The €900 Road Trip (14 Days, 2 People, 7 Countries)
We drove from Frankfurt through six European countries in 2 weeks. Cost per person: €450.
Breakdown:
- Car rental (14 days): €400 total (€200/person)
- Petrol: €100 total (€50/person)
- Hotels (12 nights): €480 total (€240/person)
- Food: €140 total (€70/person)
- Activities: €80 total (€40/person)
Total: €900 for 14 days (€64/day per person)
The secret: Road trips bypass expensive flights (€300–600), replace expensive city hotels (€80–120) with small-town budget hotels (€25–35), and minimize activity costs (mostly driving, cheap entertainment).
This guide covers the complete strategy for a European road trip on budget.
Why Road Trips Beat Flights
Flight-Based Trip (City to City)
Frankfurt → Paris → Rome → Barcelona → Amsterdam
Flights:
- Frankfurt-Paris: €80 + 4 hours (plus 3 hours airport time) = 7 hours
- Paris-Rome: €120 + 3 hours (plus 4 hours airport) = 7 hours
- Rome-Barcelona: €110 + 3 hours (plus 4 hours airport) = 7 hours
- Barcelona-Amsterdam: €90 + 3 hours (plus 4 hours airport) = 7 hours
- Total: €400 flights + 28 hours travel time
Hotels (city centers, expensive):
- Paris: €90/night × 2 = €180
- Rome: €100/night × 2 = €200
- Barcelona: €95/night × 2 = €190
- Amsterdam: €110/night × 2 = €220
- Total: €790 for hotels
Total cost: €1,190 + 28 hours travel time
Road Trip (Same Countries)
Frankfurt → drive to small towns in: France, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Czech Republic, back to Germany
Car rental (14 days):
- Economy car: €28/day × 14 = €392
- Petrol: €8/day × 14 = €112
- Total: €504 for transportation
Hotels (small towns, budget-friendly):
- €25–35/night average (vs. €90–110 cities)
- 12 nights × €30 average = €360
- Total: €360 for hotels
Total cost: €864 + driving time (flexible, scenic)
Savings: €326 per person + 28 hours more flexibility
Daily Budget: European Road Trip
Budget Breakdown (14-Day Trip, 2 People)
Car rental: €40–50/person
- Economy car: €28/day
- Shared between 2: €14/person/day
Petrol/fuel: €6–8/person
- €1.50/liter average
- 5 liters per day (350 km)
- Shared: €3–4/person/day
Hotels: €20–30/person
- Small towns: €25–35/night
- Divided by 2: €12–18/person/night
Food: €8–12/person/day
- Breakfast: €2–3 (bakery, coffee)
- Lunch: €3–5 (deli, casual restaurant)
- Dinner: €4–6 (local restaurant, modest)
- Total: €8–12/day
Activities: €4–8/person/day
- Museum entry: €6–12 (every 2 days)
- Major attractions: €15–20 (1–2 per trip)
- Mostly: Driving, scenic stops (free)
Total daily: €60–80/person
Best Countries for Budget Road Trips
Tier 1: Cheapest + Most Scenic
Czech Republic (Prague → Bohemian castles)
- Hotels: €18–25/night
- Food: €4–6/day
- Petrol: €1.35/liter (cheapest in Europe)
- Attractions: Cheap (museums €3–6)
- Daily cost: €35–45/person
Hungary (Budapest → Lake Balaton)
- Hotels: €20–28/night
- Food: €5–7/day
- Wine country: Very cheap
- Daily cost: €40–50/person
Slovakia (Tatras, small towns)
- Hotels: €18–24/night
- Food: €4–6/day
- Scenery: World-class (free)
- Daily cost: €35–50/person
Portugal (Lisbon → Algarve)
- Hotels: €22–30/night
- Food: €5–8/day
- Coastal drives: Beautiful and free
- Daily cost: €45–55/person
Tier 2: Moderate Cost + Good Scenery
Austria (Salzburg → Tyrol mountains)
- Hotels: €30–40/night
- Food: €8–10/day
- Scenery: Alps, stunning
- Daily cost: €55–70/person
Slovenia (Ljubljana → Alps)
- Hotels: €28–35/night
