European Cross-Border Driving: Complete Guide to 27 Border Crossings
Planning a multi-country road trip in Europe? This comprehensive guide covers 27 border crossings across 19 countries. Learn what changes when you cross each border — driving rules, equipment requirements, speed limits, and rental company policies.
27Border Crossings
19Countries
81Route Options
All Border Crossings at a Glance
Universal Cross-Border Tips
- Notify your rental company: Most require advance notice (and charge a fee) for cross-border travel. Failing to notify can void your insurance.
- Carry physical documents: Keep your passport, license, rental agreement, and insurance green card accessible — not in the trunk.
- Check equipment requirements: A reflective vest legal in France might not meet Austrian standards. Carry the superset of equipment for all countries on your route.
- Download offline maps: Mobile coverage can be spotty near borders. Have offline maps ready before you cross.
- Budget for tolls and vignettes: Many countries require prepaid highway stickers (vignettes). Buy them before the border or face heavy fines.
Detailed Border Crossing Guides
Austria → Czech Republic
Regulation Changes at the Border
| Rule | Austria | Czech Republic |
|---|
| Speed limit (motorway) |
130 km/h |
130 km/h (reduced to 80 km/h near some cities) |
| Tolls |
Vignette (10-day: €9.90) |
E-vignette (10-day: CZK 310 / ~€13). Purchase online at edalnice.cz |
| Alcohol limit |
0.5 g/L |
0.0 g/L (absolute zero tolerance) |
| Currency |
Euro (€) |
Czech Koruna (CZK). Cards widely accepted in cities; carry cash for rural areas. |
| Headlights |
Recommended at all times, mandatory in tunnels |
Dipped headlights mandatory at all times, day and night, year-round |
| Required equipment |
Warning triangle, first aid kit, high-visibility vest |
Warning triangle, first aid kit, high-visibility vest, spare bulb set |
Route Options
Vienna to Prague (A5/E461/D1) — 330 km, 3.5 hours
Brno, Moravian wine country, Kutná Hora (bone church), Prague. The classic capital-to-capital route.
Vienna to Brno (A5/D2) — 145 km, 1.5 hours
Mikulov, Lednice-Valtice (UNESCO), Brno. Quick cultural hop to Moravia.
Linz to České Budějovice (E55) — 125 km, 2 hours
Mühlviertel, Vyšší Brod monastery, České Budějovice (original Budweiser). Scenic Bohemian route.
Rental Company Policies
| Company | Allowed? | Fee | Note |
|---|
| Europcar |
Yes |
Free |
Czech Republic included as standard EU destination. No restrictions on vehicle categories. |
| Sixt |
Yes |
Free |
Seamless cross-border coverage. Popular route for Sixt given their strong Central European presence. |
| Hertz |
Yes |
€15 cross-border fee |
Nominal fee covers insurance extension. Available for all vehicle categories. |
| Avis |
Yes |
Free for round trips |
One-way returns available in Prague at €45 surcharge. |
Read the full Austria to Czech Republic guide →
Austria → Hungary
Regulation Changes at the Border
| Rule | Austria | Hungary |
|---|
| Speed limit (motorway) |
130 km/h |
130 km/h (same limit, but enforcement via fixed cameras is very common) |
| Tolls |
Vignette system (10-day: €9.90) |
E-vignette required (10-day: HUF 5,950/~€15). Purchase online at https://ematrica.hu before crossing. |
| Alcohol limit |
0.5 g/L |
0.0 g/L — absolute zero tolerance. Any detectable alcohol results in severe penalties. |
| Headlights |
Dipped headlights recommended, mandatory in tunnels |
Dipped headlights mandatory at all times outside built-up areas |
| Required equipment |
Warning triangle, first aid kit, high-visibility vest |
Warning triangle, first aid kit, high-visibility vest all mandatory. Vest must be within arm's reach (not in boot). |
Route Options
Vienna to Budapest (M1/A4) — 245 km, 2.5 hours
Neusiedler See, Hegyeshalom border area, Győr (baroque city centre), Budapest's dramatic Danube panorama.
Graz to Lake Balaton (A2/M7) — 260 km, 3 hours
Southern Burgenland, Heiligenkreuz crossing, Zalaegerszeg, Keszthely, Lake Balaton — Central Europe's largest lake.
Vienna to Sopron (day trip) — 75 km, 1 hour
Quick border hop to Sopron — charming medieval town known for wine, dentistry tourism, and well-preserved Firewatch Tower.
Rental Company Policies
| Company | Allowed? | Fee | Note |
|---|
| Sixt |
Yes |
€20/day surcharge |
Hungary permitted with advance notice. Additional liability coverage included in surcharge. |
| Europcar |
Yes |
€25/day surcharge |
Cross-border to Hungary allowed. Must declare at booking. Enhanced theft protection mandatory. |
| Hertz |
Yes |
€15/day surcharge |
Hungary is a standard cross-border destination from Austria. Green card provided at pickup. |
| Enterprise |
Yes |
€30/day surcharge |
Permitted on mid-range vehicles. Premium and luxury categories excluded for Hungary travel. |
Read the full Austria to Hungary guide →
Austria → Slovenia
Regulation Changes at the Border
| Rule | Austria | Slovenia |
|---|
| Speed limit (motorway) |
130 km/h |
130 km/h (same) |
| Tolls |
Vignette system (10-day: €9.90) |
E-vignette system (7-day: €16). Purchase at petrol stations or online at evinjeta.dars.si before using motorways. |
| Alcohol limit |
0.5 g/L |
0.5 g/L (0.0 g/L for professional drivers and drivers under 21) |
| Headlights |
Dipped headlights recommended, mandatory in tunnels |
Dipped headlights mandatory at all times, day and night |
| Required equipment |
Warning triangle, first aid kit, high-visibility vest |
Warning triangle, first aid kit, high-visibility vest. All same requirements. |
Route Options
Villach to Ljubljana (A2/E61) — 100 km, 1 hour
Karawanken Tunnel (€7.50), Jesenice, Kranj, Ljubljana — charming capital with a car-free old town and dragon bridge.
Graz to Maribor (A9/A1) — 75 km, 1 hour
Spielfeld border, wine country, Maribor — Slovenia's second city, home to the world's oldest vine (400+ years).
Klagenfurt to Lake Bled (B91/E652) — 85 km, 1.5 hours
Loibl Pass (scenic mountain crossing), Tržič, Radovljica, Lake Bled — island church, cliffside castle, and Alpine perfection.
