August 12, 2025
Europe’s Most Affordable Cross-Border Travel Routes
- Introduction
- Methodology
- The top 5 most affordable cross-border travel routes
- Spain to Portugal
- Spain to France
- France to Belgium
- Belgium to Luxembourg
- Belgium to the Netherlands
- Belgium to France
- The rest of the top 10 cross-border travel routes
- The 3 most expensive cross-border travel routes
- Bulgaria to Greece
- Asutria to Switzerland
- Ireland to the UK (mainland)
- What documentation do you need for cross-border travel in a rental car?
- Top related locations
Europe is one of the world’s most interconnected continents, with many open borders across the region, particularly within the Schengen Area. This makes vacationing a breeze, as you can drive from one country to another, exploring all of what culturally-rich Europe has to offer!
However, if you’re planning to rent a car for a road trip across Europe this summer, there are a few things to bear in mind. Cross-border travel comes with specific requirements and logistics that you need to consider before your journey begins.
In Europe, each country has its own laws regarding required documentation, vehicle insurance, and toll systems. There are a few things to consider before traveling across borders, as there may be additional restrictions, fees and insurance changes to keep in mind. When you choose to travel in a rented vehicle, it’s always important to check the rules regarding cross-border travel with your car rental company before your journey, and always notify them in advance.
This is why our team at DiscoverCars.com carried out research to reveal the top 10 most affordable and accessible cross-border routes for families driving a rental car through Europe.
However, if you’re planning to rent a car for a road trip across Europe this summer, there are a few things to bear in mind. Cross-border travel comes with specific requirements and logistics that you need to consider before your journey begins.
In Europe, each country has its own laws regarding required documentation, vehicle insurance, and toll systems. There are a few things to consider before traveling across borders, as there may be additional restrictions, fees and insurance changes to keep in mind. When you choose to travel in a rented vehicle, it’s always important to check the rules regarding cross-border travel with your car rental company before your journey, and always notify them in advance.
This is why our team at DiscoverCars.com carried out research to reveal the top 10 most affordable and accessible cross-border routes for families driving a rental car through Europe.
Methodology
We gave each popular cross-border route points based on several factors, including the cross-border fee, the average price of a rental car for two weeks in August using DiscoverCars.com prices.
We also looked at the multi-country cost increase, whether or not one-way rentals are allowed, the fee for that, and how much notice you need to give your car rental company.
For the cross-border fee, car rental price for two weeks, and one-way fee, we gave the route with the least expensive cost one point, and the route with the second least expensive cost two points, and so on. For the minimum amount of notice required, we also gave the routes with the shortest amount of time one point and so on.
To rank whether or not one-way car rentals are allowed, we gave zero points to routes that allow one-way car rentals, and five points to routes that limit this. To rank the multi-country cost increase, we gave zero points to routes where there is no extra charge or no charge available, five points to routes where there is a minimal increase, and ten points to routes that have a fee.
We added up these points and ranked them, with the routes that ended up with points closer to the number one being ranked the highest.
We also looked at the multi-country cost increase, whether or not one-way rentals are allowed, the fee for that, and how much notice you need to give your car rental company.
For the cross-border fee, car rental price for two weeks, and one-way fee, we gave the route with the least expensive cost one point, and the route with the second least expensive cost two points, and so on. For the minimum amount of notice required, we also gave the routes with the shortest amount of time one point and so on.
To rank whether or not one-way car rentals are allowed, we gave zero points to routes that allow one-way car rentals, and five points to routes that limit this. To rank the multi-country cost increase, we gave zero points to routes where there is no extra charge or no charge available, five points to routes where there is a minimal increase, and ten points to routes that have a fee.
We added up these points and ranked them, with the routes that ended up with points closer to the number one being ranked the highest.
The top 5 most affordable cross-border travel routes
Free to use when crediting DiscoverCars.com using a do-follow hyperlink.
Spain to Portugal
In first place we have the route from Spain to Portugal, which scored an impressive 16 points. This route is generally considered one of the most relaxed in the EU. Both of these countries are in the Schengen area, making crossing the border via rental car pretty smooth sailing. Portugal is also one of the top 10 locations with the most beautiful views.
We found that the average price to rent an economy car for two weeks in August may be around €203—making renting a car in Spain to drive to Portugal an affordable option for many!
We also found that the minimum amount of notice required is just 24 hours, and that the cost of dropping off your car rental in Portugal is around €55 a day. Overall, as long as you have the correct documentation and give notice, families shouldn’t have any trouble crossing this border this summer!
We found that the average price to rent an economy car for two weeks in August may be around €203—making renting a car in Spain to drive to Portugal an affordable option for many!
We also found that the minimum amount of notice required is just 24 hours, and that the cost of dropping off your car rental in Portugal is around €55 a day. Overall, as long as you have the correct documentation and give notice, families shouldn’t have any trouble crossing this border this summer!
Spain to France
Spain and France are two very popular vacation destinations for families around the world, so being able to easily explore both countries in a rental car is ideal. There are many gorgeous places to explore in northern Spain and southern France. Families can start off in Girona right next to the border, and easily drive into France to reach destinations like Toulouse or Montpellier. Spain is also one of the easiest countries to drive in, as well as one of the countries with the politest drivers, which makes it even better.
