How much it costs to drive to every European capital from London

• Driving to Brussels in an EV costs only £26.53, making it the cheapest option.
• Petrol is the most expensive transport option overall, with costs rising substantially for longer journeys. For example, driving to Copenhagen will set you back £135.50 in petrol, compared to £91.42 in an EV. That’s a potential saving of over £44.
• Diesel offers a middle ground in terms of cost, with better fuel efficiency than petrol for longer trips.
• For short trips, EVs provide affordability. A journey to Paris costs just £33.02 in an EV, making it not only the most cost-effective but also a greener alternative to petrol (£48.95) or diesel (£43.15).

How much it costs to drive to every European capital from London
Driving to Europe could cost as little as £26, new data reveals. The experts have broken this down by capital cities in price order, from closest to furthest away from London.  Keep in mind that these times may increase during peak periods or with higher traffic conditions.

The nearest European city is Brussels, Belgium, at just 226 miles from London, with a driving time of around five hours. The journey costs as little as £26.53 in an EV, compared to £39.33 in a petrol car and £34.10 in a diesel. Explore the Grand Place, sample world-renowned chocolates, or enjoy Belgian waffles during your visit.

If you’d prefer to take a trip to the city of love, Paris, this iconic destination is a six-hour, 286-mile drive. The petrol cost is approximately £48.95 and diesel is £43.15, but you can save nearly £16 by opting for an EV (£33.02). Experience the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Parisian gastronomy for a memorable getaway.

Amsterdam, the vibrant capital of the Netherlands, is just 333 miles away from London. Known for its canals, museums, and vibrant culture, Amsterdam is a seven-hour drive covering 333 miles from London. While petrol costs £57.19, diesel costs £50.24 whereas switching to an EV can save you nearly £19 (£38.59).

For those who want to explore Irish culture, a trip to Dublin offers an incredible opportunity to experience warm hospitality, vibrant music, and rich history. The journey, covering 361 miles from London, would cost around £63.54 in petrol, £54.47 in diesel and £42.87 in EV. Once there, you can enjoy iconic landmarks like the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College and the lively atmosphere of Temple Bar.

If you’re eager to venture further afield, Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, ranks 10th in terms of distance. At 782 miles from London, petrol costs rise to £135.85 and diesel costs £117.99. However, EV drivers can complete the trip for £91.66 - a saving of over £44.

Rhydian Jones, motoring expert at Confused.com, has advised how best to prepare for a European roadtrip:
“Preparing for a European road trip involves more than just planning your route. It’s essential to ensure your vehicle is road-legal in every country you visit. This often includes carrying mandatory safety equipment, such as warning triangles, high-visibility vests and first aid kits.

When driving in Europe, make sure you have the following documents ready for inspection:

• Car insurance certificate.
• Ensuring insurance provides cover in Europe.
• Vehicle registration certificate (V5C).
• A full, valid driving licence.
• Car insurance green card (if required by the country you’re visiting).
• International Driving Permit (IDP) (if needed for your destination).
• Passport – Use our passport checker to ensure it’s valid for your entire trip.
• Visa (if required) – Check GOV.UK for the latest guidance.
• VE103 certificate if you’re driving a hired or leased vehicle.

Additionally, remember these essential considerations:

• Know which side of the road to drive on in each country.
• Display a UK sticker on your vehicle, as required by law.
• Plan for EV charging: If you’re driving an electric vehicle, research charging stations along your route, especially in rural or less populated areas.

Finally, always check local driving laws, including emissions zones, toll systems and speed limits, to avoid unexpected fines or complications.”

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