Getting there
By road
A valid driving licence issued in an EU country is recognised throughout the EU and in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
Every new licence issued is printed on a plastic card in a standard European format. In most countries, in addition to carrying a valid driving licence you will need to have your vehicle’s registration certificate with you.
Non-EU drivers should check whether they need an international driving permit to drive in the EU countries they are visiting, in particular if they plan to visit Cyprus, Ireland, Malta and Spain.
Wherever you are travelling in the EU, your compulsory car insurance policy will automatically provide cover for damage caused to third parties through a car accident (third-party liability). If you have comprehensive car insurance at home, it may extend to travelling to other countries, but you should check which countries this applies to and the period of validity before setting out.
A European accident statement form, obtained from your insurer or online, is a standard document available in several languages that makes it easier to make a declaration on the spot if you have an accident in another country.
When you travel within the EU with a third-party liability insurance policy issued in a non-EU country you may need a green card, or you may need to take up frontier insurance. Rules may differ depending on the country where the policy is issued, so check in advance.
Many countries charge for the use of their roads with either tolls (distance based) or vignettes (time based). The EU ensures that charging systems do not discriminate against non-residents or occasional users.
In all EU countries, seatbelts must be worn in all vehicles fitted with them. Children must have appropriate child restraints.
Using a mobile phone while driving greatly increases the risk of an accident and is forbidden in all EU countries and in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, unless using a hands-free set.
The maximum permitted blood alcohol content level varies between 0 mg/ml and 0.5 mg/ml, depending on the country.
Drivers who speed or drink-drive can be tracked down through improved cross-border exchange of information.
Remember to drive on the left side of the road in Cyprus, Ireland and Malta and that in some countries, such as Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Portugal, you normally have to give way to traffic coming from your right.
What are the speed limits in Spain? Do I need to wear a helmet when I cycle in Sweden? Check the most important road safety rules before you go.
There are currently more than 700,000 recharging points for electric vehicles across the EU, with an ever-increasingshare of fast recharging stations. Standardised electric plugs means that drivers can recharge their cars anywhere in the EU. Check out the alternative fuel station map.
The EU is continually improving safety standards for buses and coaches, for example, the recent introduction of new requirements for features such as blind spot recognition and warning systems to prevent collisions with pedestrians and cyclists. If seatbelts are fitted in buses and coaches, it is mandatory to wear them throughout the EU.
Why not explore Europe by bicycle? EuroVelo, the European cycle route network, connects the entire continent and some of its main attractions with 17 long-distance cycle routes covering over 90 000 km. You can enjoy Europe’s towns and cities on your own bike or by using one of the many self-service bike rental schemes, some of which have been co-financed by the EU.
By air
The creation of a single European market in air transport 30 years ago has led to cheaper fares and a greater choice of carriers, routes and services for passengers. Europe has one of the best aviation safety records in the world. To improve safety further, airlines from outside the EU must hold an authorisation confirming their compliance with international safety standards. In addition, their aircraft may be inspected in Europe and they will be banned from operating inside European airspace if they are found to be unsafe or not sufficiently overseen by their authorities. Common EU rules on security checks for passengers and cabin and hold luggage apply for all flights departing from EU airports. There are restrictions on liquids that can be taken into the cabin and a common list of items that are not allowed in either cabin or hold luggage.
By rail
Rail remains one of the safest and most popular forms of transport in Europe and plays an important role in the EU’s ambitions to be climate neutral by 2050. The EU has more than 200 000 km of railways. There are more than 11 000 km of high-speed lines on important routes like Paris–Brussels–Amsterdam/Cologne, Milan–Rome and Barcelona–Madrid, and more are under construction. The EU is working to boost long-distance and cross-border passenger rail services, including night trains. It aims to double high-speed rail traffic by 2030 and triple it by 2050.
By water
There are many key sea routes between EU ports offering regular, high-quality services as an alternative to, or in combination with, road, air or rail. There are also more than 40 000 km of navigable rivers, canals and lakes.
Passenger rights
The EU is the only area in the world where citizens are protected by a full set of passenger rights, whether they travel by plane, train, bus, coach or ship. Passengers in the EU have the right to accurate, timely and accessible information, assistance in the event of transport disruption and, in certain circumstances, compensation for cancellations or long delays.
Download the app so you can check what your rights are and how to claim them.
In addition, EU rules protect you when you buy package holidays or trips that combine at least two different types of travel services (such as a flight and a hotel or car rental) through the same or linked online booking sites.
Before you go: You must receive clear information about your travel package (including travel destination(s), the list of services included and an emergency number). You must also be informed of your rights, for example, you have greater rights regarding cancellations or if the organiser goes bust.
When you are there: If you find yourself in difficulty during your stay, you are entitled to assistance such as information on health services and consular assistance.
Passengers with a disability or with reduced mobility are entitled to free assistance in airports, train stations, ports and designated terminals for buses or coaches, as well as on board aircraft, trains, ships and buses or coaches. It is advisable to notify the carrier or terminal operator of specific needs at the time of booking, when buying the ticket in advance. Check the amount of notice needed for your mode of transport before travelling.
If you are travelling by car and have an EU disability parking card in your home country, you should be able to use the parking facilities for people with disabilities in other EU countries. Check in advance what local conditions apply in the country you are visiting.
If you feel that your rights have not been respected while travelling and you want to seek redress, you should file a complaint with the carrier or terminal operator or the national enforcement body for your specific mode of transport.
Call the Europe Direct freephone number 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 for more information.