The Greenest Destinations for a Road Trip

Road trips are some of the most memorable travel experiences. Whether you’re travelling along shimmering coastlines, winding up snow-capped mountain passes or bypassing mighty dunes, road trips are one of the best ways to spend a holiday.

However, it’s not easy to book a road trip holiday when you’re concerned about your own carbon footprint and its effect on the environment. As such, green road trips are becoming more popular, with hybrid and electric vehicles being favoured over traditional petrol and diesel cars. We partnered with Green Motion, one of the world's leading sustainable car hire companies, to rank the 20 greenest road trip destinations in the world

Where are the Greenest Road Trip Destinations in the World?

How the Tier Ranking System Works

Emerging Leaders

20. Morocco

Few places capture the imagination as much as the sweeping desert terrain and North African climate as much as Morocco, but did you know that it’s also one of the greenest road trip destinations in the world?

Electric car sales in the country have doubled in the last year, making Morocco one of Africa’s fastest-growing EV (Electric Vehicle) markets.

Furthermore, Morocco is also home to 70% of the world’s phosphate reserves, while also being the tenth-largest producer of cobalt globally, positioning itself as a future EV supply chain player.

Recommended Road Trip: Tizi n’Tichka Pass. A 200km road trip through winding Atlas Mountain passes – 2,260m above sea level at its peak and featuring over 100 hairpin bends – taking you from Marrakech in the north to Ouarzazate in the south.

19. Uganda

The East African nation of Uganda is another excellent destination for a green road trip, and one that looks to become a major player in the EV industry in the years to come.

Uganda has recently started to adopt EV incentive programs in recent years, with electrical motorcycle leasing and battery rental schemes. While there is no ICE (Internal Combustion Engine – vehicles which use petrol/diesel) ban timeline in place yet, Uganda is certainly planning ahead for the future.

Currently, EV sales for the entirety of Africa remain under 1% in Uganda, but this figure is growing, with EV and hybrid bookings increasing by over 130% year-on-year (source: Green Motion).

Recommended Road Trip: The Nile Route. This road trip typically begins at the source of the White Nile at Lake Victoria, following the route north along its riverbanks. At around 360km, it is a long but excellent road trip, perfect for wildlife viewing in the dry seasons (June to August, December to February).

18. Lithuania

Despite Lithuania averaging 0.2 EV charging points per 100km of road – historically among Europe’s lowest – electric and hybrid vehicles are quickly becoming the favoured mode of transport for road trippers who visit this Baltic state.

However, Lithuania also saw a DC (Direct Current) Fast Charger growth of 352% in 2024, making it one of the fastest-growing charging networks in Europe, cementing its place as a future hub of EV travel.

Interestingly, EV and hybrid vehicles account for over 80% of bookings in Lithuania according to Green Motion. Combine this with the fact that Lithuania is also a member of the EU, meaning that it is subject to the 2035 ICE Phase-out targets, putting it in good standing for EV road tripping in the very near future.

Recommended Road Trip: Northern Scenic Loop. This nature-focused road trip – around 220km north of the country’s capital, Vilnius – takes you through Aukštaitija National Park, with over 100 lakes and ancient pine forests, as well as to Šiauliai, the Hill of Crosses, a unique pilgrimage site with hundreds of crosses.

Rising Destinations

17. Greece

A country favoured by holidaymakers from all over the world, Greece is another popular destination for green road trips.

In Greece, hybrid vehicles remain the primary choice for travellers according to Green Motion, with the convenience and flexibility of being able to fill up in more rural areas, while being able to charge in major cities.

This works well in Greece’s favour, as 93% of DC fast charging stations are located across Athens and Thessaloniki, while rural areas and islands are significantly underserved. However, this demand for hybrid cars has no doubt contributed to the fact that Greece saw a DC fast charger growth of 308% in 2024, which was one of the fastest in Europe.

With the government subject to EU ICE phase-out targets, and their own target of 1 in 3 cars to be electric by 2030, Greece is set to be one of the greenest destinations for a road trip in the world in the very near future.

Recommended Road Trip: Athens to Delphi. This under-three-hour road trip takes you to some of Greece’s major sites near the capital, including the stunning countryside, until you reach the site of the famous Oracle. Head north to see the Monasteries of Meteora, perched on unique rock formations.

16. Poland

Poland is one of Eastern Europe’s most popular destinations for city breaks, with cities like Warsaw, Gdansk and Krakow being popular year-round. However, it is also quickly establishing itself as a green road trip destination, too.

