Driving across Europe
Discussion
Hi guys,
I`m a long time lurker here looking for some advice; I am planning to take my first ever continental trip with my better half next month, we want to drive through Europe with Amsterdam being the end point, seeing as I`ve never been and it`s always been on the bucket list.
How is best to plan my route? Is there any website/app in particular to use? or would you stick to the standard waze/google maps.
Secondly, I am a bit nervous about driving overseas, anything I need to know?
Apologies for my ignorance; but father doesn't share my love for things with a combustion engine and as a result is less than helpful when I asked for his guidance "why would you want to drive when you can catch a flight" LOL
Please PH collective help me outtttt
Kind regards
Hamza
I`m a long time lurker here looking for some advice; I am planning to take my first ever continental trip with my better half next month, we want to drive through Europe with Amsterdam being the end point, seeing as I`ve never been and it`s always been on the bucket list.
How is best to plan my route? Is there any website/app in particular to use? or would you stick to the standard waze/google maps.
Secondly, I am a bit nervous about driving overseas, anything I need to know?
Apologies for my ignorance; but father doesn't share my love for things with a combustion engine and as a result is less than helpful when I asked for his guidance "why would you want to drive when you can catch a flight" LOL
Please PH collective help me outtttt
Kind regards
Hamza
Amsterdam isn't exactly "driving through Europe", the roads there will be pretty flat and boring and unless you're visiting other places en route I'd also just take a flight. Roads/driving standards in Belgium are worse than the UK and Amsterdam is not a car friendly city.
But if you do want to drive, get one of those European driving kits (high viz jacket, breathlyser, UK sticker etc.) and use Waze, although bear in mind that you're technically not allowed to use it in France.
But if you do want to drive, get one of those European driving kits (high viz jacket, breathlyser, UK sticker etc.) and use Waze, although bear in mind that you're technically not allowed to use it in France.
I’d second the idea that the Netherlands is not car friendly at all. Motorways are 100km/h everywhere between 06:00 & 19:00 (a snooze fest) - fuel is more expensive too. It’s a pretty crowded country and Amsterdam would not be on my list with a car (bicycles have priority I’m afraid).
Belgium has very poor roads - even the motorways have wheel wrecking potholes and the standard of driving is dreadful with constant lane changing & tailgating.
If I were you, I’d choose France - much better roads, civilised driving - just don’t choose Paris or the perephique and you’ll be fine.
If France and you use the Autoroutes, quite a few are toll roads so it’s worth getting a Sanef tolling tag which reduces the hassle of the toll booths not geared for RH drive cars.
Belgium has very poor roads - even the motorways have wheel wrecking potholes and the standard of driving is dreadful with constant lane changing & tailgating.
If I were you, I’d choose France - much better roads, civilised driving - just don’t choose Paris or the perephique and you’ll be fine.
If France and you use the Autoroutes, quite a few are toll roads so it’s worth getting a Sanef tolling tag which reduces the hassle of the toll booths not geared for RH drive cars.
Thanks for the replies guys; what I meant by `driving across Europe` was to start in France and make my way across with Amsterdam being an end point (should have been more clear) I didn't realise it wasn't going to be as "fun" as I anticipated.
So in a nut shell, sod it off and maybe choose a better destination?
So in a nut shell, sod it off and maybe choose a better destination?
If you are doing the tunnel then it might be a little bit disappointing, once you get used to driving on the 'correct'/'wrong' side of the road it might be a little mundane and probably shorter/more utilitarian than you might think.
If Amsterdam was an end point you could do something like a trundle to Bordeaux, Cleremont Ferrand, Colmar and then Amsterdam, avoiding the motorway network would mean you get to see loads of fantastic countryside in the space of 5 days or so. Much more fun and memorable!
If Amsterdam was an end point you could do something like a trundle to Bordeaux, Cleremont Ferrand, Colmar and then Amsterdam, avoiding the motorway network would mean you get to see loads of fantastic countryside in the space of 5 days or so. Much more fun and memorable!
Where are you starting from in the UK (a different crossing may be an option)?
