Driving tours in the Alps

Yes, you can drive through the Alps. And we highly recommend you go for it!

The Alps span 8 European countries, including France, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Austria, Liechtenstein, Slovenia and Monaco. What’s more, with open borders, it’s easy to travel between each nation. You’ll drive well-maintained Alpine roads, winding through the mountains, enjoying stunning views of landscapes, and stopping off at charming villages.

Once you’re on the way, you’ll likely find plenty of service stations (or gas stations) to stop off at to refuel. You should also leave time for extra breaks to admire the scenery.

Each country drives on the right-hand side of the road in the Alps. So it’ll be easy to continue driving as normal when you cross borders.

There are a few other things to bear in mind when on your trip. For example, you should take note of the changing speed limits, which will vary based on the road type and which country you’re in.

While taking the train is a great way to explore, driving in the Alps means you’ll have the flexibility to travel at your own pace. Plus, you’ll be able to uncover hidden gems and make spontaneous stops along the way. Not to mention, you’ll have an immersive experience as you weave through the enchanting scenery.

But you can still get your fix of train travel on your trip. For example, you can take the railway up the mountainside to places such as the Gornergrat ridge. You can also hop aboard cable cars for epic views of surrounding Alpine summits.

To learn more, read this guide to mountains in the Alps.

There are countless incredible routes you could take when driving in the Alps. Fortunately, our local experts have carefully curated itineraries to take you to the unmissable spots.

On all these self-drive Alps tours, you’ll take the scenic route to iconic sights, stay in handpicked accommodation and experience the best of Europe’s mountainous heart.

We recommend you start in Munich, in the picturesque Bavarian region of Germany. Explore dramatic castles, taste famous local cuisine, and catch your first glimpse of snowy peaks. Then, head south towards the dramatic peaks and bustling cities of Austria or Switzerland.

Whether you choose to drive through Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria or even Italy, you can expect to see dramatic and memorable scenery. Feel immersed in the vivid beauty and warm hospitality of the Alps everywhere you go. You can even deep dive into just one country, for example, on a self-drive tour of Italy.

You can then end your tour by crossing back into Bavaria, with more grand palaces, quaint towns and natural sights to explore. Finish up back in Munich, having completed some of the world’s most iconic road trip routes.

Get inspired by these guides to the best places to go in Northern Italy and the top things to do in Switzerland. 

You can have an incredible Alps road trip at any time of year. During summer – June to September – you’ll enjoy warm weather, blooming wildflower meadows and plenty of alfresco dining. Plus, there’s less snow during these peak travel months, meaning the roads over Alpine passes will be open and accessible.

But, if you prefer a quieter experience, visit in spring, around May, or in autumn, late September to October. This is because there are slightly fewer visitors around at this time of year. And you’ll still get to enjoy mild weather as you explore the stunning landscape.

Winter – November to April – brings its own magic, transforming the Alps into a snowy wonderland. You'll discover twinkling Christmas markets where the scent of mulled wine fills the crisp air, and snow-dusted chalets create postcard-perfect scenes.

These winter driving tours follow routes specifically selected for their year-round accessibility, so you can explore with confidence. You can explore iconic cities like Munich and Vienna on a European Christmas markets trip or Alps winter tour with no need to tackle mountain roads.

When preparing for a journey through the Alps, careful planning is essential. You need to think about which regions you want to explore, what activities to try, and which route to take for an enjoyable journey. Plus, you’d need to book accommodation and arrange car rental.

Instead of doing all the work yourself, leave all the planning to us. Choose any of these self-drive tours, and your dedicated Alps-based travel consultant will organise your itinerary and make the arrangements for you.

They’ll take care of the details, including booking your accommodation, rental car, and any optional excursions in advance. This means all you have to do is book flights and get excited about your adventure!

If you prefer the insight of a local guide, consider choosing a guided group tour. This way, you’ll get to know your small group of fellow travellers while learning from your knowledgeable guide.

Get inspired by popular Alps tours and uncover more amazing Europe itineraries in this blog, including ideas for Alpine getaways. 

