You can’t beat a European road trip for freedom, fun and family adventure, but what do you need to know about driving a motorhome in Europe? Our team share their tips for a fun trip to Europe with everything you need to know about travelling to the most popular European destinations.
Driving in Europe: Road Rules & Tolls (France, Spain, Germany)
There is more to driving in Europe than just remembering to drive on the right side of the road, it’s important to also be aware of local road rules and toll systems. Here are some key things UK motorhome travellers should know for France, Spain, and Germany, three of our top recommended destinations that are easy to get to in a motorhome.
Planning a road trip across Europe in a motorhome? You’re in for an unforgettable adventure—scenic routes, charming towns, and total freedom. But before you fire up the engine, it’s good to know how the rules of the road vary from country to country. Here’s what to expect when driving through France, Spain, and Germany in your home on wheels.
Driving in France
Speed limits in France are posted in kilometers per hour (km/h), and they change depending on the road type and weather conditions:
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130 km/h (around 80 mph) on motorways in dry weather
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110 km/h on motorways when it’s raining
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80–90 km/h on two-lane rural roads
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50 km/h in towns and cities unless signs say otherwise
France also has a few safety must-haves. By law, your vehicle should carry:
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A high-visibility vest for every occupant
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A warning triangle in case of breakdowns
Keep these items where you can reach them easily. If you break down, you’ll need to put on your vest and place the triangle behind your vehicle.
It’s also recommended (but not enforced with fines) to have:
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A breathalyser kit
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A spare bulb kit
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And don’t forget to adjust your headlights or use beam deflector stickers if you’re bringing a UK vehicle—no one likes to be dazzled on the road!
Tolls in France
Most French motorways are toll roads, marked with “péage” signs. You’ll usually take a ticket when you enter and pay (by cash or card) when you exit. While tolls add up, they often mean smoother, faster routes.
Want a more relaxed ride? Consider skipping tolls and exploring France’s D-roads (departmental roads). They’re slower but incredibly scenic—perfect if you’re not in a rush.
France is super motorhome-friendly, with lots of rest areas and designated camper van spots (called “aires”) to park overnight or refresh your vehicle.
Driving in Spain
Sunshine, Smooth Roads & Fewer Tolls – Spain’s roads are well maintained and beautiful to drive, whether you’re hugging the coast or heading inland.
Here’s a quick look at speed limits:
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120 km/h on highways (autovías and autopistas)
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90 km/h on rural roads
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50 km/h in towns and cities
Just like France, certain safety items are mandatory:
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Two warning triangles (place one in front and one behind your vehicle during a breakdown)
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At least one reflective vest (within reach of the driver)
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If you wear glasses, it’s recommended to carry a spare pair
Toll roads in Spain
The good news? Spain has scrapped many of its toll roads in recent years—like the AP-7 and AP-2 in Catalonia, which are now free. But some toll roads still exist, especially around Madrid. Look out for “peaje” signs.
You can pay by cash or card at toll booths. Frequent travellers may use electronic toll tags, but you won’t need one for a short trip.
Some free routes are marked “libre” and often run parallel to toll roads. They’re great for saving money without compromising too much on travel time.
A few extra things to remember:
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Spain has strict drink-driving laws (stricter than the UK)
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Seatbelts are a must for everyone
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Handheld phone use is banned while driving (hands-free is OK)
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Police can issue on-the-spot fines for traffic violations
Driving in Germany
Fast Lanes & Free Motorways!
Ah, Germany, the land of the autobahn! Yes, some stretches of motorway really have no speed limit, but there’s a “recommended speed” (called Richtgeschwindigkeit) of 130 km/h. If you’re driving a motorhome under 3.5 tonnes, you can follow the same limits as cars but we wouldn’t recommend trying to keep up with those sports cars.
However, keep in mind:
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Many busy or urban autobahns do have posted speed limits (e.g., 100 or 120 km/h)
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If you drive over 130 km/h and get into an accident, it may count against you legally—even if there’s no posted limit
No tolls in Germany—for you!
Unlike France or Spain, Germany does not charge tolls for cars or small motorhomes. Only large trucks (over 12 tonnes) need to pay tolls via a system called LKW-Maut. So go ahead—cruise the autobahns freely!
If you’re venturing into neighboring countries (Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic, etc.), be aware that “vignettes” (toll stickers) are often required to use their highways.
Safety gear required in your vehicle:
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A warning triangle
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A first aid kit
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At least one high-vis vest
Germany has a few unique road rules to keep in mind:
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You must form an emergency corridor on the motorway if there’s a traffic jam, to let emergency vehicles pass
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It’s illegal to overtake a school bus when it’s loading or unloading
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Many cities have low-emission zones—you’ll need a green sticker (we’ll make sure your rental is compliant)
No matter which country you’re in, always drive defensively and take regular breaks. It’s a long journey from the UK to, say, southern Spain so make sure you plan rest stops or split the trip over multiple days. Fortunately, Europe has plenty of motorway service areas and campgrounds where you can pause for lunch or stay overnight. Also, keep some coins or a credit card handy for tolls and parking meters. With a bit of preparation, driving abroad is lots of fun, and locals are generally helpful to tourists on the road.
