Europe

Roadtripping Across Europe with Five Kids: Our Experience with Five Kids Driving Portugal to Croatia

Did you grow up going on road trips?  That excitement of packing the car, the worry about whether it will all fit, and then finally that moment you close up and get into the car and drive off is an unforgettable experience.  For my family, it’s usually shoving the kids into the car and trying to get the doors shut! We’ve had some pretty hilarious experiences in this road trip with kids!

As we traveled full-time, we decided to take Europe by car! We needed to get out of the Schengen Region (read this if you don’t know what I am talking about), and at the time, Croatia was outside of this. We crossed the continent in a long-term lease car. Hundreds of miles with five kids can be a challenge!

However, roadtripping can also offer a lot of advantages with kids.  The flexibility, cost savings, and privacy are high on my list of why I like to road trip with kids. I love the flexibility of leaving when we are ready (which usually means late) and not having to worry about the kids’ behavior in front of others on a plane or train.

Translating this to your European vacation can be tricky.  Will you be able to find the right car?  How is driving with kids in Europe?  I’m here to tell you: It’s great! European highways and rest stops are amazing and well built. GPS has made this quite easy! The biggest downside: the tolls roads, which add up fast.

We also discovered an amazing long-term car rental option that allows us to have a car for the entire time.  This meant we did a lot of driving.  Our longest road trip with kids was from Lisbon to Split, Croatia.  That is over 2600 km!  Yes, get used to kilometers as you’ll be measuring in them for both distance and speed.  We made this distance in about a week.  It was intense!  But we chose to go so fast in order to relax on the other side in Croatia.

There’s something magical about hitting the open road with your kids in Europe.  The winding coastal drives, charming medieval villages and endless opportunities for adventure make it an ideal place to road-trip as a family.  But without proper planning, it can also turn into chaos—cranky kids, unexpected tolls and hotels that don’t quite meet your needs.  With years of family travel experience and over 50 countries visited, I’ve put together a comprehensive guide to road-tripping across Europe with kids to help you make it an unforgettable adventure.

On top of that, we moved to Europe!  We now live in Lisbon, Portugal.

Pacing Your Road Trip in Europe with Kids

One of the biggest mistakes families make when planning a European road trip is trying to see too much, too fast.  Yes, you want to fit in as much as you can, and Europe spoils us.  You really can get to a new country in just a matter of hours!  We can currently get to Spain in just four hours of driving.

Unlike in North America, distances in Europe may seem small, but travel times can be deceptive due to winding roads, border crossings, and city traffic.  Remember that Europe is significantly older than the US, which means most of it was built well before the advent of cars.  This seems silly, but the roads can be really difficult with cars.  They used to just have pedestrians, and taking a car down certain roads can be tricky.  Parking can also be a major challenge.

A good rule of thumb is to plan for no more than three to four hours of driving per day, with at least a full day (or more) at each destination.  In fact, after lots of speedy travel with kids, staying in a place for at least two nights makes a massive difference.  It’s tempting to squeeze in multiple countries, but slower travel allows kids to enjoy each place without feeling rushed.  Prioritize quality experiences over quantity.

Picking a Route and Planning a Road Trip in Europe

The beauty of a European road trip is that there are endless routes to choose from.  Whether you’re dreaming of a Scandinavian fjord adventure, a Mediterranean coastal drive or an alpine escape through Switzerland and Austria, choosing the right route depends on your family’s interests, the season and how much time you have. 

Getting started can be overwhelming.  How do you pick where to start?  Some ideas can be:

• Visiting family or friends: Pick their home as a starting point and find attractions nearby.
  
• Research blogs for family-friendly sites: I have several recommendations!  Italy, France and Germany have tons of driving options between them.
  
• Ask yourself if you are going for more open space or classic touristy, historical sites.
  
• Did your child recently learn about a historical landmark in Europe?  Maybe they want to see it in person!  Visit the Colosseum or Eiffel Tower and bring history to life.

Once you have a starting point, you can dig into your research.  Let me stress: This process can take a lot of time!  You might need several months to plan out the drive times, what you want to see in each place, where to stay, etc.  Use Google as your guide!  Search “pretty town near ___” or “best things for kids in _____.”  I use these queries all the time!  

Of course, I’m a little partial, but I love to read blogs for some real tips from people that have already been there.  I also love to dive into TripAdvisor and read the comments.

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Started

1. Decide on Your Must-See Destinations – Choose a few anchor points that you definitely want to visit, then map out a logical route between them.
   
