From its fascinating history and famous foodie scene to its stunning landscapes and gorgeous coastline, Italy has plenty to offer people of all ages and interests. Driving to Italy from the UK offers the chance to see plenty of sights along the way. Here we share how you can take this road trip and make it one to remember.
Driving to Italy from the UK: Route options
There are two main routes that you can take to drive to Italy from the UK, both of which can be embarked upon following our Dover to Calais ferry crossing. This crossing offers the quickest way to get from England into mainland Europe and you’ll be in France in just 90 minutes. From here, you can choose to drive through France and Switzerland into Italy or opt to avoid Switzerland and stick to French roads until you cross the Italian border.
Driving to Italy via Switzerland
The straightest route when driving to Italy from the UK is to travel towards Strasbourg and then through Switzerland. It takes around 11.5 hours to get to Milan and there are plenty of great places to stop off at on the way. If you’re not in a rush, you can alter the drive to include the places you’d most like to stop off at – and there are lots to choose from!
Reims is one of our top picks, and you’ll actually pass this impressive city regardless of which route you choose to take. Known for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites and luxurious champagne houses, Reims is certainly a must-visit for those seeking some unrivalled French culture. Stopping off here will give you the opportunity to see the Saint-Remi Basilica and the Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Reims, both of which are bound to impress you. If you’re planning to spend a night in Reims, you might like to take a champagne house tour during your visit. Tours will teach you all there is to know about creating the perfect glass of bubbles, and you’ll be able to indulge in champagne tasting too.
From Reims, follow directions to Strasbourg but head south towards Colmar when it comes to joining the A35. It takes almost 7 hours to get to Colmar from Calais which makes it perfect for a well-deserved rest. Walking through Colmar will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy-tale. Boasting quaint cobbled streets, gorgeous half-timbered houses, and pretty painted facades, this beautifully preserved city is a very picturesque choice for those needing to stretch their legs. Plus, a stop-off in Colmar will give you the chance to try some traditional Alsace delicacies, such as tarte flambee, hearty tartiflette, and delicious soft bretzels!
Within an hour of leaving Colmar you’ll cross the border into Switzerland. The first city you’ll reach is Basel which offers plenty to keep you entertained during a rest stop. Packed full of galleries, theatres, and museums, taking a break in Basel is a must if you want to immerse yourself in some fantastic cultural activities. Basel is also home to one of Switzerland’s oldest zoos which is guaranteed to be a hit if you’re driving to Italy from the UK with children, and foodies will love a visit to Marktplatz where you can pick up fresh produce and Swiss treats.
From Basel you’re on the home straight through Switzerland and across the border into Italy. You’ll pass through the picturesque Swiss city of Lucerne en route which is another great place to stop if you need an extra break. A wander around the Old Town is guaranteed to help you to unwind thanks to the calming canal that runs through the centre and beautiful hand-painted murals which adorn the 15th century buildings. Traditional shops selling delicious Swiss chocolates will draw you in, so be prepared to satisfy your sweet tooth too!
Driving to Italy avoiding Switzerland
If you’d prefer to avoid Switzerland and cross into Italy from France; this is your second route option. Again, this route will take around 11.5 hours to get to Milan. Head to Reims as you would in the previous route and stop off to see all that this wonderful city has to offer. From here, you’ll need to follow the route towards Dijon rather than Strasbourg as this will take you down past Switzerland.
Just over three hours from Reims, Dijon is the capital of France’s Burgundy region. As you may expect from its location, Dijon boasts some excellent vineyard tours and wine tasting opportunities which you could enjoy should you choose to stay here for a night during your drive to Italy from the UK. Here, you’ll also be able to visit one of the oldest museums in France, the Musee des Beaux-Arts de Dijon. Home to artworks from across many centuries, this museum has something for everyone – no matter what kind of art you appreciate. Love Dijon mustard? Don’t leave the city without visiting the Epicerie Maille on Rue de la Liberté where you can pick up mustards, oils, and vinegars.
Continue on towards the Italian border for three and a half hours and you’ll reach the popular resort of Chamonix. After hosting the Winter Olympics in 1924, Chamonix has been a world-renowned ski resort, but there’s a number of things to do here when you don’t have time to hit the slopes too! Simply admiring the stunning scenery should be at the top of your list, especially if you have time for a walk, and there are lots of cafes where you can pick up a hot drink and some snacks before you set off. Fancy a bird’s eye view? Take a 20-minute cable car ride to the summit of the Aiguille du Midi – the closest you can get to the top of Mont Blanc without climbing it.
You can get to Italy from Chamonix via the Mont Blanc Tunnel which will take you under the mountain and towards your destination. The tunnel is just over 11.5km in length and it will take you around 17 minutes to drive through it. Although the Mont Blanc Tunnel provides a convenient way to drive into Italy from France the toll is quite pricey. A single ticket for a car is €41,50 and a return ticket is €58,80 which saves you money on your return journey. You’ll emerge from the tunnel in the Italian resort of Courmayeur which boasts its own cable car that offers views across the peaks of the Matterhorn and the Monte Rosa. From here, you can drive on to your holiday destination.
Driving to Italy from the UK offers the chance to see some truly fantastic places, and now you know how to plan this road trip for yourself. Book your Dover to Calais crossing which will take you to the continent in just 90-minutes and enjoy all of the great onboard facilities as you sail. Whether your travelling by car, motorbike, caravan, or motorhome, you can get to Italy with P&O Ferries.