For starters, hybrid and EV bookings increased by over 220% year-on-year (source: Green Motion), with EV demand growing faster than hybrid demand.

Green road trips in Poland do not come without their problems, though: it has below 80% highway charging coverage every 50km, which is one of Europe’s weakest charging networks.

Nevertheless, with Poland being a member of the EU, they are subject to the 20235 ICE phase-out targets, so we can expect to see an increase in charging stations along the country’s highways in the coming years.

Recommended Road Trip: Eagles’ Nests Route. This 215km journey from Kraków to Częstochowa is ideal for history enthusiasts. The route features numerous medieval castles perched on top of limestone cliffs, making it one of the most dramatic road trips in the country.

15. Italy

From the stunning southern coastlines on the Adriatic Sea to the Alpine passes in the north, Italy is a road tripper’s paradise – and you don’t have to worry about your carbon footprint when doing so.

Hybrid and EV bookings have increased by over 40% year-on-year, with a particularly high demand in Rome, Florence and Milan (source: Green Motion) – key tourism destinations in Italy.

Italy’s EV market share stood at 5.23% in H1 2025, and has been growing 28% year-on-year. With the EU’s ICE phase-out plan also in place, Italy is in very good standing to become a key green road trip destination.

Recommended Road Trip: The Amalfi Coast. This classic route from Salerno to Sorrento is perfect for clifftop views on one side and the turquoise sparkling waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea below. You will also bypass pastel villages along the way, and if you wish to extend it further, you can end the road trip just outside Naples at the historic site of Pompeii.

14. Latvia

Another Baltic state which is leading the way in green road trip destinations across the globe, Latvia has seen EV and hybrid bookings increase by over 30% year-on-year, Green Motion reports.

In addition, this demand for hybrid and electric vehicles has seen an increase of 77% in the country’s public charging points (from 1,157 to 2,051 chargers), with more DC chargers than AC chargers.

This governmental incentive in installing fast charging points along key transport networks has also been combined with another governmental incentive, which sees EVs having reduced tax compared to ICE vehicles.

As such, Latvia not only supports green travel for tourist road trips, but also for its residents, making it one of the Baltics’ leaders in green travel.

Recommended Road Trip: Riga to Sigulda. This route starts in the Latvian capital city, but you could even start it straight from the airport if you wish. You continue north to Sigulda, which is known as the ‘Switzerland of Latvia’, thanks to its gorgeous river landscapes and medieval castles which dominate the skyline.

13. Austria

With beautiful Alpine scenery and medieval cities seemingly around every corner, Austria has long been a favourite destination for those searching for a road trip holiday.

In addition, Austria is actually ahead of the average in Europe, with 21% BEV market share in 2025, showing how well-positioned it is for a green road trip destination.

Moreover, Austria’s tourism economy is boosted both in the summer months when people visit for Alpine hiking and scenery, and during the winter, as the Austrian Alps are home to some of the best ski resorts in Europe. As such, car hire is an essential part of Austria’s tourism economy year-round.

Recommended Road Trip: Großglockner High Alpine Road. With 40 mountain peaks along this route, and a peak of 2,504m above sea level, this mountain pass is perfect for a road trip in the summer months. Expect to see lush green meadows, blue lakes and snow-capped peaks in the space of just a couple of hours.

12. Ireland

The Emerald Isle lives up to its green reputation on the roads as well as through its beautiful scenery, being a leader in EV travel and car hire.

For starters, there are now 196,000 EVs on Irish roads, which is actually ahead of the government’s Climate Action Plan. While the charging points across the country are at a lower density than in other European countries, there are still over 2,500 publicly accessible charging points nationwide.

With a government target of zero-emission new cars by 2030, Ireland is one of the greenest destinations where you can plan a road trip.

Recommended Road Trip: The Wild Atlantic Way. This road trip runs all the way down (or up) Ireland’s Atlantic Coast, from Donegal to Cork, and can be undertaken over the course of days if you wish to do the whole route. Stop at cities along the way, or keep to the scenic route, and visit local fishing villages and hamlets along the glorious, rugged coastline.

11. Estonia

It’s three out of three for the Baltic states as Estonia also makes this list as a green road trip destination – and for good reason, too.

Estonia has one of the highest shares of ultrafast EV chargers over 150kW in Europe, at 20%, showing the country’s commitment to sustainable travel.

