & Drinks in Europe

The variety of countries in Europe is reflected in its food culture as well.

Typically,  doner kababs are cheaper pretty much everywhere (about 5 Euro). Some of the other more affordable food options include — pizza slice (3-5 Euro), sandwich (4 – 8 Euro), burgers (5 – 8 Euro), or Hummus (5 Euro).

And also, eating out in a fancy restaurant with a couple of drinks will easily set you back by 20 Euros or so.

Also, do try the local food specialty when you can. Usually, a simple google search will bring you recommendations on the best places to eat and drink. Also, check TripAdvisor and Zomato for reviews.

Vegetarian food in Europe

Due to a wave of vegan culture in Europe, vegetarian food is more readily available now than ever. And you usually wouldn’t face many issues in Western Europe. But, in Eastern Europe, it could be a problem as vegetarian food is quite limited there. Even then, you’ll find vegetable burgers, sandwiches, Margherita pizzas, or salad at the least. And also if you don’t have a vegetarian dish on the menu, you can request them to make a dish without meat. Some times, it works, sometimes it doesn’t. But there’s no harm in trying!

Currency in Europe

While the majority of Europe uses Euro, there are quite a few countries which have their own currency as well. Ideally, you can carry Euros from India and then convert it into the local currency in one of the currency conversion centers.

The currency rates differ from one to another, and it could be tricky to find the best and authentic places to convert currencies. Instead, I’d suggest withdrawing cash from your forex card, which dispenses cash in the local currency. Using a debit card would be the next best option to withdraw some money.

Also, for transactions, it’s better to use forex cards over credit cards as credit cards usually levy about 2.5-3.5% extra (currency conversion, and forex charges). You can request a forex card from the bank you have an account with.

Or the best I’ve found so far from India is to signup for a NiYo Global Card – which is a prepaid card, and you can reload money on the card and use it pretty much like a forex card. But the advantage is that the foreign exchange rates are much better than a forex card, and also they don’t have any additional charges signup charges for the same.

Not all places accept card — like transport ticket when you are paying inside the bus or tram, or small shops or markets. So, it’s better to carry some cash along with you.

Europe Trip Cost from India

This is a question that is quite difficult to answer.  Keep in mind that Europe is not a country, but a continent that comprises of many countries. Switzerland is way more expensive than Greece and Spain, while Budapest is pretty Cheap.

Also keep in mind that it varies quite a bit based on the places you visit, the kind of accommodation you stay at, the modes you choose for inland transportation (flights, taxis, ferry etc.).

That said a normal 10 day trip that covers 2-3 countries usually costs people about 1 to 1.25 Lakhs per person.

You can get an idea of the costs from the posts on Budapest and Iceland.

Also, if you will be doing your entire Europe trip backpacking (hitchhiking, staying in hostels etc.), the costs will be substantially different from a regular trip.

I hope this gives you a fair idea about the cost for Europe Trip.

What to wear in Europe

Since the temperatures could be in Europe depending on when you are visiting, it’s essential to plan your travel wardrobe accordingly. Do check the weather forecast to get an approximate idea of the temperatures before visiting.

Spring (March to May)

Most of Europe is pleasant during spring which temperatures typically ranging from 11-19 degrees Celsius. It’s the season when the flowers bloom — so it’s one of the most beautiful seasons to travel in. Pack thermals and jackets depending on the temperatures.

Summers (June to August)

Sunny weather, long days, and flourishing nightlife makes summer the high season among tourists. July and August are the hottest months with temperatures reaching up to 32 degrees Celsius. Wherever you are in Europe during this season, a single layer of clothing would be enough.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumns in Europe are a sight to watch with leaves changing colors to myriad shades between yellow and red. There’s usually a nip in the air during this season — and it could vary greatly based on where you are located. Autumn is usually characterized by positive single degree temperatures and rains, so it might be necessary to pack a raincoat or an umbrella.

Winters (December to February)

This season is mostly about snow and temperatures are usually below 0 degrees. It’s essential to pack extra layers – thermals, sweatshirts, and a winter coat along with your usual item of clothing. Also, carry a winter cap, shawl, gloves, socks, and winter-proof shoes. Very important to cover your extremities so that you don’t fall sick.

Tips While on a  Europe Trip from India

• Most of the countries in Europe have their own language, so it would be better if you learn a few words in advance to better interact with locals.
• Europe is pretty much safe for solo travelers, including women. But of course, like always, trust your instincts, and take necessary precaution – like not roaming around in deserted alleys, or going for drinks alone in a bad neighborhood, and such.
• Many people don’t realize that pick-pocketing is quite common in the major cities in Europe. So, be cautious about where you keep your valuables. While you are out sightseeing, don’t carry your original passport preferably unless absolutely necessary — leave it at your accommodation and take a photocopy instead. Also, bring along just enough cash that will last you a day or two. And don’t carry all your money in one pocket.
• Always carry your passport when crossing borders, even if it’s just on a day trip.

BTW, Have you checked out our other posts on Planning trips to Europe from India? 

Raksha is a travel and adventure blogger at therovingheart.com. She is always collecting experiences. She has spent around 3 months in Europe (most of it solo) after taking a career break.

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55 Epic Road Trips in Europe (Itinerary Ideas + Tips!)

Whether you’re looking for coastal views, mountain villages, castles, wine country, or all of the above, one thing is for sure: there is absolutely no shortage of epic road trips in Europe.

Over the past several years, we have absolutely fallen in love with sampling the best road trips in Europe, and have explored parts of more than a dozen European countries by car, including driving from Portugal to Italy and back a few times!

Driving in Europe provides the freedom to find uncrowded corners and offbeat delights, while also ensuring you have a chance to hit up some of the biggest bucket list destinations on the continent.

In the beginning stages of planning a European road trip and not sure where you want to go?

With the help of many other travel bloggers, we have you covered–more than 50 times over!–in this giant guide to the best road trips in Europe.

Table of Contents

Once You Pick Your Perfect European Road Trip…

Tips for for planning to take a road trip in europe, best northern europe road trips, best southern europe road trips, best road trips in the balkans, best western european road trips, best central and eastern european road trips.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

… We’d love to help you plan your trip in more detail!

Here on Our Escape Clause, we’ve written detailed, step-by-step road trip guides for many of the destinations covered in this giant bucket list, based on our personal travels around the continent.

We’ll link them where relevant below, but to see them in one place, you can scroll through all of our road trip guides here .

We also have hundreds of travel guides on specific European destinations on our website.

To peruse by country, you can use our  destinations page  or the search bar on the top right of the page (on desktop) or at the top of the pop-out menu (on mobile) to find what we’ve written about the places you’re most interested in!

This travel guide to the best European road trips is already giant, so I’ll keep these brief, but here are a few essential tips for planning a European road trip!

Shop around for your rental car.

The best company to rent a car for your road trip in Europe from will likely vary dramatically depending on where and when you’re traveling.

Sometimes large international carriers offer the best prices, sometimes local outfits. Sometimes one company has an excellent base price, but terrible rental requirements.

The best way to find your rental car is to search through Discover Cars , which will sift through dozens of companies to find the best combination of low prices and reasonable rental terms for your European road trip.

Browse rental cars for your European road trip today!

Read the rental requirements carefully.

Especially make sure you know how many kilometers you’ve been allotted (or ideally, if they’re unlimited)!

You’ll also want to note whether you need to return the car empty or full of fuel, what to do if the car breaks down, and what damages you’re liable for in the event of an accident.

Manuals are cheaper and easier to rent than automatics.

Ideally, you’ll want to know how to drive a manual before taking any road trips in Europe.

While most companies carry a few automatic cars for non-European visitors, manuals are standard on the continent and are both far cheaper and much less likely to sell out.

Don’t focus on big cities.

Generally speaking, Europe’s legendary trains , plus plentiful bus and flight routes, can get you between major cities easier than a rental car.

Plan your European road trips around small towns, natural highlights, and countryside beauty instead.

Plan ahead if you want to rent a car in a competitive area.

Want to road trip Iceland in the height of summer?

If so, be sure to plan ahead: rental cars have been known to sell out!

Booking your rental car in advance is most important in places at a crossroads of extreme popularity and limited availability–like islands, for example.

Lofoten Islands, Norway

From Michele of The Intrepid Guide

Located in Northern Northern, the Lofoten Islands are a quiet and almost untouched corner of Norway.

Connected to mainland Norway in the north by road, this beautiful archipelago extends out into the Norwegian Sea.

The long highway connects most of the islands by bridges or ferries, making it super easy to get around.

There are countless things to do in Lofoten which range from easy roadside stops to hiking the mountain tops for stunning panoramic views.

Lofoten highlights include seeing the brave arctic surfers ride the waves at Unstad Beach, seeing the bright yellow Fisherman cabins at Nusfjord, watching the Northern Lights reflect in the wet sand at Skagsanden Beach, and seeing the iconic red cabins and cod drying racks on Hamnøy Island. 

If you only do one hike, make the Reinebringen Trail.

This popular hike leads you to some of the best views you’ll ever see and the elevation will make you feel like you’re on top of the world.

Start your trip in Svolvær, the region’s capital, and work your way down to Å – the most southerly town connected by road.

For the ultimate Lofoten experience, be sure to stay in a traditional fishermen’s cabin ( rorbuer ) and get hygge (Norwegian for ‘cozy’).

Recommended Road Trip Length

Allow at least 5 days to gently explore Lofoten and take it all in. This is not a place you want to rush!

From Svolvær to Å, it’s just 80 miles (129km), so you’ll be able to cover a lot of ground during your road trip.

Westfjords, Iceland

From James of Where You’re Between

Home to some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes, Iceland, in general, is one of the best countries for road trips in Europe.

Iceland’s second city of Akureyri is a fairly easy drive from Reykjavik, though one way to stretch out the journey is to take a multi-day detour through the Westfjords . 

Being one of the most remote areas in Iceland means that the Westfjords is also one of the least visited.

Despite this, the Westfjords is one of the most dramatic and spectacular corners of Iceland.

As an added bonus, a detour via the Westfjords also passes through the equally beautiful regions of Western Iceland and Northern Iceland.  

Before reaching the Westfjords take a further detour to Snæfellsjökull National Park, wherein true Icelandic style a glacier sits on top of a volcano.

There are countless waterfalls all along the route, including Kirkjufellsfoss, underneath the jagged shard of Kirkjufell Mountain.

Just inside the Westfjords region is Dynjandi, the largest in the whole region at over 100 meters tall. 

Much of the Westfjords is made up of mile after mile of sensational landscapes.

The roads often cling to the craggy mountainsides as they peak and trough around the jutting fjords.

Dotted throughout the Westfjord’s dramatic landscape are a number of beautiful idyllic towns, such as Flateyri and Ísafjörður.

Sat beneath the sloping mountains and facing the fjords these picturesque towns feel as though they’re a million miles away from anywhere.

Iceland’s second city of Akureyri also sits on the rim of a huge fjord in the far north of the country.

The nearby town of Husavik is one of the best places in Iceland to go whale-watching, and don’t miss the other-worldly landscapes of Dimmuborgir lava fields before you make your way back to Reykjavik.

3-5 days will give you a great introduction to the Westfjords.

From there, you can either explore the region more deeply or combine it with time in the rest of Iceland!

Algarve, Portugal

From Nina of Where in the World is Nina

We’re not sure what the best part of road-tripping Portugal’s Algarve is… the beauty, the cheap car rentals, or the ease of getting everywhere.

Perhaps it’s all three that make it one of the best European road trips!

If you fly into Lisbon or Faro, get your rental car booked ahead of time.

If you visit in the off-season, you can get a steal of a price for your car rental and lodging.

On your Algarve road trip, you can work from east to west or vice versa.

An ideal route would start in Lisbon, drive south, and then end in Faro.

You may pay just a bit more to drop the car off in another city but it’s well worth not having to backtrack.

The Algarve is known for its incredible beaches, cliffs, coves, and surf.

Some highlights you must check out include the sleepy surf town of Sagres featuring three nearby beaches (Amado is the furthest but best for beginner surfers).

Just thirty minutes east is Lagos , known for its headland views, watchtowers, and perhaps the prettiest view you’ll lay your eyes on at Ponta da Piedade.

Take a boat tour to Benagil Cave, or anywhere along the coast, exploring its sandy rock towers that sprinkle the shores.

There are also numerous coastal hikes that are really easy and provide great views. A favorite coastal hike is the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail.

One of the best parts of this Europe road trip is that you don’t have to pack up every day!

There’s no reason why you can’t choose where to stay in the Algarve once, and then not worry about it again since everything is pretty close and you’ll have a car.

Suggested Road Trip Length

Your trip should be nothing under three days, otherwise, it would be too rushed!

Five days is a good number and a week would be extremely ideal and you’d probably get to see everything you want and more without being too busy.

Andalucia, Spain

From Tom of The Travelling Tom

A road trip around Andalucia is the best way to see this beautiful part of Spain.

There is no shortage of beautiful places to stop, such as popular Seville , Granada, and Malaga, and lesser-known spots such as Cadiz and Ronda .

Andalucia is full of history and interesting sights. From the towering Puente Nuevo in Ronda to the Moorish palace La Alhambra, the region is arguably the most interesting part of Spain to visit.

History is everywhere you look. Buildings from the Moorish rule of Spain, to Roman baths and amphitheaters. Andalucia is the place to visit if you’re a culture vulture!

You will also find loads of activities along the way. One of these is the Caminito del Rey outside of Malaga. It once had the reputation of being the world’s most dangerous hike.

However, the hike on boardwalks overlooking a gorge is a lot safer than it used to be.

Now, you can admire the views instead of worrying whether you’ll fall off or not!

Starting from Malaga and passing through Seville, Granada, Cordoba , and Huelva is one of the best routes to take. A detour to Gibraltar is possible as well.

This road trip in Spain can be done in 7 to 10 days depending on how fast you want to go.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

From Chrysoula of Travel Passionate

Italy’s stunning Amalfi Coast is a memorable destination for a road trip as the colorful coastal towns are linked together with wonderful winding roads that meander along the hillside with spectacular sea views along the way.

Not only this, but the beaches, restaurants, markets, and museums en route make the Amalfi Coast ideal for travelers of any age.

Keep in mind, though, that driving on the Amalfi Coast in summer is not for the faint of heart: only undertake this road trip if you’re a confident driver!

The whole of the Amalfi Coast has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site which just goes to show what an incredible destination it is.

Start your  Amalfi Coast road trip from Sorrento or Salerno, and work your way down the coast to towns like Ravello, Positano, and Praiano.

The panoramic views you witness as you drive along these coastal roads are absolutely breathtaking so make sure you pull over to take in the views on regular occasions throughout the drive!

While the joy of taking a road trip along the Amalfi Coast is that each journey can be totally unique as you have complete flexibility, there are certain stops that you’ll probably want to add to the list to ensure you see some of the highlights.

These include Positano (the official starting point of the Amalfi Coast), Furore (the only fjord in Italy), the quaint village of Atrani, and, of course, the port of Amalfi itself.

The Amalfi Coast runs as far as Vietri sul Mare and you can take in as many or as few towns and villages as you wish.

The larger, more northern towns are the busiest and therefore most expensive, so if you’d prefer something a little more relaxing head to one of the smaller villages further down the coast.

You could spend absolutely anywhere from a few days to a few months exploring the Amalfi Coast, but the sweet spot is probably somewhere between one and two weeks.

If you have longer to spend in southern Italy, consider visiting Sorrento, Pompeii , and Capri too as these all have tons of character, culture, and history to explore.

From Rai of A Rai of Light

There are plenty of places to visit in Malta and a road trip sure is one of the best ways of doing so.

The island is perfectly made to get into your car and head for the open roads (as long as you’re confident–the driving on Malta is intense).

However, Malta is small enough to ensure getting lost is not a regular occurrence, while large enough to hold many distinguished features and scenic routes.

From the start point in Sliema don’t miss a stop at the Birgu Waterfront for great views of Valletta, before moving on to the picturesque fishing village of Marsaxlokk.

This laid-back village will make you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time.

Most of the scenic drives in Malta will have the sea featuring in one way or another.

After a stop in Golden Bay, the drive down from Mellieħa to Għadira comes with many good stops along the way, including Għadira Bay and The Red Tower.

On the way back to Valetta, a stop in St. Julian’s is recommended.

Malta is just so compact that you really can fit in most of the island on a day-long road trip.

However, it is recommended to increase this to two to four days if you’re really keen to take your time and see all that this island has got to offer.

Costa Brava, Spain

From Justine Ancheta of Latitude 41

Translated as “the rugged coast”, the Costa Brava blesses northeastern Spain with sandy beaches, medieval villages, and the eccentricities of artist Salvador Dalí.

From Barcelona , head north to Tossa de Mar, a small town where you can get a view of towering medieval walls while basking on Platja Gran, the main beach.

Then spend a day or two exploring the best thin gs to do in Girona, including the 12th-century Arab baths, the well-preserved Jewish Quarter, and the imposing Girona Cathedral.

From there, visit the charming former fishing village of Cadaqués.

A warning to the driver: the last few kilometers of the road leading up there are narrow and winding, but not dangerous.

However, the journey is worth the scenic beach coves, whitewashed residences, and cobbled streets wrapped up in a sophisticated ambiance.

It’s also where artist Salvador Dalí spent his summers and home to the famous Casa-Museo de Salvador Dali.

Next up is Figueres, the birth town of Dalí and home to the quirky Dali Theatre-Museum.

Some of his avant-garde works lie here like his holographic art, stereographs, and the Mae West installation. Also, the artist himself is buried in the crypt.

This European road trip is ideal if you’re seeking the warm Mediterranean sun while discovering local Catalan and Spanish art and culture.

Carve in at least seven days to see the magnificent Costa Brava!

Sardinia, Italy

From Hayley Lewis of A Lovely Planet

The stunning Italian island of Sardinia is a fantastic road trip destination, with stunning beaches, incredible scenery, and delicious Italian food.

Start your Sardinia road trip in Cagliari, the island’s largest city, and head southwest to Isola di Sant’Antioco, accessed by a mile-long causeway.

This is one of the oldest parts of Sardinia, and is not as frequented by tourists.

Next, drive to Bosa on the east coast. The coastline is incredibly scenic along the way, with rugged hills and sandy beaches.

Bosa is a hillside town filled with quaint colorful houses, and a castle at the center – a must-visit – especially for great views of the town.

Continue north to Alghero, a town with a strong Spanish influence and striking coastal walls.

North of the town you’ll find some of Sardinia’s most beautiful beaches – perfect for a few days of relaxing.

Make your way across the island to the west coast, and the town of Cala Gonone, the gateway to Golfo di Orosei – a stretch of incredible coastline accessed by boat or by hiking.

The water here is clear and a striking aquamarine color and the coast is dotted with great little beaches including the famed Cala Goloritze – one of Sardinia’s most prized beaches.

There is also an extensive cave network, which you can visit part of, via boat at Bue Marino Grotto, which is filled with striking stalactites and stalagmites.

Before you make your way back to Cagliari for your flight home, be sure to stop at Cala Sinzias, a white sand beach reminiscent of the Caribbean or French Polynesia.

Ideally, it’s best to have at least a week to explore all that a Sardinia road trip has to offer.

Sao Miguel, Azores, Portugal

From Megan of MeganStarr.com

In the middle of the Atlantic Ocean where the European plates meet the American ones sits the Azorean Archipelago, a group of volcanic islands that are an autonomous region of Portugal. 

The largest of the islands is Sao Miguel and you’ll find the main airport there, as well as a copious number of things to do.

Sao Miguel is the perfect place to start your Azores itinerary as there is a network of well-taken care of roads that wind around the island allowing visitors to see all of the viewpoints.

This Azorean island is the perfect place for a road trip, and exploring Sao Miguel in-depth by car should take around 3-4 days.

The best place to embark on this road trip is in the capital city of Ponta Delgada.

After visiting the colonial city brimming with architecture constructed with a touch of black, volcanic stones, you should head west where you will have the opportunity to look down into craters of old volcanoes and lakes that now fill them.

Sete Cidades is the most famous and the landscape will blow one’s mind.

As you cruise around Sao Miguel by car, you’ll have the chance to drive by some attractive black sand beaches and small villages, such as Capelas along the north coast.