Why Amsterdam as an end point? I assume that is fixed for other reasons. Are you then driving back from Amsterdam?
How many days do your have for this trip? And how much time do you want to spend driving vs. how much time enjoying the places you go?
What sorts of things do you want to see and do? I have planned all of our road trips around a theme or some key sites.
Some people plan trips with really big daily mileages. That can be a bit tiring, depends what you are trying to achieve.
Lots of interesting places to drive, but not so much on the Calais - Amsterdam route.
Why Amsterdam as an end point? I assume that is fixed for other reasons. Are you then driving back from Amsterdam?
How many days do your have for this trip? And how much time do you want to spend driving vs. how much time enjoying the places you go?
What sorts of things do you want to see and do? I have planned all of our road trips around a theme or some key sites.
Some people plan trips with really big daily mileages. That can be a bit tiring, depends what you are trying to achieve.
Lots of interesting places to drive, but not so much on the Calais - Amsterdam route.
Shaoxter said:
Amsterdam isn't exactly "driving through Europe", the roads there will be pretty flat and boring and unless you're visiting other places en route I'd also just take a flight.
We are currently visiting Amsterdam at the moment as the last leg of a 3 week driving tour that took us to the Atlantic road in Norway. Amsterdam is a really nice city, more arty/cultural stuff to do than any other city I've been to before. But it's also the most anti car city I've been too, This is the main 'multistorey' parking option at the central train station, and sums up how the locals feel about car ownership. I had 3 locals am pretty sure swear at me for even attempting to reverse park into a space that resulted in car briefly venture into a cycle lane, that was 3 days ago, haven't touched the car since.
As others have also said Belgium roads aren't exactly exciting or that scenic. Very straight, loads of tailgating, police hiding in bushes waiting to stop tourists who think the Autobahn just keeps going from Germany all the way to the coast.
We would like to come back to Amsterdam as 3 nights isn't anywhere enough to see/do everything, but Eurostar from St Pancreas will be best route.
Still if you want a 'taste' of European road trips you have to start some where. Loads of amazing roads and places to see in Europe by car, but Calais to Amsterdam isn't a car destination I would pick.
Brittany is actually quite an easy destination to get too, and depending what kind of holiday you want let's you explore/use the car much more, with far less traffic and much more interesting roads (relatively).
Edited by gangzoom on Wednesday 27th July 03:36
All the points on Belgium I see every time but have yet to experience them despite multiple trips a year passing through (at various points within Belgium) and a holiday travelling through Belgium pre covid. Maybe valid if comparing them to other countries nearby but compared to UK standards for driving and road maintenance they're still better.
As someone above has put, let us know how many days you have, a budget, how many hours a day you want to be driving and if there’s a specific reason for Amsterdam as the finish line, I’m sure we can then recommend a route.
As someone above has put, let us know how many days you have, a budget, how many hours a day you want to be driving and if there’s a specific reason for Amsterdam as the finish line, I’m sure we can then recommend a route.
I don't find belgium too bad driving wise, roads are on par with ours, a few are a bit ropey, but generally not had a issue, i guess it just depends on what part of belgium you are driving through, brussels is a nightmare for example, I assumes they are still re doing the ring road etc.
Tbh the french are pretty crap drivers too, had more hassle from them in belgium than the belgians.
holland driving is dull, no other word for it, and would avoid if possible. Unless of course you are happy to leave your car somewhere else and then maybe get the train in to amsterdam, then get train out to then pick up the car?
If doing a first time trip, stick with france. As others have said, nothing quite beats a road trip, and tonnes of places to go. People always look at me funny when I say I have been to belgium / germany for a holiday, loads of centre parcs or centre parcs style places to go with kids that are far cheaper than the UK, I don't know why others don't do it. No need to pack the kitchen sink either, always chuckle seeing a estate car with a roof box on top, yet I have fit a buggy, suitcase, food etc into my golf estate and have plenty of room to bring back some wine / beer etc.
Tbh the french are pretty crap drivers too, had more hassle from them in belgium than the belgians.
holland driving is dull, no other word for it, and would avoid if possible. Unless of course you are happy to leave your car somewhere else and then maybe get the train in to amsterdam, then get train out to then pick up the car?
