For live availability and current prices, start with our RV Rental Europe - Complete Guide 2026 guide.
In This Guide
- Best Europe RV Itinerary for long term rv rental — Overview
- 7-Day Classic Route in Europe
- 14-Day Extended Journey in Europe
- Recommended RVPlan Trip for Europe
- Must-See Stops Along the Way (Avi Bandana Picks)
- Daily Driving Distances & Drive Times in Europe
- Best RV Class for This Itinerary — Couple & Family Picks
- What is the 3-3-3 rule for RV travel?
- What is the 333 rule for campervan?
- How much money will I need for 2 weeks in Europe?
- How long can I stay in Europe in my motorhome?
- What is the best RV for long distance travel?
- How much would a month-long trip across Europe cost?
- What is a good itinerary for a 3-month campervan trip through Europe?
- How long can I travel around Europe in a motorhome?
- What countries are best for RV travel?
- Where not to go in Europe right now?
Best Europe RV Itinerary for long term rv rental — Overview
The recommended long-term RV rental itinerary in Europe, the "
Rovaniemi Roundtrip - End of Europe scenic roads
7-Day Classic Route in Europe
A classic 7-day RV route designed for a relaxing pace, respecting Avi Bandana's recommendation of a maximum 150 km (100 miles) per day, might explore a Central European loop, offering a taste of diverse cultures and landscapes. Day 1 involves driving from Munich, Germany, to Salzburg, Austria (approximately 145 km / 90 miles), where you can explore Salzburg's historic Old Town and Mozart's birthplace, and then sleep at Camping Salzburg Stadt. Day 2 takes you from Salzburg to Lake Bled, Slovenia (approximately 140 km / 87 miles) to enjoy its picturesque lake, island church, and Bled Castle, with an overnight stay at Camping Bled. On Day 3, discover Slovenia's charming capital, Ljubljana, its castle, and Dragon Bridge after a short drive (approximately 55 km / 34 miles), sleeping at Camping Ljubljana Resort. Day 4 involves a scenic drive from Ljubljana to Trieste, Italy (approximately 100 km / 62 miles), where you can experience the coastal city's unique Austro-Hungarian and Italian influences, staying at Camping Obelisco. Day 5 brings you to Venice (Mestre), Italy (approximately 150 km / 93 miles), where you can park your rented motorhome near the city and take public transport to explore the iconic canals and St. Mark's Square, with overnight options at Camping Fusina or Camping Venezia Village. On Day 6, relax by Italy's largest lake, Lake Garda, visiting Sirmione after a drive of approximately 140 km (87 miles), and staying at a campsite near Sirmione. Finally, Day 7 leads to Milan, Italy (approximately 140 km / 87 miles), for departure or further exploration of northern Italy. This route ensures an engaging yet manageable travel experience, embodying the spirit of a Bandana RV adventure. For more ideas on how to plan your costs, check out RV Rental in Europe - Prices and Best Deals 2024.14-Day Extended Journey in Europe
An extended 14-day RV journey across Europe allows for deeper immersion into cultures and landscapes, building on the slow travel philosophy with average daily distances below 150 km (100 miles). Days 1-3 start in Amsterdam, Netherlands; explore its iconic canals, world-class museums, and nearby windmills, with day trips within 50 km and overnight stays at Camping Zeeburg Amsterdam. Days 4-5 involve a journey from Amsterdam to Bruges, Belgium (approximately 250 km / 155 miles over two days, split with an overnight stop), offering time to wander through medieval Bruges, enjoying its famous chocolate and stunning architecture, sleeping at Camping Memling. For travelers concerned about city driving, remember to drive slowly and carefully, and you can drive almost anywhere without issues. No need to stress - just use common sense and pay attention. Days 6-8 continue to Paris, France (approximately 300 km / 186 miles over three days, with a stop in Lille or Ghent), allowing you to discover Parisian landmarks. Park your rented motorhome outside the city and use public transport for convenience, staying at Camping de Paris. Days 9-11 lead to the picturesque Loire Valley, France (approximately 200 km / 124 miles over two days), where you can visit magnificent châteaux like Chambord and Chenonceau, and stay at local campsites or 'aires' near charming vineyards. Finally, Days 12-14 explore the historic Normandy Coast, France (approximately 300 km / 186 miles over three days), with opportunities to visit D-Day beaches, the iconic Mont Saint-Michel, and savor fresh seafood at coastal campsites. Planning such an extensive trip is made easier with our resources, and you can explore more options in our One-Way RV Rental in Europe - Price Guide 2024.Recommended RVPlan Trip for Europe