There are several natural pools along this route that you’ll want to be sure to tote along a bathing suit and beach towel.

The next place worth tackling on Sao Miguel is the eastern part of the island, where you’ll find many hot springs, botanical gardens, and relaxing parks such as Terra Nostra where you can spend time rejuvenating yourself in natural pools heated by geothermal energy.

Another can’t-miss thing to do in Sao Miguel is to find a restaurant near Furnas that specializes in ‘Cozido das Furnas’, a famous Azorean dish that has been slowly stewed by the Earth’s underground heat.

There is plenty to do in the Azores and Sao Miguel is an ideal starting point. 

Whether you stay there for three or four days, which is the minimum number I recommend, or more, you will definitely be glad you got to experience one of the best road trips in Europe.

Eastern Sicily, Italy

From Annabel of Smudged Postcard

Sicily is a big island so to do it justice it’s worth concentrating on just part of it. Eastern Sicily lends itself particularly well to a road trip.

Fly into Catania and start your Eastern Sicily road trip, starting with a few days spent exploring the beautiful coastal city of Syracuse with its stunning cathedral and fascinating ancient history.

Next up is the Val di Noto where a huge earthquake resulted in many of the cities being rebuilt in an elaborate Baroque style in the 17th century.

Noto and Ragusa are particularly impressive although fans of chocolate might prefer Modica and its interesting chocolate history.

Drive into Sicily’s interior for a morning exploring Caltagirone with its incredible ceramic staircase before heading on to Enna.

In the center of Sicily, Enna is a hilltop city like none other with awe-inspiring views across the wheat plains.

Also not to be missed near Enna are the Roman mosaics at Piazza Armerina, which are said to be some of the best-preserved in the world.

From Enna, you’ll pass smoldering Mt. Etna before ending the trip in pretty Taormina with its Greek amphitheater and the lovely beaches at Isola Bella below.

This trip will take around 10 to 14 days if you’d like to explore Sicily at a leisurely pace.

The road trip is best undertaken outside of the scorching summer months: the ancient sites are best visited during the milder weather of spring or autumn.

Southern Italy From Puglia to Rome

From Marta Correale of Learning Escapes

The south of Italy is one of the most beautiful areas of the Italian peninsula and a wonderful destination for a European road trip.

Blessed with beautiful weather almost all year round, this is a land of many wonders and rewards the adventurous visitor with stunning coastlines, charming whitewashed villages, and important cultural sites.

This southern Italy itinerary travels from Puglia to Rome, via the little-known region of Basilicata.

Start your trip from the small city of Trani, marvel at its stunning waterside cathedral, and make your first overnight stop in Alberobello.

Famous for its hobbit-like dwellings of UNESCO fame, this is a pretty town with flower-filled alleys and fairy-tale architecture, perfect for slow travelers and photography lovers.

Make unique Matera your second stop and spend a few days taking in the incredible sight that is this city, entirely carved out of rock ( sassi ).

Explore its rupestrian churches and get pleasantly lost among its labyrinthine city center, beautiful views, and restaurants!

If you book in advance, you may also be able to find accommodation in one of the  sassi : these have now been restored and are a unique and romantic place to call home for a few days!

From Matera, drive towards Rome but before diving into the dream that is the Eternal City, make sure you visit the archaeological site of Paestum along the way.

Famous for beautiful Greek temples abandoned among vast green fields, it is one of the most scenic Unesco sites in Italy and one not many visitors know about yet! 

This road trip is ideally spread over a week to 10 days and it is particularly suited to those travelers who enjoy cultural sites and getting off the beaten track.

Tenerife, Spain

From Paulina of Paulina on the Road

Some may think of Tenerife as a plain beach and sun destination, but it’s much more than that.

There are plenty of things to see and do on this Spanish gem once you get away from the shore.

The best to explore Tenerife is by going on a road trip, which will help you understand how diverse this island is: rocky volcano mountains in the north and golden, sandy beaches in the south.

I recommend starting in Adeje, one of the best places to stay in Tenerife , from here you can make your way up north to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, famous for its Auditorium and carnival.

From here, continue to La Laguna, a gem of historic architecture.

This is already the highest point you can get in Tenerife.

From here, drive all the way southwards passing along La Orotava and Los Gigantes. 

The island may seem small in size, however, you should at least calculate 2-3 days if you want to explore all its attractions with a road trip.

Terceira Island, Azores, Portugal

From Sylvia of Wapiti Travel

Terceira Island is probably the most spectacular island in the Azores archipelago. 

It can be visited as part of a broader Azores itinerary . This European road trip is a versatile vacation that is sure to please hikers and nature lovers.

Since none of the islands is really large, most tourists visit multiple islands in one trip. Island hopping, either by boat or by plane, is part of the charm of a trip to the Azores.

The island was the third to be discovered, hence its name, and it is also the third-largest island of the group. 

A few hours is all you need to drive the entire loop, but by just driving around the island you would miss the majority of the impressive sights that are located in the center of the island.

The island is home to two impressive caves. You can visit both in one afternoon leaving ample space to hike the Mistérios Negros trail that starts at the entrance of Gruto do Natal. 

The next day you can visit the Furnas do Enxofre, a fairytale-like landscape at the heart of the island.

The island has numerous impressive viewpoints and if you plan your visit in summer you can dive into the countless natural swimming pools to cool off.

Three days is all you need to see all of the highlights of Terceira, which will allow you time to leisurely road trip the island and enjoy all the beauty it has to offer.

From Linn of Brainy Backpackers

A  road trip across the Tramuntana mountain range in Mallorca is a must if you visit the small Spanish island.

Starting in Palma de Mallorca, drive straight to Cap de Formentor for breathtaking cliff views.

You should not miss Cap de Formentor’s viewpoint, but even more spectacular are the views from an old abandoned building and watchtower up the hill next to the viewpoint.

You can either walk for 30 minutes or you can drive up the narrow road.

The reward is the most mesmerizing view of the entirety of Cap Formentor and Menorca in the distance.

Continue through the picturesque villages of Pollensa, Fortnalutx, Soller, Deia, Valldemossa, and Port Valdemossa.

In Soller, you should leave the car and take the old-fashioned tram down to Port de Soller. This town is a great place to stay the night during your Mallorca road trip.

 Recommended Road Trip Route

The route can be done in a day, but it is recommended to spend at least 2-3 days to get the most out of it.

With more time, you can add additional island destinations to sightsee, enjoy the beaches, and go snorkeling in Mallorca !

Lisbon to Porto, Portugal

From Or of My Path in the World

Full of incredible stops along the way,   a road trip from Lisbon to Porto   is a great and easy way to explore multiple regions in Portugal.

This wonderful route includes quite a few unique landmarks, so it should be on any Europe lover’s bucket list.

The first one that shouldn’t be missed is Cabo da Roca, Europe’s westernmost point.

It provides the most scenic views of the Atlantic coast, and it’s the starting point of several hikes alongside it.

There’s also a nice bonus of getting a personalized certificate confirming the visit to this unique place.

Another must-see on this road trip is Sintra. It’s home to the iconic, colorful, and Insta-famous Pena Palace, but there’s a lot more to this town.

Other historical landmarks to visit here include the Castle of the Moors, the Palace of Sintra, and the palace of Quinta da Regaleira.

The fairytale town of Obidos is also worth a visit: be sure to walk the town walls!

And, Portugal’s incredible UNESCO-recognized monasteries of Alcobaça, Batalha, and Tomar lie between Lisbon and Porto.

Your road trip isn’t complete without a stop at at least one of them!

Not including a few days in Lisbon and Porto, this route can take about 3-4 days.

Northern Spain Road Trip (Bilboa to Santiago de Compostela)

From Jessica of My Feet Will Lead Me

One of the most underrated areas of Europe may just be Northern Spain.

The diverse landscape from San Sebastian to Santiago de Compostela makes for multiple mini destinations in one road trip.

From tiny surf towns to mountain villages, to medieval cities, this region of Spain is an absolute gem.

And because it typically gets overshadowed by Barcelona, Madrid , and Andalucia , there won’t be swarms of tourists and prices are very reasonable.

Starting with the autonomous community of Basque Country, this culturally distinct region of Spain is known for its amazing cuisine and especially seafood.

Here, you’ll want to get your fix of “pintxos” or bar finger food.

For a lesser-known but incredible sight, visit the little surf town of Bakio and see the Game of Thrones filming location for the Dragonstone castle, known as Gaztelugatxe.

Continuing west to the Principality of Asturias, the Picos de Europa National Park is a dramatic and stunning area of snowcapped peaks, turquoise rivers, tiny traditional villages, and cliffside roads with views that will make your jaw drop.

Head back to the ocean in the Asturias region where seaside villages cling to the dramatic coastline.

There are sandy beaches, rocky and rugged beaches, and jade-colored water.

Visit the capital of Oviedo for architecture and history and if small seaside villages intrigue you more, wind your way down the coast stopping for tapas and drinks in towns like Ribadasella, Lastres, and Cudillero.

Finally come to Santiago de Compostela, the capital of Galicia.

It also is the culmination of the iconic Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, so you’ll see many backpackers with trekking gear.

This is a fairly small city with a stunning medieval old town and cathedral. It’s a perfect place to spend a couple of days sampling tapas and sightseeing.

Northern Spain is perfect for mountain and beach-loving adventurers alike.

You’ll need at least a week to adequately cover the small towns, and longer if you want to spend time in the cities of San Sebastian, Bilbao, Santander, Oviedo, or Santiago de Compostela.

Barcelona to Andorra

From Mar of Once in a Lifetime Journey

Most people drive from Barcelona to  Andorra  without any stops, arriving at Andorra la Vella in about 2.5 hours.

However, you can also make it a day trip and visit a few of the interesting villages along the way.

Start with a morning stop at Montserrat Mountain. This famous landmark outside of Barcelona is a holy mountain for Catalans and contains the black Virgin of Montserrat.

There is a museum that holds paintings from famous artists such as Caravaggio and Picasso as well as the church which can be visited. 

After Montserrat, the next stop should be Manresa. This modern city has a Medieval core that contains a beautiful church, bridges over the River Cardoner and other places worth a visit.

Visit La Seu, the 14th-century basilica that took almost two centuries to build and is a gem of the Catalan Gothic style. 

Have lunch in Manresa, the more local a place looks, the better. Most restaurants will have lunch menus for less than 15 Euro, including coffee and usually a glass of wine.

With a full stomach, continue towards Berga, famous for La Patum, a fire festival that takes place every year during mid-June and which sees an explosion of fire, dancing, and drums.

If La Patum is not on, you can learn more at its small museum, and explore this small Medieval village with its entry gate called Portal de la Magdalena. 

After Berga, continue to La Seu d’Urgell, the capital of the county of La Cerdanya and the last territory before reaching Andorra.

In la Seu, as the name indicates, you can see a fabulous Romanesque Catedral de Santa Maria, which is one of the most important in Catalonia and has been well preserved.

There is an adjacent museum with Romanesque art pieces and a cloister.

You can comfortably complete this short European road trip in a day.

From Stephanie of Sofia Adventures

Slovenia is a stunning country, and some of the   best places to visit in Slovenia  are best reached by car.

While many tourists know to see Ljubljana and Lake Bled, gems like the UNESCO World Heritage site of Idrija, Lake Jansa, and Triglav National Park are can’t-miss spots that are slightly more remote. 

Start with a day or two in Ljubljana before you pick up a rental since Ljubljana is famously walkable and compact. When you’re ready to hit the road, you truly can go in any direction!

Head southwest to Predjama Castle, Skogjan Caves, and the seaside town of Piran , or you can head west to Idrija and the Julian Alps. 

Or go northwest to the waterfall-laden paradise of Triglav National Park.

If you’re itching to go east, set your GPS to Maribor and enjoy this gorgeous and quiet Slovenian city that too many tourists skip over. 

If you’re going to be in the country in the wintertime and intend to drive through the mountains or do any skiing, make sure you pick a rental car that can handle the driving terrain!

The mountain roads in the west can be a bit tricky.

You can cover a lot of the country in one week, but give yourself two weeks to enjoy a lazy circuit around this tiny but packed country. 

Bay of Kotor

From Emily of Wander-Lush

Petite, affordable, and with only one toll road to its name, Montenegro is a terrific place for a European road trip.

While you can reasonably cover the entire country from mountains to sea in 7 to 10 days, for a slower-paced  road trip around Montenegro , I highly recommend honing in on the Bay of Kotor.

Montenegro’s crowning jewel, the Boka winds its way along the northern part of the country’s Adriatic coast, carving deep coves into its stony mountains.

Eighty kilometers of well-maintained highway hug the shoreline, meaning it takes just over 2 hours to drive around the entire bay.

Along the way, there are plenty of small towns and national parks to stop off at.

Highlights include the town of Kotor , with its UNESCO-listed Old Town, Budva, Sveti Stefan, and Herceg Novi, and Perast, a tiny Venetian town sandwiched between a pretty blue-water bay and towering hills. 

One of the best things about this road trip is that because of the short distance, you’ll never have to do more than an hour or so worth of driving in a single day.

You can easily break up the journey with longer stays in the more laid-back towns (Perast is perfect for this – mainly because it’s free from cruise ships).

If you want a change of scenery, it’s only a quick detour up the steep hills above the bay to reach Lovcen National Park.

If you’re feeling brave, take the Kotor Serpentine, a notorious road that involves 16 hairpin bends.

The views get more and more spectacular with every turn, and there are plenty of places to pull over for a photo once you reach the top.

I recommend setting aside at least 5 full days to do this route, and the towns along the way, justice.

Hvar, Croatia

From Martina of The Global Curious

The island of Hvar, in Croatia, is known for being a stunning, party island lying on the crystal clear depths of the Adriatic Sea.

Some head there to spend a few wild days, and others would visit for a couple of hours as a day trip from Split .

But travelers keen to unwind and truly enjoy Hvar could easily spend from 4 to 7 days road-tripping and discovering some of the island’s gems. 

Hvar’s most famous spots can be found in the Old Town and its surroundings, from the cathedral to the Spanish Fortress and a Franciscan Monastery.

If visiting over the summer, the lavender fields up on the hills around Velo Grablje and Brusje are a must, even if you are just passing by!

Camping and off-the-beaten-path enthusiasts can stay in Milna, a tiny villa by the sea with beautiful sunsets and great seafood.

If planning a visit to Croatia’s most famous beach, Zlatni Rat on the island of Brac, Jelsa is also a cute little town with a campsite where you can park and set camp. 

The best of road-tripping is the chance to get to more ‘secret’ places.

Pitve is definitely one of those! It’s a tiny ghost town up in the hills with a population of 69 people.

Getting there is quite fun as you must cross an old narrow tunnel before reaching a settlement full of abandoned stone houses left to nature’s will.

Dubovica is also another very scenic beach in Hvar. 

Another great idea is not just touring the island but visiting the Paklinski Islands, especially Marinkovac and Jerolim. 

To kick start your road trip, catch the ferry in Split, arrive in Stari Grad, and tour the western half of the island. It’s also possible to rent a car once you arrive there! 

To complete the experience, drive across the island to the East and catch the ferry from Sucuraj to Drvenik.

Once in Croatia’s mainland, if you still have time on your hands, drive south for 2 hours and reach Dubrovnik !

Ideally, travelers would spend 5 or 6 nights in Hvar to really explore the island and its surroundings.

The roads are well maintained and although it can get crowded, as soon as you leave the main town, you’ll find peace and quiet.

Southern Albania

From Rick of The Road is Life

Albania isn’t the first country that comes to mind when planning a European road trip, but if you give it a chance it will prove to be an amazing adventure.

This is a country with both great natural beauty and interesting history.

Towering mountains plummet precipitously into the crystal clear and stunning Mediterranean waters that span the entire west coast and further inland there is no shortage of beautiful UNESCO-listed sites and old towns to explore.

This southern Albania road trip will start you off in the port city of Saranda before visiting the stunning coastal town of Ksamil, with striking azure waters and nearby UNESCO-listed Roman ruins.

Then, head inland, passing by the beautiful “blue eye” lake before heading to the ancient town of Gjirokaster, with its traditional stone-roofed buildings and market.

Hike up to the ancient hilltop fortress for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys .

Continuing north you can spend the night in a 13th-century citadel situated high above the UNESCO world heritage town of Berat , eating in beautiful local restaurants as you take in sweeping views of mountains and sunset.

Explore the unique town and architecture before getting back on the road for one of the most stunning drives in the world.

After leaving Berat you’ll head back to the coast via a winding and amazing mountain road, offering jaw-dropping views out across the Albanian riviera; keeping your eyes on the road is no easy task!

You can have lunch at a mountain-top restaurant overlooking the ocean before heading back down to have your choice of beaches to stay on. 

Spend as many days on the Albania Riviera as you please, feasting on fresh seafood (at amazing prices) and enjoying the pleasant lack of crowds compared to mainstream European beachside destinations.

There are multiple ferry trips between Corfu, Greece, and Saranda per day so fly into Corfu to save money.

Cars can be rented at Saranda port, consider paying a little extra for a well-known company to avoid scams.

This road trip in Europe can be done comfortably in a week but can be extended for as long as you can handle the sun-drenched beaches, cheap beer, and delicious seafood. 

Bosnia and Herzegovina

From Arzo of Arzo Travels

One of the best road trips to take in Europe is through Bosnia-Herzegovina.

This beautiful but definitely underrated country surprises its visitors who venture to enjoy a Bosnia road trip .

Many travelers drive over from Croatia: if so and you come from Dubrovnik or Split , start from Kravica Waterfalls, Pocitelj, and Blagaj.

You can visit all three beautiful places in one day before driving to Mostar which is just a few kilometers from Blagaj.

After spending a day in Mostar it is time to drive to Sarajevo , which makes for a scenic ride .

Pass the Neretva River, Lake Jablanica, and Konjic and spend a full day on the road with many breaks.

Sarajevo is a wonderful city where you can spend a day or two before ending your day trip.

For this European road trip itinerary, I would plan in about 5 days.

If you have more time (6 or 7 days), consider driving the M 18 toward Montenegro.

You will get to Bosnia´s longest and deepest canyon – Rakitnica Canyon – where you can do some water sports. 

Eastern Crete

From Una of Wandernity

Crete is the largest island in Greece, and it takes several days to visit all of the must-see places on the island.

Renting a car and going on a road trip will make it possible to reach as many points of interest as possible, making Crete a fantastic option when planning a road trip in Europe.

Malia is a great choice for the apartment on the Eastern Crete. It’s known as a party location and has a lot of hotels, beaches, and attractions.

A perfect day-trip from Malia is going to   Spinalonga Island, Agios Nikolas town, and Richtis Gorge .

Spinalonga island is uninhabited, and tourists can reach the Venetian fortress and ruins of a former leper colony by boat.

You have to be there early to secure a place on a boat, as during the high season there might be queues.

Agios Nikolas is a coastal town with beautiful houses and streets leading from a hill to the seaside.

There is an old harbor surrounded by charming cafes and very photogenic architecture.

Richtis Gorge is a green and lush hiking path ending at the seaside. The hike is around 4 kilometers long one-way.

It has a waterfall in the middle for a refreshing swim before going back up the gorge.

Another day-trip you can make from Malia is to the cave of Zeus, Knossos, and Heraklion.

Knossos is a place famous due to the well-known myth of the Minotaur. Half-man and half-bull, the Minotaur is said to have lived there in a labyrinth, and the ruins which exist today actually look like the labyrinth.

Knossos is a ceremonial and political center of the Minoan civilization and culture, which might be the oldest city in Europe.

Finally, Heraklion has an impressive Koules Fortress built by Venetians. It’s a perfect place to go for a walk and see the city from a long breakwater. 

Try to spend at least a few days dedicated to Eastern Crete if possible!

As the island is quite big, one way to save time on road trips is to rent an apartment on one side of the island for a few days, and then change the base to the other side.

Transylvania, Romania

From Rachelle of Adventure is Never Far Away

With fortress-dotted hills strewn across valleys, quaint medieval towns, and narrow highways slicing through dense forest, road tripping through the countryside of Transylvania is like something out of a fairytale, not a feature that many other corners of the world can boast. 

Starting in Brasov, head north towards the vibrantly colorful town of Sighișoara and wander through the maze of cobblestoned streets.

