How to plan last minute budget driving holidays from the UK
Quick answer: You can plan last minute budget driving holidays from the UK by booking a ferry to France, using an electronic toll tag to save fuel, and staying in budget hotels like Ibis or Premiere Classe. The best car-friendly-destinations include northern France, northern Spain, and the Algarve in Portugal. We love our last minute budget driving holidays and I am sure you will too.
There is nothing quite like the feeling of packing the car, grabbing your snacks, and heading to the ferry port. You have total freedom. You do not have to worry about luggage weight limits or airport security queues. If you want to throw an extra pair of shoes in the boot, you just do it.
We have taken our Hyundai Tucson on several big road trips recently. We have driven all the way to Portugal, explored the coast of France, and navigated the busy streets of Spain. While it takes a bit of planning, jumping in the car is a brilliant way to enjoy a family holiday without spending a fortune on flights.
If you are thinking about packing up and heading across the channel for last minute budget driving holidays, you are in the right place. This guide will walk you through exactly how to plan your trip, where to go, and how to keep your costs down.
What are the best car-friendly-destinations for UK drivers?
When you take your own car, some places are just easier to visit than others. You want good roads, affordable hotels, and plenty of places to stop. Here are a few places we have tested out ourselves.
How do you plan a driving holiday to France?
France is the absolute best place to start when driving in europe. The motorways are brilliant. They are smooth, well signposted, and they have excellent service stations.
On our recent trips, we found that French service stations are not like the ones at home. Many of them have proper restaurants, clean facilities, and great outdoor spaces. Last year, we paid around €30 for three freshly made sandwiches at a service station. They were huge and tasted amazing.
We stayed at the Premiere Classe Le Havre Centre les Docks during one trip. It cost us £118 for two rooms for two nights. It was basic but very clean and comfortable perfect for last minute budget driving holidays. It is a great example of how cheap accommodation can be if you look around. You can read more about this in my review of the European hotels we stayed in.
Can you drive to Spain for a budget holiday?
Yes, you certainly can. Driving down through France and into Spain is a massive adventure. On our way down to Portugal, we stopped in Valladolid in northern Spain. We stayed at the Hotel Conde Ansurez. It cost £126 for two rooms for a night.
The hotel was lovely and had very comfortable pillows. However, the restaurant had absolutely zero vegetarian food. They offered beef cheeks and little else. We actually had to drive to a local Burger King to get dinner. This is a good lesson. Always check the local food options if you have specific dietary needs.
On the way back up, we stayed at the Ibis Madrid Fuenlabrada. It cost £187 for two rooms for two nights, including breakfast. The location was fantastic, and we left the car at the hotel to take an Uber into the city. This was a perfect location for last minute budget driving holidays as there was plenty of space given the hotel was out of the centre.
What is it like driving to Portugal from the UK?
Driving from the UK to Portugal is a very long journey, but it is incredibly rewarding. We left our house at 10 pm, drove to Dover, caught the early morning ferry, and drove down through France and Spain.
We finally reached Albufeira in the Algarve after 3 days of driving and 2 overnight stops. We booked six nights at the Muthu Oura Praia Hotel. The pool was beautiful, and it was great to finally relax. However, the all-inclusive package was a bit sneaky. There was only one restaurant open, and we had to walk up and down a very steep hill to use the restaurants at their sister hotels. You can read the full story of our massive journey in my post about our holiday from the UK to Portugal by car.
Choose Portugal for last minute budget driving holidays if you do not mind spending two or three days on the road and you really want reliable sunshine at the end of your trip.
How do you handle driving in Mallorca?
Mallorca is a beautiful island, but you need to be prepared for the hills. We stayed at the Bahia del Sol hotel in Santa Ponsa.
The hotel advertised free parking, which was a huge bonus for us. However, the car park is a long way from the main entrance. You have to walk up uneven steps and steep slopes that are equal to climbing eight floors. We learned this the hard way. If you drive to this hotel, always drop your luggage at the main reception before you park your car. You can find out more in my Bahia del Sol review.
How much do last minute budget driving holidays from the UK cost?
The cost of your last minute budget driving holidays will depend on how far you go and where you stay. However, you can control many of these expenses if you understand how the systems work.
What is the true cost of French toll roads?
French motorways are fantastic, but they do cost money. You take a ticket when you get on, and you pay when you get off. The price depends on your vehicle and the distance you travel.
For example, in 2025, we paid €76.20 to drive from Calais down to Valence. It sounds like a lot of money. But the non-toll roads take longer and use much more fuel. For us, the time saved was worth the cost because it meant we did not have to pay for an extra night in a hotel.
I highly recommend getting an Emovis tag before you travel. It is a small electronic device that sticks to your windscreen. As you approach the toll booths, the barrier reads the tag and lifts automatically. You do not have to stop, dig around for coins, or worry about your bank card being declined. I have written a complete guide to toll roads in France that explains exactly how to get one. It has been invaluable for our last minute budget driving holidays.