Rental Company Policies
| Company | Allowed? | Fee | Note |
|---|
| Europcar |
Yes |
€15/day surcharge |
Slovenia permitted from Austrian locations. Must declare at booking. |
| Sixt |
Yes |
Free |
Slovenia included as standard destination from Austrian border locations (Graz, Klagenfurt, Villach). |
| Hertz |
Yes |
€10/day surcharge |
Cross-border to Slovenia allowed. Green card and additional coverage included in surcharge. |
| Enterprise |
Yes |
€20/day surcharge |
Slovenia permitted on mid-range vehicles. Must present rental agreement at border if asked. |
Read the full Austria to Slovenia guide →
Croatia → Montenegro
Regulation Changes at the Border
| Rule | Croatia | Montenegro |
|---|
| Speed limit (motorway) |
130 km/h |
No motorways yet — maximum 80 km/h on open roads, 40 km/h in towns. Mountain roads often slower. |
| Tolls |
Tolled motorways (electronic or cash) |
No toll system. However, the Sozina tunnel charges €3.50 per passage. |
| Alcohol limit |
0.5 g/L |
0.3 g/L — stricter than Croatia. Zero tolerance for drivers under 24. |
| Headlights |
Dipped headlights required in tunnels and poor visibility |
Dipped headlights mandatory at all times from November 1 to March 31 |
| Border control |
EU/Schengen member |
Not in EU or Schengen. Passport control at border — expect 15-60 min wait in summer. Have vehicle documents ready. |
Route Options
Dubrovnik to Kotor (E65) — 95 km, 2 hours
Adriatic coastal road, Cavtat, border at Debeli Brijeg, Herceg Novi, spectacular Bay of Kotor — often called Europe's southernmost fjord.
Dubrovnik to Budva (E65/E80) — 115 km, 2.5 hours
Bay of Kotor, Tivat, Budva's medieval old town and famous Sveti Stefan island. The Montenegrin Riviera at its finest.
Dubrovnik to Podgorica (E65/E80) — 175 km, 3.5 hours
Coastal road to Petrovac, then inland through dramatic Sozina tunnel to Podgorica. Mountain and coast combined.
Rental Company Policies
| Company | Allowed? | Fee | Note |
|---|
| Sixt |
Yes |
€40/day surcharge |
Montenegro travel requires advance approval. Must present green card at border. Not all vehicles eligible. |
| Europcar |
Yes |
€45/day surcharge |
Must request Montenegro authorization at booking. Full insurance coverage mandatory. |
| Hertz |
No |
N/A |
Montenegro not permitted from Croatian locations. Consider renting locally in Montenegro instead. |
| Enterprise |
Yes |
€35/day surcharge |
Allowed on compact and mid-size vehicles only. Must sign additional cross-border waiver. |
Read the full Croatia to Montenegro guide →
Czech Republic → Germany
Regulation Changes at the Border
| Rule | Czech Republic | Germany |
|---|
| Speed limit (motorway) |
130 km/h |
No general limit (recommended 130 km/h). Prepare for significantly faster traffic on German Autobahn. |
| Tolls |
E-vignette required (10-day: CZK 310/~€12.50) |
No motorway tolls. German Autobahn is free for passenger vehicles. |
| Headlights |
Dipped headlights mandatory at all times |
Dipped headlights required only in poor visibility or at night. Not mandatory during daytime. |
| Alcohol limit |
0.0 g/L — absolute zero tolerance |
0.5 g/L. A notable relaxation, but still enforce moderation. |
| Required equipment |
Warning triangle, first aid kit, high-visibility vest, spare bulb set |
Warning triangle, first aid kit, high-visibility vest. Spare bulbs not required. |
Route Options
Prague to Dresden (D8/A17) — 150 km, 1.5 hours
Czech-Saxon Switzerland National Park, Ústí nad Labem, Elbe valley, Dresden's magnificent Baroque old town and Zwinger Palace.
Prague to Nuremberg (D5/A6) — 300 km, 3 hours
Plzeň (birthplace of Pilsner beer), Rozvadov border, Upper Palatinate forest, Nuremberg's medieval castle and Christmas market.
Prague to Munich (D5/A6/A93) — 380 km, 3.5 hours
Plzeň, Waidhaus border, Regensburg detour (UNESCO old town), Bavarian countryside to Munich.
Rental Company Policies
| Company | Allowed? | Fee | Note |
|---|
| Sixt |
Yes |
Free |
Germany is a standard destination from Czech locations. No restrictions on vehicle categories. |
| Europcar |
Yes |
Free |
Cross-border to Germany included in all Czech rental agreements. |
| Hertz |
Yes |
Free |
Germany travel permitted without surcharge. Green card provided at pickup. |
| Enterprise |
Yes |
Free for round trips, €45 one-way |
One-way returns available at Berlin, Munich, and Dresden. |
Read the full Czech Republic to Germany guide →
Denmark → Sweden
Regulation Changes at the Border
| Rule | Denmark | Sweden |
|---|
| Speed limit (motorway) |
130 km/h |
110-120 km/h. Sweden generally has lower motorway limits than Denmark. |
| Tolls |
No general tolls (Great Belt Bridge separate) |
Congestion charges in Stockholm and Gothenburg (SEK 9-45 per passage). No motorway tolls. |
| Øresund Bridge |
Toll paid on Danish side |
SEK 575 (€52) per car crossing. BroPas subscription reduces to SEK 310 for frequent travelers. |
| Headlights |
Dipped headlights mandatory at all times |
Dipped headlights mandatory at all times (same requirement) |
| Alcohol limit |
0.5 g/L |
0.2 g/L — significantly stricter. Sweden is among Europe's toughest on drink driving. |
Route Options
Copenhagen to Malmö (Øresund Bridge) — 42 km, 35 minutes
The iconic 16 km Øresund Bridge-tunnel — an engineering marvel. Malmö's Turning Torso, Västra Hamnen, and Lilla Torg square.
Copenhagen to Gothenburg (E6/E20) — 310 km, 3.5 hours
Øresund Bridge, Malmö, Helsingborg, Halmstad, Gothenburg — Sweden's friendliest city with Liseberg and seafood restaurants.
Copenhagen to Stockholm (E4/E20) — 655 km, 6.5 hours
Øresund Bridge, Malmö, Jönköping by Lake Vättern, Linköping, Norrköping, Stockholm's old town Gamla Stan.
Rental Company Policies
| Company | Allowed? | Fee | Note |
|---|
| Hertz |
Yes |
Free |
Sweden is a standard Scandinavian destination from Danish locations. No restrictions. |
| Sixt |
Yes |
Free |
Cross-border to Sweden included in all Danish rental agreements. |
| Europcar |
Yes |
Free for round trips, €50 one-way |
One-way returns available at Malmö, Gothenburg, and Stockholm. |
| Enterprise |
Yes |
Free |
Sweden travel permitted. Øresund Bridge toll not included in rental — pay separately at bridge. |
Read the full Denmark to Sweden guide →
France → Belgium
Regulation Changes at the Border
| Rule | France | Belgium |
|---|
| Speed limit (motorway) |
130 km/h (110 km/h in rain) |
120 km/h. Lower limit than France, enforced with average-speed cameras on many sections. |
| Tolls |
Distance-based toll booths (péages) on autoroutes |
No motorway tolls for passenger vehicles. Only the Liefkenshoek tunnel near Antwerp charges a fee (€6). |
| Alcohol limit |
0.5 g/L (0.2 g/L for new drivers) |
0.5 g/L (same limit) |
| Required equipment |
Warning triangle, high-visibility vest, breathalyser (technically required) |
Warning triangle, first aid kit, high-visibility vest, fire extinguisher. Belgium requires more equipment. |
| Low emission zones |
Crit'Air vignette for major cities |
LEZ registration required for Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent. Register online before entering — fines are €150-350. |
Route Options
Paris to Brussels (A1/E19) — 310 km, 3 hours
Senlis, Compiègne, Saint-Quentin, Mons, Waterloo battlefield, Brussels — capital of Europe with Grand-Place and Art Nouveau treasures.