Get lost in the old town city center, which also happens to double as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Continue northwest to Cluj-Napoca, the unofficial capital of Transylvania, and immerse yourself in the hopping local college nightlife scene.

Travel southwest to the charming town of Hunedoara and visit Corvin Castle, which resembles a real-life version of Hogwarts.

Wander through one of the largest castles in Europe and one of the Seven Wonders of Romania.

Then, start heading east to the city of Sibiu, home to some of the most dramatic houses in all of Europe: the old city center houses have eyes!

Catch a side-eye stare from the homes as you try your luck walking across the Bridge of Lies.

Finish your road trip through Transylvania by heading east back to Brasov, nestled snugly amongst the mighty Carpathian Mountains. 

Transylvania is one of those places that you should visit now before it explodes with tourism.

Prices are cheap, the countryside is beautiful (as you will discover on your road trip through Transylvania!), and it’s fairly easy to navigate! 

Road trippers should allow themselves about 5 days to make the journey, as many of Romania’s country roads have slower speed limits and cut through endless villages along the way. 

From Julie & Zach of Ruhls of the Road

A road trip through Croatia is basically a gauntlet of adventure and absolutely stunning sites!

Start in bustling Zagreb and head through Plitvice Lakes National Park to Split, and finish in the walled city of Dubrovnik.

This adventure is full of unique sites and experiences that you can’t find in any other country on Earth!

Start your road trip in Zagreb and get your fill of Croatian city life. Head to a local restaurant and pub to get some fuel and prepare yourself for a once-in-a-lifetime Croatian adventure.

The first stop on the road is Plitvice Lakes National Park, which is about as close to the Garden of Eden as you can get.

Explore this paradise for a few days until you are ready to move on. Once you tear yourself away from Plitvice, head to the Croatian coast to Split. 

Split is a wonderful coastal town that gives you a truly Croatian experience.

Don’t miss wandering through Diocletian’s Palace, sampling the fresh seafood, or admiring the views from the promenade.

Relax and recharge in Split before making your drive down the coast to Dubrovnik, Croatia’s premier tourist destination.

Dubrovnik’s Old Town, used in Game of Thrones as King’s Landing, is an ancient walled city that makes for a unique adventure.

You can walk the entire wall, experiencing a city that has been home to so much of Europe’s history, and has still never been conquered!

Dubrovnik will be the perfect end to the perfect Croatian road trip.

Plan your trip for one week at least, with a few days in each place, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

Korçë to Përmet, Albania

From Anita of Travelling Balkans

One of the lesser-known drives within Albania and the Balkans is the road trip from Korçë to Përmet. 

Korçë is a lively city with the biggest cathedral in Albania as well as the best beer and Qofte (a sort of meatball).  There are many great things to do in Korce , so it makes a great starting point!

The road starting here and leading to Përmet, which is a small town known for its slow food movement and being close to the incredible nature spot Bënjë, is one not to be missed.

It winds through forests, small villages, and natural hot pools, and the road sits parallel to the border of Greece. 

There are also many old bridges along the way which are perfect photo opportunities too. Just beware that you cannot cross safely due to half of the boards missing!

Make sure you stop off at Bënjë which is around 20 minutes from Përmet.

Here you can relax in many hot pools as well as marvel at the Old Ottoman bridge which is a true feature of this area. There is also a canyon and waterfall if you walk directly up the river.  

This road trip takes about 4 hours but do allow a couple of hours at Bënjë to relax in the hot pools as well as the various other stops along the way!

Transfăgărășan Road, Romania

From Dominika of Sunday in Wonderland

If you aim to check all the best European road trips from your bucket list, you should definitely visit Transfăgărășan road in Romania.

This picturesque path among the Transylvanian mountains is one of the two most famous roads in the country (just next to Transalpina).

It was called the absolute best road trip in Europe by the Top Gear team, but even without this honor, it has a lot of stories to tell on its own.

The road was built by the Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu.

Although there were many easiest ways to travel through the Făgăraș Mountains peaks, he decided to build the Transfăgărășan road to show the power of Romanian technology.

The must-visit place during the Transylvania road trip is the Poenari Citadel.

The ruins of the ancient fortress are situated on a high peak which you can reach by climbing ~1500 steps. The castle was the citadel of Vlad The Impaler.

He was the archetype of the famous character of a vampire from Bram Stoker’s “Dracula”.

There are many more  interesting facts about the Transfăgărășan road  that you should know like Bâlea Lake or Vidraru Dam. But this trip is something you simply must try on your own.

You can drive the Transfăgărășan road in a day, but be prepared! You’ll need to pay extremely good attention when driving, as this is far from the easiest driving in Europe.

Eastern Scotland

From Gemma of Two Scots Abroad

There’s no denying that Scotland’s most popular road trip is the North Coast 500 but there are other routes which are lesser-known, and have historic castles, cute villages, and fewer midges!

Starting in Scotland’s capital, collect your car from Edinburgh Airport to avoid the stress of city driving or brave the roads and catch the highlights of the city.

Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, Dean Village, Calton Hill, and of course all the Harry Potter attractions should make your list.

Leaving Edinburgh drive over the Queensferry Crossing to the Kingdom of Fife. Park up at North Queensferry for views of the Forth Bridge which is a UNESCO Heritage Site.

Drive to Culross and walk back in time. Outlander fans might recognize Culross Palace.

Next, head to the ancient capital of Scotland, Dunfermline, and spend the afternoon at the Heritage Quarter and the Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries. 

The following morning, enjoy breakfast in Aberdour. Take a stroll along the beach then drive to the East Neuk stopping at Ellie and Anstruther for fishing village feels.

If you like to hike, consider staying in this area of Fife to do part of the Fife Coastal Path or head to St. Andrew’s for the night before moving on to Dundee.

From Dundee, head north to the city of Aberdeen stopping at Braemar and Ballater in the Cairngorms National Park.

At Stonehaven, visit Dunnottar Castle, you can’t miss it, literally! Arrive in Aberdeen and wander the streets discovering the Nuart street art mural trail all over the city. 

On the final day, head up to Slains Castle and on to Bullers of Buchan.

From here, you can turn back to Aberdeen for the night or drive to the gateway of the Scottish Highlands, Inverness.

It’s best to set aside a minimum of a week and a half for this road trip, but two weeks is even better.

French Riviera

From Victoria of Bridges and Balloons

Experience the glitz and charm of the world-renowned French Riviera on this road trip along one of Europe’s most exciting coastlines.

Though not technically part of France, kick off your French Riviera road trip in Monaco, the fanciest of all the Riviera destinations where you’ll be among mega yachts, Lamborghinis, and diamonds aplenty.

For something more quaint, head to the hills and the village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a picturesque enclave famous for its art and the great artists who stayed there in the past.

Cannes is your next stop on this France road trip for some time by the beach and, if you time it right, the famous film festival.

St. Tropez is another popular spot for yachts and as such has the glitz that goes with that, but somehow also retains its charm with pretty streets and a laid-back vibe.

Before your final stop in Marseille, stop at the breathtaking Calanques National Park, one of France’s most stunning sights with turquoise water and hidden coves.

And finally, in Marseille, enjoy the vibrant, multicultural port city with all its gastronomic and cultural delights.

Seven days is ideal for this road trip and I recommend going in the springtime before the crowds hit in the summer.

If you want to extend this road trip into more of the best places to visit in the south of France , consider turning inland to the Luberon Valley after visiting Marseille.

Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

From Allan of It’s Sometimes Sunny in Bangor

Probably one of the most iconic road trips in Europe is the Wild Atlantic Way, a 1,553-mile coastal road trip following the west coast along the Atlantic Sea.

It is also a route that connects many of Ireland’s more famous tourist attractions which include the Ring of Kerry, the Cliffs of Moher , Connemara, and of course the cobbled streets of Galway.

The route itself can start in either the north in County Donegal or the very south in County Cork which will likely depend on the vantage point of arrival.

For example, from Dublin (2h 50mins) or Shannon Airport (1h 45mins), it may be best to start in the south at Cork, although a more convenient start would be from  Belfast in Northern Ireland  which is just over an hour from the borders of Donegal.

The overall time it then takes really depends on interests along the way!

With enough time, detours to places like the Slieve League Cliffs and Slea Head Drive are well worth your time.

While it is only an 8-9 hour drive direct from the most Northern Point at Malin Head, Donegal to the most Southern point of Mizen Head in Cork, this time would be at least triple when following the scenic coastal routes.

I would give at least 3 full days for any Wild Atlantic Way road trip, and, for a more leisurely drive visiting the various attractions along the way, I would give a week or so.  

Alsace, France

From Elisa of World in Paris

Alsace is one of the best regions in France and there’s no better way to explore Alsace than on a road trip.

Alsace is best known for Strasbourg, the capital, and its picturesque villages.

It is also one of the most important  French wine regions and there are also beautiful natural sites and impressive châteaux to visit.

Start your trip in Strasbourg , Alsace’s capital, to visit Strasbourg’s amazing Gothic cathedral and the streets of La Petite France, in the Old Town, with beautiful architecture surrounded by canals.

Head to the south to visit Colmar , the most famous town in Alsace.

Colmar is a great place to taste some of Alsace’s typical dishes in one of its traditional restaurants (winstubs).

Spend the third day exploring a couple of picturesque towns like Kaysersberg, Riquewihr, or Eguisheim. This may sound like too much but they are really small towns.

Don’t leave Alsace without tasting its wines, especially the whites.

If you don’t know what to choose, let yourself be guided by the winegrowers and you will be fine.

If you want to hit the road to explore Alsace, a minimum of 3 days is recommended.

This will give you time to visit Strasbourg well (we recommend one full day) plus explore some of the region’s picturesque villages and do a couple of wine tastings.

If you are interested in hiking in the Vosges, then a minimum of 4 days will be necessary.

From Ben Holbrook of Driftwood Journals

The open road, cozy country pubs, and wild horses galore… Wales really is made for those who love road trips in Europe.

Many a visitor to the UK makes the mistake of only visiting Cardiff in their bid to “tick Wales off” their bucket list. Needless to say, they’re missing out in a big way. 

Instead, what they should really do is hop in a rental car and head straight to the glorious Brecon Beacons National Park.

Located less than an hour away from the English border (via the newly free-to-cross Prince of Wales Bridge), this is a land of endless rolling hills and unspoiled natural beauty. 

If you have time then be sure to make a pitstop in the charming town of Abergavenny on your way, aka the Gateway to Wales, followed by a quick stomp up Sugar Loaf Mountain. 

Once in the Brecon Beacons National Park itself, simply let the winding, pine-fringed backroads guide you and stop for photos and picnics at secluded spots along the way, such as the Talybont Reservoir and Usk Reservoir.

Then it’s time to wind the windows down, shift into top gear and cruise the inspiring Black Mountain Pass, named one of the greatest driving roads in the UK (made famous by none other than motoring icon Jeremy Clarkson). 

From the Brecon Beacons, you can continue west to the rugged Gower Peninsula and/or Pembrokeshire Coast National Park for some of the best surfing and camping in the UK.

And all of this beauty can be reached within just 2 or 3 hours from the English border! 

Ideally, set aside at least a few days to explore all that Brecon Beacons National Park and Wales as a whole have to offer.

Brittany, France

From Shelley of Lifejourney4two

A Brittany road trip will introduce you to an amazing collection of destinations.

Brittany, located in the northwest corner of France, has a rich Breton culture and a mix of landscapes that makes a road trip here exciting and varied.   

Starting in the historic town of Kerhinet, you can wander through romantic thatched cottages, before moving along to the pretty seaside town of Sarzeau and its moated castle, Chateau de Suscinio, built in the middle ages.

The fabulous Bretagne coastline provides ample opportunity for beautiful coastal walks. Make sure to take time to explore the Quiberon Peninsula with its White Port Arch.

Further along, is the Pink Granite Coast and the seaside town of Perros-Guirec. In Plougrescant, you’ll come across an incredible house nestled impossibly between two rocks.

As well as coastal and seaside experiences, this Brittany road trip will have you stepping back in time in the charming medieval town of Dinan.

Set within its old city walls, it is known for its quaint half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, and its array of historical monuments. 

Don’t forget to sample the local Brittany delicacies such as sweet crepes, savory galettes, and the butter-rich Bretagne Gateau. 

Four days will have you traveling about 500km through Brittany and will give you enough time to experience the variety of flavors Bretagne has to offer. 

Northern Ireland

From Amanda of Toddling Traveler

Northern Ireland is by far one of the best road trips in Europe.

Between the beautiful scenery and the unique outdoor activities, it’s something that needs to be experienced at least once.

The best area for a 1 week road trip in Northern Ireland is the Causeway Coast and Glens, after spending a couple of days in Belfast. 

With towns like Cushendall, Ballycastle, Ballintoy, and Bushmills, there are so many great places to stop along the way. 

From Belfast, you can make a stop at Carrickfergus for the castle and seaside restaurants.

Between the views of the ocean on one side and the sheep nestled among the cliffs on the other side, there’s so much to take in.

Cushendall is a quaint little seaside town with the friendliest people, and it’s a great location for sightseeing in Northern Ireland. 

From Cushendall, you can drive through the beautiful Glens of Antrim and make a stop at the Dark Hedges for any Game of Thrones fans.

Another famous stop on the Causeway Coastal Route is the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge which takes you a few hundred feet above sea level. 

Ballintoy Harbour and Fullerton Arms are two additional stops that are popular with Game of Thrones fans. 

From Cushendall, you can change your home base to Bushmills for a change of scenery. 

Bushmills Distillery and the Giants Causeway are two sites that shouldn’t be missed in that area. For golf fans, Portrush is a popular seaside town that also boasts a world-famous golf course.

If your Northern Ireland road trip allows for more time, spending more time in Portrush or Portstewart is definitely recommended as well. 

7-10 days is ideal for a road trip through Northern Ireland, but you can easily spend more time if you’re exploring beyond Antrim County.

Loire Valley + Normandy, France

From Brianna of Curious Travel Bug

The  Loire Valley and Normandy are two of France’s most beautiful areas and combined, they make for a fantastic road trip from Paris.

This European road trip is perfect for those who enjoy the countryside, castles, and adorable villages. 

Start your trip by driving to Amboise from Paris.

Amboise is small enough to be walkable and has a scenic chateau that overlooks the town, and a great base for visiting the Loire Valley.

From Amboise, you can visit famous chateaux like Chateau Chenonceau, Chambord, Villandry, and Usse.

After exploring the Loire Valley head towards Normandy and the coast.

A great halfway point to break up the driving is Chateau d’Angers, a massive castle with huge towers.

Stay in the village of Pontorson to visit nearby Brittany, towns like Dinan and Saint-Malo are both worth a visit.

From Pontorson you will be only 20 minutes from the incredible Mont Saint Michel.

Mont Saint Michel is what brings most people to Normandy and it is certainly impressive.

If you can, try to visit both at high and low tides as the contrast between the two is interesting to witness.

Drive further into Normandy and stay in the town of Bayeux. Bayeux is a cute medieval town made famous by both the Bayeux Tapestry and its proximity to the D-Day Beaches.

The D-Day sites are worth spending at least a day exploring.

Finish up your road trip by stopping in the port town of Honfleur to see its cute harbor.

Head back to Paris, stopping en route in Giverny to see Monet’s gardens.

Other places to include on your itinerary if you have more time are the city of Rouen and the cliffs at Etretat.

This route requires at least 6 days but you can easily spend much longer exploring both the Loire Valley and Normandy as these areas are rich with history, charming villages, and castles to explore.  

Cotswolds Road Trip

From Laura of Travelers Universe

If you have more than 3 days in London and are ready for a quick European road trip, then a visit to the Cotswolds is a must. No other area in the UK compares to the old-fashioned charm and heritage of the Cotswolds.

When planning your road trip route I recommend you start with the 4 must-see villages in the Cotswolds: Bourton-on-the-Water, Upper Slaughter, Lower Slaughter, and Bibury.

Bourton-on-the-Water has a unique appeal to everyone. It is regularly voted as one of the prettiest villages in England and is famous for its honey-colored stone architecture and idyllic scenes.

The village is known as the Venice of the Cotswolds and it’s the perfect place for you to enjoy some relaxing time by the River Windrush.

Upper and Lower Slaughter share an interesting name that could be translated as a ‘miry place’.

Lower Slaughter has been very well conserved and walking alongside the stream seems like a trip into the past. 

There is no wonder the village has been used for filming productions on several occasions. 

Upper Slaughter is equally as charming. Interesting fact – it lost nobody in the First World War and that’s why these days it is considered to be a sainted village. 

If you are by car, I recommend parking in Bourton-on-the-Water and walking from there, as there is limited parking in the Slaughters. 

When it comes to Bibury, everybody will quote William Morris as he famously said that Bibury is ‘the most beautiful village in England’. 

Well, this should be convincing enough to check it out for yourself. 

Don’t miss the picturesque Arlington Row cottages, dating back to 1380. Arlington Row is one of the most photographed places in Cotswold.

Recommended Road Trip Route

Try to set aside at least a couple of days to enjoy road-tripping the main villages of the Cotswolds.

Route des Grand Alpes, France

From Kat of Wandering Bird Adventures

One of the best road trips in Europe is the Route des Grandes Alpes, in the southeast corner of France. 

It’s possible to drive this route by car and stop along the way at one of the many beautiful towns, but a better option is to   travel the Alps by motorhome  and stop up a mountain in the middle of nowhere.

Technically, the Route des Grande Alpes starts in Lake Geneva and goes south over the highest mountain passes until you reach the French Riviera, but you can easily drive it in reverse if you wish.

Highlights include breathtaking mountain views; the Milky Way at night; going up Mont Blanc in a cable car; exploring picturesque Lake Annecy and the awe-inspiring Gorge du Fier.

Of all the places to enjoy a road trip in Europe, the French Alps are definitely one of the most awe-inspiring! 

This road trip can take anywhere from 3-5 days and the best time to go is late spring or early autumn, (May/ June or September/ October.) 

The reason for this is the weather (winter snow means road closures in the mountains) and also cyclists- you will not believe the number of cyclists who ride up and down these crazy roads! 

And that’s not including the Tour de France which regularly passes through this route- another reason to avoid July!

Dublin to Dingle (Cross-Country Ireland Road Trip)

By Jennifer P. (aka Dr. J) of Sidewalk Safari

A road trip from Dublin to Dingle is one of the longest you can undertake in Ireland.

Dingle is one of the most picturesque places in Ireland and is well-worthy of a road trip in itself. However, sometimes getting there is more than half the fun.

Take a road trip to Dingle and use the 5-hour drive to explore lesser-known parts of Ireland on the way.

Start at Birr Castle, a 19th-century house and gardens that was home to the world’s largest telescope for nearly 75 years.

Next up, drive to Adare, which is best known for quaint thatched cottages and for being one of the most beautiful small towns in Ireland .

Adare is an ideal road trip pitstop; there are cool things to see and do but not so many things that one is tempted to linger (budget 30-60 minutes).

Listowel is known as the literary capital of Ireland because writers like Bryan MacMahon and John B. Keane once lived there.

Grab a coffee on the colorful square and follow in the footsteps of some of Ireland’s best-known writers.

Do not miss Foynes and the Flying Boat Museum! Fun fact: Irish coffee is believed to have been invented in Foynes.

Finally, stop at Belvedere House in Mullingar for its follies.

Follies are large-scale structures that look ancient but are actually modern.

Belvedere House also has a Jealous Wall erected in a feud between two brothers centered around alleged adultery. 

Recommended length: 2 days. Take one day en route to Dingle and a second day on the way back to Dublin to cover all the stops referenced.

Montpellier to Toulouse, France

From Maura of Travel Kiwis

The region of Occitanie in southern France has spectacular scenery and diverse history.   

Start in the pedestrian-friendly and vibrant city of   Montpellier for shopping and French cuisine.

From Montpellier, allow an hour to travel the coastline dotted with pink flamingos to the fishing village of Sete, a perfect place for lunch and fabulous seafood.  

One-hour inland is Beziers, one of the oldest cities in France where high above the river Orb sits the Bezier Cathedral.

Bezier is famous for the Orb Aqueduct, which carries the Canal du Midi over the river, and the Fonserannes Locks, a staircase of nine water levels, which traverses the canal.   

Half an hour from Beziers is the old Roman town of Narbonne.