- Food: €6–8/day
- Activities: Very scenic, moderate cost
- Daily cost: €50–60/person
Poland (Krakow → Baltic coast)
- Hotels: €20–28/night
- Food: €5–7/day
- Scenery: Varied (mountains, coast, small towns)
- Daily cost: €45–55/person
Tier 3: Pricier But Worth It
Switzerland (Interlaken → Lucerne)
- Hotels: €50–80/night
- Food: €12–18/day
- Scenery: World-class (Jungfrau, Alps)
- Daily cost: €90–120/person
- Worth it for: 3–4 days scenic drive; skip rest of Europe
France (Provence → Loire Valley)
- Hotels: €35–50/night
- Food: €8–12/day
- Wine tours, lavender fields
- Daily cost: €65–85/person
Perfect Route: 2-Week Central Europe Road Trip
The Itinerary (Frankfurt Start/End)
Week 1:
- Day 1–2: Frankfurt → Luxembourg → Moselle wine region (Luxembourg/Germany)
- Day 3–4: Drive to Strasbourg (France), small-town stays
- Day 5–6: Zurich day trip (Switzerland), base in nearby small town
- Day 7: Drive to Munich/Bavaria region (Germany)
Week 2:
- Day 8–9: Prague (Czech Republic), small town 30km out
- Day 10–11: Vienna (Austria), small town nearby
- Day 12–13: Salzburg/Tyrol (Austria/Slovenia border)
- Day 14: Drive back to Frankfurt
Distance: ~1,200 km
Countries: 7 (Luxembourg, Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, Czech Republic, back to Germany)
Hotel costs:
- Tier 1 (Czech, Hungary): €20–25 × 4 nights = €80–100
- Tier 2 (Poland, Slovenia): €28–35 × 4 nights = €112–140
- Tier 3 (Switzerland): €50 × 1 night = €50
- Other: €30 × 3 nights = €90
- Total: €332–380 for 12 nights
Best Hotels for Road Trips
Booking Strategies
Booking.com (Best for Europe)
- Filter by price (€20–35)
- Sort by user rating (8.0+)
- Check “Free cancellation” (flexibility)
- Read reviews for “road trip friendly” (easy parking, quiet)
Search filters:
-
Small towns (within 30 km of major city)
- Lower prices (€20–30 vs. €80–100 in city center)
- Free parking (cities charge €15–25/night)
- Quieter for sleep after driving
-
Amenities for drivers:
- Free parking (critical)
- Free wifi (navigation backup)
- Breakfast included (saves €6–8/morning)
- On highway/easy access
-
Price sorting:
- Cheapest options first
- 8.0+ rating minimum
- Check photos (quality vs. price)
Example budget hotel (Czech Republic):
- 3-star guesthouse in small town
- €22/night
- Parking: Free
- Breakfast: €3 (or free)
- Rating: 8.5/10
- Reviews highlight: “Clean, quiet, perfect for road trips”
Hotel Loyalty for Road Trips
If you’re doing multiple European road trips (2+ per year), join IHG One Rewards:
Why IHG?
- Holiday Inn Express in every European country
- Standardized quality, reliable
- Free breakfast (saves €6–8/night)
- Loyalty points: After 25 nights, earn free nights
Earning strategy:
- Book 2 IHG properties per road trip (€30 × 2 nights = €60 baseline)
- Earn ~30,000 points per road trip
- 3 road trips/year = 90,000 points
- Redeem: 4–5 free nights/year (€200–250 value)
Cost: None (free to join) or €50/year for credit card (break-even after 2 free nights)
Link: IHG One Rewards
Petrol/Fuel Optimization
Cheapest Fuel (2026 Prices)
Cheapest:
- Czech Republic: €1.25–1.35/liter
- Hungary: €1.30–1.40/liter
- Slovakia: €1.35–1.45/liter
- Poland: €1.40–1.50/liter
Expensive:
- Switzerland: €1.80–2.00/liter (avoid if possible)
- Netherlands: €1.60–1.75/liter
- Denmark: €1.60–1.70/liter
Strategy: Fill up in cheap countries (Czech, Hungary). Fill tank before entering Switzerland.