On a Nordic Visitor tour, you’ll get a rental car complete with:

• Unlimited mileage
• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
• 24/7 emergency roadside assistance
• Third party liability
• Road fund licence (also known as a vignette)
• Theft protection

Extras like child seats can be added at your rental pick-up point. If you’d like to add anything else, such as additional drivers, contact your travel consultant before your trip. For more information about driving here, check out the Alps Travel Guide.

There are no upper age limits with renting a car for your Alps tour. But you do need to be aged 19 and above. For more information, you can always contact your travel consultant.

Whether you need an international driving permit will depend on which country your licence is from.

If you are visiting from a country outside the EU or EEA, the Austrian government requires all drivers to have an international driving permit. This includes visitors from the United States, Canada and Australia. If you have a driving licence from the UK, you do not need an international driving permit.

You’ll also need an international driving permit if your current licence doesn’t mention your vehicle of choice in Latin script. That said, to be certain, we recommend checking with official government websites before your trip.

These self-drive tours of the Alps are designed to provide you with a road trip to remember. But you can personalise your itinerary when you book online or ask your travel consultant if you have something specific in mind.

For example, you could extend your stay with additional nights at the beginning or end of your trip. Or upgrade your accommodation or car rental. You can also add activities to your tour, choosing from a selection of optional extras.

Of course, you can pick an arrival date that suits you. Take a look at the online calendar of the trip that interests you to see up-to-date availability. Then, simply choose your preferred date.

Summer Alps self-drive tours run from May to October. But you can also choose from a range of Christmas and winter tours of the Alps. 

Before starting the booking process, we suggest you look at flight options for suitable times and dates. But it's best to hold off purchasing flights until your tour package is confirmed. Once your travel consultant gives you the go-ahead, you can book your flights.

This is so you have all the necessary information to make the best decisions about your flights. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact your consultant for assistance.

The climate in the Alps varies depending on things like the altitude and region. Generally, you’ll find the weather during summer – June to September – is inviting, with warm temperatures.

At lower elevations, you’ll notice that average daytime temperatures range from 20–28°C (68–82°F), making summer ideal for outdoor exploration.

On the other hand, spend time at higher altitudes, and you can expect cooler temperatures ranging from 8–20°C (46–68°F). It’s also good to know that the weather in the mountains can be changeable, so it’s best to come prepared for rain and sunshine, even in summer.

When it comes to spring and autumn, the temperatures drop slightly. But fortunately, it’s usually still perfect weather for getting out and exploring your majestic surroundings. The average daytime temperatures generally range from 7–20°C (45–68°F).

Winter in the Alps can get chilly, with snow draping the mountains. In cities like Innsbruck and Munich, the average temperatures hover around freezing, typically 0–2°C (32–36°F). Meanwhile, higher mountain destinations like Zermatt can be colder, with averages of -3°C to -2°C (27–28°F).

These crisp conditions create the perfect atmosphere for exploring Christmas markets and seeing the mountains in their snow-covered splendour.

What you’ll need to bring on your Alps trip depends on when you plan to visit. Here's a must-have packing list for spring, summer and autumn:

• Comfortable walking shoes or boots
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Insulated jacket
• Warm jumper or fleece
• Short and long-sleeve shirts
• Light trousers or shorts
• Scarf, hat and gloves
• Sunglasses, sun hat and suncream
• Day bag or rucksack
• Reusable water bottle
• Two-pin EU adaptor
   

In summer, consider adding sandals and a swimsuit to your luggage for swimming in beautiful lakes. If dining out is on the agenda, you might want to bring smart clothes. For more details about what to pack, check out the Alps Travel Guide.

If you’re visiting in winter, here’s our recommended packing list:

• Walking boots or shoes with good grip
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Insulated jacket
• Woollen or fleece jumpers
• Thermal base layers
• Warm hat, scarf and gloves
• Warm hiking socks
• Rucksack
• Sunglasses
• Heat pads for hands and feet