If doing a first time trip, stick with france. As others have said, nothing quite beats a road trip, and tonnes of places to go. People always look at me funny when I say I have been to belgium / germany for a holiday, loads of centre parcs or centre parcs style places to go with kids that are far cheaper than the UK, I don't know why others don't do it. No need to pack the kitchen sink either, always chuckle seeing a estate car with a roof box on top, yet I have fit a buggy, suitcase, food etc into my golf estate and have plenty of room to bring back some wine / beer etc.
Sevenman said:
Where are you starting from in the UK (a different crossing may be an option)?
Why Amsterdam as an end point? I assume that is fixed for other reasons. Are you then driving back from Amsterdam?
How many days do your have for this trip? And how much time do you want to spend driving vs. how much time enjoying the places you go?
What sorts of things do you want to see and do? I have planned all of our road trips around a theme or some key sites.
Some people plan trips with really big daily mileages. That can be a bit tiring, depends what you are trying to achieve.
Lots of interesting places to drive, but not so much on the Calais - Amsterdam route.
Hi, thank you for taking the time out to respond,Why Amsterdam as an end point? I assume that is fixed for other reasons. Are you then driving back from Amsterdam?
How many days do your have for this trip? And how much time do you want to spend driving vs. how much time enjoying the places you go?
What sorts of things do you want to see and do? I have planned all of our road trips around a theme or some key sites.
Some people plan trips with really big daily mileages. That can be a bit tiring, depends what you are trying to achieve.
Lots of interesting places to drive, but not so much on the Calais - Amsterdam route.
Amsterdam is an end point as the other half wants to go, I want to take my first road trip so we compromised, I can have my trip if the end point is where she wants to go.
I have around 5 days for this trip, I want to base the trip around historical landmarks, scenery and just gaining the experience of continental driving.
In terms of the daily mileages, I`m not too sure, I want it to be enjoyable for the both of us, therefore will aim to cover a fair distance without it feeling tiring or boring for her.
gazza5 said:
I don't find belgium too bad driving wise, roads are on par with ours, a few are a bit ropey, but generally not had a issue, i guess it just depends on what part of belgium you are driving through, brussels is a nightmare for example, I assumes they are still re doing the ring road etc.
Tbh the french are pretty crap drivers too, had more hassle from them in belgium than the belgians.
holland driving is dull, no other word for it, and would avoid if possible. Unless of course you are happy to leave your car somewhere else and then maybe get the train in to amsterdam, then get train out to then pick up the car?
If doing a first time trip, stick with france. As others have said, nothing quite beats a road trip, and tonnes of places to go. People always look at me funny when I say I have been to belgium / germany for a holiday, loads of centre parcs or centre parcs style places to go with kids that are far cheaper than the UK, I don't know why others don't do it. No need to pack the kitchen sink either, always chuckle seeing a estate car with a roof box on top, yet I have fit a buggy, suitcase, food etc into my golf estate and have plenty of room to bring back some wine / beer etc.
France is most definitely an option, its one I hadn't really considered, so thank you chap, this is food for thought. I unfortunately don't have an estate car, I`ve got a Volvo C30, which coincidently has a weird shaped boot; cant seem to get much in there, I might have to go for a roof box. There`s so many options, I`m stumped as to which one I should get.Tbh the french are pretty crap drivers too, had more hassle from them in belgium than the belgians.
holland driving is dull, no other word for it, and would avoid if possible. Unless of course you are happy to leave your car somewhere else and then maybe get the train in to amsterdam, then get train out to then pick up the car?
If doing a first time trip, stick with france. As others have said, nothing quite beats a road trip, and tonnes of places to go. People always look at me funny when I say I have been to belgium / germany for a holiday, loads of centre parcs or centre parcs style places to go with kids that are far cheaper than the UK, I don't know why others don't do it. No need to pack the kitchen sink either, always chuckle seeing a estate car with a roof box on top, yet I have fit a buggy, suitcase, food etc into my golf estate and have plenty of room to bring back some wine / beer etc.
