Archive · 3 Oct 2026
Driving From India to Europe Is Possible, But Complex
You can drive from India to Europe, but it is a very long trip.
One route to London can be about 15,000 kilometres.
Depending on the route, you may cross many countries and borders.
A basic journey could take six weeks or more, while a tour that stops in more places could take longer.
Travellers need passports, visas and permission to drive in other countries.
They also need special paperwork to take their car across borders.
Fuel is only one cost; food, places to stay and vehicle repairs cost money too.
Border rules and conditions can change, so travellers need to check current information.
Flying is easier, but driving lets travellers experience the countries along the way.
An overland journey from India to London can cover roughly 15,000 kilometres and take six weeks or more.
Routes may pass through Central Asia and Russia, or through Pakistan, Iran and Türkiye, with onward travel across Europe.
Adventures Overland's 2027 itinerary plans to cross 20 countries in 69 days.
Travellers need to arrange visas, an International Driving Permit and a Carnet de Passages en Douane for their vehicle.
Border permissions, changing regional conditions, vehicle reliability and costs can make the trip difficult to plan.
- Who
- Travellers planning to drive from India to Europe.
- What
- A possible but complex overland journey that can cover roughly 15,000 kilometres and many countries.
- When
- A basic journey may take six weeks or more; Adventures Overland's cited 2027 itinerary is planned for 69 days.
- Where
- From India to Europe, with possible routes through Central Asia or Pakistan, Iran and Türkiye, and onward to the UK.
- Why
- Some travellers are drawn to the experience of driving through many countries and seeing the landscapes and cultures change along the way.
Reasons to fly
Reasons to drive
Convenience and time
Reasons to fly
Flying is easier and avoids weeks of driving and multiple vehicle customs checkpoints and road borders.
Reasons to drive
Driving is possible for travellers willing to manage a long, complicated journey across multiple countries.
Travel experience
Reasons to fly
Flying avoids many of the fuel, maintenance and accommodation costs associated with the road trip.
Reasons to drive
The road journey offers the experience of travelling through changing landscapes, languages, foods, road systems and currencies.
- Approximate distance to London
- Roughly 15,000 kilometres
- Basic journey duration
- About six weeks or more, depending on stops
- Adventures Overland 2027 itinerary
- 20 countries over 69 days
- Possible Central Asian route
- Nepal, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Russia, before entering Europe through Belarus
- Alternative route
- Pakistan, Iran and Türkiye, followed by onward travel through Europe
- Key travel documents
- Passport, visas for countries entered, International Driving Permit and Carnet de Passages en Douane
- Other planning needs
- Border permissions, current entry conditions, vehicle reliability, accommodation, food, tolls and maintenance