You can explore the Hordeum, a labyrinth of underground warehouses when Narbonne was a Roman port, and view part of the first Roman road in France, Via Domitia. 

An hour from Narbonne, overlooking the Aude river, is Carcassonne.

The spectacular UNESCO heritage site Chateau Comtal de Carcassonne is perfect for a short stay. Make sure to try the local dish Cassoulet.

The final stop is Toulouse, the capital city of Occitanie, referred to as the La Ville Rose with its pink terracotta brick buildings.

Visit the Aeroscopia museum to learn more about the Airbus A380, built-in Toulouse; it is the largest airliner in the world.

This route is 276kms taking four hours with no stops. So, take your time and plan a night or two along the way.

Scottish Highlands & Islands

From Jessica of One Girl, Whole World

Exploring deep into the Scottish Highlands and islands with one of the most stunning European road trips you can take.

A  10-day road trip itinerary  has gorgeous landscapes, interesting history, hiking options, boat trips and ferries, and few crowds.

There are infinite route combinations, but here is one that’s a great combination of landscapes, history, and activity, and avoids long stretches of driving. You can start from anywhere, but Edinburgh or Glasgow is the most common.  

Head toward the upper Highlands, covering Glen Torridon, Applecross, and (weather-permitting) driving the famous and slightly nerve-wracking Bealach na Ba pass. 

Then spend a few days on the Isle of Skye, possibly hiking the stunning Quiraing and taking a boat trip from Elgol to the misty Black Cuillin mountains.

Then get further out to islands that most tourists rarely visit. 

You can take a 90-minute ferry north to the Isle of Harris & Lewis and spend a day or two driving the island and experiencing the turquoise beaches and ancient standing stones. 

Once you’re back on the mainland, consider hitting beautiful Glen Coe and the Glenfinnan Viaduct (the Hogwarts Express!) in the Highlands on your way west to the tiny Isle of Iona. 

Iona has both beauty and some of the earliest Christian history in Scotland, and also a perfect base to take a boat trip to the almost-mythical Isle of Staffa. 

Finally, spend a day or two exploring charming Edinburgh at either the beginning or end of your trip. 

The length of your visit is flexible, but to cover everything above you should plan for at least 10 days–if you can set aside two weeks, that would be even better!

Northumberland Coastal Route, England

From Stuart Forster of Go Eat Do

The Northumberland Coastal Route is a scenic driving route that runs for 48 miles between Blyth and Berwick-upon-Tweed.

The marked route meanders past broad beaches and castles built when this region saw regular raids by cattle rustlers, known as border reivers, and Scottish armies.

If you choose to drive on the most direct route, the A1, the journey between Berwick and Newcastle takes just 75 minutes.

Plan at least a couple of days to pause along the way and take walks to view the castles at Bamburgh and Dunstanburgh.

It’s also worth taking a reflective stroll on the golden sand of Alnmouth Beach after popping into nearby Alnwick to shop at Barter Books, England’s biggest second-hand bookstore, and see the castle where Harry Potter movies were filmed.  

Following the Northumberland coastal route offers opportunities to pause for locally landed seafood at the Fish Shack in Amble or The Jolly Fisherman pub in Craster.

The fishing village of Craster gives its name to traditionally smoked kippers, a local delicacy. Craster kippers pair well with Earl Grey tea, which was first mixed for consumption at Howick Hall, the 19th-century British prime minister’s estate in  England’s most northerly county .

Check the tidal table before driving to or from Lindisfarne, otherwise known as Holy Island.

Many a driver has had to abandon their vehicle in the face of rapidly advancing waters.

We suggest completing this trip in about two days.

Ring of Kerry, Ireland

From Cath of Travel Around Ireland

One of the best road trips to take in Europe is one in which you visit the Ring of Kerry in Ireland .

Encompassing the Killarney National Park and part of the epic Wild Atlantic Way, this part of Southern Ireland is filled with beauty that will leave you awe-inspired.

This is a popular tourist area of the region and it is best explored by car or motorbike.

Points of interest to stop and explore include the Gap of Dunloe, a beautiful valley snaking through the MacGillycuddy Reeks Mountains.

You cannot drive a car through it, but motorbikes, cyclists, hikers, and joggers can traverse it. There are tourist horses and carts which can take those in cars into the Gap to enjoy its beauty.

At the top of the Gap lies Kate’s Cottage, a historic coaching house, now with a restaurant, bar, and craft shop.

Not far from this is Lady’s View, affording magnificent views across the Killarney National Park.

You should also take a day to visit Ross Castle and Muckross House, Gardens, and Farms, both of which are steeped in history.

Got a Star Wars fan on your hands? Then a boat trip from the Ring of Kerry to Skellig Michael is a must. It featured in Star Wars VII – The Force Awakens.

Skellig Michel is famous for its 6th to 8th-century Christian monastery and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

Another site to visit during your road trip around the Ring of Kerry is Torc Waterfall.

This lies only 7km from Killarney Town and is a beautiful waterfall with a height of 20 meters and a cascade of 110 meters long. 

Many of the towns that you pass through are worth stopping in for a cuppa or a meal including Kenmare, Sneem, and Killorglin.

The town with the most choice when it comes to accommodation and eating options is Killarney and should be your starting point when traveling around this stunning part of Ireland.

Killarney, the town at which you should start your visit to the Ring of Kerry, lies 300km southwest of Dublin and it will take you approximately four hours by car to reach this quaint little town.

Although you could drive the outer circuit of the Ring of Kerry in one day, you will need more than a day to visit the many places to stop around this 179km-long circular route in County Kerry.

Germany’s Romantic Road

From Hannah & Adam Lukaszewicz of Getting Stamped

Southern Germany is home to the Romantic Road, a journey from Wurzberg to Fussen that captures both the scenic beauty and beautiful, fairytale castles Germany has to offer. 

Start out by stopping at the Wurzburg Residence, a stunning palace with extensive gardens.

Next up is the Neuschwanstein Castle which has many great viewpoints, like Mary’s Bridge. Another castle in the vicinity that’s worth a stop is the Hohenschwangau Castle.

Those are the most popular stops on this European road trip, but also make sure to stop at some of the charming Bavarian villages along the way, such as Rothenburg ob de Tauber and Würzburg. 

For the average tourist, it is suggested to have a three-day itinerary for the Romantic Road .

It’s just enough time to see all the highlights on the route.

However, it is up to you to extend the trip by a few extra days if you’d like to explore more villages on the way. 

Austrian Alps

From Kati Walzl of Moon & Honey Travel

Austria is synonymous with the Alps. While Austria’s cities are easily accessible by transit, its mountains are best explored on a road trip.

If you love hiking and scenic alpine roads, follow this Vienna to Innsbruck road trip anytime between June and October.  

Start in Vienna, the capital city of Austria before driving directly to Filzmoos, a small alpine town in the Dachstein mountains.

Here, you can hike to scenic alp huts and explore the Gosaukamm, a subrange of the Dachstein.

After hiking in the Northern Limestone Alps of Salzburg, your road trip continues to the heart of Hohe Tauern National Park, which encompasses Austria’s highest mountains.

Drive the celebrated Grossglockner High Alpine Road to East Tyrol. If you want to experience the glaciers of the Vendiger Group, explore the lesser-known Virgental and Gschlösstal valleys.

Next, head west to Mayrhofen, which is the perfect base for exploring the Zillertal mountains.

If there’s one range that epitomizes “the Alps” this is it.

After a few days in Zillertal, continue your drive to Innsbruck.

If you have more time, drive to Vorarlberg to explore the Rätikon Alps for a few days.

Tip: If you rent a car in another country, don’t forget to purchase a “Vignette” before driving on the Austrian “Autobahn” (highway). 

You’ll need 10 – 16 days to complete this route.

Czech Republic

From Celine of Family Can Travel

While Prague is certainly worth the visit, there’s so much more to see in the Czech Republic, and the best way to see it is by planning a Central European road trip.

Plan to make four major stops along the way: Cesky Krumlov , Karlovy Vary, Bohemian Switzerland National Park, and Bohemian Paradise.

The real charm of having a car is not only getting to each of these places but visiting some incredible sights near each of them.

Near Cesky Krumlov, explore the ruins of Hrad Divi.

After visiting the multitude of colonnades around Karlovy Vary, stretch your legs with a hike from Karlovy Vary to the charming town of Loket.

Next, leave the cities behind to enjoy the more natural side of the Czech Republic. 

Hiking in Bohemian Switzerla nd National Park to see the Pravcicka Brana (the largest natural stone bridge in Europe) and then continuing on to the Wild Gorge Loop will give you a real sense of the varying landscapes you can find in the Czech Republic.

If you find yourself with some extra time in Bohemian Switzerland, the Bastei Bridge in Saxon Switzerland National Park (Germany) is only a short drive away.

The Tisa Walls are also worth a stop.

Before returning to Prague, make one final stop in Bohemian Paradise to see Trotsky Castle and the incredible rock formations on the hike from Hruba Skala to Valdstejn Castle.

This Czech Republic road trip could be done in one week, but 10 days would be better to add in a few extra places to visit along the way and truly enjoy all that the area has to offer.

East Germany Castle & Nature Road Trip

From Annemarie Strehl of Germany on the Brain

For an East Germany road trip heavy on castles and natural beauty, start in the gorgeous state capital of Mecklemburg-Vorpommern.

It‘s one hour away from Hamburg by train (90 minutes with a car) and there are plenty of things to see in Schwerin .

Its center is simply gorgeous, with typical Baltic houses and historic buildings, and from here, it’s a short walk to the fairy tale castle of Schwerin.

It was modeled after French chateaus and has even been featured in Hollywood productions.

From Schwerin, you can easily reach Berlin, where you can stroll around Charlottenburg Palace or Friedrichsfelde Palace.

Those beautiful baroque buildings can make you almost forget you are in a big and busy metropolis.

Complete your visit in the North with a trip down to Potsdam’s extensive Sanssouci Castle estate.

For Dresden alone, you can easily fill a week exploring castles inside and around the city.

Your starting point should be at the Zwinger and move on to the famous Frauenkirche, to name just two iconic attractions. For more castles, check out Pillnitz or Moritzburg.

Complete your journey in the neighboring state of Thuringia and visit charming Jena, Weimar, and Erfurt.

Weimar especially looks straight out of a history book in the best of ways.

In total, such a trip should be no shorter than seven days so you don’t have to rush through your destinations.

Driving times are between one to three hours from one place to the next, so it’s definitely doable to do one city per day.

However, for places like Berlin or Dresden you can easily schedule in multiple days.

The Italian Dolomites

From Kristen & Jeff Miller of Our Passion for Travel

Fans of jagged mountains, windy roads, and stunning landscapes will rejoice in a   Dolomites road trip .

Picking up a car in Verona and heading north, make your first stop in the hillside town of Trento. This stunning town is perfectly wedged in a valley with dramatic cliffs surrounding you.

Choose to spend a night here or head further north to the cute town of Ortisei.

Here, you can excite yourself with some of the winding passes that will take you from blazing sunshine in the middle of summer, up to near-freezing temperatures.

Admire the snow falling off the mountains in the Gardena and Sella Pass.

Later, mix it up with the majestic Lago di Carezza, one of the greenest alpine lakes you’ll ever lay your eyes on.

Ortisei is also home to the highest alpine meadow, Alpe di Siusi. Spend a day up top wandering in awe as the lush green grass meets the jagged peaks and rich blue skies.

Leaving Ortisei behind, consider Cortina d’Ampezzo as your next overnight destination.

Not only is Cortina d’Ampezzo home to the future 2026 winter Olympics, but it’s well located to explore the surrounding areas.

Lago di Braies is the insta-famous lake, complete with rowboats to fill your feed with.

A short drive from Cortina, you’ll find Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

The entry of €30 to the national park may seem steep, but it’s about as picturesque as you’ll find in this region.

Those jagged peaks you’ve been admiring are so much closer here, and rip into the sky like daggers.

This road trip through the Dolomites can be done comfortably in as little as 4 days.

It is easily stretched to 2 weeks depending on your pace and how much hiking you’re contemplating. Also, be sure to allow time for good weather (it can be temperamental like all alpine regions). 

Vienna to Budapest Road Trip

From Pashmina of The Gone Goat

Imagine traversing through stunning countryside covering charming and beautiful towns and some very obscure ones, while crossing the capitals of these three countries Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest .

Whether you want to start your road trip in Vienna and end it with a weekend in Budapest , or vice versa, a road trip in these places is often brimming with exciting stories, culture, and unique landscapes.

Although the entire trip is approximately 243km and may only take you 3 hours to drive, this trip is best done with a detour spending time in Lake Neusield, Austria, followed by Sopron, Gyor, and Esztergom in Hungary. 

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take the other route and pass through Slovakia and see firsthand what it is like to see a new generation of Slovakians who are eager to bring modern elements and street culture to their lives.

You can also stop in Bratislava and casually stroll through the old town while taking in the picturesque views of the architecture.

Compared to its neighboring cities, Bratislava is unhurried and feels small and quiet, and deserves that extra time to slow down, people watch and take in what you can.

The recommended time to spend on this Central European road trip is about 4 to 5 days. 

From Kate of I Live 4 Travel

The small country of Luxembourg is a great place for a European road trip. 

It is a country dominated by castles and old towns that you can walk around and some beautiful countryside to hike in. 

If you fly into Luxembourg then it is very easy to rent a car .

A trip to Luxembourg would not be complete without a visit to Luxembourg City and here you need to spend a day exploring the old town and visiting the Bock Casemates, walk the Chemin de la Corniche and visit Fort Thungen. 

After visiting Luxembourg City head north to visit the beautiful castle of Vianden, the town is worth a walk around and you can always get the chairlift slightly higher up the mountain to get a view of the town and the castle before walking down to visit the impressive castle.

It is worth stopping here for lunch in one of the many cafes in the town.

Next drive to Bourscheid Castle, which is only partially restored but has amazing views down the valley.

After visiting Bourscheid head across to the little town of Esch-Sur-Sure, it is in a horseshoe shape and surrounded by a river running along the outside, it is a beautiful town and it’s worth a walk up to the ruins of the castle located on the top of the hill in the middle of the town.

If you have a third day then head across to Echternach and hike part of the Mullerthal Trail.

If you do not want a long hike, you can just drive the route and explore the highlights.

The drive through the countryside to these places is stunning and it’s recommended you take 2 or 3 days to explore the country of Luxembourg.

From Dhara of It’s Not About the Miles

Looking to complete one of the best road trips in Europe? Consider Poland!

In about 10 days, you can see the best of this northern European country. 

Begin your trip in Warsaw, the capital of Poland. Warsaw’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

World War II bombing destroyed quite a bit of the city, but it has been reconstructed.

Apart from Old Town, Powazki Cemetery, the monument to the heroes of the Warsaw Ghetto, and the Presidential Palace are must-visits.

From Warsaw, drive to Krakow where you can visit Market Square, St. Mary’s Church, and the famous Wawel Castle.

Old Town Krakow is gorgeous so plan on a walking tour to admire the architecture.

From Krakow, drive to Auschwitz  to tour the former concentration camp. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Next, travel to Wroclaw, with its beautiful Old Town. Market Square has stunning architecture.

From Wroclaw, drive to Torun, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. Torun is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Nicolas Copernicus.

Next, drive to the port city of Gdansk, the birthplace of Lech Walesa’s Solidarity Movement.

Gdansk has a beautiful Old Town as well. A   walking tour of Gdansk Old Town  is the best way to experience the sights.

Also do not forget a stop at Westerplatte, where the first shots of WWII were fired.

Return to Warsaw to complete your road trip through Poland. On the way, you can stop at Malbork Castle, the largest castle in the world!

This Poland road trip is best completed in about 10 days.

South Styria Wine Road, Austria

From Lori of Travlin Mad

The  South Styria Wine Road  in southern Austria is the perfect European road trip for food and wine lovers.

This 44-mile-long patchwork of woodlands, lush rolling hills, and verdant vineyards just an hour from Graz is the southern part of Styria, known as the Green Heart of Austria, and looks more Tuscan than Alpine.

This part of Austria also borders northern Slovenia so combining both as part of a multi-country road trip in Europe is a great idea.

Fall is an especially good time to visit when autumn colors begin to appear in the vineyards and the first wine is being pressed.

People gather outdoors at local wineries along Wine Road drinking stürm wine and roasting chestnuts around a crackling fire.

Through the breeze, you’ll hear the unusual clacking sound of the klapotetz windmills spinning slowly through the countryside, designed to ward off birds and other pests who tend to gobble up the grapes.

Food lovers should start their tour with a visit to Vinofaktur Genussregal, the largest store in Styria featuring over 2,500 Styrian wine and culinary products from over 250 regional producers.

For lunch or dinner, local winery-owned buschenshanks are the place to go for platters of local smoked meats and cheeses.

It’s all so quintessential Styria and the perfect destination for a fall road trip through Europe.

Though you can complete this European road trip in a day, it’s best to set aside at least a couple of days if you’d like to leisurely explore what the wine route has to offer (and allow your designated driver some chances to sample the wine).

From Inma of A World to Travel

There are a surprising number of things to do in Latvia , the beautiful Baltic Republic located in northeast Europe–and it’s possible to cross the entire country in six hours!

The road trip itinerary suggested here covers 6 of the wonders of this country, from west to east, starting in the immediate vicinity of the Lithuanian border.

From exceptional natural landscapes to charming villages and large cities, this European road trip itinerary has something for everyone!

Stop first in Liepaja, known for its beaches with dunes and its constant wind, before moving on to Kuldiga, a picturesque village in the Western part of the country.

Be sure to make time for the unique Kemeri National Park, where it is possible to practice bog-walking with the right equipment and a guide!

Riga, the capital of Latvia and your next stop on this Europe road trip, needs no introduction. Neither does its historic center, central market, and lively nightlife.

From there, move on to visit Sigulda, a historical village that has lots to offer to lovers of active tourism.

Finally, pay a visit to Gauja National Park, located near the border with Estonia. There is no other place like this in the whole country to go hiking on its many trails. 

If possible, set aside about a week to explore this European road trip route through Latvia.

From Jo of Lost Wanders

There’s plenty to see in Lithuania other than the trendy capital Vilnius and it’s well worth having your own transportation for a road trip in this beautiful Baltic country .

The first stop is the Hill of Crosses near Siauliai to see a unique memorial dedicated to the many unknown deaths of the Lithuanian uprising against Russian rule.

The hill now holds over 100,000 crosses memorializing people from around the globe with more being added daily.

A two-hour drive west uncovers an old nuclear missile silo, one of only three left in the world, that’s been turned into a Cold War Museum.

It’s located deep within Žemaitijos National Park, down bumpy gravel roads, where you can also get a chance to spot wild animals such as Lynx.

Another hour’s drive towards the Baltic Sea, Klaipeda is the base for heading out to the Curonian spit, a large sandbar covering Lithuania’s coastline.

The town is famous for its spas and long open beaches.

Back down towards Vilnius, Trakai Castle is a must-see.

If you do just one castle on this trip make it this one. It sits on an island out on a lake where you can pedal and paddleboard in the summer months. 

You can do this trip in a week but allow 10 days to 2 weeks to fully see everything and don’t miss a couple of days in the capital.

Summer is by far the most favorable time to do this trip, crowds aren’t as big as in Central Europe and winters can get very cold for taking northern European road trips!

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

2 thoughts on “55 Epic Road Trips in Europe (Itinerary Ideas + Tips!)”

These road trip ideas are fantastic. I’d love to do the Dublin to Dingle trip someday.

We’ve done that one ourselves, and can absolutely endorse it! It’s phenomenal.

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European road trips: 15 of the best journeys across the continent

Sep 13, 2022 • 13 min read

Coasting through Italy's Dolomites Mountains © Artur Debat / Getty

In light of the recent travel chaos at airports across Europe, there has never been a better time to buckle up and explore Europe’s legendary landscapes by road.

Lonely Planet's new Epic Road Trips of Europe book  is the perfect inspiration to get out there and explore Europe by road. The new book offers a gorgeous collection of routes, gathered from contributors around the world. Enjoy the unique freedom a road trip allows while exploring Europe's wondrous landscapes, delicious regional food and drink and fascinating local culture and history. 

From ancient ruins to some of the world's best wine, here's a first look at the new essential European road trip companion guide.  