For a long-term RV rental in Europe, Bandana's RV PLANET (rvplan.net) strongly recommends the '
Rovaniemi Roundtrip - End of Europe scenic roads
Vienna Roundtrip - The epic Eastern European Christmas markets
Must-See Stops Along the Way (Avi Bandana Picks)
Looking for expert insights from Avi Bandana? Top 5 Adventures - recommendations from Avi Bandana for must-see stops on a long-term RV rental in Europe emphasize unique cultural and local experiences. Firstly, integrating a visit to a **Local Industry** offers a unique glimpse into regional economies and traditional crafts, from cheese making in France to glass blowing in Bohemia. Secondly, exploring a **Traditional Market** is a fantastic way to sample local produce, interact with vendors, and find authentic souvenirs; imagine bargaining for fresh truffles in Italy or enjoying vibrant spices in a Moroccan souk (if extending to non-Schengen). Thirdly, indulging in a **Traditional Restaurant / Fine Dining** experience allows you to savor authentic regional cuisine and culinary traditions, turning every meal into a discovery. Whether it's pasta in Rome, tapas in Seville, or a hearty goulash in Hungary, these culinary stops are highlights. For those who love to cook in their rented RV, remember to explore our RV-friendly recipes playlist for delicious on-the-road meal ideas. Finally, engaging in a **Traditional Visit**, such as a heritage site or a local village, deepens understanding of the area's history and way of life, creating lasting memories far beyond typical tourist attractions.Daily Driving Distances & Drive Times in Europe
Avi Bandana recommends a maximum of 100 miles or 150 km per day on average for RV travel in Europe, promoting a leisurely pace to fully appreciate the journey and avoid driver fatigue. This "slow travel" philosophy allows for more spontaneous stops at charming villages or scenic overlooks, deeper exploration of destinations, and less stress on often winding or smaller European roads. For example, a drive from Strasbourg, France, to Freiburg, Germany, which is approximately 85 km (53 miles), takes about 1 hour of driving, leaving ample time for sightseeing. Traveling from Rome to Naples, Italy, about 225 km (140 miles), would ideally be split into two shorter driving days to allow for scenic stops and relaxation along the coast. Adhering to this guideline also helps mitigate issues with driving through low emission zones (LEZ) and limited traffic zones (ZTL) in cities, as you're less rushed and can plan routes more carefully using your RV-optimized navigation apps. Our RV Rental Deals in Europe - Latest Offers 2024 can help you find suitable vehicles for these relaxed itineraries.Best RV Class for This Itinerary — Couple & Family Picks
Selecting the right RV class for a long-term rental in Europe depends on your travel party and comfort preferences, and Bandana's fleet offers excellent options for both couples and families. For couples, a **Class B - Camper Van** is an excellent choice, averaging 5.8 meters in length, offering about 3.2 sleeping places, and typically accommodating 2.7 adults comfortably with common fuel consumption of 8-10 Liters/100 km. These compact campervans, like the `Category Van` or `V2L` models, provide agility for narrow European roads and city access, making them ideal for a dynamic duo. For families, **Class C - Alcove** motorhomes are ideal, providing ample space with an average length of 7.5 meters, 5.8 sleeping places, and comfortably accommodating 4.4 adults, with common fuel consumption ranging from 10-12 Liters/100 km. Models like the `Class C - Alcove` or `MIC` offer separate sleeping areas and larger living spaces, ensuring comfort for everyone. To simplify planning, Bandana's "Rent & Plan" service combines an RV rental with a ready-made itinerary by travel experts, giving you full access to trip-planning software and removing the headache of organizing a complex European road trip. We are True RV Specialists, dedicated exclusively to RV travel, offering unmatched personal experience and attention to the smallest details, ensuring your rented motorhome is perfectly suited for your adventure.What is the 3-3-3 rule for RV travel?
