European roads have long been a symbol of freedom of movement and new discoveries. For many residents and visitors in Spain, traveling by car is not just a way to see more, but also a chance to save money. In 2025, experts conducted a study to determine which routes between European countries are the most affordable for road travelers.
The focus was on routes connecting Spain with neighboring countries. Analysts compared the cost of car rental for two weeks in August, additional charges for crossing borders, and the conditions for returning the car in another country. The calculations also took into account advance booking requirements and the possibility of one-way rentals.
The most affordable route was from Spain to Portugal. The average cost of renting a car for two weeks during peak season is 203 euros. All it takes to cross the border is to notify the company a day in advance, and the fee for returning the car in Portugal usually does not exceed 55 euros per day. Residents of Andalusia, for example, can reach the Faro district in just a couple of hours and enjoy the Atlantic beaches.
The second place goes to the route from Spain to France. Here, the cost of rental is similar—203 euros for two weeks—and the border crossing fee ranges from 20 to 60 euros. Returning the car in France is the most budget-friendly option, costing from 15 to 40 euros. To arrange this trip, you’ll need to notify the rental company at least two days in advance. From Barcelona to Montpellier, the drive takes less than four hours.
The third most popular and cost-effective route is the road from Spain to Andorra. The minimum fee for crossing the border is 20 euros, and a two-week car rental is also estimated at 203 euros. To arrange the trip, you need to notify the company 48 hours in advance. The journey from Barcelona to Andorra takes about three hours.
The top ten most cost-effective routes in Europe also include routes between France and Belgium, Belgium and Luxembourg, as well as routes from Belgium to the Netherlands and France. In Eastern Europe, notable trips include those between Hungary and Croatia, Romania and Bulgaria, and also between the Baltic states.
Experts note that road trips across Europe are becoming increasingly popular due to the flexibility of the routes and the ability to plan the journey independently. For budget travelers, these routes offer the chance to visit several countries at once without overpaying for transport and accommodation.