Boxster5 said:
I’d second the idea that the Netherlands is not car friendly at all. Motorways are 100km/h everywhere between 06:00 & 19:00 (a snooze fest) - fuel is more expensive too. It’s a pretty crowded country and Amsterdam would not be on my list with a car (bicycles have priority I’m afraid).
Fuel's actually bit cheaper than the UK at the moment, plus you use less of it due to the 100kph limit 
, but agree with the lack of interesting roads. I also wouldn't take a car in to Amsterdam unless you have hotel with parking and plant o leave it in the carpark until you leave. Public transport is pretty good you can hire a bicycle anywhere.If you want to do the standard tourist stuff like Anne Frank's house book in advance unless you want to spend the whole day queueing.
As a PHer, the Louwman museum in the Hague is worth a visit on your way through.
Timings are from Calais so if it’s a long slog to there for you might need to adapt. I’d go:
Calais - Epernay. stay the night drink some champagne (will keep the boss happy.
Epernay - Verdun. Large battlefield site with numerous forts to explore, a large monument and a very good museum.
Verdun - Colmar. Nights too in a very pretty old town.
Colmar - Koblenz/Cologne both old cities with plenty to do, if staying at Cologne I recently stayed at the airport hotel which is at the station and opposite the carpark. Much cheaper than staying in the centre.
Cologne - Amsterdam can take a detour to Wuppertal to see the old suspension train over the river if that’s your thing.
Most of these legs are under 4 hours but cover a bit of everything.
Calais - Epernay. stay the night drink some champagne (will keep the boss happy.
Epernay - Verdun. Large battlefield site with numerous forts to explore, a large monument and a very good museum.
Verdun - Colmar. Nights too in a very pretty old town.
Colmar - Koblenz/Cologne both old cities with plenty to do, if staying at Cologne I recently stayed at the airport hotel which is at the station and opposite the carpark. Much cheaper than staying in the centre.
Cologne - Amsterdam can take a detour to Wuppertal to see the old suspension train over the river if that’s your thing.
Most of these legs are under 4 hours but cover a bit of everything.
The starting point for the journey will be from West Yorkshire (North Leeds) budget for the trip is around £500, in terms of days, I have a week booked off work, but would probably like to spend at most 5 days on the trip.
Could you please help with planning a trip based on the above information.
Could you please help with planning a trip based on the above information.
partyy_pop123 said:
The starting point for the journey will be from West Yorkshire (North Leeds) budget for the trip is around £500, in terms of days, I have a week booked off work, but would probably like to spend at most 5 days on the trip.
Could you please help with planning a trip based on the above information.
Is that with or without crossing the channel? Could you please help with planning a trip based on the above information.
What mpg do you get from the car?
Does that price include Amsterdam?
£500 could be spent just on tunnel and fuel.
You need to plan your budget carefully. Leeds to Amsterdam via the channel tunnel is about 1100 miles round trip, which at £2/liter and 45mpg would be £220 in just fuel plus at least £150 for the tunnel.
Camping is cheap in Europe if you're in to it, or take a look at the French Premiere Class or Formula 1 hotel chains, which are basic but a cheap room for the night if you're on a budget and just passing through.
Camping is cheap in Europe if you're in to it, or take a look at the French Premiere Class or Formula 1 hotel chains, which are basic but a cheap room for the night if you're on a budget and just passing through.
Edited by RizzoTheRat on Wednesday 27th July 12:15
ecsrobin said:
Is that with or without crossing the channel?
What mpg do you get from the car?
Does that price include Amsterdam?
£500 could be spent just on tunnel and fuel.
The 500 is purely for the trip, fuel and channel crossing is separate, I get on average 52mpg from my C30 on long trips. What mpg do you get from the car?
Does that price include Amsterdam?
£500 could be spent just on tunnel and fuel.
In terms of the channel crossing, is there any benefit of choosing a ferry over the Eurotunnel? or vice versa.
Thank you
partyy_pop123 said:
ecsrobin said:
Is that with or without crossing the channel?