Lille to Bruges (A25/E40) — 115 km, 1.5 hours
Short hop from French Flanders into Belgian Flanders. Kortrijk, Ghent detour, Bruges — Venice of the North.
Paris to Antwerp (A1/E19/A14) — 365 km, 3.5 hours
Brussels bypass, Mechelen, Antwerp — diamond district, Rubens House, and the MAS museum on the harbour.
Rental Company Policies
| Company | Allowed? | Fee | Note |
|---|
| Hertz |
Yes |
Free |
Belgium is a standard destination from all French locations. No restrictions. |
| Europcar |
Yes |
Free |
Belgium and Luxembourg included in standard French rental agreements. |
| Sixt |
Yes |
Free |
Cross-border to Benelux countries free of charge on all vehicle categories. |
| Enterprise |
Yes |
Free |
Belgium travel permitted. One-way drop-offs at Brussels and Antwerp at no extra fee. |
Read the full France to Belgium guide →
France → Germany
Regulation Changes at the Border
| Rule | France | Germany |
|---|
| Speed limit (motorway) |
130 km/h (110 km/h in rain) |
No general limit (recommended 130 km/h). Many sections do have posted limits. |
| Tolls |
Péage toll booths on autoroutes |
No motorway tolls — German Autobahn is free for cars |
| Alcohol limit |
0.5 g/L (0.2 g/L for new drivers) |
0.5 g/L (0.0 g/L for drivers under 21 or with less than 2 years experience) |
| Required equipment |
Warning triangle, high-visibility vest, breathalyzer (recommended) |
Warning triangle, first aid kit, high-visibility vest |
| Environmental zones |
Crit'Air vignette for French LEZ cities |
Umweltplakette (green sticker) required for all German city Umweltzonen |
| Headlights |
Recommended in daytime |
Recommended in daytime, mandatory in poor visibility and tunnels |
Route Options
Strasbourg to Stuttgart (A35/A5) — 160 km, 1.5 hours
Rhine crossing at Kehl, Black Forest edge, Stuttgart. The quickest Alsace-to-Swabia route.
Metz to Frankfurt (A4/A6) — 305 km, 3 hours
Saarbrücken, Kaiserslautern, Mannheim, Frankfurt. Industrial heartland route with Rhine Valley views.
Strasbourg to Munich (A35/A5/A8) — 400 km, 4 hours
Black Forest, Lake Constance area, Augsburg, Munich. Scenic cross-country traverse.
Rental Company Policies
| Company | Allowed? | Fee | Note |
|---|
| Europcar |
Yes |
Free |
Germany included as standard EU destination. All vehicle categories permitted. |
| Sixt |
Yes |
Free |
Sixt is German-based — especially smooth for France-to-Germany returns. |
| Hertz |
Yes |
Free |
No restrictions or surcharges. One-way returns available at all major German airports. |
| Avis |
Yes |
Free |
Full Schengen coverage included. Green card provided automatically. |
Read the full France to Germany guide →
France → Italy
Regulation Changes at the Border
| Rule | France | Italy |
|---|
| Speed limit (motorway) |
130 km/h (110 km/h in rain) |
130 km/h (110 km/h in rain) |
| Tolls |
Péage toll booths at entry/exit |
Telepass or cash/card at casello toll barriers |
| Alcohol limit |
0.5 g/L (0.2 g/L for new drivers) |
0.5 g/L (0.0 g/L for first 3 years) |
| Headlights |
Recommended in daytime, required in poor visibility |
Mandatory dipped headlights outside urban areas at all times |
| City restrictions |
Crit'Air vignette for LEZ cities |
ZTL camera-enforced restricted zones in historic centers — avoid driving in! |
| Required equipment |
Warning triangle, high-visibility vest, breathalyzer (recommended) |
Warning triangle, high-visibility vest |
Route Options
Nice to Genoa (A8/A10) — 195 km, 2.5 hours
Monaco, Menton, Ventimiglia, San Remo, Genoa. Riviera-to-Riviera coastal glamour.
Chamonix to Turin (Mont Blanc Tunnel) — 120 km, 2 hours
Chamonix, Mont Blanc Tunnel, Courmayeur, Aosta, Turin. Europe's most dramatic tunnel crossing.
Grenoble to Turin (Col du Montgenèvre) — 200 km, 3.5 hours
Briançon, Montgenèvre pass (1,854m), Susa Valley, Turin. Free mountain pass, no tunnel toll.
Rental Company Policies
| Company | Allowed? | Fee | Note |
|---|
| Sixt |
Yes |
Free |
Italy included as standard EU destination from France. All categories permitted. |
| Hertz |
Yes |
Free for round trips |
One-way to Italy available at select locations with €50 surcharge. |
| Europcar |
Yes |
Free with advance notice |
Must declare Italy as destination at booking. Insurance coverage extended automatically. |
| Enterprise |
Yes |
€20 cross-border fee |
Flat fee regardless of rental duration. Covers insurance extension. |
Read the full France to Italy guide →
France → Spain
Regulation Changes at the Border
| Rule | France | Spain |
|---|
| Speed limit (motorway) |
130 km/h (110 km/h in rain) |
120 km/h |
| Speed limit (rural roads) |
80 km/h |
90 km/h |
| Tolls |
Frequent toll booths on autoroutes, pay by card or cash |
Electronic tolls common on autopistas, some require Telepeaje/VIA-T transponder |
| Alcohol limit |
0.5 g/L (0.2 g/L for new drivers) |
0.5 g/L (0.3 g/L for new drivers) |
| Required equipment |
High-visibility vest, warning triangle, breathalyzer (recommended) |
Two warning triangles, high-visibility vest, spare wheel or repair kit |
| Headlights |
Dipped headlights recommended in daytime |
Dipped headlights required in tunnels and poor visibility only |
Route Options
Mediterranean Coastal Route (A9/AP-7) — 490 km, 5 hours
Montpellier, Perpignan, Figueres (Dalí Museum), Girona, Barcelona. Stunning coastal scenery along the Golfe du Lion.
Atlantic / Basque Route (A63/AP-8) — 310 km, 3.5 hours
Bayonne, Biarritz, San Sebastián, Bilbao. Pass through Basque Country with incredible gastronomy stops.
Pyrenees Mountain Route (N20/N-145) — 280 km, 5 hours
Toulouse, Foix, Andorra (optional detour), Seu d'Urgell. Dramatic mountain passes and ski country.
