How to Plan a Multi-Country Europe Road Trip (Ultimate Guide)
Europe is made for road trips — compact countries, diverse cultures, epic landscapes. But once you move beyond one country, planning can get tricky. From border requirements to fuel budgeting, route strategy to rental car restrictions — there’s a lot to juggle.
Good news: this ultimate guide breaks down everything you need to know. Even better? With the Fernweh app, planning a multi-country road trip is not just doable — it’s effortless. Let’s dive in.
🧭 Step 1: Craft a Realistic Route
Don’t overdo it. Multi-country trips are tempting for big bucket lists — but 6 countries in 7 days? You’ll spend more time in traffic than at landmarks.
Tips:
- Limit drive time to 4 hours/day max (2–3 is ideal).
- Focus on regions instead of borders (e.g., the Alps, the Balkans, or Benelux).
- Use Fernweh to map your full trip visually with unlimited stops and optimize the route for efficiency.
Think of your dream destination first, then build your route around it. Simple, smart, and more enjoyable.
😅 Step 2: Know Border & Entry Requirements
Even within the EU, not all borders are equal. Planning ahead helps you avoid surprises.
What You Might Need:
- IDP (International Driving Permit): Required in countries like Slovenia, Austria, and Italy if your license isn't in the Roman alphabet.
- Schengen vs. non-Schengen: Most of Europe is Schengen, but countries like Croatia and Serbia may have different rules.
- Green Card (Insurance): Required for driving in non-EU countries like Serbia or Albania.
- Vignettes: Prepaid toll stickers used in Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia. Buy online or at gas stations near the border.
Research the specific rules for each country on your route and plan accordingly.
⛽ Step 3: Budget for Fuel, Tolls, and Parking
Driving across countries means managing different price zones and fee systems.
Typical Fuel Costs:
- Western Europe: €1.60–€2.00/liter
- Eastern Europe: €1.20–€1.50/liter
Add to your budget:
- Highway tolls (France, Italy, Spain)
- Vignettes (Switzerland, Austria, etc.)
- Congestion zones (London, Milan)
- Paid parking (urban centers)
While Fernweh doesn’t yet calculate trip costs, you can use public tools and official government websites to get toll and fuel estimates.
🚗 Step 4: Choose the Right Car
Rental Car Tips:
- Not all rental companies allow cross-border travel. Always check the rental contract.
- Additional fees may apply when entering non-EU countries.
- A one-way rental (pick up in one country, drop off in another) can be convenient, but comes with extra costs.
Bringing Your Own Car:
- Ensure your insurance covers multiple countries.
- Have an IDP and your vehicle registration handy.
- Some countries require safety items like reflective vests or first aid kits.
Make your own checklist to ensure you’re covered, and refer to local laws for each country on your route.
🏨 Step 5: Plan Overnight Stops
Where you sleep can shape your whole trip. Instead of big cities, consider small towns near major sites for more charm and lower prices.
At the moment, Fernweh doesn’t suggest overnight stops — but you can easily plan using travel forums, Google Maps, or booking platforms.
🧳 Step 6: Pack for Multiple Climates
Crossing borders means crossing climates. You might start in sunny Spain and end in chilly Switzerland. Pack accordingly:
- Layers for temperature swings
- Rain gear for the Alps
- Swimwear for the coast
- Power adapters (check plug types)
- Cash for rural areas that don’t take cards
Fernweh does not currently provide weather insights, so be sure to check forecasts for each destination before you go.
🌍 Planning Made Easy with Fernweh
While Fernweh doesn’t (yet) handle things like fuel calculators or border requirements, it excels at what matters most:
- Unlimited multi-stop mapping
- Smart route visualization
- Exportable GPX and PDF maps for navigation
Whether you're navigating the Romantic Road, cruising the Balkans, or chasing coastlines from Portugal to Croatia, Fernweh turns chaos into clarity.
📂 Ready to Plan?
Start your European road trip the smart way.