If you’re planning a European road trip, you’re in for an incredible experience. Some of my favourite travel memories have come from hiring a car and exploring places that tour buses never reach. From tiny French villages to winding coastal roads in Spain, driving gives you the freedom to stop whenever something catches your eye.
That said, driving in Europe can be quite different from driving in the United States.
It’s not necessarily difficult, but there are a few things that can catch American visitors out if they’re not prepared. Knowing what to expect before you arrive can make your holiday far less stressful and help you avoid expensive mistakes.
Here’s everything I think Americans should know before getting behind the wheel in Europe.
You’ll probably be driving on the “wrong” side of the road
If you’re visiting countries like the UK, Ireland, Cyprus or Malta, you’ll be driving on the left-hand side of the road.
In most other European countries, including France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands, you’ll drive on the right-hand side, just as you do in the US.
If you’re visiting more than one country, double-check before crossing a border as the driving side may change.
Tips for adjusting
The first hour is usually the hardest.
Take your time leaving the airport or rental office, avoid distractions and remind yourself regularly which side of the road you should be on. Many travellers find it helpful to keep repeating “keep left” or “keep right” until it starts to feel natural.
Roundabouts are where most people need to concentrate the most.
Roundabouts are everywhere
If you don’t regularly drive around roundabouts in the US, Europe can feel like one giant circular road system.
Countries like France, Spain and the UK have thousands of them.
The general rule is simple:
- Give way to traffic already on the roundabout (although there are a few local exceptions).
- Signal when leaving.
- Choose the correct lane before entering.
Don’t panic if you miss your exit. Just go around again.
Honestly, everyone does it occasionally.
Manual cars are far more common
One surprise for many American visitors is that manual (stick shift) cars are still extremely common throughout Europe.
If you only drive an automatic at home, make sure you specifically book one well in advance.
Automatic rental cars are available, but they’re usually:
- More expensive
- Less common
- Booked up first during busy periods
Never assume your rental will automatically be an automatic.
Roads can be much narrower
American roads often feel wonderfully wide.
European roads…not always.
In older towns and villages you’ll find:
- Narrow streets
- Tight corners
- Stone walls close to the road
- Tiny parking spaces
- Cars parked on both sides
The first few miles can feel intimidating, but you’ll soon adjust.
If you’re nervous, avoid hiring the biggest SUV available. A smaller car is often much easier to drive and park.
Speed limits use kilometres, not miles
Nearly every country in continental Europe uses kilometres per hour (km/h) rather than miles per hour.
Common speed limits include:
| Road type | Typical limit |
|---|---|
| Built-up areas | 30-50 km/h |
| Rural roads | 80-90 km/h |
| Motorways | 110-130 km/h |
The UK is the main exception and continues to use miles per hour.
Don’t accidentally assume a 130 km/h motorway limit means 130 mph!
Speed cameras are common
Many European countries make extensive use of speed cameras.
Unlike some parts of the US where enforcement can seem inconsistent, automatic cameras are widely used and fines are routinely issued.
Temporary roadworks often have reduced speed limits that are also monitored.
It’s much easier (and cheaper) simply to stick to the posted limits.
Toll roads are common
Several European countries have toll roads, particularly:
- France
- Italy
- Spain (some routes)
- Portugal
Some tolls accept cash, others accept cards, while certain countries have electronic toll systems.
Before travelling, check how tolls work in the countries you’ll be visiting.
When comparing routes on your sat nav, don’t automatically choose the fastest without checking whether it includes expensive toll roads.
Parking rules vary
Parking isn’t always as straightforward as it is in the US.
Depending on where you are, you may come across:
- Pay-and-display parking
- Parking discs
- Resident-only parking
- Blue zones
- Underground city car parks
Always read nearby signs carefully before leaving your vehicle.
Parking fines can quickly spoil an otherwise brilliant holiday.
Fuel isn’t the same everywhere
Petrol stations often use different names than you’re used to.
You’ll usually see:
- Petrol (gasoline)
- Diesel
- Unleaded 95
- Unleaded 98
Always check what fuel your rental car needs before filling up.
Putting the wrong fuel in can be an expensive mistake.
You may need mandatory safety equipment
Some countries require drivers to carry certain items in their vehicle.
Depending on where you’re travelling, these can include:
- High-visibility jackets
- Warning triangle
- Spare bulbs
- Breathalyser kits (requirements vary)
Rental companies generally provide whatever is legally required, but it’s worth checking before you leave the car park.
Learn a few road signs
Although many road signs are similar worldwide, some European signs may be unfamiliar.
For example:
- Priority roads
- Environmental or low-emission zones
- No-entry symbols
- Different parking restrictions
Spending ten minutes looking through the most common signs before your trip can make driving much less stressful.
Low-emission zones are becoming more common
Many European cities now restrict older or more polluting vehicles.
Some require vehicles to display permits or stickers, while others automatically check registration numbers.
If you’re renting a car, ask whether it’s authorised to enter the cities you plan to visit.
Ignoring these rules can result in fines arriving long after you’ve returned home.
Border crossings are usually easy…
One of the joys of driving in Europe is visiting multiple countries on one trip.
In many parts of Europe, you may barely notice you’ve crossed a border.
However, you should still:
- Carry your passport.
- Check your rental agreement allows cross-border travel.
- Make sure your insurance covers every country you’ll visit.
Never assume cross-border driving is automatically included.
Download offline maps
Mobile signal can disappear surprisingly quickly once you leave major cities.
Downloading offline maps before you travel can save a huge amount of stress if your signal drops.
It also helps avoid expensive roaming charges if your mobile plan doesn’t include European data.
Distances can be deceiving
Europe often looks tiny compared with the United States.
However, journey times can be longer than they appear.
Mountain roads, small villages, traffic and slower speed limits mean driving 150 miles in Europe may take much longer than driving the same distance on American interstate highways.
Always allow extra time, especially if you’re catching a ferry or flight.
Don’t expect free parking everywhere
Many European city centres charge for parking, and spaces can be limited.
Hotels may also charge extra for parking, particularly in historic towns.
Before booking accommodation, check:
- Whether parking is available
- Whether it’s included
- If advance reservation is needed
This can save both money and frustration.
Relax and enjoy the experience
Driving in Europe might feel unfamiliar for the first day or two, but most travellers quickly settle into it.
Once you’ve adjusted, you’ll discover one of the best ways to explore the continent. You’ll stumble across family-run cafés, quiet beaches, scenic mountain roads and villages you’d never have found otherwise.
Some of my favourite holiday moments have happened because we simply decided to take the next turning and see where it led.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Americans legally drive in Europe?
Yes. Many European countries allow Americans to drive using a valid US driver’s licence for short visits. Some countries also recommend or require an International Driving Permit (IDP), so always check the requirements for every country on your itinerary before travelling.
Do I need an International Driving Permit?
It depends on where you’re travelling. Countries including Italy often require or strongly recommend an IDP for American visitors, while others may accept a US licence on its own. Check the latest rules before your trip.
Is driving in Europe difficult?
Not usually. The biggest adjustments are driving on the correct side of the road, navigating roundabouts and getting used to narrower streets. Most drivers feel much more confident after the first day.
Is it better to rent a small car?
For many European destinations, yes. Smaller cars are easier to park, better suited to narrow streets and often cheaper to hire and fuel.
What’s the biggest mistake first-time visitors make?
Booking a manual car without realising it isn’t automatic is one of the most common mistakes. Another is forgetting about toll roads or assuming all speed limits are shown in miles per hour.