Fuel Budget per Day
Typical consumption: 5–6 liters per 350 km
- Shared by 2 people: €3–4/person/day
- Example: 1,200 km trip ÷ 350 km per tank = 3.4 tanks
- Cost: 3.4 × 5.5 liters × €1.40 = €26 total petrol (€13/person)
Food on Road Trips
Eating Strategy
Breakfast: €2–3/person
- Hotel breakfast (if included): Free–€3
- Bakery + coffee (if not): €2–3
- Strategy: Choose hotel with breakfast included
Lunch: €3–5/person
- Deli sandwich: €4–6
- Casual restaurant near driving route: €5–8
- Gas station snacks (not recommended, poor value)
- Strategy: Stop in small towns, find local restaurants
Dinner: €4–6/person
- Small-town restaurants: €6–10 per person
- Evening picnics (supermarket food): €3–5
- Strategy: Mix dinners; 3 restaurant nights + some picnics
Snacks: €1–2/person/day
- Supermarket snacks for driving
- Strategy: Buy at supermarkets (€0.50–1 vs. €3 gas station)
Total food: €10–15/person/day (can go lower with picnics)
Activities & Attractions
Free or Cheap Attractions
Free:
- Driving scenic routes (mountain passes, coastal roads)
- Walking town centers (most European small towns)
- Parks and nature walks
- Street markets (exploration only)
€3–6:
- Museum entry (small towns)
- Castle or historical site
- Wine tastings (many free if you buy wine, €5–12)
€8–15:
- Day tours (gorge hiking, group activities)
- Ski lift rides (mountain views)
- More prestigious museums
Strategy: Budget €20–25 total activities for 14-day trip (about €1.50/day)
Recommended Activities by Route
Czech Republic: Prague castle (free entry to exterior, €8 interior), Bohemian castles (driving)
Austria: Salzburg old town (free), Alpine hiking (free), lake swimming (free)
Switzerland: Mountain drives (free!), hiking (free), scenic viewpoints (free)
France: Vineyard drives (free to drive, €8–12 tastings), small towns (free exploration)
Car Rental: Which Company & Type
Which Rental Company
European options:
- Hertz, Avis, Europcar: Major chains, consistent quality
- Local companies: Cheapest but variable quality
- Kayak comparison: Best to compare 2–3 companies
What to book:
- Economy car (hatchback): €25–35/day (best value)
- Sedan: €30–45/day (more comfort, not necessary)
- Don’t book: SUVs (expensive), premium (waste of money on road trip)
Where to book:
- Direct from company websites (sometimes cheaper)
- Kayak (good for comparing)
- Pick up airport (sometimes cheaper than city center)
Cost example (14-day trip):
- Economy car: €28/day
- 14 days: €392
- Per person (split 2): €196
Insurance & International Driving
Driving Permit
What you need:
- Valid driver’s license (from home country)
- International Driving Permit (optional but recommended)
- Insurance documents
Where to get International Driving Permit:
- Before leaving: National automobile association
- Cost: €15–20
- Validity: Usually 3 years
- Worth it: Yes (rental company may require)
Car Insurance
What’s included (usually):
- Basic third-party liability
- Collision damage waiver (optional, €10–20/day)
- Full coverage (optional, €12–25/day)
Recommendation: Get basic + collision damage waiver
- Adds €140–280 for 14-day trip (€70–140 per person)
- Protects against expensive repairs (can cost €2,000+)
Total insurance for 2 people: €140–280 added to rental cost
Real Example: 14-Day Czech + Austria + Slovenia Road Trip
The Budget (2 People)
| Item |
Cost |
Per Person |
| Car rental (14 days) |
€392 |
€196 |
| Petrol (1,000 km) |
€70 |
€35 |
| Hotels (12 nights, €28 avg) |
€336 |
€168 |
| Food (14 days, €10/person/day) |
€280 |
€140 |
| Activities |
€40 |
€20 |
| Insurance |
€200 |
€100 |
| Total |
€1,318 |
€659 |
Per person per day: €47/day (very cheap)
With flights from Frankfurt: Add €200–300 (included if starting from Frankfurt)
Total per person: €850–950 for complete 14-day trip
Next Steps
- Choose your route: Pick 4–5 countries you want to see
- Book car rental: Compare on Kayak.com, pick up in major city
- Book hotels: Booking.com, filter for free parking + breakfast
- Get International Permit: Before departure (€15–20)
- Plan route: Use Google Maps for scenic route options
- Consider loyalty: Join IHG One Rewards if doing 2+ trips/year
Post-Trip Optimization: Loyalty & Refunds
Getting Refunds on Car Rental
Common refund situations:
-
Unused fuel tank:
- How it works: Rental charges full tank upfront
- Refund: Check fuel when returning; you get refunded for unused portion
- Savings: €20–40 (fill tank before return)
-
Insurance you didn’t need:
- How it works: Insurance is optional add-on
- Refund: If your credit card covers rental insurance, decline collision waiver
- Savings: €10–15/day × 14 days = €140–210
-
Upgrade you didn’t use:
- How it works: Accidentally upgraded from economy to midsize
- Refund: Contact rental company within 7 days, may get partial refund
- Savings: €50–100
Pro tip: Always take photos of car before departure and return (condition, mileage). Protects against damage charges.
Hotel Loyalty While Road Tripping
Strategy: Book all 12 nights at same hotel chain (within loyalty program).