How can you save money on petrol and ferries?
Fuel will be your biggest expense for any last minute budget driving holidays. Try to avoid buying petrol on the main motorways. If you come off the motorway and find a local supermarket, the fuel is usually much cheaper. Because we had an Emovis tag, hopping off and back onto the toll roads was quick and easy.
For the channel crossing, booking early usually gets you the best price. But if you are planning last minute driving holidays, look out for late night or very early morning ferries. We booked our ferry from Dover for 6.55 am, which helped keep the cost down and gave us a full day of driving ahead. Sometimes, when you arrive, they can put you on an earlier ferry if there is space, too, to minimise the waiting around!
What are the legal requirements for driving in Europe?
You cannot usually just jump in the car and go on last minute budget driving holidays. You need to make sure you have the right paperwork and equipment. According to the UK Government website (gov.uk, 2025), you need a few specific items to stay on the right side of the law. So if you are booking last minute budget driving holidays then ensure you get these as soon as possible.
What documents do you need in the car?
You must carry your full, valid UK driving licence. You also need your vehicle log book (V5C) and your motor insurance certificate. It is a good idea to contact your insurance company before you leave to make sure you are covered for driving in europe.
Make sure you have your passport and that it is valid. You will also need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or an in-date EHIC to get emergency medical treatment.
What safety equipment must you carry?
Different countries have different rules. In France, for example, you must carry a warning triangle and a reflective jacket for every person in the car. You also need a UK sticker on the back of your car. You do not need the old GB sticker anymore.
If you are driving in Spain, you must also carry two warning triangles. It is highly recommended to buy a European driving kit from a reputable source like the RAC or the AA before you travel. It saves you from getting a fine if you are stopped by the local police.
How can families save money on last minute European road trips?
Taking the whole family abroad can get expensive, but driving gives you lots of ways to cut costs. Last minute budget driving holidays are great as the ferry prices rarely change by much and you can drive to the cheaper hotels which brings down the costs.
Should you pack your own food?
Absolutely. Food is where a lot of families blow their holiday budget. When you have a car, you can pack a cool box full of drinks, sandwiches, and snacks from your local supermarket.
When we drove to Portugal, we packed plenty of snacks to keep us going. This stopped us from buying expensive treats at every petrol station. We only stopped for proper meals when we really needed a break.
How do you choose the best budget hotels for last minute budget driving holidays?
Look for hotel chains that cater to business travellers and road trippers. Brands like Ibis, Premiere Classe, and B&B Hotels are often located just off the major motorways. They offer clean beds, hot showers, and safe parking making them perfect for last minute driving holidays.
Choose hotels with breakfast included if the price is right. However, always check how much the breakfast costs. Sometimes it is cheaper to skip the hotel breakfast and visit a local bakery for fresh pastries and coffee instead.
Final thoughts on your European driving adventure
Taking your car across the channel is a brilliant way to explore the world. You get to see the changing landscapes, visit towns you would normally fly straight over, and spend quality time together as a family.
While the driving days can be long and tiring, the memories you make are completely worth it. Just remember to pack your paperwork, get an electronic toll tag, and book a hotel with comfortable pillows.
Frequently Asked Questions about driving in Europe
What is the cheapest way to cross the channel with a car?
The cheapest way is usually to book a ferry from Dover to Calais or Dunkirk during off-peak hours. Sailing very late at night or very early in the morning will generally give you the lowest prices.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in France or Spain?
No, you do not normally need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in France, Spain, or Portugal if you have a photocard driving licence issued in the UK.
How do I pay for the toll roads if I do not have a tag?
If you do not have an electronic tag, you can pay at the toll booths using a debit card, a credit card, or cash (Euros). Look for the lanes showing a green arrow or a card symbol.
Is it safe to leave luggage in the car overnight at hotels?
It is generally safe, but you should take precautions. Always park in a well-lit area, preferably a secure hotel car park. Make sure all your bags are hidden out of sight in the boot. Take all your valuables, like passports and electronics, into your hotel room with you.
Can you do a European road trip as a last minute holiday?
Yes, you can easily plan last minute budget driving holidays from the UK. Because you do not need to rely on flight availability, you just need to secure a ferry crossing and book a few budget hotels along your route. Ensure your car is serviced and your documents are ready before you leave.
Can you do a driving holiday with additional needs or neurodiversity?
We have found that taking our son on these last minute budget driving holidays is perfect as he has his home comforts in the car, minimal stress, and he knows what to expect. I even wrote an article about getting the Dover to Calais ferry with autism, if that helps.
Could you consider last minute budget driving holidays to get your family away this summer? Let me know what you think in the comments. Is there anything about last minute budget driving holidays I haven’t covered that you want to know?
