Sunshine, scenery, and unforgettable stories – all from your own four-wheeled home.

There’s something irresistibly exciting about packing up a campervan, driving onto a ferry, and rolling off into another country. With guaranteed summer sun, endless culture, and the freedom to explore at your own pace, a European road trip is the ultimate campervan adventure — and you don’t even need to hop on a plane.

Whether you’re a first-timer or seasoned road tripper, we’ve rounded up our favourite Europe road trip routes starting and ending in the UK, plus tips, ferry info, and packing advice to help you hit the road in confidence and comfort.

Why a Campervan is the Best Way to Explore Europe

Before we dive into the routes, here’s why we think campervanning is the ultimate way to road trip across Europe:

• Total freedom: Change your plans, chase the sun, or stay longer somewhere you love.
  
• No accommodation hassle: Your bed is with you — no need to book hotels or pitch tents.
  
• Cost-effective travel: Cook your own meals, avoid pricey tourist traps, and explore hidden gems.
  
• Unbeatable scenery: Wake up by a beach in Spain, a vineyard in France, or a mountain in Austria.

How to Get to Europe with Your Campervan: Ferries from the UK

You can’t drive to mainland Europe from the UK without a bit of help, but ferries make it super easy. Here are your best bets:

Dover to Calais (France): The most popular route. 90-minute crossing with P&O or DFDS.

Newhaven to Dieppe (France): A quieter option, ideal for Normandy/Brittany trips.

Harwich to Hook of Holland (Netherlands): Great if you’re heading to Northern Europe.

Portsmouth to Santander/Bilbao (Spain): A longer ferry (24–33 hours) but lands you straight in the heart of Spain!

Hull to Rotterdam/Zeebrugge: Northern access into Europe for those starting from the Midlands or the north.

Most ferries are campervan-friendly – just book as a vehicle and check size limits when booking.

Five Incredible European Road Trips from the UK

Each one starts and ends in the UK and offers a different flavour of European adventure.

1. The Classic Northern France Loop: Food, Wine, & Fairytale Towns

Start/End: London or the South Coast
Route: Dover → Calais → Normandy → Loire Valley → Burgundy → Champagne → Calais → Dover

Highlights:

• Mont-Saint-Michel’s fairytale island abbey
  
• Loire Valley chateaux and vineyards
  
• Dijon and Beaune for Burgundy wine tastings
  
• Reims Cathedral and Champagne cellar tours
  
• Seaside towns like Honfleur and Étretat
  

Distance: Approx. 1,000 miles
Trip length: 10–14 days

Best for: Wine lovers, foodies, and first-timers who want beautiful countryside and culture without a mega-long drive.

2. Mediterranean Sun Chase: UK to Southern Spain and Back

Start/End: Anywhere in the UK
Route: Portsmouth → Bilbao (ferry) → Valencia → Costa Blanca → Granada → Seville → Northern Portugal → Santander → Portsmouth

Highlights:

• Tapas in Seville and flamenco shows
  
• Alhambra Palace in Granada
  
• Camping along the Costa Blanca beaches
  
• Surf spots in Northern Portugal (Peniche, Nazaré)
  
• Local food markets in Valencia
  

Distance: Approx. 1,500–2,000 miles
Trip length: 3–4 weeks

Best for: Sun-seekers, slow travel lovers, and anyone wanting to combine beach days with cultural gems.

3. Alpine Loop: France, Switzerland, Austria, Italy

Start/End: London or Southeast England
Route: Dover → Calais → Reims → Lucerne → Innsbruck → Dolomites → Lake Como → Chamonix → Calais → Dover

Highlights:

• Swiss lakes and cable cars
  
• Hiking in Austria’s Tyrolean Alps
  
• Italian coffee and pizza in the Dolomites
  
• Scenic drives like the Grossglockner Pass or Stelvio Pass
  
• Mont Blanc views in Chamonix
  

Distance: 1,800+ miles
Trip length: 2–3 weeks

Best for: Mountain lovers, hikers, and those after a cooler summer adventure with breathtaking backdrops.

4. Eastern Europe Explorer: Quirky Cities and Wild Nature

Start/End: London
Route: Dover → Calais → Luxembourg → Munich → Prague → Krakow → Budapest → Slovenia → Venice → France → Calais

Highlights:

• Beer halls in Munich and Prague
  
• Salt mines near Krakow
  
• Thermal baths in Budapest
  
• Slovenia’s Lake Bled and Triglav National Park
  
• Northern Italy for pizza-powered pit stops
  

Distance: 2,500+ miles
Trip length: 3–5 weeks

Best for: Culture buffs, history lovers, and vanlifers looking to go off the beaten path.

