Foreign Drivers Report

The best and worst countries to drive in as a tourist

Driving in a foreign land offers unparalleled opportunities for adventure, allowing you to explore new horizons at your own pace. However, it also presents challenges, from unfamiliar roads to varying rules and the dynamics of local traffic.

So, if you’ve recently passed your driving test and are looking to hit the open road on the holiday of a lifetime, which are the best (and worst) countries for foreign drivers? In this report, Zutobi has analyzed countries worldwide, considering factors such as road safety, road quality, and the affordability of car rentals and fuel.

Join us as we uncover the top destinations for foreign drivers, where picturesque landscapes, safe roads, and a wealth of attractions await. Discover the ultimate road trip destinations and make the most of your adventure.

The best countries for foreign drivers

1. Slovenia

Slovenia, nestled in the heart of Europe, offers foreign drivers a delightful blend of natural beauty and road safety. With its stunning landscapes, including the picturesque Julian Alps and pristine lakes, Slovenia is a paradise for nature enthusiasts exploring by car. The country boasts a low congestion level of 29.90%, making road trips smooth and enjoyable. Additionally, Slovenia boasts an impressive 176 attractions per 100,000 people, offering travelers plenty to see and do along the way.

2. Portugal

Portugal, located on the Iberian Peninsula, invites foreign drivers to explore its rich history, vibrant culture, and scenic coastlines. From the iconic cliffs of the Algarve to the rolling vineyards of the Douro Valley, Portugal offers breathtaking landscapes perfect for a memorable road trip. With a manageable congestion level of 27.4%, navigating Portugal’s roads is relatively stress-free. The country also impresses with 180 attractions per 100,000 people, ensuring travelers can immerse themselves in a wealth of sights and experiences at every turn.

3. Spain

Spain, a country of rich traditions and diverse landscapes, is a dream destination for road trippers. From the sun-soaked beaches of the Costa del Sol to the rugged beauty of the Pyrenees and the vibrant streets of cities like Barcelona and Seville, Spain offers endless opportunities for adventure. With a low congestion level of 20.92%, driving through Spain is both smooth and enjoyable. Additionally, the country boasts 132 attractions per 100,000 people, providing travelers with a wide array of cultural, historical, and natural wonders to explore along the way.

The worst countries for foreign drivers

1. Colombia

Colombia, while budget-friendly in terms of car hire and fuel, presents challenges for foreign drivers. High congestion at 50% and a notable road traffic death rate of 16.2 per 100,000 people can make driving stressful. Road quality is rated at 3.27/7, and parking costs are moderate.

2. Israel

Israel stands out as one of the most challenging countries for foreign drivers, primarily due to its steep parking costs, with a 2-hour off-street parking averaging $8.79—among the most expensive globally. While congestion levels are not the worst at 31.5%, navigating the roads can still be demanding. The road traffic death rate of 4.2 per 100,000 people is relatively low, but road quality, rated at 4.99/7, leaves room for improvement. Despite these factors, it is the high parking prices that make Israel particularly tough for visitors exploring by car.

3. Slovakia

Slovakia presents a mix of challenges and opportunities for foreign drivers. While the average cost of 2-hour off-street parking is relatively affordable at $3.27, congestion levels of 30.5% can make driving in urban areas less smooth. The road traffic death rate of 6.4 per 100,000 people and road quality rated at 3.96/7 highlight areas of concern for safety and comfort. Though Slovakia offers a budget-friendly option for parking, navigating its roads can be tricky due to congestion and infrastructure limitations.

The best country for…

Congestion: Norway – 15.50%

Norway stands out as a top destination for smooth and hassle-free driving with a congestion level of just 15.50%. This means you can explore the breathtaking fjords and scenic landscapes with minimal delays, ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable journey. While major cities may have slightly higher congestion, Norway’s overall low levels make it an ideal choice for road trips.

Safety: Norway – 1.5 Road traffic death rate per 100,000 people

With a road traffic death rate of only 1.5 per 100,000 people, Norway is one of the safest countries for foreign drivers. This exceptional safety record ensures peace of mind as you navigate its picturesque routes, from winding mountain roads to serene coastal highways. Norway’s commitment to road safety allows travelers to fully immerse themselves in its natural beauty.