2. Consider the Best Season – Summer offers warm weather and longer days, but roads can be crowded. Spring and fall are excellent for fewer crowds and lower costs.
   
3. Decide How Much Time You Have.  Are you on a school break?  You need 2-3 days in each location to avoid burnout.
   
4. Research Driving Laws – Each country has different requirements for tolls, car seats and speed limits.  Some cities have restricted traffic zones (ZTLs) where you’ll need a permit to drive, especially in Italy.  Be sure to get your International Driver’s License in order before you go.  This is as easy as going to your local AAA and paying a fee.  These are good for a year.  We’ve rarely been asked for them, but they are necessary to have.
   
5. Book Accommodations in Advance – Unlike North America, many European hotels and vacation rentals are smaller, so booking ahead ensures your family has space.
   
6. Check for Visa Requirements – If you’re from outside the EU, research how long you can stay within the Schengen Zone.

How Much Time Do You Need in Each Destination on Your Roadtrip?

For family-friendly travel, aim to stay at least two to four nights in major cities and at least one to two nights in smaller towns.  This allows time for exploring without feeling like you’re constantly packing up and moving.  I can speak from experience that staying two nights makes a massive difference.  Otherwise, you are opening your suitcase (or backpack) and packing it again just a few hours after getting up.  

We did a European train trip and stayed in many cities for just one night.  Our kids would be so excited when we decided to stay two to three nights. It meant a lot to all of us to be able to keep suitcases open more than a day and even get some laundry done.

Consider longer stays in destinations that offer plenty of kid-friendly activities like theme parks, nature reserves or interactive museums.

Remember to plan downtime in each location as well.  You can’t be go-go-go all the time or your vacation will not be a vacation at all.  Plan for some pool time, going to a movie,  whatever is your go-to relaxation with your kids.  Build in time to visit places your kids will actually like as well.  Going to a museum?  Visit a playground later.

Creating & Saving Your European Road Trip Itinerary in Maps

A great way to stay organized is to create a custom map in Google My Maps where you can pin all your planned destinations, attractions and accommodations.  Before your trip, download the map so you can access it offline—especially helpful in rural areas with poor service.

Our Lisbon to Croatia Road Trip Experience with Kids

We crossed Europe with five kids in a sedan over about a week.  It was fast and furious. We made these stops:

• Lisbon: We started from Lisbon after staying in Portugal for five weeks.
  
• Gibraltar: How could we not visit the famous Rock of Gibraltar?  We stayed in a super cool Yacht Hotel.

• Valencia: Our kids loved Gulliver Park and we did a fun side-car tour of the city for date night.
  
• Andorra: One of Europe’s smallest countries!
  
• Marseille: We only spent the night here, but the French Riviera is amazing.
  
  • On our way, we stopped in Monaco for lunch.
    
• Venice: It was tough to only spend one night here.
  
• Split, Croatia: We made it very late to our Airbnb and had to stop several times for  one of the kids with a tummy bug.  We were so glad to arrive.

We crossed all of this in about six days, 40 hours of driving and never staying more than one night.  It was difficult and not meant for sightseeing, but for getting as quickly as possible to our destination.  I would have loved to explore each city more in detail and enjoy these amazing locations.

Picking the Right Car For Your Road trip With Kids

Once you’ve established that you will be going on your European road trip with kids and know which city you are flying into, you’ll need to pick a car.  I recommend Eurocar as their prices are reasonable, but note that you cannot rent a car without your International Driver’s License.

If you’re road-tripping for several weeks or more, renting a car long-term can be much more affordable than booking week-by-week.  Leasing programs like Renault Eurodrive and Peugeot Open Europe offer great deals for travelers staying more than 21 days.  You can read about our experience doing this.  These programs allow you to rent a car for up to 90 days.  We did two rentals back-to-back, and it was much more affordable than renting for shorter periods.

These options provide brand-new vehicles, unlimited mileage and include insurance. Alternatively, you can find monthly rental deals through standard car rental agencies like Hertz or Sixt.

As a family of seven, picking a car can be tough.  When the kids were smaller, we managed with a seven-seater sedan, but with our teens, we now have to go for a nine-seater van.  We cannot park in cities well with this, but we make do.  Remember, you need to have room for your luggage too.  We’ve had some really packed cars!

Packing for a European Road Trip with Five Kids

Packing efficiently is key to a smooth road trip.  European cars and rental vehicles tend to be smaller, so pack light!

• Clothing: Stick to layering essentials.  Pack for various weather conditions, especially if traveling across different climates.
  
  • I always pack a little laundry detergent travel pack in case I need to wash stuff in a bathtub.  Sometimes you’ve got to make do!
    