Like other countries, Estonia’s government have introduced a reduced vehicle tax for EV owners, supporting green travel for residents as well as visitors to the country. While the charging points may be further apart than in other countries, they are more powerful, making it worth your while to charge at a fast charge point in Estonia before heading off to your next destination.

Recommended Road Trip: Tallinn to Pärnu. Starting in Estonia’s capital city, this route takes you to Pärnu, which is known as the country’s ‘Summer Capital’. Pärnu is known for its long, unbroken stretches of unspoiled sandy beaches, and it is also known for its traditional Estonian and Finnish spas, saunas and wellness centres, perfect for relaxing in after a road trip.

10. Germany

A leader in European road travel, Germany is unsurprisingly also a leader in sustainable and green travel by electric vehicle, too.

For starters, over 90% of Germany’s highway network has an EV charging point every 50km, making it one of the greenest countries to travel by road in – you’re never too far from a charging point on major roads.

On top of that, Germany also led Europe in the number of total charger installations and new DC chargers in 2024, with over 160,000 public charging points. Add to this that ultrafast charger stock grew 70-95% in the same year, and it’s clear to see that Germany is a leader in green road travel.

Recommended Road Trip: Märchenstraße. Known as ‘the Fairy Tale Road’, this route from Hanau to Bremen stretches almost 500km, and along the way you bypass castles and pass through villages which inspired stories such as Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty. 

9. United Kingdom

Another leading destination in EV travel and green road tripping is the United Kingdom.

Despite no longer being a member of the EU, the UK government has set a target to ban new petrol and diesel car sales by 2035, and this has also been reflected in the number of EV sales share, which reached almost 30% in 2024, a marked increase from 24% in 2023.

On most UK highways, there is ample charging available, although the more rural areas of the country are yet to be as well-connected. However, with EV bookings growing 50% year-on-year (source: Green Motion), there’s a clear feeling towards EV travel dominating road trips in the UK in the years to come.

Recommended Road Trip: North Coast 500. Known as one of the best driving routes in the world, the ‘NC500’ takes you 500 miles (800km) around Scotland’s north coast, including sights such as Dunrobin Castle, Bealach na Bà Pass and Smoo Cave.

8. Netherlands

One of the flattest countries in Europe, the Netherlands is an excellent destination for a road trip, particularly for sightseeing.

While Amsterdam might be better to travel on two wheels than four, the Netherlands’ capital is nevertheless one of the major EV charging hubs in the country.

The Netherlands also leads the way in Europe when it comes to charging accessibility, both per capita and per kilometre of highway.

Interestingly, despite Green Motion's data showing that the Netherlands are one of Europe’s most EV-ready countries, hybrid cars still lead the way in hire car bookings. However, this already suggests that green travellers are ditching ICE vehicles in favour of more sustainable and environmentally-friendly travel in the Netherlands.

Recommended Road Trip: Sagenland Route. This 120km road trip in the eastern Netherlands takes you past historic watermills and passes through the beautiful Springendal Nature Reserve.

7. California – USA

The USA is one of the most transport-reliant countries in the world, and also one of the best road-trip destinations on the planet, thanks to its excellent road infrastructure.

While we often think of US travel as huge eighteen-wheel trucks and gas-guzzling Hummers, California is leading the way in EV travel in the US, with the Golden State targeting 68% zero-emission vehicles by 2030 and 100% by 2035.

Moreover, EV demand has recently overtaken that of hybrids when it comes to bookings, and with 70% of Pacific Region highways having charging infrastructure every 50km, this is a move in the right direction for sustainable road tripping in California.

Recommended Road Trip: The Desert Loop. Featuring Joshua trees, Death Valley National Park and the Mojave National Preserve, this route encompasses every ‘wild west’ about southern California, making it the ultimate US road trip. Stop at one of many roadside diners for an authentic American road trip experience.

6. Portugal

Mainland Europe’s westernmost country is another leader in sustainable travel when it comes to road trips.

Not only does it average 14.9 EV charging points per 100km of road, but it is also one of the cheapest places to charge EVs in Europe, at just €3.18 per 100km – that’s lower than the average cost of a beer in Lisbon!

Portugal has not just recently become aware of its carbon footprint, either: between 1990 and 2024, Portugal saw an 85% reduction in carbon intensity of electricity generation, which is one of Europe’s highest rates of decarbonisation.

Not forgetting that Portugal is also a member of the EU, its commitment to sustainable travel makes it an ideal place for a green road trip.