Ancient ruins and coastal views

The Peloponnese, Greece

Start: Ancient Corinth End: Nemea Distance: 395 miles (635km)

History and legend collide on this mountainous peninsula where you’ll find classical temples, Mycenaean palaces, Byzantine cities and Venetian fortresses. Combined with dramatic peaks and deep gorges that give way to turquoise seas and deserted beaches, it makes a glorious spot for a road trip. In the northeast corner of the peninsula sits Ancient Corinth, a mostly Roman city, home to Jason of the Argonauts, stealer of the Golden Fleece. From here, you can take a route that combines historic, fortified cities with beaches and some of Greece’s most interesting wineries. Head for the sanctuary of Zeus at Nemea, hilltop Mycenae or coastal Epidavros with its 4th-century-BC theatre, one of the best preserved ancient Greek structures in the country. Then loop by the mountaintop Byzantine city of Mystras, ancient Olympia, home to the original games, and the Lousios Gorge where you’ll find the cliffside Prodromou Monastery.

The best sustainable tourism experiences in Greece

The Costa Brava, Spain

Start: Girona End: Girona Distance: 118 miles (190km)

Mixing Greek and Roman ruins with medieval towns, the eccentricities of Salvador Dalí and a wild and rugged coast, Spain’s Costa Brava makes a fascinating, eclectic destination for a road trip. Begin   by exploring Girona’s hilly medieval core with its web of alleys and Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque churches. From here it’s an easy trip to Besalú, its strikingly well-preserved medieval streets fanning out around the handsome 11th-century Pont Fortificat (Fortified Bridge). Heading east to Figueres things get decidedly more bizarre at the Teatre-Museu Dalí , a fittingly trippy tribute to the local hero and Surrealist artist. Dalí spent his later life nearby in Port Lligat near Cadaqués , a whitewashed village with a pretty harbor and bohemian vibe. South along the coast are the extensive ruins of the Greek city Empúries and its later Roman neighbor, while inland is Castell de Púbol, a 14th-century castle that was Dalí’s gift to his wife and muse, Gala.

5 spectacular road trips around Spain

Hvar, Croatia

Start: Hvar Town End: Jelsa Distance: 22 miles (35km)

Fought over by the Illyrians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Venetians, Hvar has long been a sought-after destination. Medieval walls topped by an imposing Spanish fortress enclose the Old Town, whose marble streets are lined with elaborate Gothic and Renaissance palaces. In high summer, Hvar attracts a party-hard international jet set, but outside the peak it’s a magical place that acts as the perfect gateway to crystalline waters and quiet villages. Head for Stari Grad on the north coast, a quieter town set on a horseshoe bay, to visit Stari Grad Plain , a Unesco Cultural Landscape whose stone walls and terraces of olives and grapes were laid out by the ancient Greeks. Drive backcountry roads through a patchwork of lavender and rosemary to discover isolated beaches and hidden coves, colorful former fishing villages such as Vrboska or Jelsa, and some of Croatia’s best wineries.

The 7 best road trips in Croatia for fans of history and epic coastlines

Captivating lakeside drives

Lake Ohrid to Lake Prespa, North Macedonia

Start: Ohrid End: Oteshevo Distance: 34 miles (55km)

Lake Ohrid is one of the oldest and deepest lakes in the world, straddling the border between North Macedonia and Albania . Despite its Unesco status and being home to a multitude of endemic species, it remains remarkably unvisited. Begin in the ancient, picturesque city of Ohrid, continuously occupied since Neolithic times. Its Grecian theatre, recently rediscovered and restored, hosts an arts festival each summer. As you drive south you pass fortresses and monasteries, teetering dramatically above the water. Leave Lake Ohrid on a series of switchbacks climbing up through Galičica National Park, where at the road’s highest point a trail leading farther up offers a view across both lakes. Descend to the tranquil Lake Prespa in time for dinner, stopping at one of the many small restaurants in Oteshevo that serve fish landed straight from the lake.

North Macedonia: how to explore this little-known gem

Annecy, France

Start: Annecy End: Annecy Distance: 25 miles (40km)

Lake Annecy found fame in Paul Cézanne’s Le Lac d’Annecy painting, a post-Impressionist masterpiece that captures all the beauty, grandeur and violence of the landscape here. But nothing beats seeking out that drama yourself. It takes just a lazy day’s driving to travel its circumference, along glimmering blue water with snowcapped Alps behind. Base yourself   in Annecy and explore the gorgeous Old Town and lively markets before setting off. Impressive Château Menthon is well worth visiting and has guided tours throughout the summer months. Stop at Talloires for lunch – it has a fine selection of restaurants and good swimming beaches – and then,   if you’ve still got the energy, hike one of the many trails that wind up to the peaks that surround the lake. Finish back in Annecy for a sunset drink with panoramic views across the water at the Hotel Belvédère.

The 12 best beaches in France

Finnish Lakeland

Start: Varkaus End: Anttola Distance: 86 miles (138km)

A quarter of the Finnish Lakeland region is water – there are at least 55,000 lakes here, making it the largest lake district in Europe. To drive in this area is to lose all distinction between the water and the road. From Varkaus, it’s less than an hour’s drive to the Järvisydän spa , offering every type of soaking and sweating you can imagine. It’s not all about relaxing though – as you drive across this watery landscape there is ample opportunity for swimming and canoeing, fishing and boat trips, or, in winter, skating and snowshoeing. Finland’s ‘Right to Roam’ means that camping is permitted just about anywhere, but the hotels might still tempt you. The Ollinmäki Wine Farm, just outside Anttola, has villas, fabulous food, homemade wine and nearby lakes for a final road trip dip.

Finland’s best road trips: lakes, Lapland and local delicacies (think reindeer)

Drives around Mediterranean islands

North Coast Gozo, Malta

Start: Ramla Bay End: Dwejra Distance: 10 miles (16km)

Gozo is the second-billed island in the Maltese archipelago, but for scenic appeal it easily rivals Malta proper. A drive along Gozo’s north coast reveals one of the country’s least built-up corners. Begin with a dip at Ramla Bay , a wide and largely wild beach not to be confused with the resort of the same name on the main island. Once you’ve brushed off its characteristic orange sand, take a coastal drive through the small harbor of Marsalforn, beyond which the route passes a surreal landscape of seaside salt pans. The road gets gravelly after it ducks round the inlet of Wied il-Għasri , but stick with it if you can along the clifftops to reach Wied il-Mielaħ, a natural sea arch to replace the famous Azure Window that collapsed in 2017. The location of the latter still makes a fitting trip finale, with sunset views beside the Dwejra Inland Sea.

Malta’s best diverse and delicious eating and drinking experiences

Mount Pantokrator Circuit, Corfu, Greece

Start: Pyrgi End: Pyrgi Distance: 41 miles (66km)

Mount Pantokrator is the highest point in Corfu (2972 ft/906m), and a lap of its flanks brings generous mountain and coastal views as you round the northeast corner of the island. Start in Pyrgi village and proceed north and clockwise if you want to get the climbing done early. From Pyrgi the road zigzags up past olive groves through the villages of Spartylas and Strinylas. Here you can drive east on a road up to the summit of Pantokrator itself (a car with a nimble turning circle is an advantage) where there’s a small but richly decorated monastery under a rather unfortunate communications mast. Return to the coast at the resort town of Acharavi, and head east as the road snakes round lushly wooded bays and charming villages such as c and Kalami, with views towards Albania just two miles across   the water.

10 incredible Greek hiking trails you can tackle right now

Lipari Loop, Italy

Start: Lipari Town End: San Salvatore Distance: 17 miles (28km)

Lipari is the middlemost of the Aeolian Islands , and as you drive the encircling main road, each of the other volcanic islands puts in an appearance on the horizon. Lipari Town is reached by car ferries and faster hydrofoils from Sicily , and heading out north the route is a palm-lined corniche running along a yacht-filled bay. From the road skirting the shingle beach at Canneto , you’ll have views towards the islands of Panarea and – half-concealed behind it – the ever-smoking cone of Stromboli. Past the pumice quarries at Lipari’s northeast corner, twin-peaked Salina lumbers into view, and after that, more distant Filicudi and Alicudi, if summer haze doesn’t obscure them. Last to appear as you turn the southwest corner is Vulcano. It’s visible from the main road, but for a close-up, end your drive at the viewpoint beside the Geophysical Observatory in San Salvatore, at Lipari’s southern tip.

Planning your first trip to Italy

Europe's best vineyard drives

Douro Valley, Portugal

Start: Porto End: Miranda do Douro Distance: 222 miles (358km)

Portugal kept this one up its sleeve for a long time, but oenophiles have finally clocked on to the romance – and increasingly outstanding wines – of the Douro Valley . The world’s oldest demarcated wine region (in 1756, for the record) is a real beauty, with mile after mile of twisting, terraced vineyards that rise sharply from the Douro River. Its true heart is the Alto Douro (Upper Douro), a Unesco World Heritage Site. The drive kicks off in the grand port lodges of Porto , gradually inching east to the Spanish border. En route expect to find an abundance of historic wine estates – Quinta Nova and Quinta do Crasto are names to remember. And you’ll want to linger at the Casal de Loivos lookout, where the gasp-eliciting view over the vines is the Douro reduced to postcard format. Allow five days to a week to do the drive justice.

Why the Azores are Europe's secret islands of adventure

Lavaux Vineyards, Switzerland

Start: Lausanne End: Château de Chillon Distance: 25 miles (40km)

Easily doable in a day trip from Geneva , this short but sublime drive takes in the Unesco World Heritage-protected Lavaux vineyards , which stagger up from the northern shores of Lake Geneva in a series of sheer, stone-walled terraces that beggar belief. The road trip along Rte 9 begins in the higgledy-piggledy French-speaking city of Lausanne and takes in pretty lakeside towns like Vevey before swinging southeast to Montreux (of summer jazz festival fame) and Château   de Chillon , an extraordinary 13th-century fortress, brought to world attention in 1816 in Lord Byron’s poem ‘The Prisoner of Chillon’. Painters William Turner and Gustave Courbet subsequently immortalized the castle on canvas. In the vineyards, pause at a cave to taste beautiful Chasselas white wines that are crisp, minerally and usually only produced on a small, artisanal scale. Lavaux Vinorama in lakeside Rivaz whisks you through the region’s 300 wines and offers insightful tastings.

The 7 most scenic road trips in Switzerland

Chianti Road, Italy

Start: Florence End: Siena Distance: 44 miles (71km)

Toscana simply doesn’t get more bella than this classic drive on the SR222 through Chianti country. Linking two great medieval cities, the road meanders languorously through gently rolling countryside striped with cypress trees, olive groves and vines. After an art and architectural feast in Florence , it’s time to head south to Siena , crowned by its magnificent cathedral   and 12th-century Piazza del Campo . In between are honey-colored hill towns, where life revolves around the town square, and is punctuated by the chiming of the campanile. Stop by enotecas (wine shops), open for tastings of the region’s revered red wines, including Chianti Classico, a sangiovese-dominated drop. The road   is technically drivable year-round but is perhaps at its most photogenic during the late springtime eruption of poppies and other wildflowers.

The art of the Italian meal

On tap at the source: the best European beer routes

Trappist beers of Belgium

Start: Westmalle End: Vleteren Distance: 347 miles (558km)

Explore Belgium while tasting beers from Trappist breweries, where monks have been creating flavourful beers for centuries before the contemporary focus on craft beer. Begin northeast of Antwerp at Café Trappisten , where Westmalle beers are matched with cheeses also made by monks from the adjacent Westmalle Abbey . Heading south through Brussels , beers from the Rochefort Brewery are partnered at local cafés with venison from the nearby Ardennes region. It’s then a 50 mile (80km) drive further south to Orval for their bottle-conditioned beer, a favorite of many craft brewers around the world. To the northwest, a quick spin of the wheels through France brings you to Scourmont Abbey , the base for Chimay. At the Poteaupré Inn at the Espace Chimay visitor center, try the Chimay 150, originally brewed in 2012 to celebrate the brewery’s 150-year anniversary. From here, it’s then a two-hour drive north to Vleteren, to end the trip with some excellent beers from Westvleteren.

Is Belgium the best destination in Europe for road trips? These 7 drives suggest so

Southeast Ireland suds explorer

Start: Dublin End: Cork Distance: 236 miles (380km)

Guinness in Dublin and Murphy’s in Cork are two of Ireland’s most renowned breweries, and linking these heavyweights is this itinerary visiting up-and-coming craft breweries in between. After touring Guinness’ historic St James’s Gate brewery, continue south for a hoppy Wildfire red ale from Wicklow Wolf Brewery , before making the 20-minute drive along the Irish Sea to the Wicklow Brewery. Sunday roast for lunch is always a good time to visit the brewery’s Mickey Finn’s pub. Continue through a patchwork of farmland to YellowBelly Beer in County Wexford . YellowBelly’s seasonal brews include unusual sours and farmhouse ales, while the Gallow’s Hill barley wine, found west at the Dungarvan Brewing Company, is ideal in cooler months. Complete a hop-fuelled Irish journey with a pint of Murphy’s stout at the Shandon Arms in Cork.

20 of the best pubs in Ireland for pints, music and the time of your life

German beer loop

Start: Cologne End: Düsseldorf Distance: 1130 miles (1818km)

Beer has been brewed in Germany for three millennia. It’s a major part of the country’s culture, with many regional styles. Begin with a delicate straw-colored kölsch in the shadow of Cologne Cathedral before heading southeast to Bamberg , home of interesting rauchbiers made with smoked malt. South, near the border with Austria , Munich is famous for its golden Helles lagers and the annual Oktoberfest beer festival, while to the north, in former East Germany, the traditional beer style of Leipzig is gose, a tart beer flavored with salt and coriander. Nearby, Berlin is famous for Berliner Weisse beers, refreshingly low in alcohol, and often spiked with berry syrup. To the southwest, via Hanover and Saxony , Düsseldorf is the heartland of copper-colored altbiers – the name translates to ‘old beer’, as this is one of Germany’s most historic brews.

6 must-do hikes in Germany's picturesque countryside

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How to Travel Overland from Europe to Asia by car, bike and train – The 3 Best Travel Routes

How to travel from Europe to Asia without flying? What is the best direction to travel overland from Europe to Asia? This guide gives you a detailed overview of all the possible routes you can take if you want to hitchhike, cycle or drive from Europe to Asia by land or travel from Europe to Asia by train. You’ll find information on ferries, borders, visas, and how to deal with possible obstacles along the way.

Editor’s note: You’ll find many 2022 updates throughout this guide. I try to keep up as much as I can with these fast-changing global situations. In case you have new updates that haven’t been added to this post, let me know about them in the comments below so I can update accordingly.

Planning a big overland trip requires preparation. And flexibility.

I often had to change my initial plans and routes when I was hitchhiking and traveling from Europe to Asia without flying. The biggest challenge was dealing with closed borders and difficulties in getting visas.

Some countries like to change their visa regulations on a regular basis so you have to adjust your plans accordingly (yes China, I’m talking about you).

Others don’t allow you in their country unless you’re part of a tour group. Iran, for example, doesn’t like Canadians, Brits, and US citizens traveling independently and Turkmenistan is just suspicious of any other nation in the world.

A few countries (like Pakistan and Russia) only issue a visa when you apply for it in your home country and/or give you a very limited time to enter the country between the time the visa is issued and your arrival (e.g. you only have 3 months to enter China from the moment you’ve got your visa).

This isn’t really a problem if you’re taking airplanes but it becomes tricky when you’re hitchhiking, cycling or driving from Europe to Asia and you want to take the time to explore the countries you’re passing through instead of rushing towards your destination.

And let’s not forget about 2020… Land borders are now finally reopening but each country has its own set of extra entry requirements.

So what’s the best way to travel from Europe to China and/or Southeast Asia without too much hustle, bustle and fuzzle?

I’ll give you an overview of all the possible routes on how to hitchhike/cycle/drive/take the train from Europe to Asia, including border and visa obstacles and possible solutions.

Disclaimer: This posts might contain affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you for helping to support this website!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Traveling in Europe by land (and sea)

1.1 visas and border crossings in europe.

As a European citizen, you can travel as much and as long as you want in all the countries of Europe. You have the privilege of not needing a visa, not even for the European countries that are not part of the European Union or the Schengen area.

This also means that, if you pass a border checkpoint, you just have to show your passport or national ID card and you’re free to go.

To travel to and in Europe as a non-European citizen , you’ll need a Schengen visa. This visa allows you to stay 90 days in countries that are part of the Schengen area .

The European countries that are not part of the Schengen area will allow travelers holding a Schengen visa to enter and stay in their country for 90 days. This means that you could actually stay for 6 months in Europe (or longer).

I’ll give you an example:

Let’s say you’re traveling from Spain to Turkey by land. You’ve already stayed for 60 days in the EU and are about to enter Croatia .

Croatia is part of the EU but a non-Schengen country, which means that you’ll receive a visa on arrival at the border (after showing you have a Schengen visa) that allows you to stay 90 days in Croatia.

Once you leave Croatia, you still have 30 days on your Schengen visa to travel in the Schengen countries.

Just be aware that the Schengen visa only allows you to stay 90 days in a period of 180 days.

If you decide for example to spend 90 days in Croatia and another 90 days in Albania (also a non-Schengen country) before entering Greece (which is a Schengen country), your Schengen visa will be expired by then and you’ll have to apply for a new one.

→ Make sure to apply for a multi-entry Schengen visa when traveling around Europe !

I tried to explain all of this as clearly as possible. Even as a European citizen I find this whole Schengen – non-Schengen stuff a bit confusing!

Here’s a website that gives you more detailed information about it and it also tells you how and where to apply.

So whatever travel route you take in Europe, as long as you have a multi-entry Schengen visa , you shouldn’t encounter any problems at the borders.

My whole hitchhiking journey from Ireland to Turkey went very smoothly, even for my hitchhiking partner who’s a Canadian citizen. We only had to hurry to enter Turkey once we were in Greece because his visa was running out.

1.2 Driving and cycling in Europe – travel routes

Resources for driving in Europe:

• Driving in Europe –  Requirements and Tips
• Driving in Europe – Checklist
• European Roadtrip Ideas   by Wandering Bird
• 20 Best Road Trips in Europe by Skyscanner

Resources for cycling in Europe:

• EuroVelo : 15 long-distance cycling routes across the whole European continent
• Tom’s Bike Trip : How to prepare yourself for a long bike trip

1.3 Travel in Europe by train

Europe has a great international railway network, including international high-speed trains like Eurostar connecting the UK with mainland Europe .

Here are 2 in-depth guides on how to travel across Europe by train:

• A Complete Guide to Train Travel in Europe by the Savvy Backpacker
• A Beginner’s Guide to Train Travel in Europe by The Man in Seat 61

1.4 Ferry routes and crossings in Europe

When you’re cycling or driving from Europe to Asia, you might want to save some time by skipping a part of the overland journey and take a ferry instead.

Here are some ferry companies that offer different European ferry routes:

• OK-ferry : ferry routes to different destinations of the Mediterranean Sea
• Direct Ferries:   numerous option for ferries in and around Europe

We took a ferry from Ireland to France and from the mainland of Greece to several Greek islands .

2. Europe – Asia Border Crossings

There are 3 different ways to travel across the European-Asian border and make your way towards the East.

2.1 Traveling from Europe to Russia

• Update 2022:
• Due to the current war, you can’t travel from Europe to Russia by land . I’ll leave this section be for now but I recommend skipping it and scrolling to 2.2 Travel from Europe to Turkey.

This is the road less taken if you’re traveling towards Asia as it’s not always that easy to obtain a tourist visa for Russia. You could also opt for a transit visa, which is easier to get but it will only allow you 10 days in Russia (not ideal if you’re cycling).

1) How and where to apply for a tourist visa for Russia

If you’re from Latin America, South Africa, Georgia, Central Asia or any of these 45 countries,  you’ll get a  free visa on arrival that allows you to stay 30 to 90 days in Russia, depending on your citizenship.

Travelers from North America, Europe, Africa, South Asia, and Australia will have to apply for a Russian tourist visa in the Russian consulate or Russian embassy in their home country. 