Rental Company Policies
| Company | Allowed? | Fee | Note |
|---|
| Europcar |
Yes |
Free with advance notice |
Must notify at booking. Green card insurance included for EU travel. |
| Hertz |
Yes |
€30 one-way fee if dropping off in Spain |
Round trips free. One-way cross-border surcharge applies. |
| Sixt |
Yes |
Free for standard categories |
Premium and luxury vehicles may require additional authorization and deposit. |
| Enterprise |
Yes |
€15 per rental cross-border fee |
Notify at pickup. Vehicle must be returned to the same country unless one-way is booked. |
Read the full France to Spain guide →
Germany → Austria
Regulation Changes at the Border
| Rule | Germany | Austria |
|---|
| Speed limit (motorway) |
No general limit (recommended 130 km/h) |
130 km/h (strictly enforced) |
| Tolls |
No motorway tolls (Autobahn is free) |
Vignette required (10-day: €9.90). Buy before crossing the border. |
| Alcohol limit |
0.5 g/L |
0.5 g/L (0.1 g/L for drivers under 20 or with less than 2 years experience) |
| Required equipment |
Warning triangle, first aid kit, high-visibility vest |
Warning triangle, first aid kit, high-visibility vest (same requirements) |
| Winter tires |
Situational obligation (Nov 1 - Mar 31 recommended) |
Mandatory Nov 1 - Apr 15 in winter conditions. Snow chains must be carried in Alpine areas. |
| Headlights |
Dipped headlights in poor visibility |
Dipped headlights recommended at all times, mandatory in tunnels |
Route Options
Munich to Salzburg (A8) — 145 km, 1.5 hours
Chiemsee lake, Bavarian Alps panorama, Salzburg's old town. The quickest and most popular crossing.
Munich to Innsbruck (A12) — 190 km, 2 hours
Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Mittenwald, Seefeld, Innsbruck. Spectacular Alpine scenery the entire way.
Stuttgart to Vienna (A8/A1) — 620 km, 6 hours
Augsburg, Munich, Salzburg, Linz, Melk Abbey, Vienna. The full west-to-east traverse.
Rental Company Policies
| Company | Allowed? | Fee | Note |
|---|
| Sixt |
Yes |
Free |
Austria is included as a standard destination from Germany. No additional paperwork needed. |
| Europcar |
Yes |
Free |
Cross-border travel to Austria permitted on all vehicle categories. |
| Avis |
Yes |
Free |
Included in standard rental agreement. Green card provided automatically. |
| Hertz |
Yes |
Free for round trips, €40 one-way |
One-way cross-border returns available at select Austrian locations. |
Read the full Germany to Austria guide →
Germany → Denmark
Regulation Changes at the Border
| Rule | Germany | Denmark |
|---|
| Speed limit (motorway) |
No general limit (recommended 130 km/h) |
130 km/h (strictly enforced with automatic speed cameras) |
| Headlights |
Dipped headlights in poor visibility |
Dipped headlights mandatory at all times, day and night |
| Tolls |
No motorway tolls |
Great Belt Bridge toll (DKK 260/€35 for cars), Øresund Bridge to Sweden (SEK 575/€52). No general motorway tolls. |
| Alcohol limit |
0.5 g/L |
0.5 g/L (same limit, but fines are proportional to blood alcohol level and can be extremely high) |
| Required equipment |
Warning triangle, first aid kit, high-visibility vest |
Warning triangle required. First aid kit and high-visibility vest recommended but not legally mandatory. |
Route Options
Hamburg to Copenhagen via Fehmarn (E47) — 370 km, 4.5 hours
Fehmarn island, Rødby-Puttgarden ferry (45 min), Lolland, Zealand countryside, Copenhagen. Classic ferry route.
Flensburg to Aarhus (E45) — 245 km, 3 hours
The land border at Padborg, Kolding, Vejle Fjord, Aarhus — Denmark's second city with its rainbow panorama ARoS museum.
Hamburg to Copenhagen via Jutland (E45/E20) — 480 km, 5 hours
Flensburg border, Kolding, Odense (Hans Christian Andersen's birthplace), Great Belt Bridge, Copenhagen.
Rental Company Policies
| Company | Allowed? | Fee | Note |
|---|
| Sixt |
Yes |
Free |
Denmark included as standard Scandinavian destination. No extra paperwork required. |
| Europcar |
Yes |
Free |
Cross-border to Denmark permitted on all vehicle categories. Green card provided automatically. |
| Hertz |
Yes |
Free for round trips, €55 one-way |
One-way drop-offs available at Copenhagen and Aalborg locations. |
| Enterprise |
Yes |
Free |
Denmark travel included in standard agreement from German locations. |
Read the full Germany to Denmark guide →
Germany → Netherlands
Regulation Changes at the Border
| Rule | Germany | Netherlands |
|---|
| Speed limit (motorway) |
No general limit (recommended 130 km/h) |
100 km/h (6 AM - 7 PM), 120-130 km/h (7 PM - 6 AM). The Netherlands has Europe's strictest daytime motorway limit. |
| Tolls |
No motorway tolls |
No motorway tolls. Only the Westerscheldetunnel (€5) and Kiltunnel (€3) charge fees. |
| Alcohol limit |
0.5 g/L |
0.5 g/L (0.2 g/L for drivers with less than 5 years experience) |
| Environmental zones |
Umweltzonen in major cities (green sticker required) |
Zero-emission zones being introduced in Dutch cities from 2026. Check local rules before entering city centres. |
| Parking |
Varies by city |
Extremely expensive in city centres (€5-7.50/hour in Amsterdam). Park-and-ride strongly recommended. |
Route Options
Düsseldorf to Amsterdam (A3/A12) — 230 km, 2.5 hours
Arnhem (Bridge Too Far), Utrecht, Amsterdam — canals, Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and vibrant nightlife.
Hamburg to Amsterdam (A1/A30) — 465 km, 4.5 hours
Osnabrück, Oldenzaal border, Amersfoort, Amsterdam. Flat landscape with windmills appearing as you cross.
Cologne to Rotterdam (A4/E35) — 275 km, 3 hours
Aachen, Maastricht detour, Eindhoven, Breda, Rotterdam — Europe's most daring modern architecture and the Markthal.
Rental Company Policies
| Company | Allowed? | Fee | Note |
|---|
| Sixt |
Yes |
Free |
Netherlands is a standard destination from German locations. No restrictions on any vehicle category. |
| Hertz |
Yes |
Free |
Cross-border to Benelux included. One-way returns at Amsterdam Schiphol and Rotterdam available. |
| Europcar |
Yes |
Free |
Netherlands travel permitted on all German rental agreements. |
| Enterprise |
Yes |
Free |
No surcharges for Netherlands travel. One-way drop-offs at Amsterdam at no extra cost. |
Read the full Germany to Netherlands guide →
Germany → Poland
Regulation Changes at the Border
| Rule | Germany | Poland |
|---|
| Speed limit (motorway) |
No general limit (recommended 130 km/h) |
140 km/h on motorways, 120 km/h on expressways |
| Headlights |
Dipped headlights in poor visibility |
Dipped headlights mandatory at all times, day and night, year-round |
| Tolls |
No motorway tolls |
Electronic toll system (e-TOLL) for vehicles over 3.5t. Cars free on most motorways, some sections charge tolls at plazas. |
| Alcohol limit |
0.5 g/L |
0.2 g/L — significantly stricter. Penalties include immediate license confiscation. |
| Required equipment |
Warning triangle, first aid kit, high-visibility vest |
Warning triangle, first aid kit, high-visibility vest, fire extinguisher (recommended but not mandatory for foreign vehicles) |
Route Options
Berlin to Poznań (A2/E30) — 270 km, 3 hours
Frankfurt an der Oder border crossing, Słubice, rolling Polish countryside, Poznań's colourful Old Market Square.