The 3-3-3 rule for RV travel in Europe, a popular guideline for comfortable touring, suggests driving no more than 300 kilometers (or approximately 3 hours), stopping by 3 PM, and staying at least 3 nights in one location. This rule is designed to prevent driver fatigue, allow ample time for setup and relaxation at your chosen spot, and encourage deeper exploration of each destination rather than constant movement. Adhering to the 3-3-3 rule also facilitates finding suitable campsites or 'aires de service' (France) and 'Stellplätze' (Germany) before they fill up, especially during peak season, enhancing the overall RV experience. By limiting daily travel and extending stays, travelers can better manage driving through varied terrains, navigating tolls and country-specific vignettes, and avoiding late-night searches for parking.What is the 333 rule for campervan?
The "333 rule" for campervans in Europe is essentially the same as for larger RVs: aim to drive no more than 300 kilometers, stop driving by 3 PM, and stay for a minimum of 3 nights in each spot. This guideline is particularly beneficial for campervan travelers who often seek off-the-beaten-path locations and appreciate the flexibility to fully experience local culture and nature, as campervans are generally more agile. For campervans, the "300 kilometers" part can sometimes be stretched or shortened depending on the road conditions and specific European country's traffic laws. Following this rule also allows ample time for practicalities like grocery shopping, laundry, and ensuring connectivity with local SIM cards or Wi-Fi hotspots, which are vital for longer trips and a critical part of enjoying your long-term RV rental in Europe.How much money will I need for 2 weeks in Europe?
For a 2-week RV trip in Europe, a reasonable budget ranges from €1,500 to €3,500 per person, encompassing RV rental costs, fuel, campsites, food, and activities. The RV rental itself can cost between €800 and €1,500 for two weeks, depending on the vehicle class, season, and how far in advance you book. Fuel costs are a significant factor, with diesel prices typically higher than in North America; budget €300-€600 for average driving distances, considering country-specific fuel consumption for your chosen RV class (e.g., Bandana's Class B Camper Vans average 8-10 L/100 km). Daily expenses for campsites (€15-€50), food (€30-€60 for groceries for cooking in your rented motorhome or dining out occasionally), and activities (€20-€100) will vary greatly by country and personal preference. Don't forget to factor in specific road logistics costs like tolls, country-specific vignettes (e.g., Austria, Switzerland), potential low emission zone (LEZ) permits, and city parking fees for larger vehicles, all of which contribute to the overall long-term RV rental cost in Europe.How long can I stay in Europe in my motorhome?
Non-EU citizens can typically stay in the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period with a standard tourist visa, a rule that applies to motorhome travel just as it does to other forms of tourism. This "90/180-day rule" means that once you enter the Schengen Area, you can spend up to 90 days there, but then you must leave for 90 days before you can re-enter. For longer-term RV travel beyond this 90-day limit, non-EU citizens need to explore national long-stay visas (D-visas) for specific European countries, or strategically leave the Schengen Area for non-Schengen countries (e.g., Croatia, Bulgaria, Albania, UK, Ireland) to "reset" their 180-day period. It's crucial to understand these legalities, as overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and future travel bans to the Schengen Area, significantly impacting your ability to enjoy a long-term RV rental in Europe.What is the best RV for long distance travel?
