Whether you’re thinking about taking a road trip or beating the airport queues, choosing the right country can make or break your trip.
From Sweden to Romania, we’ve crunched the numbers on road quality, safety, petrol prices, and traffic to round up the best (and worst) European countries to drive in this summer.
Which countries are best for driving in Europe?
Some countries are a dream for motorists, with smooth roads, affordable fuel, and light traffic. But in other places, it’s a different story.
So, which destinations top the list for drivers? Here are the five best countries for hitting the road in Europe:
The Best European Countries for Driving
| Rank | Country | Road Quality (1-7) | Road Deaths (per million) | Petrol £/L | Traffic Score | Total Score |
| 1 | Austria | 6.0 | 38 | £1.34 | 75.6 | 79 |
| 2 | Netherlands | 6.4 | 31 | £1.68 | 83.0 | 75 |
| 3 | Spain | 5.7 | 35 | £1.28 | 96.3 | 74 |
| 4 | Luxembourg | 5.5 | 27 | £1.32 | 106.2 | 72 |
| 5 | Sweden | 5.3 | 20 | £1.43 | 95.6 | 7 t2 |
Why Austria takes the top spot
Austria ticks all the right boxes, with well-maintained roads and low fuel prices. But what really sets it apart? The scenic drives.
From the Silvretta High Alpine road to the Timmelsjoch Pass, Austria has some of the most picturesque drives in Europe – just make sure you’re comfortable with a few hairpin turns!
The countries where driving can be more stressful
Of course, not every country makes life easy for drivers. Whether it’s crumbling roads, congestion, or high accident rates, driving in these five countries might feel more like an endurance test:
The Worst European Countries for Drivers
| Rank | Country | Road Quality | Road Deaths | Petrol £/L | Traffic Score | Total Score |
| 1 | Czechia | 3.9 | 45 | £1.21 | 195.96 | 41 |
| 2 | Serbia | 2.7 | 78 | £1.33 | 107.6 | 42 |
| 3 | Romania | 3.0 | 77 | £1.20 | 122.0 | 43 |
| 4 | Georgia | 3.8 | 120 | £0.82 | 127.4 | 44 |
| 5 | Armenia | 3.6 | 112 | £0.99 | 99.6 | 46 |
Why Czechia is last to the post
Czechia might be great for beer lovers, but it tops our list for different reasons. Poor road surfaces, heavy traffic, and a high number of accidents make it one of the most stressful places to drive in Europe.
Ring roads in Prague are notoriously congested, and the I/11 stretch between Žamberk and Červená Voda is known to be one of the deadliest in the country. Throw in unpredictable weather and some interesting local driving habits – UK drivers might find themselves out of their comfort zone!
“Road safety should be a top priority when planning a European road trip,” says Tim Alcock, Sales and Marketing Director at LeaseCar. “Choosing a destination with a good safety record can give drivers extra peace of mind, especially when navigating unfamiliar roads.”[LS1]
How do UK roads compare?
When it comes to getting behind the wheel, the UK comes in at 18th overall in our index.
The UK does have one of the lowest road fatality rates in Europe, just 24 per million, so it’s a pretty safe place to drive. But the bad news? You’ll need plenty of patience. Traffic is a major drawback, with the UK placing 34th for congestion. So, while it might be one of the safer countries to drive in, people will still spend far too much time sitting in traffic.
But Georgia and Armenia tell a different story. Poor road conditions and a higher rate of traffic incidents can make driving in these countries more challenging, especially for more cautious drivers. [LS2]
Planning a road trip across Europe this summer? Make sure you’re hitting the road in a reliable, comfortable car that can handle the journey. Explore our car leasing guides to find out what a leasing contract could look like for you.