Berlin to Wrocław (A15/A18/A4) — 350 km, 3.5 hours
Cottbus, Forst border crossing, Legnica, Wrocław — the Venice of Poland with its 100+ bridges and stunning Centennial Hall.
Dresden to Kraków (A4/E40) — 480 km, 5 hours
Görlitz (Germany's easternmost city), Wrocław stopover, Opole, Katowice, Kraków's magnificent main square.
Rental Company Policies
| Company | Allowed? | Fee | Note |
|---|
| Sixt |
Yes |
€25/day surcharge |
Cross-border to Poland permitted with prior notification. Some premium vehicles excluded. |
| Europcar |
Yes |
€30/day surcharge |
Poland is a permitted destination. Additional theft insurance mandatory, included in surcharge. |
| Hertz |
Yes |
€20/day surcharge |
Must declare Poland as destination at booking. Green card issued at pickup. |
| Enterprise |
Yes |
€35/day surcharge |
Allowed on most vehicle categories. Luxury and specialty vehicles not permitted for Poland travel. |
Read the full Germany to Poland guide →
Germany → Switzerland
Regulation Changes at the Border
| Rule | Germany | Switzerland |
|---|
| Speed limit (motorway) |
No general limit (recommended 130 km/h) |
120 km/h (strictly enforced, heavy fines) |
| Tolls |
Free motorways |
Annual vignette required (CHF 40 / ~€42). No short-term option available. |
| Currency |
Euro (€) |
Swiss Franc (CHF). Most places accept euros but give change in francs. |
| Alcohol limit |
0.5 g/L |
0.5 g/L (0.1 g/L for new drivers) |
| Required equipment |
Warning triangle, first aid kit, high-visibility vest |
Warning triangle. No legal requirement for first aid kit or high-visibility vest. |
| Headlights |
Required in poor visibility |
Dipped headlights mandatory at all times, day and night |
Route Options
Freiburg to Zurich (A5/A3) — 170 km, 2 hours
Black Forest, Basel, Zurich. Quick and efficient crossing via Basel.
Konstanz to St. Gallen (Lake Constance) — 60 km, 1 hour
Lake Constance, Kreuzlingen, Rorschach, St. Gallen. Scenic lakeside crossing.
Munich to Zurich (A96/A1) — 310 km, 3.5 hours
Lindau, Bregenz (Austria transit), Liechtenstein (optional), Zurich. Multi-country Alpine route.
Rental Company Policies
| Company | Allowed? | Fee | Note |
|---|
| Sixt |
Yes |
€50 cross-border fee |
Switzerland is non-EU. Additional insurance coverage required. Premium vehicles may be restricted. |
| Europcar |
Yes |
€45 cross-border fee |
Must declare at booking. CDW excess may increase for Swiss travel. |
| Hertz |
Yes |
€40 cross-border fee |
Available for most vehicle categories. Notify at reservation. |
| Avis |
Yes |
€55 cross-border fee |
Non-EU surcharge applies. Green card insurance provided at pickup. |
Read the full Germany to Switzerland guide →
Hungary → Croatia
Regulation Changes at the Border
| Rule | Hungary | Croatia |
|---|
| Speed limit (motorway) |
130 km/h |
130 km/h (same) |
| Tolls |
E-vignette system |
Distance-based electronic tolling (ENC transponder or ticket at entry). Budget €15-25 for Budapest to Zagreb. |
| Alcohol limit |
0.0 g/L (absolute zero tolerance) |
0.5 g/L. A significant relaxation compared to Hungary's zero-tolerance policy. |
| Headlights |
Dipped headlights mandatory outside built-up areas |
Dipped headlights mandatory during winter months (last Sunday of October to last Sunday of March) |
| Required equipment |
Warning triangle, first aid kit, high-visibility vest |
Warning triangle, first aid kit, high-visibility vest, spare bulb set. Reflective vest must be accessible from inside the car. |
Route Options
Budapest to Zagreb (M7/A2) — 345 km, 3.5 hours
Lake Balaton shores, Nagykanizsa, Goričan border, Varaždin, Zagreb — vibrant capital with Austro-Hungarian architecture.
Budapest to Split (M7/A1) — 690 km, 7 hours
Zagreb, through the Croatian highlands, Karlovac, Plitvice Lakes detour, coastal descent to Split's Diocletian Palace.
Pécs to Osijek (M60/E73) — 95 km, 1.5 hours
Short crossing through Baranya region, Udvar border, Slavonian plains, Osijek — baroque fortress city on the Drava River.
Rental Company Policies
| Company | Allowed? | Fee | Note |
|---|
| Europcar |
Yes |
€25/day surcharge |
Croatia permitted from Hungarian locations. Additional insurance and green card included in surcharge. |
| Sixt |
Yes |
€20/day surcharge |
Cross-border to Croatia allowed. Must declare at booking. All vehicle categories eligible. |
| Hertz |
Yes |
€30/day surcharge |
Croatia travel permitted with advance notice. Enhanced theft and damage coverage mandatory. |
| Enterprise |
Yes |
€25/day surcharge |
Allowed on compact through SUV categories. Must sign cross-border declaration form at pickup. |
Read the full Hungary to Croatia guide →
Italy → Austria
Regulation Changes at the Border
| Rule | Italy | Austria |
|---|
| Speed limit (motorway) |
130 km/h |
130 km/h (same, but Austria enforces with more cameras) |
| Tolls |
Distance-based electronic tolling (Telepass) |
Vignette (10-day: €9.90) plus separate tolls on Brenner Pass (€11), Arlberg Tunnel, and Tauern Tunnel. |
| Alcohol limit |
0.5 g/L |
0.5 g/L (0.1 g/L for drivers under 20 or with less than 2 years experience) |
| Winter tires |
Mandatory Nov 15 - Apr 15 in winter conditions (varies by region) |
Mandatory Nov 1 - Apr 15 in winter conditions. Snow chains must be carried in Alpine areas. |
| Brenner toll |
Italian A22 toll included in Telepass |
Brenner Pass toll €11 per car (separate from vignette). Paid at toll plaza near Schönberg. |
Route Options
Bolzano to Innsbruck (Brenner Pass/A13) — 120 km, 1.5 hours
Brenner Pass (1,370m) — the historic Alpine gateway. Vipiteno/Sterzing, Brennero border, Wipp Valley, Innsbruck's Golden Roof.
Venice to Vienna (A23/A2) — 600 km, 6 hours
Udine, Tarvisio (mountain border), Villach, Graz, Semmering Pass (UNESCO railway), Vienna.
