KAYAK tool helps travellers estimate the cost of some of Europe’s most scenic drives,
With spring in full swing and the May bank holiday weekends ahead, UK holidaymakers are looking for more ways to travel during peak periods. New data from the travel search engine KAYAK shows that UK’s searches for car hire have increased by 54% year on year in March.
Destinations like Poland (+38%), Iceland (+31%), France (+25%), Germany (+17%) and Greece (+14%) are showing two digit growth in car hire searches by UK travellers compared to last year, suggesting Brits are looking for adventurous, scenic drives.
“What’s striking is the variety of destinations that Brits are choosing, combining outstanding scenery with good value for money,” says Rachel Mumford, KAYAK UK Travel Expert. “From Poland to Iceland, travellers are prioritising memorable trips that feel worth the expense.”
5 scenic routes to drive this May
To help travellers plan, KAYAK used its Road Trip Calculator to estimate the cost of driving some of the most scenic routes in these trending destinations for road tripping. Estimates include a 3-day rental of a medium car in the major city and fuel costs for a return route, giving travellers a clearer idea of what to expect when budgeting their trip.
Kraków → Bieszczady Wilderness Loop →Kraków
- Why it’s best in May: Remote mountain roads, blooming valleys, and one of Europe’s last true wilderness regions at its spring peak.
- Estimate time on road (return): ~8 hr 51 min
- Estimated total car rental and fuel cost: ~£191
Reykjavík → Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon → Reykjavík
- Why it’s best in May: Experience Iceland’s waterfalls at their most dramatic, fueled by melting glaciers and extended daylight hours.
- Estimate time on road (return): ~10 hr
- Estimated total car rental and fuel cost: ~£261
Lyon → Provence → French Riviera (Nice) → Lyon
- Why it’s best in May: Provence is bursting with wildflowers and green vineyards, the Riviera is warm enough for seaside stops, while the roads are blissfully quiet.
- Estimate time on road (return): ~9 hr
- Estimated total car rental and fuel cost: ~£304
Frankfurt → Romantic Road → Füssen → Frankfurt
- Why it’s best in May: Discover medieval towns and castles surrounded by fresh spring landscapes, before peak tourist season begins.
- Estimate time on road (return): ~9 hr
- Estimated cost: ~£319
Athens → Gerolimenas → Athens
- Why it’s best in May: Enjoy coastal drives and ancient sites in warm, comfortable weather without the intense summer heat.
- Estimate time on road (return): ~8 hr
- Estimated total car rental and fuel cost: ~£237
About KAYAK
KAYAK, part of Booking Holdings (NASDAQ: BKNG), is a leading travel search engine. With billions of queries across our platforms, we help people find their perfect flight, stay, rental car and vacation package. Trusted by millions of travellers, the KAYAK app makes travel planning seamless on iOS and Android, and we also support business travellers with our corporate travel solution.
Methodology:
*Based on car hire searches made on KAYAK.co.uk and its associated brands between 01.03.2026 to 30.03.2026 for travel between 1.03.2026 and 31.12.2026. They were compared to flight searches made between 01.03.2025 to 30.03.2025 for travel between 1.03.2025 and 31.12.2025. Prices may vary, percentages for changes in searches are approximate.
