Vanlife in Europe: Your Complete Guide to Driving Your Campervan or Motorhome from the UK to Mainland Europe

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Are you planning a road trip from the UK to mainland Europe, but maybe the idea is feeling overwhelming right now? If you need some inspiration, check out Discover the Best of Europe and the UK in 2025: Family Campervan Road Trip Edition. Anyway, I understand! You start to think about travelling abroad, but suddenly everything seems so much easier and less daunting in the UK! Where do you start with the EU planning? What are the rules and regulations? What do you legally need to carry in your campervan, or motorhome? What should you pack? How will you keep the kids entertained during those long drives? Most importantly - have you forgotten anything critical? These are the questions that tend to arise when you start planning your trip.

To make things easier, I’ve pulled together all the key information you need to know in one place. You can also find the latest official details from the UK Government here. Plus, if you’d like a FREE European Road Trip Checklist, click here to download it and tick off everything as you plan!

If you’re considering taking your dog on the adventure, check out this blog post for all the necessary preparations, including Animal Health Certificate and Pet Passports.

If you're dreaming of cruising through the Italian Lakes, exploring Spain’s sun-drenched coastline, or heading to the Emerald Isle, don’t miss our in-depth guides:

What paperwork will I need to drive to mainland Europe?

To cross the Channel and drive legally in Europe, you’ll need:

  1. Passports. Ensure all passports are valid for at least six months from the date of entry and less than ten years old!

  2. Driving Licences. Bring a valid UK driving licence for all drivers.

  3. V5 Logbook. Take the original document (photocopy it as a backup).

  4. Vehicle Insurance. Some providers will require you to notify them of the dates you will be outside the UK.

  5. MOT Certificate. Keep a valid certificate in your vehicle.

  6. European Breakdown Cover. Often this is organised into zones within Europe, so check that your breakdown policy covers all countries you plan on visiting each trip.

  7. Personal Travel Insurance. Ensure it’s valid for all destinations.

  8. Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). Apply here.

  9. Animal Health Certificate (AHC). Required if you’re travelling with pets. More details here.

What are the legal requirements for driving in Europe?

Driving abroad comes with extra rules, especially if you are driving through France. Make sure to pack the following:

Do I need a breathalyser to drive my campervan, or motorhome in mainland Europe?

No! While it became law in 2012 that drivers in France must carry a breathalyser, this requirement has since been quietly revoked. Although many EU Driving Kits still include them, it’s no longer mandatory. However, it’s important to check the legal drink-drive limits in each country, as these vary and could affect your journey.

Other items that aren’t legal requirements, but are recommended include:

  • Spare bulb kit

  • Electric hook up and gas adapters and connectors

  • A parking disc is a really useful item to take to Europe with you. Free parking, often requires displaying a parking disc to show your arrival time. Attendants use it to check if payment is due.

  • Dashcam (ensure it’s legal to use in your destination).

What About Low Emission Zones (LEZs) and Tolls?

Many European countries have low-emission zones or toll roads. This is the most useful website we’ve found to help use understand. Here’s what you need to know:

Make sure to purchase and display the correct vignette before using the toll roads in these countries to avoid fines. Vignettes can usually be bought at border crossings, petrol stations and online.

Are there any restrictions on things I can’t take, or shouldn’t do on a European road trip?

  • You must not use anything in your vehicle which warns you of the location of speed cameras (this needs to be turned off, on for example, Google Maps).

  • You must not wear headsets or headphones whilst driving.

  • Be aware of restrictions on food items. You can’t bring meat, dairy, or products containing them into Europe from the UK. For more details, check here.

Tips to Save Money on Your European Road Trip

  1. Book Early. Ferry and Eurotunnel crossings are often cheaper when booked in advance.

  2. Use Tesco Clubcard Vouchers. These can be exchanged for discounts on LeShuttle, P&O Ferries, Stena Line, and Irish Ferries.

  3. Travel Off-Peak. Avoid school holidays (if you can) and weekends for the best rates.

  4. Fuel Up in Cheaper Countries. Fuel prices vary widely across Europe - research where it’s cheapest along your route.

  5. Pack Essentials. Bringing your own food and drink to avoid pricey ferry, or service station meals.

  6. Choose Alternative Ports. Dover-Calais is popular, but alternative routes like Newhaven-Dieppe can be more budget-friendly.

For a full list of what to bring and prepare for your road trip, check out our EU Essentials Guide here.

Heading to Switzerland and want to stick to your budget? Don’t miss our guide: Make the Most of Your Camping Trip to Switzerland on a Budget.

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