To apply for a tourist visa for Russia, you’ll need:

• a Letter of Invitation (LOI) ,
• a visa application form that you’ll very likely have to fill in online
• passport with 2 empty pages valid for 6 months after arrival in Russia
• photocopy of your passport
• passport picture
• Travel Insurance for Russia (only for citizens of the EU)
• iVisa is a reputable online passport & visa service that offers  Tourist Invitation Letters (LOI) for Russia .  They can also help you with the whole visa application process to receive the Russian tourist visa.

What if you’re already on the road but you still want to apply for a tourist visa for Russia?

There are only a few countries, such as Canada and the US , of which the citizens can apply for a Russian visa outside their home country.

If you’re a citizen of Europe, Australia, etc, you could always send your passport home and aks a friend or a family member to do the application for you. However, this is risky and not something I’d recommend as your passport might get lost in the mail. It’s also illegal in most countries to travel without having your passport with you.

2) How and where to apply for a transit visa for Russia

You can easily apply for a Russian transit visa in any country that has a Russian consulate or embassy.

A transit visa allows you to stay up to 10 days in Russia. To apply for this visa, you need:

• proof of onward travel like transportation ticket from Russia to the next destination or, if you travel by car, car documents and a print-out of your planned route
• proof of valid visas for the countries from which you enter and exit Russia

Here’s more detailed information on how to apply for a transit visa for Russia.

3) Cycling or driving from Europe to Russia

The best way to travel from Europe to Russia is via the border with Latvia, Estonia or Finland as they all belong to the EU, which means less hassle.

Avoid going from Ukraine into Russia as they were at war with each other and there are still some rebel-held zones in Southeastern Ukraine and Crimea, which you shouldn’t cross at all!

You can also enter Russia via Belarus, but you’ll have to apply for a visa to enter Belarus by land as you can only obtain a free visa on arrival if you arrive by plane. Check the visa policy for Belarus   here . 

The Way to Russia is a great resource for if you want to travel to Russia by car, motorcycle or hitchhiking.

Plan your trip to Russia well in advance. It’s the largest country in the world and even if you get a 90-day tourist visa, you’ll have to drive a lot if you want to cross the country within a decent time frame.

Also, keep in mind that winter isn’t the best time to travel through Russia (especially if you’re cycling or hitchhiking!!). Prepare yourself well!

4) Traveling from Europe to Russia by train

Here are 2 fantastic resources if you want to travel by train from Europe to Russia:

• How to travel by train from London to Moscow & Russia   by The Man in Seat 61
• The Best Train Routes to Russia by The Way to Russia

2.2 Traveling from Europe to Turkey

The most popular way to travel from Europe to China and Asia is by going through Turkey. 

Update 2022 : The following land borders with Turkey are currently open:

• Greece to Turkey at Kastanies–Pazarkule and Kipi–İpsala
• Bulgaria to Turkey at Kapitan Andreevo–Kapıkule, Lesovo–Hamzabeyli and Malko Tǎrnovo–Aziziye
• Turkey to Georgia via Sarp, Türkgözü and Aktaş
• Turkey to Iran at Bazargan-Gürbulak and Sero-Esendere

1) Turkey Entry Requirements

Visa for turkey.

Citizens from Latin America, Central Asia, New Zealand and certain European countries (for the complete list, look here ) receive a free visa on arrival that allows them to stay up to 90 days in Turkey.

If you’re a traveler from North America, Australia, South Africa, South Asia, and following European countries (for the complete list, look here ) need to apply for an e -visa.

It’s super easy and straightforward to apply for the e-visa online and once you receive it, you’ll be allowed to travel for 30 up to 90 days in Turkey. This is plenty of time to cross the country (although, we overstayed our Turkish tourist visa with 6 months , but that’s a different story…)

Turkey Test and Vaccination requirements:

Passengers over the age of 12 must have a document showing a negative COVID-19 test result to enter Turkey. This must be a PCR test taken in the last 72 hours before entering the country or a rapid antigen test taken in the last 48 hours.

If you have a vaccination certificate showing the last dose was given at least 14 days before arrival, then you don’t need a negative COVID-19 test result.

2) Driving or cycling from Bulgaria or Greece to Istanbul

If you’re cycling or driving from Europe to Istanbul and beyond, the easiest and most straightforward way is crossing the land border with Greece in Ipsala or with Bulgaria in Edirne .

You might encounter a lot of security checks at both land borders as many refugees try to enter Europe from here.

3) Taking the train from Europe to Istanbul – the ‘Modern Orient Express’

Does ‘Murder on the Orient Express’, the famous detective novel by Agatha Christie,  ring a bell?

Throughout history, there are many referrals to train travel in Europe on the Orient Express route. The route started in Paris, went across Vienna and ended in Istanbul.

Nowadays, you can still travel by train along the Orient Express Route:

• Read how Naomi from Probe around the Globe followed this famous historical train route from the Netherlands to Istanbul .
• The Man in Seat 61 wrote a comprehensive guide on how to travel by train from London to Istanbul

4) Taking the ferry from Greece to Turkey

When we were hitchhiking from  Europe to Turkey , we took a ferry from Rhodes, one of the Greek islands,  to Marmaris, a port in Turkey. If you like traveling by boat, I’d definitely suggest you take this route.

Here’s a ferry connections route map between Athens, the Greek islands and the ports in Turkey. You can book tickets for the ferry online, in a travel agency in Athens or on one of the islands.

Read: The 13 Best Places to visit in Turkey

5) From Turkey to Georgia

2022 Update: You need to present either  a vaccination certificate or a certificate with a negative PCR test result , no later than 72 before entering Georgia.

The easiest way to travel from Turkey to Georgia is by crossing the border at Sarpi on the Black Sea Coast .

Reading Tip: Georgia Travel Guide: 1 9 u s e f u l things you should know before you go

6) Taking the ferry from Bulgaria to Georgia

There’s also the possibility to skip Turkey and take the ferry from the port of Varna in Bulgaria to the port of Batumi in Georgia. Check the ferry schedule here .

3. Traveling from Europe to Central Asia

There are a few different routes to travel from Europe to Central Asia by land, some easier and more accessible than others.

I’ll focus on one main route as it’s currently the best possible direction from Europe to Asia as most land borders on this route have reopened.

1) From Georgia to Azerbaijan

2022 Update: You must have a vaccination certificate stating you are fully vaccinated or a recovery certificate with a QR code  and a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours before arrival in Azerbaijan.

You can enter Azerbaijan  with an e-visa (since 2017!) which allows you to stay for 30 days in the country. If you’re planning on staying longer than 10 days in Azerbaijan, you’ll have to get registered !

If you want to travel by train, there’s a daily train leaving from Tbilisi (Georgia) to Baku (Azerbaijan) . 

* Note : If you also want to visit Armenia, know that they aren’t the best buddies with Azerbaijan. Definitely avoid going through the disputed region of Nagorno – Karabakh because you can be sure that you won’t be allowed into Azerbaijan at all! If you decide to go through that region, make sure that you have your stamp on a separate piece of paper.

There are also no open borders between Armenia and Azerbaijan so you’ll have to return to Georgia first before entering Azerbaijan or you can go through Iran (see route A).

You can expect annoying questions from the Azerbaijani border controls concerning your visit to Armenia (they will ask if you visited Nagorno – Karabakh) but they will allow you in.

Read: Everything you need to know about traveling in Azerbaijan

2) From Azerbaijan to Kazakhstan by boat

2022 Update: You need to present either  a vaccination certificate or a certificate with a negative PCR test result , no later than 72 before entering Kazakhstan.

You can cross the Caspian Sea from Baku in Azerbaijan to Aktau in Kazakhstan by ferry, which costs around $80. It’s more expensive if you travel by car. 

This ferry doesn’t have a fixed schedule but it leaves at least once every 3 to 7 days.

Read my Comprehensive Guide with everything you need to know about taking the boat from Azerbaijan to Kazakhstan . 

3) From Azerbaijan to Turkmenistan by boat

2022 Update: Turkmenistan remains closed for foreign travelers.

Turkmenistan is a pain concerning visas and independent traveling. You can only enter the country on a tourist visa if you’re part of a tour group. If you just want to apply for a transit visa , there’s no guarantee you’ll get it. The rejection rate is 50% and they love to play games.

Applying for a transit visa is like playing the lottery. I also heard stories of couples that applied for the transit visa and while one of them got the visa, the other person got his application rejected.

I’m super curious about this country but it’s not worth the hustle. Oh, and you can’t get any visa during the month of September, due to an important festival in Turkmenistan.

4) Traveling overland in Kazakhstan

Citizens from the European Union, Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Israel, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Russia, Armenia, Georgia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, and Mongolia are eligible for a  free tourist visa upon arrival .

Citizens from non-visa-exempt countries  need to apply   for an   e-Visa  

Find more information about traveling and driving in Kazakhstan in my  Travel guide to Kazakhstan .

If you want to travel around Kazakhstan by train, read the following guide on How to travel by train in Kazakhstan .

Reading Tip: The 26 most beautiful places in Kazakhstan

You have 30 days to cross Kazakhstan into the following countries:

5) Traveling overland in Uzbekistan

2022 Update: You must present either  a negative PCR test result no later than 72 before entering Uzbekistan or proof of vaccination .

Uzbekistan is now issuing free visas on arrival to citizens of more than 30 countries, including citizens of the European Union. With this free visa, you can stay up to 30 days in the country.

Travelers of countries who still need a visa for Uzbekistan can now easily apply for an   e-visa.  You can read all the details in my Travel Guide to Uzbekistan . 

The easiest way to get around Uzbekistan is by train. Here’s a guide on how to take the train in Uzbekistan .

Reading Tip:  Visit the best places in Uzbekistan with these 3 travel itineraries.

6) Traveling overland in Kyrgyzstan

You can easily enter Kyrgyzstan from Uzbekistan and/or Kazakhstan by bus. Kyrgyzstan doesn’t have a proper railway so the best way to get to and around Kyrgyzstan is by (mini)bus or shared taxi.

Here are some guides that can help you:

• How to get from Tashkent (Uzbekistan) to Kyrgyzstan by bus
• How to get from Almaty (Kazakhstan) to Kyrgyzstan by bus

Kyrgyzstan has the most liberal visa regime in Central Asia and offers a free visa on arrival to these nationalities . 

I have many comprehensive guides and useful travel information about Kyrgyzstan:

Find everything you need to know about traveling in Kyrgyzstan (best places to visit, itineraries, practical info,…) in Traveling in Kyrgyzstan – The Ultimate Travel Guide

7) Traveling overland in Tajikistan

2022 Update: There’s still no clear news about whether or not the land borders of Tajikistan have reopened.

You can enter Tajikistan via Uzbekistan or   Kyrgyzstan . More info about the border crossings here .

Tajikistan offers now a free visa on arrival for most nationalities, except when you’re from one of these countries .

Tajikistan is a mountainous country so there are no trains or big buses here. You’ll have to travel around by shared taxi, a public minivan, or your own vehicle.

If you have the time, don’t skip the Fann Mountains and the  Pamir Highway !

Read all my guides about Tajikistan in Traveling in Tajikistan – The Ultimate Travel Guide

4. From Turkey or Central Asia to South-East Asia

1) how to travel overland from central asia to china.

2022 Update: China closed its borders again to foreign travelers

Oh, dear China, how moody art thou!  

While it used to be possible to apply for a visa for China in different countries in Central Asia, they’ve recently changed their visa regulations. It’s currently extremely difficult to obtain a Chinese tourist visa in Central Asia .

Remember that the rules change all the time so you better check the Caravanistan forum for recent updates.

I had a sparkle of hope that I could apply for a Chinese visa in Tbilisi (Georgia) but they are now only issuing visas for residents of Georgia.

The only solution is to send your passport home (there we go again) and ask someone to apply in the Chinese embassy in your home country (unless you’re from Germany, then you have to be physically present to apply for the visa).

Here’s what you need to apply for a Chinese visa .

If you managed to get a visa for China, you can enter China from Kyrgyzstan or Tajikistan.

If you want to travel from Kyrgyzstan to China , you can cross the borders at the  Irkeshtam Pass  or the Torugart Pass.

You can travel from Tajikistan to China across the  Qolma Pass .

If you want to drive in China, know that you can’t do this independently. You can only drive with your own car or motorbike in China if you’re part of a tour group or have a personal guide, which is very expensive.

The best solution is to find a group of travelers who also want to cross China by car or motorbike and split the costs. You’ll also need to apply for a Chinese driving license.

Click here   for more information.

2) From Europe to India by land (Myanmar – Thailand)

A lot of people dream of traveling overland from Europe to India. This is also the route we first had in mind. We wanted to travel overland from Europe to Thailand across Iran, Pakistan, and India.

It looks like an easy road on the map but it doesn’t come without any obstacles. This route is also not possible to travel by train.

1) From Turkey to Iran

2022 Update: Iran has reopened its land borders. Aside from a visa, all travelers over the age of 12 are required to provide proof of full vaccination . You also need a negative PCR test taken within the last 72 hours before arrival in Iran, unless it has been at least 14 days since the second dose of a two-shot vaccine (or the single dose of the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine).

The shortest way to travel from Turkey to Iran is by crossing the Gurbulak – Bazargan border or the  Esendere – Siro  border.  Find all the information about the  Turkey-Iran border crossing here . 

Iran issues visas on arrival but only if you arrive by plane . If you travel overland, you still have to apply for a tourist visa at an Iranian embassy.

However, the whole visa situation changes constantly so for the most recent updates concerning the Iranian visa, check out the updates on Caravanistan .

The best place in Turkey to apply for a tourist visa for Iran is at the Iranian embassy in Ankara .

You could also travel from Turkey to Iran across  Georgia   and  Armenia . Both countries offer free visas on arrival to many nationalities (check the visa policy for Georgia and Armenia visa policy ) and are definitely worth a visit!

2022 Update: The borders between Georgia and Armenia are open. For both countries, you need to present either  a vaccination certificate or a certificate with a negative PCR test result , no later than 72 before entering the country.

Read: 15 Amazing Places to Visit in Georgia

If you travel across Georgia and Armenia, apply for an Iranian tourist visa at the consulate of Iran in Batumi (Georgia).

Only citizens of the UK, US, and Canada can’t travel independently to Iran. They need to be accompanied by a tour guide at all times. But… there’s a way around it.

You could enter Iran via the Armenian border where the border controls are known to be less strict. Alex from Lost with Purpose wrote how she entered Iran independently as a UK citizen .

2) From Iran to Pakistan

Update 2022: The land borders between Iran and Pakistan are currently closed. Updates concerning these borders are very welcome in the comments below!

Crossing the Pakistan – Iran border is possible but a bit tricky.

This border crossing is very long and known to be a dangerous area. That’s why you can only cross with an armed escort. Read the border crossing report by Lost with Purpose  and check for updates on Caravanistan .

Pakistan was our second obstacle. You can only apply for a Pakistan visa  in your home country or country of residence. Europeans and Canadians can get a visa on arrival if they arrive by plane and are part of a tour.

Just like with the Russian visa you can try to send your passport to someone in your home country and ask him/her to apply for the visa in the Pakistan embassy of your country.

Know that you’ll be without a passport for a while and you should check the regulations of the country you’re in whether or not it’s illegal to travel there without a passport.

If you are able to obtain a visa for both Iran and Pakistan, it means that you can enter India without too much hustle.

3) From Pakistan to India

Update 2022: There was only one Pakistan – India border where foreigners could cross but this one still seems to be closed now . Updates concerning this border are very welcome in the comments below!

There is one Pakistan – India border that is open only for foreigners.

You can obtain an e-visa for India but only if you arrive by plane. If you want to enter India by land, you’ll have to apply for a regular tourist visa in an Indian embassy .

You can apply for a 6-month tourist visa on your way to India. I’ve heard that the embassy in Pakistan is quite a hassle but you can try to apply for one in Tehran (Iran).

Other options are applying for an Indian visa in Central Asia (Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan,…) but that means you’ll have to make a huge detour and you need to be aware that the visa starts from the date of issue, not from the date of entrance !

4) From India to Myanmar and Thailand 

2022 Update: Myanmar will reopen its borders to international tourists on 17 April . Find the current Myanmar entry requirement s here .

If you’ve finally managed to travel from Europe to India (congrats, let me know if you’ve done it in the comments!!), you might want to continue your journey toward Southeast Asia.

The only way to reach Thailand or Laos is to cross Myanmar (aka Burma).

This is also tricky! You can enter Myanmar from Thailand on an e-visa but there are some mixed reports on whether or not it is possible to enter Myanmar from India. You’ll also need a special permit to travel overland in Myanmar.

Nobody said that traveling by land would be easy, eh?

Alright, one last route:

3) from Central Asia to South East Asia without traveling to China

2022 Update: This route is currently not possible as a) it’s not possible to travel to Russia at the moment due to the war and b) most countries on this route are closed to foreign travelers.

This route is the longest way to travel overland from Europe to China and South East Asia but it’s the best chance to get a visa for China while you’re traveling and make it to Southeast Asia.

1) From Kazakhstan to Mongolia

There is no direct border between Kazakhstan and Mongolia so you’ll first have to travel across a small part of Russia. 

You’ll need to apply for a 2-day Russian transit visa  in Almaty or Nur Sultan . 

If you’re not cycling or driving your own vehicle, you can take the train to cross the distance between Kazakhstan and Mongolia but you have to buy these tickets in advance as proof for your transit visa.

You’ll also need to apply for a Mongolian visa (30 days) at the embassy of Mongolia in Almaty or Nur Sultan. 

2) From Mongolia to Russia 

After visiting Mongolia, you’ll have to apply for a new Russian transit visa (try to get 10 days) in Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia) to enter Russia.

To travel from Russia to Asia without taking any flight, you’ll first have to go all the way to Vladivostok in Russia. 

The best way to get there from Mongolia is by train. You can book the train tickets for the Trans-Siberian train from Ulan Ude to Vladivostok (Russia) online .

3) From Russia to South Korea by ferry

There’s weekly one ferry that goes from Russia to South Korea, operated by DBS Ferry company. 

The ferry leaves in Vladivostok (Russia) and arrives about 22 hours later in Donghae (South Korea). You can book online tickets for this ferry  here . 

South Korea offers a free visa on arrival for many countries.  Check here   to see if you need to apply for a visa in advance or if you can get a free visa on arrival. 

You should be able to apply for a Chinese visa at the Chinese embassy in Seoul. Find out  here   what you need to apply for a Chinese tourist visa. 

4) From South Korea to Japan by ferry

There are a few ferry lines connecting South Korea to Japan.

Here is a fantastic and very comprehensive guide about taking the ferry from South Korea to Japan, including the various ferry routes, costs and practical travel information. 

Japan offers a free visa on arrival to many countries.  You can also try to apply for a Chinese visa at the Chinese embassy in Tokyo. 

5) From Japan to China by ferry

There is currently one ferry route running between Japan and China. The ferry leaves from Osaka and arrives 46 hours later in Shanghai. You can check the schedule  here . 

Once you’ve made it to China, you can easily continue your journey toward Vietnam, Laos and Thailand.

If you’re going on a long journey like this, you should get good travel insurance! Here are the 3 best and most affordable travel insurance companies for long-term travelers!

I hope this post has been very useful to you!

If you’re planning to embark on this long overland journey or you’ve traveled this route or parts of it and you have extra information, useful guides, or stories, please share them in the comments below! Feel free to contact m e if you have any questions!

More Useful Resources:

• The Ultimate Travel Guide to Turkey
• The Ultimate Travel Guide to Georgia
• The Ultimate Travel Guide to Azerbaijan
• The Ultimate Travel Guide to Kazakhstan
• The Ultimate Travel Guide to Kyrgyzstan
• The Ultimate Travel Guide to Uzbekistan
• The Ultimate Travel Guide to Tajikistan

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68 thoughts on “how to travel overland from europe to asia by car, bike and train – the 3 best travel routes”.

Hi, the EU part needs updates.

Croatia is in the Schengen now, and the map has a truckload of mistakes, not just related to new Schengen countries but also some EU members, while UK that has left is stil there.

Hi Goran, I know this post needs some updates but just haven’t gotten round to it yet. It’s on my to-do list 🙂

wow ! Absolutely amazing in depth content and information. soo soo inspiring and soo confusing but very very exciting. Good luck on your travels everyone here.

Thanks Steve!