We found that a road trip starting in Spain and crossing into France would only cost travelers around €20-60 in cross-border fees, and €203 for a car rental for two weeks. If you wanted to leave your car rental in France, the one-way fee would only cost €15-40, which is the cheapest on our list!
We found that a road trip starting in Spain and crossing into France would only cost travelers around €20-60 in cross-border fees, and €203 for a car rental for two weeks. If you wanted to leave your car rental in France, the one-way fee would only cost €15-40, which is the cheapest on our list!
France to Belgium
In third place with a score of 19 points is the route from France to Belgium. The cross-border fee for this route is one of the most affordable on our list, at €16-50.
If you’re planning on renting a car to drive to Belgium from France this summer, you can expect to pay around €364 for two weeks in rental fees. There are often no additional charges for multi-country costs, and the one-way fee starts at €50. Overall, this route is a considerably affordable option for travelers looking to explore these two tourist destinations.
One day trip you may take if you're traveling from France to Belgium is to Lille, a city in the Hauts-de-France region situated near the border. Lille is well worth visiting, as the city is full of remarkable architecture and historic charm.
If you’re planning on renting a car to drive to Belgium from France this summer, you can expect to pay around €364 for two weeks in rental fees. There are often no additional charges for multi-country costs, and the one-way fee starts at €50. Overall, this route is a considerably affordable option for travelers looking to explore these two tourist destinations.
One day trip you may take if you're traveling from France to Belgium is to Lille, a city in the Hauts-de-France region situated near the border. Lille is well worth visiting, as the city is full of remarkable architecture and historic charm.
Belgium to Luxembourg
In fourth place on our list for the most affordable cross-border travel route is Belgium to Luxembourg, which scored 25 points. Crossing this border will cost you €20-60, and you may pay around €316 in car rental fees for a two-week trip.
After visiting Belgium, travelers can easily drive into Luxembourg and explore everything this country has to offer. One of the main attractions in the country’s capital, Luxembourg City, is called the Chemin de la Corniche, which is a scenic promenade known as Europe’s most beautiful balcony.
After visiting Belgium, travelers can easily drive into Luxembourg and explore everything this country has to offer. One of the main attractions in the country’s capital, Luxembourg City, is called the Chemin de la Corniche, which is a scenic promenade known as Europe’s most beautiful balcony.
Belgium to the Netherlands
In fifth place is the route from Belgium to the Netherlands, scoring 28 points.
Like driving into Luxembourg, driving from Belgium into the Netherlands is another straightforward route. Travelers can expect to pay €20-60 in cross-border fees, and a car rental for two weeks will typically cost €316. You will need to give your car rental company two days' notice, and the one-way fee may be €50.
There are several Dutch cities near this border that are ideal for travelers to explore. Valkenburg aan de Geul, for example, offers those who visit an enchanting experience, as the city is home to Roman catacombs, museums, old train stations, and castle ruins.
Like driving into Luxembourg, driving from Belgium into the Netherlands is another straightforward route. Travelers can expect to pay €20-60 in cross-border fees, and a car rental for two weeks will typically cost €316. You will need to give your car rental company two days' notice, and the one-way fee may be €50.
There are several Dutch cities near this border that are ideal for travelers to explore. Valkenburg aan de Geul, for example, offers those who visit an enchanting experience, as the city is home to Roman catacombs, museums, old train stations, and castle ruins.
Belgium to France
Tied for fifth place with Belgium to the Netherlands is one of Belgium's other borders, the route from Belgium to France. This cross-border route also scored 28 points, rounding up our top five.
Like the other two Belgium routes in this top 5 ranking, the cross-border fee is €20-60, and the price for a car rental for two weeks is €316. The one-way fee starts from €50, but may go up to €150.
If you’re planning to visit some of the scenic places near the border region of Belgium and France, you’ll need to let your car rental company know at least two days in advance.
Like the other two Belgium routes in this top 5 ranking, the cross-border fee is €20-60, and the price for a car rental for two weeks is €316. The one-way fee starts from €50, but may go up to €150.
If you’re planning to visit some of the scenic places near the border region of Belgium and France, you’ll need to let your car rental company know at least two days in advance.
The rest of the top 10 cross-border travel routes
In joint sixth place is Hungary to Croatia with a score of 29 points.
Spain to Andorra and France to Spain are in joint seventh place with a score of 30 points.
Estonia to Latvia is in eighth place with 32 points.
In joint ninth place is Romania to Bulgaria and Romania to Hungary, with both scoring 33 points.
The Netherlands to Belgium and Latvia to Lithuania both come in tenth place with a score of 34 points.
Spain to Andorra and France to Spain are in joint seventh place with a score of 30 points.
Estonia to Latvia is in eighth place with 32 points.
In joint ninth place is Romania to Bulgaria and Romania to Hungary, with both scoring 33 points.
