Best European Countries for Road Trips
Spain tops the list as the best European country for road trips, scoring 75.08 out of 100. It ranks 6th in road quality (5.63 out of 7), 3rd in mean speed (103), and 8th in diesel prices (€1.43/liter).
Croatia follows closely in second place with a score of 70.61. It ranks 4th in mean speed (98) and 5th in national park density (1.41 per 10,000 sq km).
Austria secures the third spot with a score of 69.97. It ranks 1st in hotel availability (34.80 hotels per 100 sq km) and 5th in road quality (5.89 out of 7).
Our new study has revealed that Spain offers the best road trip experience in Europe.
Vignetteswitzerland.com analyzed data from various official sources, including the European Commission, UNECE, UNESCO, and World Population Review, to compare road trip conditions across Europe, including road quality, mean speed, fuel prices, safety, attractions, and amenities.
Spain leads the list with a road trip score of 75.08, boasting high-quality roads (5.63 out of 7), impressive mean speeds (103), and reasonable diesel prices (€1.43/liter).
Croatia ranks second with a score of 70.61. It offers a great balance of speed (98) and natural attractions, with 1.41 national parks per 10,000 sq km.
Austria comes in third with a score of 69.97, featuring excellent road quality (5.89 out of 7) and the highest hotel availability (34.80 per 100 sq km) among the top contenders.
Portugal and the Czech Republic round out the top five with scores of 69.35 and 64.24, respectively. Portugal leads in mean speed (106), while the Czech Republic offers competitive diesel prices (€1.41/liter).
Cyprus, ranking eighth overall, stands out for its density of attractions (21.62 per 1,000 sq km), national parks (11.89 per 10,000 sq km), and UNESCO World Heritage Sites (3.24 per 10,000 sq km).
Sweden, in tenth place, boasts the lowest road fatalities (22 per million population), making it one of the safest countries for road trips.
"Our study highlights the diverse road trip experiences available across Europe. Spain's top ranking showcases its perfect blend of quality infrastructure, reasonable costs, and abundant attractions.
These rankings go beyond just scenic routes - they consider practical aspects that can make or break a road trip. From fuel prices to hotel availability, we've aimed to provide a comprehensive view of what road trippers can expect.
Whether you're drawn to Croatia's natural parks, Austria's well-maintained roads, or Cyprus's wealth of attractions, there's a perfect road trip destination for every traveler in Europe.
Remember, a successful road trip isn't just about the destination, but also about the journey. We encourage all road trippers to respect local traffic laws, drive safely, and take the time to explore the unique offerings of each country they visit."
Sources:
European Commission, UNECE, UNESCO, World Population Review, National Parks of Europe, Protected Planet, Lonely Planet, ViaMichelin, Cargopedia, and Autotraveler.
Data on road trip conditions was collected from various official sources. To determine the overall road trip score for each country, we developed a composite index. This score was calculated by normalizing each metric on a scale of 0-100 and then taking a weighted average, with road quality, mean speed, and fuel price given slightly higher weightings due to their direct impact on the driving experience. This approach allowed for a comprehensive comparison across all countries studied.