Recommended Road Trip: Porto to Pinhão. Frequently cited as one of the most beautiful driving roads in the world, Porto to Pinhão is an excellent road trip in Portugal. Featuring over 90 bends and running alongside the Douro River, this is as challenging as it is scenic, but a truly memorable road trip experience.

Nordic Leaders

5. Sweden

It is little surprise that the Nordic nations dominate the top spaces of this list when it comes to sustainable travel.

Sweden’s commitment to EV travel can clearly be seen in its initiatives in the last few years, with the rapid growth of public charging infrastructure, which grew by 34% in 2024, with a ratio of 15 EVs per public charging point.

As such, Sweden’s ultra-fast charger stock also grew 70-95% in the same year, which, combined with its very low carbon intensity electricity grid, thanks to much of its energy coming from nuclear and hydropower, makes Sweden one of the most sustainable places for road travel in the world.

Recommended Road Trip: Arctic Road Trip. This beautiful drive from Kiruna in Swedish Lapland to the Norwegian border is a must. Along the 262km route, you will pass Torneträsk Lake and have stunning views of Lapporten Mountain.

4. Iceland

Another leader in green road travel is Iceland, which holds the much-wanted record of being the cheapest country in Europe to charge an EV, at a very reasonable €2.89 per 100km.

While Iceland can be expensive to visit, hiring a car does not have to be – and running that car (if you opt for an EV) can be even cheaper.

Furthermore, almost all of Iceland’s electricity is generated from renewable sources such as wind and solar, with a large focus on geothermal energy. In fact, over 90% of Icelandic homes are powered by geothermal energy.

For some of Europe’s most scenic road trips and most sustainable, a trip to Iceland is a must.

Recommended Road Trip: The Golden Circle. This 300km route in southwest Iceland features some of the country’s most famous sights: Þingvellier National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area and Gullfoss Waterfall. This road trip can be undertaken directly from Reykjavík or even from Reykjavík Airport.

3. Denmark

In Denmark, over 126,500 EVs were sold in 2025 alone, a growth of 42% year-on-year, showing the country’s commitment to green road travel.

Denmark also has a strong renewable energy grid, which is largely powered by wind, generating energy at low prices, which is then passed on to users. In fact, Denmark is one of the cheapest places in Europe for fast charging, at €0.24 per kWh (off-peak).

With the 2030 ICE phase-out target in place, Denmark is well on its way to becoming a leader in green road trip travel, not just in Europe, but across the globe.

Recommended Road Trip: Møns Klint. This two-hour drive from Copenhagen can easily be done in a morning or an afternoon. It takes you south from the capital to the Cliffs of Møn, beautiful white chalk cliffs, which fall into the black and choppy waters of the Baltic Sea below.

2. Finland

One of the most scenic countries in the world, Finland is a road tripper’s paradise. Fortunately, it’s also a sustainable traveller’s paradise, too.

EVs count for almost 50% of EV and hybrid bookings in Finland according to Green Motion's latest figures, and what is perhaps most interesting is that this demand is not solely restricted to major urban areas, but also in the more remote parts of the country.

Finland also has one of the highest shares of ultra-fast chargers (over 150kWh) in Europe at 20%, while simultaneously being the third cheapest country in Europe to charge an EV, at €4.63 per 100km. 

Like its Nordic neighbours, much of Finland’s energy comes from renewable sources, making it among the lowest carbon intensity electricity grids in Europe.

Recommended Road Trip: Karigasniemi to Utsjoki. This road trip is known as one of the most beautiful in Finland, and arguably in the world. It is around 100km, and hugs the Teno River, which forms the natural border between Finland and Norway. Majestic fells and the Teno River Valley make this one of the most incredible road trips in the Nordics.

1. Norway

Leading the way as the greenest road trip destination in the world is Norway.

A staggering 96% of new car registrations between January and May 2025 were BEVs (battery electric vehicles).

In addition, despite being the sixth-largest country in Europe, over 90% of Norway’s highway network has a charging point every 50km, and has over 10,400 DC fast chargers for just 5.5 million inhabitants, which is the highest DC per capita density in Europe.

Thanks to its hydroelectric power grid, Norway’s electric energy supply is almost 100% renewable, and the ICE phase-out target is over 10 years ahead of the EU’s goal, with it already being in effect in Norway from 2025.

Recommended Road Trip: Geiranger to Trollstigen. One of Norway’s most scenic routes, this 100km route features fjord views and mountain passes, showcasing the very best of Norway, reaching a maximum elevation of 850m. This route is seasonal due to the weather and is only open from May to October/November.