  • I like to pack matching shirts for my three boys.  A single color makes it easier to stop in the city.  I also like the photos!
    
  • Shoes that can do a lot of walking are essential in Europe.
    
• Baby Travel Essentials: Baby carrier or foldable travel crib (if needed).  You can buy diapers and wipes without a problem, but this can take time from your trip.  Balance how much you pack with how much space you’ll have.
  
• Entertainment: Books, travel games, activity packs and a tablet for longer drives.
  
  • We opt for audiobooks with our kids!  More on that to come.

• Prescriptions: Prescriptions are fairly easy to get in Europe, but it’s best to come with a few extras if your doctor will prescribe them.  Remember to bring some bandaids, small scissors and other handy items you use with kids.
  
• Food Planning.  Keeping kids fed is essential when you are demanding a lot of them.  I make sure to have snacks as well as “meals on the go.”
  
  • Non-Messy Snacks: Granola bars, fruit pouches, cheese sticks and nuts.
    
  • Pre-Made Meals: Sandwiches, wraps or pasta salad from a deli at a grocery story.
    
  • Snacks into Meals: I like to have peanut butter with crackers and bread, cheese and crackers, apples and nuts or other combos that sub as a light meal in case we arrive too late to eat out.
    
  • Cooler or Insulated Bag: Keeps drinks cold and perishable snacks fresh.
    
  • Reusable Water Bottles: Most European cities have refill stations.
    
  • Disposable Cutlery & Napkins: For impromptu picnics.

Other Tips for Your European Road Trip with Kids

End With a Mini Vacation. One of my favorite road-tripping tips is to schedule a mini vacation at the end. After weeks of moving from place to place, booking a relaxing stay at a resort, a countryside retreat or a beachside villa allows everyone to unwind before heading home. Whether it’s the Greek islands, the Amalfi Coast or a scenic Alpine spa, ending your road trip on a relaxing note makes the experience even sweeter.

Best Apps for Road Trips in Europe.  Consider using these apps to enhance your road trip!

• Google Maps – Save routes offline and mark must-see locations.
  
• Waze – Real-time traffic updates and alternate routes.
  
• Park4Night – Helps find campsites, rest areas and free parking spots.
  
• ViaMichelin – Provides toll road costs and estimated fuel expenses.
  
• Flush – Shows the nearest public restrooms, essential for families with little kids!

• Keep Kids Happy in the Car. A well-prepared car ride makes all the difference when road-tripping with kids.

• Plan Regular Breaks – Stop every two to three hours to let kids stretch, run and recharge.  European freeways have rest stops that will amaze you.  They include full restaurants, cafeteria type food, snacks, restrooms and playgrounds.
  
• Rotate Seating Arrangements – If possible, let siblings switch seats every few hours to change perspectives.  We couldn’t do this as the littlest ones had zero leg room, but it would have been nice.
  
• Make a Playlist or Audiobook List. Try interactive storytelling podcasts or kid-friendly audiobooks.  We love to get through an audio book series.  Our favorite author is Brandon Mull, and we listened to nearly all his book series over Europe.  Some of our other favorite audiobooks with kids can be found here.
  
• Surprise Activities – Pack a small bag with new toys, activity books or coloring pages and reveal them gradually during the drive.

Stay Safe on Your European Road Trip. Safety should always come first when traveling with kids.  Here are a few tips to ensure a smooth trip:

• Check Car Seat Laws – European regulations can differ by country; some require specific child seat types.
  
• Lock Doors at Rest Stops – Keep valuables out of sight and be aware of your surroundings.  It is very common to have your luggage stolen from your car, so we always tried to drop luggage at a hotel before sightseeing.
  
  • Keep a “special” backpack with the electronics and important docs (passports as well).  Always keep this special backpack with you.
    
• Emergency Numbers – Save emergency contacts for each country in case of medical or roadside issues.  In Portugal, it’s 112.
  
• Keep Essential Documents Handy – Always have your passports, insurance and rental agreement easily accessible.
  
• Get Travel Insurance –  Life still happens even on vacation.  Feel more secure in cases of medical or other emergencies with travel insurance. 

Exploring Europe by car with kids can be super fun and a more flexible way to see some of these amazing countries.  You can stop for a hidden gem or view you love.  Once you’ve got your logistics figured out, things can be pretty smooth sailing!

Additional Readings

Visiting Krka National Park in Croatia With Kids

How To Choose a Destination When Traveling Abroad With Kids

New Zealand Road Trip Tips – Driving Tips for Tourists