For long-distance RV travel in Europe, a Class SI (Semi-integrated) or Class A (Integrated) motorhome is generally considered ideal due to their balance of comfort, living space, and practical features for extended journeys. Class SI (Semi-integrated) motorhomes, like many in Bandana's fleet averaging 6.9 meters in length, offer a good compromise between living space (averaging 3.8 sleeping places) and maneuverability, with common fuel consumption around 10-11 Liters/100 km, making them efficient for covering long distances. Class A (Integrated) motorhomes, while larger (Bandana's fleet averages 7.5 meters with 4.4 sleeping places), provide maximum living comfort, expansive storage, and a more robust feel, perfect for those prioritizing amenities on extended trips, with fuel consumption typically 8-11 Liters/100 km. Factors like a generous load capacity for packing essentials for weeks on the road, a comfortable driving cabin for long hours, and efficient heating/cooling systems are crucial for an enjoyable long-term European motorhome rental.How much would a month-long trip across Europe cost?
A month-long RV trip across Europe typically costs between €3,000 and €7,000 for a couple, encompassing RV rental, fuel, campsites, groceries, activities, and miscellaneous expenses. RV rental for a month can range from €1,500 to €3,000+, depending on the season, RV class (e.g., a Class C Alcove offers more space for families but might be pricier), and specific rental company, with prices dynamic and subject to daily changes. Fuel will be a substantial cost, estimated at €800-€1,500+ for average distances, while campsite fees can total €450-€1,500 for 30 nights, varying greatly by country and facility level (from basic Stellplätze to full-service holiday parks). Budgeting for daily expenses should also include detailed road logistics such as country-specific road taxes (vignettes), tolls on motorways, potential fines for entering low emission zones (LEZ) or limited traffic zones (ZTL) without permits, and urban parking fees, which can quickly add up. Comprehensive insurance and breakdown cover, essential for cross-border travel, should also be factored into the overall budget to avoid unexpected costs in case of an accident or mechanical issue, and you can upgrade to a top-level deductible for extra peace of mind. For more detailed budgeting and comparison, consider our Cheap RV Rental in Europe - Budget Guide 2024.What is a good itinerary for a 3-month campervan trip through Europe?
A successful 3-month campervan trip through Europe requires meticulous planning, often involving sequential exploration of distinct regions to maximize experiences and manage the Schengen 90/180-day rule for non-EU travelers. Month 1 (Central/Southern Europe) could begin in Germany or Austria, explore the Alps, then head south through Italy (Dolomites, Tuscany, Rome), and across to the South of France (Provence, French Riviera). Month 2 (Western Europe/Schengen exit) might continue through Spain (Barcelona, Valencia, Andalusia) and Portugal (Lisbon, Algarve). For non-EU citizens, strategically plan to exit the Schengen Area into a non-Schengen country like Croatia, Albania, or the UK towards the end of this month, ensuring you have the necessary visa or entry permissions for these countries. Month 3 (Northern/Eastern Europe or non-Schengen) could involve, if your visa allows, heading north to the Netherlands, Belgium, and Scandinavia, utilizing extensive RV-specific infrastructure like 'Aires de Service' in France and 'Stellplätze' in Germany for convenient overnight stays. Alternatively, if outside Schengen, explore countries like Ireland or some Balkan nations. Throughout this extended journey, ensure you have reliable connectivity with local SIM cards or eSIMs, and utilize RV-optimized navigation apps that consider vehicle dimensions to avoid unsuitable routes and low bridges. Finding long term rv rental options can vary, so comparing prices early is always a good idea.How long can I travel around Europe in a motorhome?
Non-EU citizens can generally travel in a rented motorhome within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a long-stay visa, while EU citizens face no such time restrictions, allowing for indefinite travel. To extend a motorhome trip beyond the 90-day Schengen limit for non-EU travelers, several strategies exist, including applying for a long-stay national visa from a specific European country (e.g., a French 'long séjour' visa) or strategically exiting the Schengen Area. Leaving the Schengen zone for a non-Schengen country (like Croatia, Ireland, or the UK) for at least 90 days can "reset" your 180-day period, allowing re-entry to Schengen for another 90 days. It's vital to research and understand the specific visa requirements for your nationality and any countries you plan to visit or transit, as regulations are subject to change and vary by jurisdiction, especially for a long-term RV rental in Europe.What countries are best for RV travel?