Hi Cynthia, I thoroughly enjoyed your article :How To Travel Overland From Europe To Asia.” I was searching the internet to see if there are still British tour companies offering inexpensive (camping) travel from Indonesia to India or Turkey in a convoy of old British army trucks. Didn’t find any, but found your fascinating accounts of Asian travel. I traveled from Melbourne, Australia to England over a period of about 8 months in 1979. Hitchhiked up the Australian coast; flew to Bali; ferries, trains and deck-class voyages through Java, Sumatra, and Thailand; flew to Katmandu; trekked in Himalayas; flew to India; traveled by old Mercedes bus from New Delhi to Iranian border where bus and German owners were detained by Afghani police for smuggling hashish; detained by revolutionaries in Tehran after overthrow of the Shaw but before the American embassy was taken hostage; by bus to Istanbul, and then on to Munich; hitchhiked to Stuttgart, where I stayed and worked for a few weeks; hitchhiked to Frankfurt; took train to Amsterdam and ferry to London. Whew! Great trip!. I’m glad to see young folks doing similar travel in this changed world. Good luck to you, and thanks for supporting economical, independent international travel.

Hi Paul, wow, you also traveled very extensively overland! Thanks for sharing your story!

Hi. I was just wondering how you’re able to afford staying on the road throughout all this. Is it something you’ve been saving up for, for years, or is it working while travelling? Also what way do you think would be the best way for beginners. Hitchhiking always seems a bit sketchy, because you don’t know who you might encounter, however it’s also the cheapest way i can imagine.

Hi Nicolas, in the early years of my nomadic life, I worked along the way and combined it with a lot of volunteering work . Then I was an online teacher while setting up a business. Nowadays I have a full-time income coming from my business. Hitchhiking requires having trust and a strong intuition. I never had a bad experience (even as a woman alone) and I rely a lot on my intuition (always follow that gut feeling) :). I’m sharing more info about the how’s of my nomadic life here .

Great research. Thanks for sharing. I was considering travelling from Europe yo Asia by motorhome. Have you come across anybody that has done this? Thanks

No, I haven’t met anyone traveling by motorhome yet. The closest thing were people traveling by van. I could always bring you in touch with some of them if you like.

Thanks for this nice clear overview of options! I’m seriously considering cycling from the Netherlands to Australia. So far Iran and Pakistan seem to be the biggest hurdles. Apart from political turmoil, mostly because I have to apply for the visa from my home country and then cycle over there before it expires. Are there any known solutions to this problem?

Hi Robin, one solution that other cyclists did was to send their passport home and let a trusted family member/ friend apply for the visa and then send you the passport back. I know it’s not an ideal solution… I also met cyclists who had 2 passports so they could apply for the visa with one passport while still having another one on them while abroad. Hope this helps?

Thanks for your reply Cynthia, I will definitely consider this option.

Nice work. I see many of the responses are pre covid. not too many to date reports. I have a friend who just got a blood clot in her leg in Greece and needs to get home to Thailand. She can’t fly in this condition for 7-9 months. So, we are looking at how she can do it overland and when you see these maps in Sept.2022 you realize just how messed up things are in these area of the world. pakistan is in rough shape. iran? China? best war/covid/weather issues there doesnt seem to be a clear answer if it can be done right now. I like your Turkey-Iran-Pakistan routing through Myanmar and home but it sounds like Iran is a tough one for Canadians (which she and I are). A tour guide to whisk us through the country…..? Looking forward to reading more on that but again things are very strange at the moment everywhere so any 2019 information is right out the window I would think. Great post as many have said. I hope some people can add some things here. Back in the day we would go to Lonely Planets Thorntree for up to date info around the world from travellers and you know what? It might be interesting to see if it survived all these years. It was a got to at the turn of the century (wow that sounds old). She has an interesting challenge ahead of her.

It’s still going to be challenging to make the overland journey from Greece to Thailand at this point. I’m not sure how the situation is in Myanmar and yes, you can’t travel independently through Iran as Canadian citizens, but you might find a way around that. I hope you find a solution! Best wishes

thank you, Cynthia! very helpful. i’m also planning to travel from Baku to Kazakhstan by ferry this June.

Wow!! I never post comments but this article is hands down one of the best and most in depth things I have ever had the joy to read!!! Thank you so so much for putting in the time and effort to create this article!

Thank you Russel! And thank you for commenting 😀 It’s really lovely to hear your feedback!

Great job on all this. What about a ship like a cruise ship

I haven’ t been on a cruise ship yet so this is unknown territory but it might be possible

This is a very interesting! thanks for sharing these great articles, good luck

Thank you 🙂

Thanks for sharing this great information

My pleasure 🙂

I want to ask that, what I need to aware to ensure my safety, since I heard that traveling through Central Asia is dangerous, which several people lost their lives there, and what equipment and clothings I should bring and wear when I want to cycle through Central Asia to Europe, starting in China? Also, I need to stop to eat when I get hungry and stay at a hotel when I got really dirty and want to find a place to rest for a while. These all need a large amount of money, so how can I bring them ? Can I use credit cards? Can I use the atm there? I am confused 😕 as a starter. Overall, thanks for your inspiring article.

Hi Adrian, I’m curious to know where you’ve heard that Central Asia is dangerous? If you go trekking unprepared in the mountains by yourself, then I’d say, yes, that would be dangerous in any country in the world 🙂

My tips: don’t cycle through Central Asia in winter. Ideally, you’re there between the end of May and end of September. Hostels and homestays in Central Asia are cheap, you can get a bed in a hostel for $5 -$6 a night, you can eat at local restaurants which are also very cheap. You can take out money at the ATM’s in the big cities in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. If you’d cycle through Uzbekistan, get cash out at Tashkent (the capital city). You can also exchange money at the banks in Tashkent (Uzbekistan) and Dushanbe (Tajikistan).

I hope this helps. Let me know if you’d have more questions! Wishing you a great and safe journey ahead!

so great website for me. thanks for sharing these great articles with us

Thank you Mino! 🙂

Awesome blog, thankyou for this, really helpful and inspiring 🙂 I am wanting to make the route 3.2, but then enter India or Nepal from China. do you know if this is possible? I am also wondering how much such a journey would cost, how much would route 3.2 cost approx.? Thankyou in advance,

Hi Anne, thanks for reading our blog and I’m happy to hear it’s inspiring! I don’t think it’s possible to enter Nepal from China. It’s possible to go from China to India or from China to Pakistan as I know some people who’ve done it. The costs depend on the way you travel. Are you going to travel by public transport, with your own vehicle (car, bike, motorbike), are you camping or spending most nights at a hostel,…? Let’s say that you were to travel from Central Asia to China overland, and you travel by public transport and spend every night at a hostel, I’d count on an average of US$30 per day (food not included). I hope this helps!

China is running rail through Tibet that will go into Kathmandu, I know they started awhile ago but not sure when it will be finished.

That would be exciting!!

Thank you so much for this, I’m dreaming of driving one of these routes with my dog which of course adds another layer of complexity, do you know of anyone that has traveled overland with a pet?

Thank you! Sophia

I know some people who have traveled with their pet. You need to check with the vet so your pet has a passport and all the documents and vaccinations required!

This is a very interesting ! I look forward to seeing your stories and photos along the path you follow. You have passed through some interesting areas!

Thank you Tina 🙂

Thanks for sharing this informative blog hope soon you will post something about india thanks again for such valuable post

Hi, once we make it to India (and we’d love to travel there one day), we’ll definitely write about it! Happy to hear you like the blog!

Good post! I travelled from Dublin to Varanasi almost 10 years ago, all overland. Amazing trip, but not an easy one, especially because of Pakistan (I was there when Mr. Bin Laden got caught). Anyway, great article. I’m in SEA now and planning my return to Europe next year. I will try to drive all the way through the route I once did by train/bus. Take care!

Oh wow, that journey must have been even more challenging than it is now. Nowadays it’s rather easy to get most of the visas but it must have been quite something 10 years ago 🙂 How was it to travel through Pakistan when Bin Laden got caught? How was the atmosphere? Good luck with your overland return to Europe! It will be interesting for you to make a similar journey all these years later!

This is probably the best informative post on hitchhiking! Amazing and inspirational story!

Thank you Amber! Are you going on a big hitchhiking trip soon?

I’ve tried to be a nomad and it’s fun. It’s hard at first but when you get the hang of it, everything becomes just fun.

Hi Martha, that’s very true! Every change in your life or habits require some adjustment but like you say, once you get the hang of it, it’s fun! 🙂

Just a quick heads-up on the paragraph “the only solution is to send your passport home (there we go again) and ask someone to apply in the Chinese embassy in your home country (unless you’re from Germany, then you have to be physically present to apply for the visa). Here’s what you need to apply for a Chinese visa.” -> there are a number of agencies handling visa applications for German citizens. I live in China (as a German) and get frequent visits from friends and family, and none of them live in Frankfurt (consulate location) or Berlin (embassy location), and none ever had an issue getting a visa. We are using a service called 1A Visum, but there are a number of others around.

Thanks for the update Chris! This will definitely be useful for German citizens!

With this new information about hitchhiking there, we are now considering of going there too

Hi, you can hitchhike all the way from Europe to Central Asia. You still can’t apply for a Chinese visa in Central Asia (you’ll have to do this in your home country). If you have a visa for China, you can hitchhike all the way to South-East Asia. If not, you’ll have to go through Russia and take a ferry to Korea or Japan or you’ll have to fly from Kazakhstan or Kyrgyzstan to Cambodia or so.

Excelent article! very useful. Now I know that Im not th unique that want to travel and explore by hiking and cycle method through long distances. Thanks!

Hi Ignacio, thank you!! And yes, you’re not alone!! If you’d make this overland trip, you’ll meet many like-minded travelers along the way!!

Dear authers, wanderers,

Great page to start planning for my trip over land to India for next year. I like the size you are thinking in, i mean, in this post you are planning half/whole continents instead of which place to visit whitin a coutry. Anyway… I am planning on the most direct route, which is also known as route A. Would like to do that one up untill India. So I like to start my trip in 8 to 10 months, and take about 7 to 8 months to reach the pakistani-Indian border, hitchhiking from the Netherlands. These numbers are still rather flexible though, is there any country or particilar part I should plan around, concerning the climate? For example.. hitchhiking around Iran in those and those months are way to hot, or visiting the mountains in Pakistan is unduable in those and those months. Any other advise on things I should plan or organize now and not in half a year.

Cheers, A Dutchie

Hi Thijs, I’m happy to hear that this post is useful to you. You’re up for an amazing overland adventure!! You should definitely keep the seasons in mind, summer and winter are at the same time like in the Netherlands but it’s way hotter or colder in Iran or Pakistan 🙂 It can get very hot in Iran so I think late summer, early autumn would be the perfect time to go there but keep in mind that, if you want to travel through the mountains in Pakistan, you should go there before or after winter otherwise certain roads won’t be accessible and it will too cold anyway to go there in winter. Remember that you need to apply for your Pakistani visa in the Netherlands and I don’t know how much time you have to enter Pakistan from the moment you have your visa. Crossing the Iran – Pakistan border and the Pakistan – India border is also another challenge so make sure you’re well-prepared for those (safety, visa,…) Enjoy the preparations of this trip and feel free to contact me if I can help you with something!

Hi Cynthia, I am gratefull for your reply, it feels like a warm welcome. 🙂 So… For now, I decided to aim for crossing Iran-Pakistan border in April. So I can check out the mountains in Pakistan in April/May. I know these borders are a challange on their own, that’s why I am already preparing now. I do have considerable amount of travel experience, so hopefully everything will be fine. Yeah… So considering the pakistani visa, i’m chatting with Alex from Lost with purpose to figure out my best strategy.

All the best from Uni library in Bonn. Thijs

I think that you’re choosing the right season for going to the mountains in Pakistan. Alex is the expert on traveling in Pakistan so I’m sure she’ll be able to give you loads of information about the visa and border crossings! Enjoy your preparations (they’re also part of the journey 🙂 ). And who knows, we might cross paths! That would be really cool! All the best from Morocco! 🙂

Loved your article, it is helpfull! We will head in a year from now on an owerland trip with 2 small kids (1.5yo and 3.5yo than) so will follow a safer route that keeps the budget. Your route seams food but not all the part is possible with a vehicul. We will figure it out of we go part of the way on wheels and part of it witjout and what would we do with a vehicul.. Still lots to plan 🙂 Thanks for all the info!

Hi Morana, what a great idea to make such an overland adventure with your children! The route from Europe over Georgia/Armenia/Iran or Azerbaijan to Central Asia is very safe and beautiful! If you have any questions or need help with planning your journey, don’t hesitate to contact us! Wishing you all the best!!

Hi Morana, I am planning to go from Spain to Thailand in a couple of years when our kids are bit more grown up. We would like to go with an Autocaravan. Please send me some info if you first try it. My email is [email protected]

Nice pictures. I like your blog. You share the information is very helpful. It is very supportive and useful post. I would like to visit the post once more its valuable content. Thanks!

Hi David, thank you so much! Are you planning on making an overland journey soon?

Very good article. I prefer traveling overland like you you are a happy couple. good luck

Thank you! <3

really love this block. very informative post. really love the story.

Thank you Hiroshi! Glad to hear you enjoyed this post!

Nice read but there is some information which is not correct, I hitchhiked all over Uzbekistan and it is allowed. The police/army/guards at roadblocks will even stop cars for you to help you getting a ride 😉 I really loved Uzbekistan and the people there. Also Croatia and Cyprus are EU countries, but indeed not in the schengen zone. Maybe also good to know for people is that if you want to hitchhike in Tajikistan on the Pamir highway (Which I highly suggest) you will need an extra permit which costs extra money. You can either apply in Dushanbe or online with the E-visa.

Hi Paul! Thanks for pointing this out! There was indeed a misunderstanding and some confusion about Uzbekistan and I adjusted it in the article. I came across the info that one has to show tickets from the bus/train when exiting the country. But that is only for night transportation. With this new information about hitchhiking there, we are now considering of going there too 🙂 Thanks for the extra info about the Pamir Highway! Did you hitchhike all around Central Asia? What was your best experience?

yes exactly

This is a super useful guide, well done! I’m so excited to see your stories and photos of the route you laid out. It goes through some fascinating regions!

Thanks Alex! After puzzling our route together I thought I could help a lot of people who want to do a similar journey with this guide (including your super useful articles!!). We’re very curious and excited about the upcoming route!

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14 International Road Trips From India - Your Checklist

1. nepal .

Distance (from New Delhi to Kathmandu): 1,125 kilometres Route: A drive from New Delhi to Kathmandu will take you across two states in India (New Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, and you enter Nepal through Sunauli Border Duration: 21 hours (approximatley 2 days) Best time to visit: February to April Entry Requirement: Indian driving license. No other documentation is required. Visa Requirements: There is no visa requirement. Indians holding a valid passport, voter ID, driving license or ration card or any identification issued by the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu can  live and work in Nepal, without any restrictions.

Distance(from New Delhi to Thimp): 1,546 kilometres Route: The route to Thimpu from New Delhi will take you across the states of Uttar Pradesh and Assam, from Guwahati (state capital of Assam), you will be able to move to the Bhutanese village Phuntsholing and then head to Thimpu. Duration: 32 hours (approximately 3 days) Best time to visit: March to May Entry Requirements: A travel pass and a vehicle pass will be required for entering the country. Both can be obtained from the immigration office at Phuntsholing for approximately BTN 300 per person. Visa Requirements: While there is no official visa requirement for Indians, Indians holding a valid passport (valid for atleast 6 months from the date of travel), voter ID and travel related documents can obtain a 7 days’ entry-cum-stay permit from the border office. (Note: Bhutan regulates the number of foreign tourists within their country!)

3. Bangladesh

Distance (New Delhi to Dhaka): 1,850 kilometres Route: To reach Dhaka, you will have to travel across New Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, and cross the border at Sonamasjid Sulka checkpoint or Petrapole–Benapole border to arrive in Bangladesh. Once you are on Bangladesh land, it will take you approximately an 8-hour drive  to arrive in Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh. Duration: 35 hours (approximately 3 days) Best time to visit: October to April Entry Requirements: Bangladesh recognizes Indian international driving permit. However, a carnet is required for you vehicle before you enter the country. Carnet is issued by the Automobile Association of India upon payment of a refundable bank guarantee/ cash/ cheque of approximately 200% the market value of your vehicle. Though expensive, Carnet is your vehicle’s visa for over 62 countries in the world. Visa Requirements: Indian nationals holding a valid passport are eligible to avail visa from the Bangladeshi embassy.

Distance (New Delhi to Mandalay): 2,959 kilometres Route: To cross the Indian border, you will have to travel across New Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Sikkim, Assam, Nagaland and Manipur. You will enter Myanmar from the Moreh Border checkpoint and then head to Mandalay, and further down south to reach Yangoon. Duration: 64 hours (approximately 6 days) Best time to visit: November to February Entry Requirements: A special overland permit, a temporary customs import permit and a MMT permit will be required for travelling into Myanmar with your vehicle. The Myanmar government also issues an approved escort vehicle with a tourist guide and a liaison officer to accompany you during your stay in Myanmar (this is non-negotiable). Visa Requirements: A visa stamped from the Myanmar embassy is required before travelling into the territory of Myanmar. While Myanmar issues e-visa to Indians which allows a single entry permit for upto 28 days’ of stay – this may not be sufficient or appropriate for road trip into the country. 

5. Sri Lanka

Distance (from New Delhi to Colombo): 3,533 kilometres Route: A journey from New Delhi to Colombo will take you across the length of India, crossing 6 states – Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. In Tamil Nadu, you can take the Nagappattinam ferry to Colombo. Duration: 78 hours (approximately 7 days) Best time to visit: Although the west coast and south coast are ideal during December to March, the best time to visit the east coast of Sri Lanka is in April-May. Entry Requirements: An international driving license, carnet and motor insurance should be obtained in advance. Visa Requirements: Sri Lanka grants a 30 days’ e-visa for a maximum of 30 days’ stay.

6. Thailand

Distance (New Delhi to Bangkok): 4,198 kilometres Route: The road to Bangkok, will travel across the north eastern states of India and will cross across Myanmar to arrive in Thailand. Many who have undertaken this road, suggest the following journey, head from Delhi to Imphal, cross Moreh, Kale, Bagan, Inle Lake, Yangon, Maesot, and arrive in Bangkok from Tak. Duration: 71 hours Best time to visit: November to early April Entry Requirements: Make sure you are also carrying the requisite approvals and documents for travelling across Myanmar. You can drive with an international driving license. Visa Requirements: Thailand allows e-visa on arrival for Indians holding a valid passport.

7. Malaysia

Distance (New Delhi to Kuala Lumpur): 5,760 kilometres Route: To arrive in Kuala Lumpur, you will have to travel across two other countries – Myanmar and Thailand. Due to the travel mode, the visa/entry requirements for each of these countries will also need to be complied with (please see the specific requirements for each, above). Duration: 101 hours (approximately 8 days) Best time to visit: December to February Entry Requirements: Malaysia recognizes international driving license issued in India, and the carnet is sufficient for your vehicle’s entry and drive around Malaysia. Visa Requirements: Indian passport holders are eligible to apply for a single entry eNTRI visa, which grants permission to the traveller to stay in Malaysia for a maximum of 15 days.

8. Singapore 

Distance (New Delhi to Singapore): 6,118 kilometres Route: To reach Singapore from New Delhi, you will have to travel across three countries – Myanmar, Thailand and Malaysia. Due to the travel mode, the visa/entry requirements for each of these countries will also need to be complied with (please see the specific requirements for each, above). Duration: 105 hours (approximately 9 days) Best time to visit: February to April Entry Requirements: Singapore recognizes international driving license issued in India. Visa Requirements: Singapore grants an e-visa (valid for 30 days) to Indians holding a valid passport.

Distance (from New Delhi to Tibet): 1,142 kilometres Route: For arriving in China from New Delhi, one may take a route through Nepal via the Kodari — Zhangmu border. Duration: 40 hours (approximately 4 days) Best time to visit: Either the spring months of March and April or the autumnal September or October can be the best time to visit the country, depending on which you prefer. Entry Requirements: In order to drive in the territory of China, you will be required to obtain a special overland permit, a temporary driving licence and vehicle plate. The process of obtaining the overland permit takes over 3 months. In addition to these, you will also be required a liaise with the Chinese officials regarding your itinerary, whereafter a guide vehicle will be assigned to escort you for the duration of your travel. While Chinese do not rely on it, it is advisable to carry your international driving license with you at all times. Visa Requirements: Chinese visa from the Chinese embassy and Tibetan entry permit must be obtained in advance. In case you take the route across Nepal, the Chinese visa will have to obtained from the consulate of China in Kathmandu as well. 