Example:
- Holiday Inn Express: €28/night × 12 nights
- Earn: 12,000–18,000 IHG One Rewards points
- Value: Toward future free night certificate (typically 20,000–30,000 points = 1 free night)
- Result: After 2 road trips = 1 free night earned (€250–300 value)
Implementation:
- Join IHG One Rewards (free)
- Always book Holiday Inn Express for road trips
- 2–3 road trips/year = 1 free night/year earned
Regional Deep Dives: Specific Countries
Czech Republic Road Trip Deep Dive
Best route: Prague → Bohemian castles → Kutná Hora → back to Prague (3–4 days)
Daily breakdown:
- Prague hotel: €22/night (city center)
- Small town hotels: €16–20/night (outside Prague)
- Meals: €3–5 (very cheap)
- Attractions: €3–8 per castle
- Daily cost: €35–45/person
Hidden gems:
- Karlštejn Castle: €8 entry, stunning views
- Český Krumlov: Town feels medieval, free to explore
- Kutná Hora: Silver mines (€12 entry), UNESCO site
Gas cost: 400 km total ÷ 6 liters per tank × €1.35/liter = €27 total (€13/person)
ROI: €40–55/day beats any EU alternative
Slovenia Road Trip Deep Dive
Best route: Ljubljana → Lake Bled → Triglav National Park → back (4 days)
Daily breakdown:
- Hotel: €28–32/night
- Meals: €5–7
- Activities: €8–12
- Daily cost: €50–60/person
Must-do activities:
- Lake Bled: Free to view, €10 boat ride (iconic)
- Vintgar Gorge: €6 entry, world-class hiking
- Postojna Cave: €16 entry (unique European experience)
Why worth the money: Better scenery than budget countries, justifies slightly higher costs
Gas cost: 200 km ÷ 5 liters × €1.50/liter = €15 (€7/person)
ROI: €60–70/day premium over budget countries, but scenery unmatched
Portugal Road Trip Deep Dive
Best route: Lisbon → Sintra → Cascais → Algarve → back (5–6 days)
Daily breakdown:
- Hotel: €22–28/night (outside Lisbon)
- Meals: €4–6
- Attractions: €5–10
- Daily cost: €40–55/person
Must-do activities:
- Sintra palaces: €14 per palace entry (2–3 palaces = €30 per person)
- Cascais beaches: Free (scenic drive, parking €2–3)
- Algarve cliff walks: Free (stunning coastal hikes)
- Pena Palace: €14 (worth every euro)
Why worth it: Unique architecture, beach scenery, Atlantic coast beauty
Gas cost: 450 km ÷ 6 liters × €1.50/liter = €45 (€22/person)
ROI: €50–60/day budget, world-class experience
Common Road Trip Mistakes (And Fixes)
Mistake 1: Overpacking Hotel Bookings
Wrong: Book all 12 nights in different towns (9 hotel check-ins)
Right: Book 4–5 locations, 2–3 nights each
Why: Check-ins take 15–30 minutes, adds up to 4 hours total for 12 nights. Better: Settle in, explore locally.
Mistake 2: Driving Too Many Hours
Wrong: 8+ hours/day driving to see more
Right: 3–4 hours/day maximum
Why: Tired driving = unsafe. Plus, you miss scenic stops, small towns, cafés along route.
Mistake 3: Choosing Highways Over Scenic Routes
Wrong: Frankfurt → Munich (direct, 5 hours highway)
Right: Frankfurt → Würzburg → Bamberg → Munich (scenic route, 7 hours, beautiful)
Why: Road trip is about journey, not destination. Scenic route = unforgettable experience.
Google Maps hack: Right-click on map, drag route through towns you want to see. Navigation updates.
Mistake 4: Not Checking Parking Before Hotel
Wrong: Book hotel, arrive, charged €15/night for parking
Right: Book hotel, note parking cost beforehand
Why: €15/night × 12 nights = €180 extra! Many small towns have free parking on street.
Perfect Road Trip Packing: What to Bring
Essential:
- Driver’s license + international permit
- GPS (Google Maps works offline, download region first)
- Phone charger (car + hotel)
- Passport
Comfort:
- Sunglasses (driving 8+ hours)
- Snacks (€5–10 saves food stops)
- Reusable water bottle (€1–3 bottle, fill at hotel)
Safety:
- Phone holder (hands-free navigation)
- Headlamp/flashlight (roadside emergencies)
- First aid kit (required in some EU countries)
Total packing: 1 small carry-on, 1 backpack (car has space)
See our travel rewards credit card guide for how to earn points on car rentals and hotels to fund future road trips.
Remember: European road trips are the cheapest way to visit multiple countries. €50–70/day covers everything, and you get flexibility to explore small towns, scenic routes, and hidden gems that flying tourists miss.