Verona to Salzburg (A22/A10) — 295 km, 3.5 hours
Trento, Brenner Pass, Innsbruck, through the Inn Valley, Kufstein, Salzburg's baroque old town.
Rental Company Policies
| Company | Allowed? | Fee | Note |
|---|
| Hertz |
Yes |
Free |
Austria is a standard destination from all northern Italian locations. No restrictions. |
| Europcar |
Yes |
Free |
Cross-border to Austria permitted on all vehicle categories. Green card provided automatically. |
| Sixt |
Yes |
Free |
Austria included in Italian rental agreements. Vignette may be pre-installed on vehicle — check at pickup. |
| Enterprise |
Yes |
Free for round trips, €40 one-way |
One-way returns available at Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck. |
Read the full Italy to Austria guide →
Italy → Croatia
Regulation Changes at the Border
| Rule | Italy | Croatia |
|---|
| Speed limit (motorway) |
130 km/h |
130 km/h |
| Speed limit (urban) |
50 km/h |
50 km/h |
| Tolls |
Telepass system, pay at exit |
ENC electronic system or cash/card at toll booths on autocesta |
| Alcohol limit |
0.5 g/L |
0.5 g/L (0.0 g/L for drivers under 24) |
| Headlights |
Mandatory outside urban areas at all times |
Mandatory at all times year-round (dipped headlights always on) |
| Required equipment |
Warning triangle, high-visibility vest |
Warning triangle, high-visibility vest, first aid kit, spare bulb set |
Route Options
Trieste to Rijeka (E61) — 85 km, 1.5 hours
Muggia, Koper (Slovenia transit), Opatija, Rijeka. Quick crossing through a sliver of Slovenia.
Venice to Pula via Slovenia (A4/E751) — 280 km, 3.5 hours
Venice, Trieste, Slovenian coast, Piran, Pula's Roman amphitheater. Transit through two countries.
Ancona to Split (Ferry) — N/A (ferry crossing), 10-11 hours (overnight)
Adriatic Sea crossing, arrive refreshed in Split. Cars welcome on SNAV and Jadrolinija ferries.
Rental Company Policies
| Company | Allowed? | Fee | Note |
|---|
| Europcar |
Yes |
€35 cross-border fee |
Croatia added to standard EU coverage in 2026. Notify at booking. |
| Sixt |
Yes |
€30 cross-border fee |
Available for mid-range and standard categories. Luxury vehicles may be restricted. |
| Hertz |
Yes |
€40 cross-border fee |
Green card insurance extended to Croatia. Must declare at pickup. |
| Avis |
Yes |
€35 cross-border fee |
One-way returns not available in Croatia. Vehicle must return to Italy. |
Read the full Italy to Croatia guide →
Italy → France
Regulation Changes at the Border
| Rule | Italy | France |
|---|
| Speed limit (motorway) |
130 km/h (110 km/h in rain) |
130 km/h (110 km/h in rain) |
| Tolls |
Telepass electronic system, pay at exit barriers |
Péage toll booths, pay by card or cash at exit |
| Alcohol limit |
0.5 g/L (0.0 g/L for first 3 years) |
0.5 g/L (0.2 g/L for first 3 years) |
| Required equipment |
Warning triangle, high-visibility vest |
Warning triangle, high-visibility vest, breathalyzer (recommended) |
| ZTL / Low emission zones |
ZTL restricted zones in city centers (camera enforced) |
Crit'Air vignette required for LEZ cities (Paris, Lyon, Strasbourg, etc.) |
| Headlights |
Dipped headlights mandatory outside urban areas at all times |
Dipped headlights recommended in daytime, mandatory in poor visibility |
Route Options
Riviera Coastal Route (A10/A8) — 310 km, 3.5 hours
Genoa, San Remo, Monte Carlo, Nice, Cannes. The glamorous Mediterranean coastal drive.
Mont Blanc Tunnel (A5/T1) — 220 km, 3 hours
Aosta Valley, Mont Blanc Tunnel (€50 toll), Chamonix. Dramatic Alpine crossing under Europe's highest peak.
Fréjus Tunnel / Col de Montgenèvre — 280 km, 4 hours
Turin, Susa Valley, Briançon. Alternative Alpine route avoiding Mont Blanc prices.
Rental Company Policies
| Company | Allowed? | Fee | Note |
|---|
| Hertz |
Yes |
Free with notification |
Inform at booking or pickup. All standard vehicle categories permitted. |
| Europcar |
Yes |
Free |
Cross-border to France included in standard Italian rentals. Green card provided. |
| Avis |
Yes |
€25 cross-border fee |
Flat fee per rental. One-way returns available at major French airports. |
| Enterprise |
Yes |
Free for round trips |
One-way drop-offs in France subject to availability and surcharge. |
Read the full Italy to France guide →
Italy → Switzerland
Regulation Changes at the Border
| Rule | Italy | Switzerland |
|---|
| Speed limit (motorway) |
130 km/h |
120 km/h. Switzerland is 10 km/h lower and strictly enforced with radar. |
| Tolls |
Distance-based electronic tolling (Telepass) on autostrada |
Annual vignette (CHF 40/~€42). Must be affixed before entering any motorway. Non-transferable. |
| Alcohol limit |
0.5 g/L |
0.5 g/L (same) |
| Required equipment |
Warning triangle, high-visibility vest, spare bulb set |
Warning triangle mandatory. High-visibility vest and first aid kit recommended but not legally required. |
| Tunnel fees |
Included in motorway toll |
Gotthard Tunnel free (covered by vignette). Great St. Bernard Tunnel CHF 32 one-way. Mont Blanc Tunnel €50 one-way. |
Route Options
Milan to Lugano (A2/E35) — 80 km, 1 hour
Como, Chiasso border, Lugano — Italian-speaking Swiss city on a stunning lake. Shortest Italy-to-Switzerland crossing.
Milan to Zurich (A2/Gotthard) — 295 km, 3.5 hours
Lake Como, Chiasso, Bellinzona (3 UNESCO castles), Gotthard Tunnel (17 km), Lucerne, Zurich. The classic north-south Alpine transit.
Turin to Geneva (Mont Blanc Tunnel) — 235 km, 3 hours
Aosta Valley, Courmayeur, Mont Blanc Tunnel (€50 one-way), Chamonix (France), then Geneva. Dramatic high-Alpine route.