What mpg do you get from the car?
Does that price include Amsterdam?
£500 could be spent just on tunnel and fuel.
The 500 is purely for the trip, fuel and channel crossing is separate, I get on average 52mpg from my C30 on long trips. What mpg do you get from the car?
Does that price include Amsterdam?
£500 could be spent just on tunnel and fuel.
In terms of the channel crossing, is there any benefit of choosing a ferry over the Eurotunnel? or vice versa.
Thank you
Take a look and see which are the cheapest days & times and allow at least 6 hours to get there from Leeds including stops (we live in Durham) - best route is A1, A14, M11, M25, M20 - you’ll also need to pay for the Dartford crossing (Google it and it’ll tell you how)
Can’t comment on the cross channel ferries as the last time we did that, it was Hoverspeed which shows how long ago that was.
If you’re based in North Leeds you could consider either Hull to Rotterdam or Newcastle to Ijmuiden (Amsterdam) - we used the latter for our recent Eurotrip to Alsace, France then Andermatt, Switzerland followed by Annecy and Epernay in France before heading back to Ijmuiden. They’re both overnight crossings but we paid around £450 including meals so that’s a big chunk but gets you straight into where you’re wanting to end up. The road system in the Netherlands is difficult to follow on a map if you haven’t got satnav and they’re just not exciting to drive on - the Dutch invented the speed camera so there’s plenty of them if you’re not paying attention (which is likely if you’re new to driving on the continent).
My choice would definitely by France - perhaps go Eurotunnel on the outward but ferry from Rotterdam or Ijmuiden for the return journey if you must end up in Amsterdam.
partyy_pop123 said:
The 500 is purely for the trip, fuel and channel crossing is separate, I get on average 52mpg from my C30 on long trips.
In terms of the channel crossing, is there any benefit of choosing a ferry over the Eurotunnel? or vice versa.
Thank you
Unless you are staying in very cheap motels and buying all your food at supermarkets so not eating out I think £500 won't be enough especially with a few nights in Amsterdam at the end of your trip.In terms of the channel crossing, is there any benefit of choosing a ferry over the Eurotunnel? or vice versa.
Thank you
The route will be pretty flat and featureless most of the way.
Personally I would forgo the driving, get a flight to Amsterdam and 4-5 nights in a hotel the just explore Amsterdam and maybe a trip to the coast for a day.
partyy_pop123 said:
ecsrobin said:
Is that with or without crossing the channel?
What mpg do you get from the car?
Does that price include Amsterdam?
£500 could be spent just on tunnel and fuel.
The 500 is purely for the trip, fuel and channel crossing is separate, I get on average 52mpg from my C30 on long trips. What mpg do you get from the car?
Does that price include Amsterdam?
£500 could be spent just on tunnel and fuel.
In terms of the channel crossing, is there any benefit of choosing a ferry over the Eurotunnel? or vice versa.
Thank you
Take a look and see which are the cheapest days & times and allow at least 6 hours to get there from Leeds including stops (we live in Durham) - best route is A1, A14, M11, M25, M20 - you’ll also need to pay for the Dartford crossing (Google it and it’ll tell you how)
Can’t comment on the cross channel ferries as the last time we did that, it was Hoverspeed which shows how long ago that was.
If you’re based in North Leeds you could consider either Hull to Rotterdam or Newcastle to Ijmuiden (Amsterdam) - we used the latter for our recent Eurotrip to Alsace, France then Andermatt, Switzerland followed by Annecy and Epernay in France before heading back to Ijmuiden. They’re both overnight crossings but we paid around £450 including meals so that’s a big chunk but gets you straight into where you’re wanting to end up. The road system in the Netherlands is difficult to follow on a map if you haven’t got satnav and they’re just not exciting to drive on - the Dutch invented the speed camera so there’s plenty of them if you’re not paying attention (which is likely if you’re new to driving on the continent).
My choice would definitely by France - perhaps go Eurotunnel on the outward but ferry from Rotterdam or Ijmuiden for the return journey if you must end up in Amsterdam.
Gassing Station | Holidays & Travel | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff