Car travel in Europe can be a joy or a nightmare, depending on where and when you drive. During August, when countless millions of Europeans pack up their family cars and drive to the beaches or mountains, traffic jams can rob even the most scenic European touring routes of their charm. And at any time of year, driving in a major city like London, Paris, or Rome can be nerve-wracking (or at least unpleasant) to the foreign tourist.
When to come
Spring and fall are the best times for a motoring vacation in Northern and Central Europe. In Southern Europe, winter can also be pleasant if you avoid the Christmas break. If your vacation is tied to the school calendar, try visiting in June, before the summer season reaches its peak.
Where to go
Many tourists, especially those from North America, make the mistake of planning car itineraries built around Europe's largest cities. They end up having to cope with nerve-wracking traffic, scarce parking, and unfamiliar regulations--all while trying to catch a glimpse of the sights through a mass of cars, motorscooters, bikes, and tour buses.
Other driving strategies are more practical:
Take the train between major cities. Rent cars for local or regional excursions, or for legs of your trip (e.g., Paris to the Riviera) where you want to stop and enjoy sights along the way.
Plan a motoring tour around smaller cities and towns. Enjoy your week in London or Paris without a vehicle, then pick up your rental car and start driving. Save other big cities for a future trip. (And don't be tempted to stay in a suburban hotel and commute into the city center--you'll miss out on the essence of the cities you're visiting.)
Visit a country like Denmark, Norway, or Sweden where even the largest cities are relatively car-friendly and you can leave town for driving excursions with a minimum of hassle.
Tips on renting a car
Comparison shop. Check prices at European brokers that specialize in leisure rentals and short-term leasing programs. Check each company's age restrictions if you're under 25 or over 65, and see "Lease for longer trips" below.
Plan carefully. Rent a car for only as long as you'll need it, to avoid early-return penalties. If you're on a budget, avoid drop-off charges by planning a circular itinerary.
Book ahead. If you live outside Europe, you're likely to get a better deal by making arrangements from abroad.
Lease for longer trips. A short-term car lease can save money on rentals of 21 days or more. Such "buy back" or "purchase-repurchase" leases are especially useful for students and senior citizens, since age restrictions are minimal.
Buy a pass. A Rail 'n Drive Pass combines the speed and comfort of train travel with the convenience of a vehicle for local excursions.
Think small. Fuel is expensive in Europe, streets are narrow in many cities, and small cars are easier to park than large ones. Unless you need a large car or van, stick with a small to midsize car.
Shift for yourself. Cars with automatic transmissions can be hard to find and expensive to rent in many countries. They also use more fuel. (Exception: If you're uncomfortable with the idea of shifting gears with your left hand, a car with automatic transmission may be worth the extra cost in Britain and Ireland.)
Important note: If you're picking up a car outside the European Union, you may encounter bureaucratic hassles if you later decide to drop the car off in an EU country. To avoid potential problems, ask for a car that's regisftered in the EU if you plan to drive there.
Tips on driving in Europe
Prepare at home. European regulations, driving customs, and road signs can be confusing to foreigners, so use the information resources below to learn the basics ahead of time.
Be alert. If you're from North America, forget about turning on the cruise control and floating along in the left lane while listening to Santana and slurping coffee from your MegaMug. You could have a panic attack when a BMW comes tearing up behind you, left flasher blinking, at 250 km/h (156 mph) or faster. And if you've never had to enter or exit a traffic circle (a.k.a. rotary or roundabout) in heavy traffic, get ready for a new experience--especially if local laws give priority to traffic coming from the right.
Carry an International Driving Permit. This passport-like document (sometimes called an International Driver's License) is a translation of your home license. It's required in some countries and optional in others, but it's well worth having to avoid problems if you're stopped by the police or want to rent a car in a foreign country. See our International Driving Permit article.
When to come
Spring and fall are the best times for a motoring vacation in Northern and Central Europe. In Southern Europe, winter can also be pleasant if you avoid the Christmas break. If your vacation is tied to the school calendar, try visiting in June, before the summer season reaches its peak.
Where to go
Many tourists, especially those from North America, make the mistake of planning car itineraries built around Europe's largest cities. They end up having to cope with nerve-wracking traffic, scarce parking, and unfamiliar regulations--all while trying to catch a glimpse of the sights through a mass of cars, motorscooters, bikes, and tour buses.
Other driving strategies are more practical:
Take the train between major cities. Rent cars for local or regional excursions, or for legs of your trip (e.g., Paris to the Riviera) where you want to stop and enjoy sights along the way.
Plan a motoring tour around smaller cities and towns. Enjoy your week in London or Paris without a vehicle, then pick up your rental car and start driving. Save other big cities for a future trip. (And don't be tempted to stay in a suburban hotel and commute into the city center--you'll miss out on the essence of the cities you're visiting.)
Visit a country like Denmark, Norway, or Sweden where even the largest cities are relatively car-friendly and you can leave town for driving excursions with a minimum of hassle.
Tips on renting a car
Comparison shop. Check prices at European brokers that specialize in leisure rentals and short-term leasing programs. Check each company's age restrictions if you're under 25 or over 65, and see "Lease for longer trips" below.
Plan carefully. Rent a car for only as long as you'll need it, to avoid early-return penalties. If you're on a budget, avoid drop-off charges by planning a circular itinerary.
Book ahead. If you live outside Europe, you're likely to get a better deal by making arrangements from abroad.
Lease for longer trips. A short-term car lease can save money on rentals of 21 days or more. Such "buy back" or "purchase-repurchase" leases are especially useful for students and senior citizens, since age restrictions are minimal.
Buy a pass. A Rail 'n Drive Pass combines the speed and comfort of train travel with the convenience of a vehicle for local excursions.
Think small. Fuel is expensive in Europe, streets are narrow in many cities, and small cars are easier to park than large ones. Unless you need a large car or van, stick with a small to midsize car.
Shift for yourself. Cars with automatic transmissions can be hard to find and expensive to rent in many countries. They also use more fuel. (Exception: If you're uncomfortable with the idea of shifting gears with your left hand, a car with automatic transmission may be worth the extra cost in Britain and Ireland.)
Important note: If you're picking up a car outside the European Union, you may encounter bureaucratic hassles if you later decide to drop the car off in an EU country. To avoid potential problems, ask for a car that's regisftered in the EU if you plan to drive there.
Tips on driving in Europe
Prepare at home. European regulations, driving customs, and road signs can be confusing to foreigners, so use the information resources below to learn the basics ahead of time.
Be alert. If you're from North America, forget about turning on the cruise control and floating along in the left lane while listening to Santana and slurping coffee from your MegaMug. You could have a panic attack when a BMW comes tearing up behind you, left flasher blinking, at 250 km/h (156 mph) or faster. And if you've never had to enter or exit a traffic circle (a.k.a. rotary or roundabout) in heavy traffic, get ready for a new experience--especially if local laws give priority to traffic coming from the right.
Carry an International Driving Permit. This passport-like document (sometimes called an International Driver's License) is a translation of your home license. It's required in some countries and optional in others, but it's well worth having to avoid problems if you're stopped by the police or want to rent a car in a foreign country. See our International Driving Permit article.
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