Rental Company Policies
| Company | Allowed? | Fee | Note |
|---|
| Hertz |
Yes |
€15/day surcharge |
Switzerland permitted from Italian locations. Swiss motorway vignette not included — purchase separately. |
| Europcar |
Yes |
Free |
Switzerland is a standard cross-border destination from northern Italy. No additional paperwork. |
| Sixt |
Yes |
Free |
Cross-border to Switzerland included. Vehicle already equipped with Swiss vignette at northern Italian locations. |
| Enterprise |
Yes |
€10/day surcharge |
Permitted on all vehicle categories. Must declare at booking for insurance purposes. |
Read the full Italy to Switzerland guide →
Netherlands → Belgium
Regulation Changes at the Border
| Rule | Netherlands | Belgium |
|---|
| Speed limit (motorway) |
100 km/h (reduced from 130 in 2020) |
120 km/h |
| Speed limit (urban) |
50 km/h (30 km/h in many residential areas) |
50 km/h (30 km/h zones increasing) |
| Tolls |
No tolls on any roads |
No general tolls. Liefkenshoek tunnel (Antwerp): €6 per car. |
| Alcohol limit |
0.5 g/L |
0.5 g/L (0.2 g/L for first 2 years) |
| Low emission zones |
Environmental zones in some cities (milieuzone) |
LEZ in Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent — registration required for foreign vehicles at lez.brussels |
| Required equipment |
Warning triangle, high-visibility vest |
Warning triangle, high-visibility vest, first aid kit, fire extinguisher (recommended) |
Route Options
Amsterdam to Brussels (A4/E19) — 210 km, 2.5 hours
Utrecht, Breda, Antwerp, Brussels. The direct capital-to-capital motorway run.
Amsterdam to Bruges (A4/E40) — 270 km, 3 hours
Rotterdam, Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges. Hit Belgium's two most picturesque cities.
Maastricht to Liège (A2/E25) — 35 km, 30 minutes
The shortest cross-border hop. Explore Wallonia's French-speaking culture just minutes away.
Rental Company Policies
| Company | Allowed? | Fee | Note |
|---|
| Hertz |
Yes |
Free |
Benelux countries treated as single zone. No cross-border paperwork needed. |
| Europcar |
Yes |
Free |
Belgium included in all Dutch rental agreements automatically. |
| Avis |
Yes |
Free |
Seamless Benelux coverage. One-way returns available at all Belgian airports. |
| Enterprise |
Yes |
Free |
No restrictions or surcharges for Belgium travel from Netherlands. |
Read the full Netherlands to Belgium guide →
Poland → Czech Republic
Regulation Changes at the Border
| Rule | Poland | Czech Republic |
|---|
| Speed limit (motorway) |
140 km/h |
130 km/h. Czech limits are 10 km/h lower than Poland's. |
| Tolls |
Some tolled motorway sections (cash/card at plazas) |
E-vignette required (10-day: CZK 310/~€12.50). Purchase at czechtoll.cz or border petrol stations. |
| Alcohol limit |
0.2 g/L |
0.0 g/L — absolute zero tolerance. Even stricter than Poland's already strict limit. |
| Headlights |
Dipped headlights mandatory at all times |
Dipped headlights mandatory at all times (same requirement) |
| Required equipment |
Warning triangle, first aid kit, high-visibility vest |
Warning triangle, first aid kit, high-visibility vest, spare bulb set (for non-LED headlights) |
Route Options
Wrocław to Prague (A4/D1) — 285 km, 3 hours
Opole, Ostrava, Olomouc (baroque UNESCO town), Brno detour, Kutná Hora (bone church), Prague's spires and Charles Bridge.
Kraków to Prague (E462/D1) — 535 km, 5.5 hours
Katowice, Ostrava, Olomouc, Brno, Jihlava, Prague. The full southern Poland to Bohemia traverse.
Wrocław to Ostrava (A4/S1) — 190 km, 2 hours
Industrial Silesia, Cieszyn (charming border town split between Poland and Czechia), Ostrava's reinvented cultural scene.
Rental Company Policies
| Company | Allowed? | Fee | Note |
|---|
| Europcar |
Yes |
€15/day surcharge |
Czech Republic permitted from Polish locations. Enhanced insurance included in surcharge. |
| Sixt |
Yes |
€10/day surcharge |
Cross-border to Czech Republic allowed on most vehicle categories. |
| Hertz |
Yes |
€20/day surcharge |
Must declare Czech Republic at booking. Green card and additional liability coverage included. |
| Enterprise |
Yes |
€15/day surcharge |
Permitted on compact through full-size vehicles. Premium vehicles excluded. |
Read the full Poland to Czech Republic guide →
Spain → Andorra
Regulation Changes at the Border
| Rule | Spain | Andorra |
|---|
| Speed limit |
120 km/h on autopista |
Maximum 90 km/h on main roads, 40 km/h in towns. No motorways in Andorra — all mountain roads. |
| Tolls |
Tolled autopistas |
No road tolls in Andorra. However, the Cadí Tunnel (Spain, en route) costs €12 one-way. |
| Alcohol limit |
0.5 g/L |
0.5 g/L (same) |
| Border control |
EU/Schengen member |
Not in EU or Schengen. Customs check at border — officers may inspect your car for duty-free purchases. |
| Duty-free shopping |
Standard EU VAT applies |
Andorra is a duty-free territory. Alcohol, tobacco, and electronics significantly cheaper. Customs limits apply when returning to Spain. |
Route Options
Barcelona to Andorra la Vella (C-16/N-145) — 195 km, 2.5 hours
Manresa, Berga, Cadí Tunnel (€12), La Seu d'Urgell, dramatic Pyrenean ascent to Andorra la Vella.
Toulouse to Andorra la Vella (via France, N-22) — 185 km, 3 hours
Foix, Ax-les-Thermes, Pas de la Casa (highest border crossing in the Pyrenees at 2,408m), ski resort descent.
Lleida to Andorra la Vella (N-145) — 160 km, 2 hours
Balaguer, La Seu d'Urgell (medieval cathedral), winding mountain road through the Valira valley.
Rental Company Policies
| Company | Allowed? | Fee | Note |
|---|
| Europcar |
Yes |
€20/day surcharge |
Andorra permitted with advance notice. Mountain driving conditions acknowledged in rental agreement. |
| Sixt |
Yes |
€25/day surcharge |
Andorra travel allowed. Winter tires or chains mandatory November-April. |
| Hertz |
No |
N/A |
Andorra not permitted from Spanish locations due to mountain road conditions. Rent locally instead. |
| Enterprise |
Yes |
€15/day surcharge |
Allowed on compact and mid-size vehicles. SUVs recommended for winter travel. |
Read the full Spain to Andorra guide →
Spain → France
Regulation Changes at the Border
| Rule | Spain | France |
|---|
| Speed limit (motorway) |
120 km/h |
130 km/h (110 km/h in rain). France allows 10 km/h more on dry motorways. |
| Tolls |
Tolled autopistas (electronic/cash) |
Distance-based toll booths (péages). French tolls are generally higher — budget €20-40 per 300 km. |
| Alcohol limit |
0.5 g/L |
0.5 g/L (0.2 g/L for drivers with less than 3 years experience) |
| Required equipment |
Warning triangle (x2), high-visibility vest, spare bulb set |
Warning triangle, high-visibility vest (must be inside car, not in boot). Breathalyser technically required. |
| Low emission zones |
ZBE in Barcelona and Madrid |
Crit'Air vignette required for Paris, Lyon, Strasbourg, and other cities. Order at certificat-air.gouv.fr (€3.72). |
Route Options
Barcelona to Perpignan (AP-7/A9) — 190 km, 2 hours
Girona (Game of Thrones filming location), La Jonquera border, Catalan France, Perpignan — gateway to Languedoc.
