With ongoing uncertainty surrounding travel, UK holidaymakers are being encouraged to consider taking European road trips this spring and summer as an alternative to flying.
Motoring experts at LeaseLoco.com have shared seven destinations that Brits can drive to instead of relying on flights this holiday season.
The advice comes amid ongoing concerns around flight disruptions and wider travel uncertainty.
Driving across Europe also gives travellers the opportunity to explore lesser-known towns and scenic routes along the way, making the journey part of the holiday itself.
For shorter and more manageable drives, Amsterdam remains a popular option, particularly via the Dutch Flower Route, which passes colourful bulb fields and seaside towns before reaching the capital’s famous canals.
Geneva is another accessible option from the UK, offering easy onward routes through some of Switzerland’s most picturesque regions.
For those happy to travel further, routes towards Oslo provide more extensive road trips through Scandinavia, with popular stops like Copenhagen or Gothenburg on the way.
John Wilmot, CEO and founder of car leasing deals site LeaseLoco said: “Lots of uncertainty around travel has left many people feeling unsure about flying this year, but being in the UK we are very fortunate that it only takes a short ferry crossing to reach mainland Europe, where we can then drive on to a wide range of countries.
“Although driving is a longer way to get to your destination, the journey itself becomes part of the holiday, allowing you to see and visit places you would simply never think of when flying. It’s a great way to explore Europe.
“From closer destinations in the Netherlands and Switzerland to places further afield such as Norway or France, there are all sorts of routes to discover that offer once in a lifetime views and experiences.”
Seven European places to drive to from the UK for summer getaway from closest to furthest:
1.Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Flower Route to Amsterdam is around 676 miles and takes you through the vibrant bulb-growing region of the Netherlands, with colourful flower fields in the Bollenstreek area between Haarlem and Leiden. The journey also passes scenic North Sea beaches such as Zandvoort and Noordwijk, before continuing towards the popular capital, Amsterdam, where you finish among its famous canals and historic city.
2.Geneva – Zurich, Switzerland
UK to Geneva is approximately 958 miles. From Geneva to Zurich, the distance is around 278 km, making for a relatively short onward journey between two of Switzerland’s most well-known cities. You’ll pass lakes and luscious countryside on the way, with opportunities to stop off in places like Bern and Montreux.
3.Lake Como, Italy
On the way from the UK to Lake Como, the journey covers around 1,049 miles, passing through northern Italy, offering a varied mix of landscapes. If you travel via France, you will travel through cities such as Lyon before continuing into Italy, with key stops including Milan. Along the way, you also encounter lesser-known areas of northern Italy, with scenic countryside, small historic towns, and Alpine foothills.
4.Füssen, Germany
Taking the Romantic Road from the UK to Füssen is roughly 1,050 miles and follows one of Germany’s most scenic cultural routes, passing through historic towns like Rothenburg ob der Tauber, with countryside, vineyards, and well-preserved medieval architecture along the way. Füssen sits at the edge of the Bavarian Alps and marks the southern end of the route, which has a charming old town and access to Neuschwanstein Castle.
5.Andorra, Andorra la Vella
The journey from the UK to Andorra la Vella is around 1,162 miles and becomes increasingly scenic as you reach the Pyrenees. Andorra la Vella is the highest capital city in Europe. The mountain capital is known for its relaxed pace and spa resorts, making it ideal for unwinding after a long drive. It also offers easy access to outdoor activities such as hiking in summer and skiing in winter.
6.France, Nice
Driving from the UK to Nice is approximately 1,212 miles and takes you down through France towards the Mediterranean coast, where the scenery gradually shifts from inland countryside to coastal views. Nice itself is a vibrant Riviera city known for its promenade, pebbled beaches, colourful old town, and relaxed coastal atmosphere, making it a rewarding end point with a mix of city and seaside life.
7.Norway, Oslo
Heading to Oslo from the UK is around 1,420 miles and takes you through Scandinavia’s gorgeous landscapes. Depending on your route, you can stop in places such as Copenhagen or Gothenburg before crossing into Norway. Oslo is a modern city with easy access to nature, with forests and fjords surrounding the capital, as well as floating saunas along the Oslofjord that give it a distinctly Scandinavian atmosphere.