The Netherlands to Belgium and Latvia to Lithuania both come in tenth place with a score of 34 points.
The 3 most expensive cross-border travel route
There are three cross-border travel routes that all scored 60 points, which is the highest (and therefore worst-scoring) number of points in our ranking. The worst scoring routes are as follows.
Bulgaria to Greece
Austria to Switzerland
Driving from Austria to Switzerland in a rental car may cost you between €50-90 in cross-border fees, and €635 for a car rental for two weeks. Dropping off your car rental in Switzerland may cost you €300-600 in one-way fees, and you’ll have to let your car rental company know three days in advance that you’ll be crossing this border. Switzerland is also the second country with the highest speeding fines in Europe, which is another factor to take into account.
Ireland to UK (mainland)
If you plan on taking a rental car across from Ireland to the UK, it may not be as straightforward as you think! You will need a VE103 certificate and to give your car rental company notice seven days in advance, and you may not be allowed to drop off your rental car in the UK. If your car rental company does allow a one-way option, the one-way fee may cost €68-114.
The cross-border fee can range from €25 all the way to €200, and a rental car for two weeks may cost as much as €1,473 for two weeks.
The cross-border fee can range from €25 all the way to €200, and a rental car for two weeks may cost as much as €1,473 for two weeks.
What documentation do you need for cross-border travel in a rental car?
When traveling across borders by rental car in Europe, you should make sure you have the following documents with you at all times.
Required documents for the driver:
Required documents for all passengers:
When renting a car to travel across borders, it’s important that you always let your car rental company know in advance. You may need special authorization or additional insurance.
If you’re planning on traveling through multiple European countries this summer, we hope you found this guide to cross-border travel useful. Remember to always let your car rental company know about your cross-border plans and always give the required notice. Be prepared for additional fees, and if you’re traveling to a more remote region, download a map of the area just in case you lose signal!
If you’re planning to rent a car for your next summer vacation, please consider booking with us. We can help you find the perfect rental car for you and your family, and our services are available in over 145 countries.
Required documents for the driver:
- A valid driving license (an EU license is accepted everywhere in the EU; non-EU licenses may require an International Driving Permit).
- Your rental agreement with permission for cross-border travel clearly stated.
- Vehicle registration document (this will be provided by the rental company).
- Proof of insurance or a green card (when required).
Required documents for all passengers:
- Passport or national ID card (depending on the countries being visited).
- Visa (if applicable, especially when moving from the EU into a non-EU state).
When renting a car to travel across borders, it’s important that you always let your car rental company know in advance. You may need special authorization or additional insurance.
If you’re planning on traveling through multiple European countries this summer, we hope you found this guide to cross-border travel useful. Remember to always let your car rental company know about your cross-border plans and always give the required notice. Be prepared for additional fees, and if you’re traveling to a more remote region, download a map of the area just in case you lose signal!
If you’re planning to rent a car for your next summer vacation, please consider booking with us. We can help you find the perfect rental car for you and your family, and our services are available in over 145 countries.
Top Related Locations
Here are some ideas of where you could start and end a one-way trip between the countries mentioned (and the nearest airports to fly into and out of).
- Madrid, Spain (Madrid-Barajas Airport) to Lisbon, Portugal (Lisbon Airport): Drive through rolling plains and historic towns along the Iberian interior.
- Barcelona, Spain (Barcelona Airport) to Lyon, France (Lyon Airport): Scenic coastal and Pyrenean mountain views before crossing into France.
- Paris, France (Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport) to Brussels, Belgium (Brussels Airport): A quick hop between historic capitals filled with architecture, culture, and cafés.
- Charleroi, Belgium (Brussels South Charleroi Airport) to Luxembourg City, Luxembourg (Luxembourg Airport): Pass through charming countryside and rolling hills.
- Antwerp, Belgium (Antwerp Airport) to Amsterdam, Netherlands (Amsterdam Schiphol Airport): Travel past canals, fields, and lively towns.
- Budapest, Hungary (Budapest Airport) to Zagreb, Croatia (Zagreb Airport): Journey through lush landscapes and along the Drava River.
- Bucharest, Romania (Bucharest Airport) to Burgas, Bulgaria (Burgas Airport): Cross the scenic Danube River and Balkan Mountains.
- Sofia, Bulgaria (Sofia Airport) to Thessaloniki, Greece (Thessaloniki Airport): Mountain roads leading to the Aegean coast.
- Salzburg, Austria (Salzburg Airport) to Zurich, Switzerland (Zurich Airport): Stunning alpine scenery and mountain passes.
- Dublin, Ireland (Dublin Airport) to Liverpool, UK (Liverpool Airport): Ferry ride across the Irish Sea with scenic coastal views.
Aleksandrs Buraks
Head of Growth at DiscoverCars.com
Aleksandrs has over 10 years of experience in marketing with a focus on creating stellar content that provides topical insights using data. Having taken five road trips across Europe and one in the U.S., he is passionate about traveling by car. His favorite countries to visit are Denmark and Thailand. You can find him on Linkedin, Facebook, and Twitter.
©DISCOVERCARS. All Rights Reserved.
