Which side of the road does Europe drive on?

Most of Europe drives on the right; the main exceptions are the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, and Malta, which drive on the left, along with the Crown Dependencies (Isle of Man, Jersey, and Guernsey). In Gibraltar, driving is on the right. This pattern reflects historical influences and practical cross-border considerations across the continent.

The continental pattern at a glance

Across mainland Europe, right-hand driving is the norm from Portugal to Poland and from Norway to Greece. The left-driving pockets are confined to the British Isles and two former British colonies in the Mediterranean. While these rules are longstanding, they also reflect each region’s historical ties and the realities of cross-border traffic.

Where in Europe do people drive on the left?

The following list highlights the European places that use left-hand traffic, which are notable exceptions to the continental norm. Travelers should be aware of these when planning cross-border trips or renting cars.

• United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)
• Ireland
• Cyprus (including the UK Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia)
• Malta
• UK Crown Dependencies: Isle of Man, Jersey, Guernsey (including Alderney and Sark)

Outside of these jurisdictions, Europe drives on the right. Notably, Gibraltar—despite being a British Overseas Territory—drives on the right, aligning with neighboring Spain.

Right-hand driving across Europe

Right-hand traffic covers the vast majority of European countries. Rather than listing every nation, the examples below show the breadth of regions where the right side is standard.

• Western Europe: France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg
• Northern Europe: Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Iceland
• Central and Eastern Europe: Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria
• Balkans and Southeast Europe: Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Greece
• Baltics: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania
• Microstates and others: Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City
• Iberian Peninsula and adjacent: Spain and Portugal; Gibraltar also drives on the right

In practical terms, if you are not in the UK, Ireland, Cyprus, Malta, or the Crown Dependencies, you should expect right-hand driving across Europe.

Practical tips for travelers

If you plan to drive across borders in Europe, especially between left- and right-driving jurisdictions, the following tips can help you stay safe and compliant.

• Check local rules before you go: speed limits, alcohol limits, mandatory equipment (reflective vests, warning triangles, winter tires).
• Be mindful at borders and ferries/tunnels: transitions between left and right occur at places like the Channel Tunnel and Irish Sea ferry ports.
• Roundabouts and junctions: approach direction and priority rules differ; study local signage and conventions.
• Vehicle setup: headlight beam deflectors may be required when taking UK cars onto the continent (and vice versa) to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic.
• Insurance and documents: ensure your license, insurance, and any required international permits are valid for all countries on your route.
• Rental cars: book automatic transmission if you’re not used to shifting with the opposite hand; confirm required safety equipment is included.

A little preparation goes a long way: knowing the side of travel, priority rules, and equipment requirements will make cross-border driving smoother and safer.

How history shaped the split

Europe’s divide stems from historical influence and practicality. Napoleon’s France spread right-hand driving across much of continental Europe in the 19th century, while British influence cemented left-hand traffic in the UK, Ireland, Cyprus, and Malta. Some countries switched to align with neighbors—most notably Sweden’s “Dagen H” in 1967, when it moved from left- to right-hand driving to improve safety and facilitate cross-border travel.

Summary

Europe overwhelmingly drives on the right. The key left-driving exceptions are the UK, Ireland, Cyprus, Malta, and the UK Crown Dependencies. For most travelers, this means right-hand traffic throughout the continent, with special attention needed when entering or leaving the British Isles and the two left-driving Mediterranean nations.