San Sebastián to Biarritz (AP-8/A63) — 50 km, 40 minutes
Basque Country crossing — Irún border, Hendaye, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Biarritz. Shortest Spain-France route.
Barcelona to Toulouse (AP-7/A61) — 395 km, 4 hours
Girona, Perpignan, Narbonne, Carcassonne (medieval fortress city), Toulouse — the Pink City and aerospace capital.
Rental Company Policies
| Company | Allowed? | Fee | Note |
|---|
| Europcar |
Yes |
Free |
France is a standard destination from all Spanish locations. No restrictions or extra documentation. |
| Hertz |
Yes |
Free |
Cross-border to France included. One-way returns available at Paris, Lyon, Toulouse, and Marseille. |
| Sixt |
Yes |
Free |
France travel permitted on all vehicle categories from Spanish locations. |
| Enterprise |
Yes |
Free for round trips, €65 one-way |
One-way drop-offs available at major French cities. |
Read the full Spain to France guide →
Spain → Portugal
Regulation Changes at the Border
| Rule | Spain | Portugal |
|---|
| Speed limit (motorway) |
120 km/h |
120 km/h |
| Tolls |
Autopista toll booths, VIA-T transponder optional |
Electronic tolls on many motorways — Via Verde transponder or online registration required |
| Alcohol limit |
0.5 g/L |
0.5 g/L (0.2 g/L for new drivers) |
| Required equipment |
Two warning triangles, high-visibility vest, spare wheel |
Warning triangle, high-visibility vest, spare wheel or repair kit |
| Headlights |
Required in tunnels and poor visibility |
Dipped headlights recommended at all times, mandatory in tunnels and poor weather |
Route Options
Seville to Faro / Algarve (A49/A22) — 200 km, 2.5 hours
Huelva, Ayamonte border crossing, Algarve beaches. Gateway to Portugal's stunning south coast.
Madrid to Lisbon (A5/A6) — 625 km, 6 hours
Trujillo, Badajoz, Elvas, Évora, Lisbon. Capital-to-capital Iberian traverse.
Vigo to Porto (AP-9/A3) — 155 km, 2 hours
Galician coast, Valença do Minho, Braga, Porto. Green Iberia route through the northwest.
Rental Company Policies
| Company | Allowed? | Fee | Note |
|---|
| Europcar |
Yes |
Free |
Portugal included as standard destination from Spain. All categories permitted. |
| Enterprise |
Yes |
Free |
Cross-border to Portugal seamlessly included in Spanish rentals. |
| Hertz |
Yes |
Free for round trips, €35 one-way |
One-way returns available in Lisbon, Porto, and Faro. |
| Sixt |
Yes |
Free |
Iberian Peninsula treated as single zone. No additional documentation needed. |
Read the full Spain to Portugal guide →
Sweden → Norway
Regulation Changes at the Border
| Rule | Sweden | Norway |
|---|
| Speed limit (motorway) |
110-120 km/h |
100-110 km/h (Norway has lower limits overall). 80 km/h on most rural roads. |
| Tolls |
Congestion charges in Stockholm and Gothenburg only |
AutoPASS toll system — automatic charging by license plate on motorways, tunnels, and city rings. Budget €10-30/day. |
| Alcohol limit |
0.2 g/L |
0.2 g/L (same strict level in both countries) |
| Headlights |
Dipped headlights mandatory at all times |
Dipped headlights mandatory at all times (same requirement) |
| Currency |
Swedish krona (SEK) |
Norwegian krone (NOK). Norway is significantly more expensive — budget 30-50% more for fuel, food, and accommodation. |
Route Options
Gothenburg to Oslo (E6) — 295 km, 3.5 hours
Swedish west coast, Uddevalla, Svinesund Bridge border crossing, Sarpsborg, Oslo's waterfront and Vigeland sculpture park.
Stockholm to Oslo (E18) — 525 km, 5.5 hours
Örebro castle, Karlstad by Lake Vänern, Morokulien (border monument), Kongsvinger, Norwegian forests to Oslo.
Malmö to Oslo (coastal E6/E20) — 605 km, 6.5 hours
Helsingborg, Gothenburg, entire Swedish west coast archipelago, Svinesund, Oslo. Best in summer with coastal stops.
Rental Company Policies
| Company | Allowed? | Fee | Note |
|---|
| Hertz |
Yes |
Free |
Norway included as standard Scandinavian destination from Swedish locations. |
| Sixt |
Yes |
Free |
Unlimited cross-border travel within Scandinavia. No surcharges or restrictions. |
| Europcar |
Yes |
Free |
Norway travel permitted from all Swedish locations. One-way returns available. |
| Enterprise |
Yes |
Free for round trips, €65 one-way |
One-way drop-offs available at Oslo, Bergen, and Stavanger. |
Read the full Sweden to Norway guide →
Switzerland → France
Regulation Changes at the Border
| Rule | Switzerland | France |
|---|
| Speed limit (motorway) |
120 km/h |
130 km/h (reduced to 110 km/h in rain). France has higher motorway limits than Switzerland. |
| Tolls |
Annual vignette (CHF 40) for motorways |
Distance-based toll booths (péages). Budget €15-40 per 200 km depending on route. Cash, card, or Liber-t transponder. |
| Alcohol limit |
0.5 g/L |
0.5 g/L (same). Drivers with less than 3 years experience: 0.2 g/L. |
| Required equipment |
Warning triangle, first aid kit recommended |
Warning triangle and high-visibility vest mandatory. Must carry vest inside the car, not in the boot. |
| Headlights |
Dipped headlights mandatory in tunnels and poor visibility |
Dipped headlights recommended at all times, mandatory in poor visibility and at night |
Route Options
Geneva to Lyon (A40/A42) — 155 km, 1.5 hours
Cross at Saint-Julien-en-Genevois, Nantua gorge, Ain countryside, Lyon — France's gastronomic capital with its famous bouchons.
Basel to Strasbourg (A35) — 145 km, 1.5 hours
Rhine crossing at Saint-Louis, Mulhouse, Colmar (fairytale half-timbered town), Strasbourg's Petite France quarter and EU Parliament.
Geneva to Chamonix (A40) — 85 km, 1 hour
Quick Alpine route past Bonneville to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Stunning views of Europe's highest peak.
Rental Company Policies
| Company | Allowed? | Fee | Note |
|---|
| Hertz |
Yes |
Free |
France is a standard destination from Switzerland. No additional documentation needed. |
| Europcar |
Yes |
Free |
Cross-border to France included in all rental agreements from Swiss locations. |
| Sixt |
Yes |
Free |
France permitted on all vehicle categories. One-way returns available at major French cities. |
| Enterprise |
Yes |
Free for round trips, €75 one-way |
One-way drop-off available at Paris, Lyon, and Marseille locations. |
Read the full Switzerland to France guide →
BTS
BestTravelScout Editorial Team
Our editorial team researches and verifies travel information across Europe, combining data analysis with on-the-ground experience.
Prices verified against official provider websites. We compare 25+ providers across 25 European countries. Data updated quarterly.
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