5. Scandi-Style: The Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, and Back

Start/End: Harwich or Hull
Route: Harwich → Hook of Holland → Amsterdam → Hamburg → Copenhagen → Malmö → Gothenburg → Oslo (optional) → return via ferry

Highlights:

• Canals and culture in Amsterdam
  
• Copenhagen’s cycling city charm
  
• Swedish forest camping (with wild camping legal!)
  
• Sea views and fjords (if you extend to Norway)
  
• Scenic ferry crossings and quiet roads
  

Distance: 1,600–2,200 miles
Trip length: 2–4 weeks

Best for: Cool summer escapes, nature lovers, families, and first-timers wanting something a bit different.

Top Tips for Driving in Europe by Campervan

Check local road rules: Speed limits, toll roads, and what gear you’re legally required to carry (e.g., high-vis vests, warning triangle).

Toll roads and vignettes: Many countries (France, Italy, Austria, etc.) have tolls. Some require a sticker (vignette) instead.

EU breakdown cover: Make sure you’re covered beyond the UK!

Wild camping laws vary: It’s legal in some places (like Norway and Sweden), but often restricted in Western Europe — use apps like Park4Night to find safe, legal spots.

Use travel apps: Download maps offline (Google Maps, Maps.me) and try road trip apps like Park4Night, CamperContact, or Waze. Check out the Quirky Campers Guide to the Best Travel Apps.

Read the Quirky Campers Ultimate Guide to Taking a Campervan To Europe

Campervan Travel FAQ

Do I need a visa to drive in Europe from the UK?
No, UK citizens can travel visa-free in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Can I take a rental campervan from the UK into Europe?
Yes! Many Quirky Campers vans are EU travel-approved – just check with the owner and let us know in advance.

What’s the best time to go?
Summer (May–September) is ideal – think sunny evenings, BBQs with mountain views, and long days for exploring.

How much does a road trip cost?
It depends on the route and length. Fuel, ferries, tolls, and food add up, but cooking in your van and wild camping help save money. Expect £600–£1,500 for a 2–3 week trip (excluding van hire).

Do I need to speak the languages?
Nope, though learning a few phrases helps! Most campsites and fuel stations have English-speaking staff or signs.

What to Pack for a European Campervan Trip

🗺️ Essentials:

• Driving licence & vehicle documents
  
• Passport (+ 6 months validity)
  
• European Health Insurance Card (or UK GHIC)
  
• Travel insurance
  
• International driving permit (if needed)
  
• EHIC/GHIC card
  
• Vignette stickers/toll payment methods
  

🛠️ Van Gear:

• High-vis vests, warning triangle (legal in many countries)
  
• Spare bulb kit
  
• USB chargers & inverter
  
• European travel adapter
  

🛏️ Living Kit:

• Bedding or sleeping bags
  
• Camping chairs and table
  
• Water tank or bottles
  
• Fairy lights for cosiness
  
• Quick-dry towels
  

🍳 Kitchen Kit:

• Stove & gas
  
• Pots, utensils, mugs
  
• Cutting board
  
• Cooler or fridge box
  
• Local grocery bags (many countries charge)
  

🧴 Toiletries & Extras:

• Sunscreen and insect repellent
  
• Biodegradable soap
  
• First-aid kit
  
• Quick-dry clothes
  
• Raincoat (just in case!)
  

🎲 Nice-to-haves:

• Books or Kindle
  
• Board games or cards
  
• Bluetooth speaker
  
• Journal or sketchbook
  
• Polaroid or film camera
  

The Joy of a European Road Trip

There’s nothing quite like waking up in a new country, flinging open your campervan doors to fresh croissants, a castle view, or the sound of waves lapping on the Mediterranean coast. It’s travel at its most personal, adventurous, and free.

With the right van, a bit of planning, and a sense of adventure, your next unforgettable European road trip is just a ferry ride away.

Ready to Hit the Road?

Find your perfect camper for your European adventure with Quirky Campers. We have a whole bunch of Europe-approved vans waiting for their next adventure.

Find Your Perfect European Summer Road Trip Campervan Today!

Laura Hammond

Laura is a professional copywriter and is the in-house writer at Quirky Campers, where she combines her love of campervans, travel and writing! When not writing she loves to find new adventures surfing, hiking and cycling.