Road Quality: Singapore – 6.45/7

Singapore continues to set the benchmark for road infrastructure with a road quality score of 6.45 out of 7. Travelers can enjoy smooth and seamless drives, whether navigating the bustling city streets or cruising through scenic highways. This world-class road system ensures a comfortable and stress-free driving experience for all.

Car Hire Cost: Romania – $31 (Average daily car hire cost)

Romania shines as a budget-friendly destination for travelers, with an average daily car hire cost of just $31. Whether you’re exploring the medieval charm of Transylvania or the majestic landscapes of the Carpathian Mountains, affordable car rentals make your Romanian road trip an accessible and memorable adventure.

Fuel Price: Malaysia – $0.46 (Average fuel price per litre)

Malaysia remains a top choice for economical road trips with its remarkably low fuel prices, averaging just $0.46 per litre. This makes it easy for travelers to explore Malaysia’s vibrant cities, lush rainforests, and stunning coastlines without worrying about fuel expenses. Affordable fuel ensures every journey is as budget-friendly as it is unforgettable.

Parking: Malaysia – $1.28 (Average cost of 2-hr off-street parking)

Malaysia offers exceptional value for foreign drivers with an average cost of just $1.28 for two hours of off-street parking. Whether you’re visiting bustling urban centers or serene heritage towns, affordable parking options allow you to explore without financial strain, making every stop along the way more enjoyable.

Attractions: Italy – 227 Attractions per 100,000 people

Italy remains the ultimate destination for culture and adventure seekers, boasting an impressive 227 attractions per 100,000 people. From the historic wonders of Rome to the artistic treasures of Florence and the scenic beauty of the Amalfi Coast, Italy offers an unparalleled wealth of experiences that promise to captivate every traveler.

Instagrammability: United States – 565,000 posts

In today’s era of social media travel inspiration, the United States reigns supreme in terms of Instagrammability. With over 565,000 posts featuring the hashtag #USAroadtrip, it’s clear that the U.S. captures the imagination of travelers looking to share their adventures. From the grandeur of national parks to the charm of small towns, the U.S. provides ample opportunities for picture-perfect moments and memorable travel stories.

Road Trip Searches: United States – 113,800 annual searches

When it comes to planning your next road trip adventure, the United States is the most sought-after destination according to Google searches. With over 113,800 annual searches for “USA road trip,” it’s evident that travelers worldwide are drawn to the diverse landscapes, iconic routes, and endless possibilities that the U.S. has to offer. Whether you’re a seasoned road warrior or a first-time explorer, the U.S. continues to inspire road trip dreams.

The best and worst countries to drive in as a tourist

The 2023 Foreign Drivers Report

If you want to read our previous report, you can download it here.

Methodology

We looked at the 40 countries around the world for which data was available for each of the following factors. We gave each country a normalized score out of ten for each of the factors, before taking an average across all nine for our final overall score.

Congestion

An average of all the cities from each country in TomTom’s 2022 Traffic Index. This score shows how much longer a 30-minute trip would take compared to the city’s baseline uncongested conditions.

Safety

Estimated road traffic death rate per 100,000 people according to the World Health Organization’s Global Health Observatory.

Road quality

The quality of road infrastructure in the country, scored out of seven according to the World Population Review.

Car hire cost

The average cost of hiring a car for one day according to Kayak.

Fuel price

The average cost of a liter of gasoline according to GlobalPetrolPrices.com, as of October 4th, 2023.

Parking

The average cost of two hours of parking in an off-street space according to Parkopedia’s Global Parking Index.

Attractions

The number of things to do listed on Tripadvisor, calculated per 100,000 people using population data from the World Bank.

Instagrammability

The number of Instagram posts mentioning the country using the hashtag “[Country] road trip”.

Google searches

The number of global Google searches for the term “[Country] road trip” between July 2023 and June 2023 according to Google Ads Keyword Planner.