Countries widely considered best for RV travel in Europe include France, Germany, Italy, Norway, and Croatia, largely due to their excellent RV infrastructure, scenic routes, and welcoming policies for motorhomes. France boasts an extensive network of 'Aires de Service,' dedicated motorhome parking spots often with services like water and waste disposal, making it exceptionally RV-friendly for a long-term RV rental. Germany offers numerous 'Stellplätze,' similar to aires, often located in picturesque towns or natural areas, alongside well-maintained roads and a strong emphasis on road safety. Italy combines stunning landscapes with a rich cultural heritage and a growing number of designated RV areas, though urban parking can be challenging due to ZTLs (limited traffic zones). Norway provides unparalleled natural beauty, especially along its fjords and coastal roads, with excellent facilities for motorhomes in national parks and scenic routes, albeit with higher costs. When choosing countries, remember to research country-specific mandatory safety equipment (e.g., reflective vests, warning triangles, first-aid kits, spare bulbs, fire extinguishers), and pet travel regulations if bringing companions, as requirements differ across borders. Bandana Caravan, your true RV specialists, helps you navigate these details effortlessly.Where not to go in Europe right now?
When planning an RV trip in Europe, it's advisable to avoid regions currently experiencing civil unrest, natural disasters (like wildfires or floods), or areas with heightened travel advisories from your home country's government. Always check official government travel advisories (e.g., from the US Department of State, UK Foreign Office) before and during your trip for up-to-date safety information. Additionally, it's prudent for RV travelers to avoid driving large vehicles into congested city centers or areas known for prevalent limited traffic zones (ZTLs) without prior research and necessary permits, as these can lead to fines and difficult navigation. Drive slowly and carefully, and you can drive almost anywhere without issues. No need to stress - just use common sense and pay attention. For personal safety and security, RV travelers should implement best practices such as utilizing secure campsites or designated 'Stellplätze,' avoiding isolated overnight parking in urban areas, and always locking up valuables to deter theft, especially in popular tourist regions, ensuring a worry-free long-term RV rental in Europe.What You Shouldn't Miss
- Embark on the "
" for an 18-day Arctic adventure, encountering unique wildlife and dramatic fjord landscapes in Finland and Norway.
Rovaniemi Roundtrip - End of Europe scenic roads
- Immerse yourself in Central European charm with a 7-day loop from Munich to Milan, discovering historic cities like Salzburg and picturesque Lake Bled.
- Explore the cultural riches of France with a 14-day journey from Amsterdam to the Normandy Coast, visiting Parisian landmarks and the stunning châteaux of the Loire Valley.
- Experience the festive magic of Eastern European Christmas markets with the "
" during the winter season.
Vienna Roundtrip - The epic Eastern European Christmas markets
- Discover hidden gems and local traditions by seeking out Traditional Markets and Local Industries in every region, as recommended by Avi Bandana.
- Challenge yourself to drive one of Europe's Grand Alpine Passes, like the Stelvio Pass in Italy or the Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria, for breathtaking panoramic views.
Final Thoughts
Embarking on a long-term RV rental in Europe promises an unparalleled journey of discovery and freedom. Whether you dream of chasing the Northern Lights on an 18-day Rovaniemi Roundtrip or indulging in the culinary delights of a month-long tour through France and Italy, a rented motorhome offers the ultimate flexibility. Remember, planning is part of the fun, and with Bandana's transparent pricing and expert support, you're in capable hands every step of the way. Embrace the slow travel philosophy, allowing yourself to truly connect with the diverse cultures, exquisite food, and breathtaking scenery Europe has to offer. With careful route planning and choosing the right vehicle from our extensive fleet, your extended adventure will be filled with unforgettable moments. Get inspired for your next trip, compare long-term RV rental options for Europe today, and prepare for the journey of a lifetime!On the routes offered through RV PLANET routes, you can itemize and track every expense along the way for easy budgeting.