10. Vietnam

Distance (New Delhi to Hanoi): 5,162 kilometres Route: A car ride from New Delhi to Hanoi will take you across Myanmar, Thailand and Laos before reaching  Vietnam. Duration: 101 hours (approximately 5 days) Best time to visit: from March to May or from September to November Entry Requirements: Vietnam allows Indians to drive their own vehicles within the country with a valid international driving permit and a carnet. However, a local insurance will have to be obtained in Vietnam for the vehicle as well. Visa Requirements: Indians are allowed to obtain an e-visa prior to entering into the country, which is valid for a period of 30 days.

Distance (New Delhi to Istanbul): 4,546 kilometres Route: A car ride from New Delhi should take you across China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Georgia, before arriving in Turkey. Duration: 59 hours (approximately 6 days) Best time to visit: April to May and from September to mid-November Entry Requirements: Indian international driving permit will suffice for your drive through the country, but a special permit in addition to the Carnet will be required from Turkish authorities. Visa Requirements: Turkey grants an e-visa for Indians holding a valid visa or resident permit for either United Kingdom, Ireland, United States of America or any of the Schengen countries. 

12. Uzbekistan

Distance (New Delhi to Tashkent): 2,280 kilometres Route: While Uzbekistan may be closer through Afghanistan-Tajikistan, due to safety and logistical reasons the route via China may be preferred. Duration: 30 hours (approximately 4 days) Best time to visit: April to May, and September to early November Entry Requirements: Uzbekistan does not recognize the validity of India’s international driving permit and therefore, a special permit will be required from Uzbek authorities in advance. Visa Requirements: Entry into Uzbekistan requires special invitation letters, border crossing assistance as well as custom inquiry at several stages.

13.  Greece

Distance (New Delhi to Athens): 6,105 kilometres Route: Reaching Athens, will take you across 8 countries - China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey. Duration: 71 hours (approximately 8 days) Best time to visit: While the month of July endorses some of the most beautiful sunny days and sunset views with no rains, the period between April to mid-June and September to mid-October is also ideal for travel. Entry Requirements: Along with carnet and the international driving permit, you will be required to avail a special permit for driving in your vehicle in Greece. Visa Requirements: Greece is a European Union nation and therefore, a Schengen visa will have to be obtained for your stay in Greece.

14.  London

Distance (New Delhi to London): 7,832 kilometres Route: From those who have undertaken this enormous distance travel, the recommended route crosses over 11 countries to arrive in the United Kingdom. A car ride from New Delhi should take you across China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, Poland, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium and France.  Duration: Approximately 2 weeks Best time to visit: March through May Entry Requirements: UK recognizes international driving license issued in India. Visa Requirements: Indians holding a valid passport can apply for a temporary stay visa for United Kingdom.

This post was published by Deepika Yadav

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I was thinking about going on a road trip from Delhi,India to London,UK and cover most of Europe and Asia on thew way.I stumbled upon this :

http://bit.do/indeur (A doc file that has details about a 44 day trip)

My problems with the trip are that it seems to be covering only the major cities also the duration is pretty short.That I can modify.

What are the legal issues that I need to get by?

Can an Indian go across Pakistan overland?

By 44 days I meant the stay time.Travel is an added 61 days making it a 105 days trip.

I cannot help you with this trip or comment on the issues you raise about the trip you have linked to.

While you are likely to get suggestions and even route advice from specific geographic forums, rather than this one, such as the Pakistan forum for Pakistani issues, this is a peer to peer forum.

For such important matters, to get the correct legal advice, you should contact each and every consulate or embassy of each and every country involved. You would need to tell them your nationality and passport details, and the car details and your reasons for travel to get the full and accurate answers.

Thanks for the reply!

https://www.facebook.com/A.Voyage.On.My.Motorbike

Check this out

Hi Gyanendra,

I am from Delhi . I would also be intrested in taking this overland trip from Delhi to Europe.

Pls connect with me on my email. I am at : [email protected]

Hi I am also a lone traveler and travelling India and would be interested and love to join you on this dream journey. Please let me know what legal formalities and documentation required to travel. My mail id is [email protected]

Hi Dears, I am also interested to Travel from Delhi to Johannesburg, South Africa by Road. I have already written to MEA but not get any reply even after lapse of more than a month. I will be happy to join a person or Team to make my above dream true. You can contact me on my mail id "ashok(dot)[email protected]"

Can any1 tell the total expenses incurred for trip from India to Paris, southafrica etc.. thanks

This post was determined to be inappropriate by the Tripadvisor community and has been removed.

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The driving distance from India to Europe is:

5,643 miles / 9 082 km, map of driving directions from india to europe.

View a map with driving directions using your preferred map provider: Google Maps , Bing Maps , or MapQuest .

More trip calculations

• Driving Time
• Cost Of Driving
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Driving distance from India to Europe

The total driving distance from India to Europe is 5,643 miles or 9 082 kilometers .

Your trip begins in India. It ends in Europe.

If you are planning a road trip, you might also want to calculate the total driving time from India to Europe so you can see when you'll arrive at your destination.

You can also calculate the cost of driving from India to Europe based on current local fuel prices and an estimate of your car's best gas mileage.

If you're meeting a friend, you might be interested in finding the city that is halfway between India and Europe .

Planning to fly a plane instead? You might be more interested in calculating the straight line distance to fly from India to Europe .

related links

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Driving distance calculator

Travelmath helps you find driving distances based on actual directions for your road trip. You can get the distance between cities, airports, states, countries, or zip codes to figure out the best route to travel to your destination. Combine this information with the fuel cost tool to find out how much it will cost you to drive the distance, or compare the results to the straight line distance to determine whether it's better to drive or fly. You can print out pages with a travel map.

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10 Best Road Trips in Europe [2024 Europe Road Trips Guide]

F act: road trip destinations don’t get much better than Europe. From the winding alpine roads of Switzerland and France to the spectacular coastal routes in Italy and Ireland, there are more incredible road trips in Europe than you can shake a stick at!

Furthermore, there are road trips for all occasions and interests. The best road trips in Europe take you through wine country, around lakes, into ancient towns, and up sweeping mountain passes. Truly, whether you have an afternoon or an entire month available, if you’re looking for an epic adventure, a cultural experience, or a simple break from the city, there’s a European road trip that’s up to the task.

The tricky part’s deciding which one to do first! To help, we’re going to reveal 10 of the best Europe road trips available – whether you go in a car, a campervan , or on a motorbike. Let’s dive in.

The Best Road Trips in Europe

Wild atlantic way in ireland.

The Wild Atlantic Way is an epic road trip that runs 1600 miles (2600km) along the west coast of Ireland. One of the world’s longest-defined coastal routes, it starts from Derry in the north and ends at the pretty town of Kinsale, County Cork, in the south.

Wild in both name and nature, driving the entire distance will reveal the very best of Ireland’s rugged, ancient, and weather-beaten coastline. You’ll pass through stunning countryside and picturesque villages, bearing witness to historic monuments, towering cliffs, and legendary landscapes at every turn.

A few highlights of the route include:

• The magical Cliffs of Moher
• Slieve League (a mountain in Country Donegal whose name in Irish means “mountain of stone pillars”)
• The lively and historic town of Galway, and
• The Ring of Kerry (another famous European road trip)

North Coast 500 in Scotland

The North Coast 500 (NC500) is Scotland’s answer to Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. Widely regarded as the best road trip in Scotland, it brings together 500+ miles of the country’s most impressive scenery, sights, and attractions.

Passing through the notorious Highlands, your mind will boggle at the remote and unblemished beauty on display. Quaint fishing villages, sugar-soft white sand beaches, age-old lochs, rugged mountains, and sites of historical significance are just a few of the hidden gems you can expect to encounter.

Starting and finishing in Inverness – the UK’s northernmost city – you hug the coast of Scotland along a series of existing roads that form a loop around the top of the country. This road trip was actually only established in 2014 but quickly became popular among locals and visitors alike. A few highlights of the route include:

• The huge Smoo Cave, which was formed by both sea and rainwater (making it unique in the UK)
• The ruins of Ardvreck Castle at Loch Assynt
• The wildlife (especially the infamous highland deer!)
• The mile-long Corrieshallock Gorge, complete with a Victorian suspension bridge that crosses it

Check out our guide to things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland .

Atlantic Road in Norway

Often referred to as one of the most beautiful drives on the planet, the Atlantic Road in Norway is a real sight to behold. A unique route and remarkable feat of engineering, the road connects Averoy with the mainland, snaking out over the ocean in a series of small islands and bridges.

Proof that the best road trips in Europe aren’t always the longest, the Atlantic Road itself is only 5 miles (8km) long. Officially, it runs from Karvag to Vevang. However, it forms one section of a longer National Tourist Route between Bud and Kristiansund – the entirety of which is worth driving.

A phenomenal road trip, it’ll be a struggle to keep your eyes on the road as you gaze at the coastal scenery – views that chop and change depending on the weather conditions you happen to experience at the time.

Explore more of Norway! Here are the best things to do in Oslo , family-friendly things to do in Bergen , and our guide to exploring Norway’s fjords .

Almafi Coast in Italy

The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most popular travel destinations. And for a good reason! This 30-mile (50km) stretch of coastline is unlike any other on the planet.

Colorful old villages sit atop sheer cliffs, with cerulean waters below reflecting the blue skies and blazing sun above . Beautiful beaches and hikes litter the area, matched only by the mass of restaurants, bars, shopping opportunities…and tourists!

Trust us, a road trip along this inimitable coastline is hard to beat. Driving down the Amalfi Coast road, otherwise known as the SS163, will leave you speechless.

A staggering stretch of tarmac, it hugs the cliffs and winds through pristine, pastel-colored towns – starting in Sorrento and heading south past Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, and Vietri sul Mare. Take it slow, stop to explore each town, and fall in love with the aptly-named Divina Costiera (AKA the Divine Coast).

Arctic Coast Way in Iceland

You’ll find another of the best road trips in Europe in Iceland. One of the most picturesque countries on earth, it’s full of incredible sights and natural wonders – as well as infamous driving routes that take you past some of its most iconic attractions.

Chief among Iceland’s famous road trips is the Arctic Coast Way. This epic, 560-mile (900km) journey runs along the country’s northern coast, encompassing six peninsulas and just as many islands. The whole route takes anywhere from 3 to 12 days to drive, and a 4×4 is recommended for the trip.

This is nature at its finest, and you’ll pass a huge array of unforgettable attractions. Indeed, it’d require an entire article to provide a complete list of Arctic Coast highlights! To keep things short, here are a select few items to add to your Iceland road trip itinerary:

• The Hofsos swimming pool, with its mindblowing views over the ocean
• The Hofsos basalt columns that rival the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland
• Humpback whale watching
• The geothermal sea baths at Husavik
• The Arctic Henge in Raufarhofn

Transfagarasan Highway in Romania

Welcome to what’s arguably Romania’s best-known road – not to mention one of its most popular tourist attractions.

Over 93 miles (150km) in length and with countless twists and turns, the Transfagarasan Highway looks like it was built solely to please road trippers! Expect switchback after switchback through a stunning landscape , leading up to an impressive high point of 6500 feet and exceptional views over the surrounding area.

The road cuts a striking sight – especially from above. Another amazing feat of engineering, it winds back and forth up a beautiful natural gorge, passes through tunnels, and crosses the Vidraru Dam (offering a fantastic look at the eponymous lake in the process).

Be sure to take your time and stop at the viewing points as you go. This is partly to stay safe on the ascent! But, with so much beauty on display, it’s mainly so you can make the most of the Transfagarasan Highway’s unbelievable scenery.

Ready to explore the Romanian capitol? Here are 10 great activities in Bucharest, Romania to enjoy with kids .

Route Napoleon in France

Route Napoleon isn’t just one of the best road trips in Europe. It’s also one of the most famous.

Following an escape route that Napoleon Bonaparte took in the early 19 th Century, the journey takes you 200 miles (325km) from the coastal town of Golfe-Juan, in the French Riviera, all the way north to the city of Grenoble.

The route’s as scenic as it is historic, too, passing a wide range and ever-changing landscapes from sweet-smelling lavender fields and pine forests to rolling hills, rocky outcrops, gorges, and mountains. Get ready for stunning vistas and equally impressive roads at every turn.

Trekaroo Tip: You can stick with tradition and attempt this Europe road trip in the same direction as Napoleon (from south to north). Yet many people choose to do it from north to south instead. That way, you can enjoy sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea when you approach the French Riviera at the end.

Romantic Road in Germany

Romantic in both name and nature, this wonderful road trip is one of the very best in Germany. The Romantische Straße , as it’s called there, is 285 miles (460km) long and takes you through a slew of charming towns and jaw-dropping countryside, complete with ancient castles that look like something straight out of a Disney movie!

As for how long this road trip takes, consider giving yourself between three and four days to go from the start, in Wurzburg, until the end in Fussen. To prolong your German adventure, we recommend spending another couple of days in Munich afterward. Located just over 1.5 hours away from Fussen, the Capital of Bavaria is a popular travel destination in its own right.

Oberalp Pass in Switzerland

Searching for another iconic European road to drive down? Look no further than Oberalp Pass (AKA Route 19) in Switzerland.

Located at over 6,719 feet (2,048m) above sea level, this high mountain pass in the Swiss Alps connects the Graubunden and Uri cantons. However, all you really need to know is that it’s utterly phenomenal! Just under 20 miles long, the pass runs from Disentis to Andermatt and provides unbelievable views of the surrounding mountains at every twist and turn in the road.

Steep and riddled with switchbacks, the pass is magnificent. Take note, though: Oberalp Pass is usually impassable between the end of October through April (although the final dates depend on how much snow and meltwater are present).

Read our full guide to visiting Switzerland with kids .

Glossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

Last but not least on this list of the best road trips in Europe is the Glossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria – the highest paved mountain road in the country.

Popular with cyclists and sports car enthusiasts alike, this memorable toll route climbs up to an almighty 8215 feet (2504m) above sea level in a mere 30 miles (48km), with no fewer than 36 hairpin bends along the way. It runs from Fusch-Furleiten in Salzburg to Heiligenblut in Carinthia, taking you into the stunning Hohe Tauern National Park in the process.

Once again, this European road trip isn’t available all year round. It’s usually open from the start of May until the end of October, although inclement weather conditions can restrict access to the road at any time of year.

As you can tell, thanks to its countless scenic roads and awe-inspiring landscapes, this diverse continent across the pond is a haven for anyone with a penchant for road trips. In fact, there are so many routes available that picking one can feel impossible!

With any luck, the options in this post will have given you some useful inspiration for which European road trip to do first. From the stunning Swiss Alps to the rugged coastline of Ireland, any of them is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

Danny Newman is a digital nomad and freelance writer with a deep passion for travel. He’s also mad about #vanlife and offers fellow enthusiasts wide-ranging advice and inspiration on the topic over at campervantips.com .

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Road Trip to India from Europe - Road Trips Forum

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Has anyone here actually completed a road trip to India starting from any country in Europe ?

If you did, can you share your experiences here?

Costs, struggles, dangers, disasters as well as enjoyment, meeting people and everything.

11 replies to this topic

You have to go through russua or Iran. Both are entry location problems.

Short answer: no. There's already an 18-page topic on the subject, full of first- or second-time posters going "I'm gonna do it!" and then a million people going, "Did you do it?" with no response from the poster.

The people who have done trips like this, f.ex. Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman, literally had a full-time staff helping them plan their long trips and it still took them almost a year to plan each.

It's simply not true that it can't be done. There are videos all over YouTube of people doing epic vlogs of their drives from the UK to Pakistan and India, and very recently. Problem is you have to REALLY want to do it, and by that I mean careful planning, and you must have the financial means as it will not be cheap by any stretch of the imagination. If you are serious I suggest contacting some of those youtubers for advice, as you are unlikely to get it here for the whole route.

I've researched this a fair bit myself and biggest issue for a British passport holder is Iran, since you have to be escorted by a local guide. This costs quite a lot and is more complicated to arrange, though definitely doable. However everything from London to the Iran border is rather straightforward, no carnets etc required - and I know because I did London to the Armenia-Iran border last year. Mongol rally drivers do it all the time too. I can give advice on that stretch if you need.

Britonmove, there used to be an overland company that did trips from the UK to India in converted trucks in to carrying passengers called Dragoman,once in India you could circumnavigate the country or go to Katmandu.

I didn't say it couldn't be done. I said no one who's ever posted here about wanting to do it has ever done it and come back to talk about it.

travellerCA, Charley and Ewan also covered Africa on their motorcycles , it was utterly compelling television watching.

Top to bottom I believe.

Thank you, travellerCA, James C and C M.

Good points shared.

I googled it myself and came across an article in India Today:

https://www.indiatoday.in/fyi/story/travelling-trio-3-mothers-travelled-by-road-to-17-countries-in-97-days-275359-2015-12-02

It certainly looks doable.

Britonmove , there was a story a few years ago about a group driving a converted bus to Australia from England and one day I would love to travel on a container ship to the Far East, NZ ,Oz, South America or the USA as a paying passenger and you eat with the crew, apparently it’s not as cheap as what people think.

I've been following some YouTubers who crazy travel the world and the biggest issues are crossing borders. You need to have visas, insurance, paperwork for your vehicle, and other details beyond my experience. These all need to be arranged and planned well in advance.

It also helps to be of certain nationalities when entering nations such as Iran. Iran is a wonderful country with friendly people but only if you're a citizen from a country that is on good terms with them.

You also need to be savvy with the scams you encounter when crossing borders. Border crossings sometimes should only be done at certain locations.

Some of these extreme travelers also have ways to contact help if they encounter life threatening situations. One has some type of satellite phone but they don't provide any details on how it works.

All the YouTube travelers have a support group and/or fellow travelers they can contact that help with details, advice, or provide sage experience.

From what I can tell, they are all experienced travelers who started with easier treks before they jumped into the exotic and challenging locations. Having the money isn't enough, you need to know what you're doing and what you're getting into.

Right now with issuers of Russia/ Ukraine you have real risks trying to pass through Russia as a spy or your country not allowing you to go thru which means your foreign affairs office isn’t going to support you if you were arrested.

Yes pre Ukraine war you could do this.

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EU introduces five-year multiple-entry Schengen visa for Indians

NEW DELHI: The European Commission has decided to offer Indians multiple-entry visas, making travel within the EU easier for Indians.

“Travel to Europe has been made easier, as the EU takes another step towards enhancing people-to-people contact with India. The new Schengen visa regime will enable frequent fliers from India easier access through multi-year visas (up to 5 years),” said EU Ambassador to India, Herve Delphin.

This new visa 'cascade' regime will be open to Indian nationals residing in India who apply for Schengen short-stay visas.

Such visas are likely to be issued in India for travellers with an established travel history, provided the passport validity allows.

According to the newly adopted visa 'cascade' regime for India, Indian nationals can now be issued long-term, multi-entry Schengen visas valid for two years after having obtained and lawfully used two visas within the previous three years. The two-year visa will normally be followed by a five-year visa if the passport has sufficient validity remaining. During the validity period of these visas, holders enjoy travel rights equivalent to visa-free nationals.

Indians can now apply for a long-term (5 year) multiple entry Schengen visa @NewIndianXpress @MEAIndia @EU_Commission @EUAmbIndia @schengen_info @VFSGlobal pic.twitter.com/DBt1fvNLno — Yeshi Seli (@YeshiSeli) April 22, 2024

This decision comes in the context of strengthened relations under the EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility, which seeks comprehensive cooperation on migration policy between the EU and India, with the facilitation of people-to-people contacts being a key aspect due to the importance of India as a partner for the EU.

Schengen visas allow the holder to travel freely in the Schengen area for short stays of a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period. The visas are not purpose-bound, but they do not grant the right to work.

The Schengen area consists of 29 European countries (of which 25 are EU states): Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, and Sweden, along with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

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