Crossing the Channel – Ferries & Eurotunnel Tips
Getting to mainland Europe from the UK with your motorhome is easy – you have two main options: ferries or the Channel Tunnel. Here are some tips to simplify your Channel crossing and other travel logistics:
Book in Advance
Especially during school holidays or if you’re heading to a big event (like a festival in Europe), ferries and Eurotunnel slots can fill up. Booking early not only guarantees your spot but can also save you money with early-bird rates. Keep an eye out for promotions from ferry companies (e.g., Dover–Calais routes often have deals). If you’re flexible, traveling mid-week or at off-peak times might be cheaper than popular Friday or weekend slots.
Ferry vs. Eurotunnel
The Channel Tunnel (Eurotunnel Le Shuttle) from Folkestone to Calais is the fastest way to cross to France – the journey through the tunnel itself takes about 35 minutes car-to-car. You drive your motorhome onto a train shuttle, park, and stay with your vehicle until you emerge in France; it’s quick and weather-proof.
Ferries, on the other hand, offer a more leisurely break from driving – for example, the Dover to Calais ferry takes about 90 minutes at sea. On the ferry you can leave your motorhome on the vehicle deck and head up to enjoy panoramic views, food, and fresh air. Ferries also have routes beyond Calais: you could sail from Portsmouth to Caen, Newhaven to Dieppe, Hull to Rotterdam, etc., depending on your itinerary. Both options are very straightforward – it comes down to whether you prefer speed (Eurotunnel) or a short sea mini-cruise (ferry).
Many travellers like to take the tunnel one way and a ferry the other for variety.
Motorhome Routes to Spain and Beyond
If your main goal is Spain or Portugal, you don’t necessarily have to drive the whole way through France. Consider an overnight ferry from the UK directly to northern Spain. For example, Brittany Ferries offers routes like Portsmouth or Plymouth to Santander or Bilbao.
These sailings are around 20-24 hours – you can book a cabin to sleep overnight and you’ll arrive much closer to the beaches of Spain without the long drive through France. It’s a fantastic option to save time (and fuel) if your trip focuses on Iberia. Similarly, there are ferries from Harwich to the Netherlands, which can be useful if you plan to start your journey in Holland or northern Europe.
Check-In and Boarding
For the Eurotunnel, you should check in at least 45 minutes to 1 hour before your departure time (you’ll go through both UK and French passport control before boarding the train). With ferries, aim to arrive 1.5 to 2 hours before sailing, especially if you have a larger motorhome or booked a cabin.
Follow the signage for your vehicle type – port staff will guide you into the correct lanes. On boarding, you’ll park where directed (remember your deck number!). For safety: on ferries, you must turn off your gas supply at the cylinder and secure any loose items in the camper; on Eurotunnel, gas canisters need to be mostly turned off and may be checked. It’s a good idea to have any necessary documentation (your booking reference, passports, and vehicle papers) within easy reach for border checks and check-in.
Customs and Border Tips
Since Brexit, UK travellers pass through customs and immigration leaving and re-entering Britain, so budget a bit of time for that. Usually it’s straightforward – you’ll show your passports (and your pets’ documents, if bringing a pet) to French officials before departure, and then you won’t be stopped again upon arrival in France as you’ve pre-cleared. When coming home, you’ll show passports to UK Border Force before boarding the ferry/train in France.
Duty-free shopping is now available at ports and on ferries because of Brexit – you might take advantage of that, but be mindful of personal import limits on things like alcohol or tobacco when returning. Generally, as a tourist in a motorhome, you won’t have much to worry about with customs – just don’t carry prohibited items (flames, fireworks, certain foods like fresh meat/dairy into the EU, etc.).
Driving on the Right
Once you disembark in Calais (or any European port), remember that traffic will be on the right side of the road! It sounds obvious, but after coming off a ferry at 6 AM it can take a moment to adjust. The ports usually have plenty of signs and lane guides to direct you to the correct side.
Take it slow and give yourself a moment to adapt. If it’s your first time driving on the right, it might help to have a co-driver or passenger remind you at junctions and roundabouts until it becomes second nature. Also, note that your motorhome’s headlights should have beam deflectors fitted (as mentioned earlier) to avoid blinding oncoming drivers at night, since UK headlamps are angled for left-side driving.
GPS, Maps & Planning
Plan your route to your first campsite or stop in advance. It’s useful to have a GPS or navigation app set up with no tolls vs tolls options, so you can choose your preferred route. We can provide European road atlases or you can use offline maps on your phone as backup.
Knowing the local names of destinations (e.g., “Köln” for Cologne, “Firenze” for Florence) can be helpful when reading road signs. Also, be aware of low-emission zones or other city restrictions – for instance, if you plan to drive through central London on your return (with the motorhome) you’d need to consider the LEZ charges, but for most European cities, if you plan to visit, look up if a vignette or sticker is needed. Usually, if you stick to campsites on the outskirts and use public transport to go into city centres, you can avoid driving in dense city traffic altogether, which many motorhome travellers prefer.
With these logistics sorted, you’ll find that hopping across the Channel and navigating Europe is quite straightforward. Thousands of UK travellers do it every year in motorhomes and campervans – and with a bit of prep, you’ll soon be cruising European highways like a pro!
Driving across Europe in a motorhome is one of the best ways to travel—with the flexibility to explore hidden gems and the comfort of bringing your home with you. Just remember to follow the local rules, keep safety gear on hand, and enjoy the journey.
