Introduction
The A2 motorway from Ljubljana to the Karawanks Tunnel marks the start of a 1,350 km journey where you cross six countries and two channel crossings. Unlike many European road trips, this route demands a ferry or Eurotunnel at the end. Your car will travel under the English Channel while you remain inside—a quirk of the LeShuttle service. The entire drive, including stops, takes roughly 15 hours of pure driving time. This guide covers how long to drive Ljubljana to London, best stops Ljubljana to London, and a Ljubljana to London itinerary 3 days.
Route Logistics
| Total distance | ~1,350 km (840 miles) |
| Driving time (non-stop) | ~14–15 hours |
| Suggested duration | 3 days |
| Tolls | Austria, Germany, France, UK (vignettes or pay-per-use) |
| Channel crossing | Eurotunnel LeShuttle (35 min) or ferry (90 min) |
Leave Ljubljana via A2/E61 north, cross into Austria through the Karawanks Tunnel (toll ~€8). Continue on A10/A1 past Salzburg, then A8/E52 to Munich. From Munich, take A9 to Nuremberg, then A3 to Frankfurt. From Frankfurt, use A3/A5 to Cologne, then A4/A44 to Belgium. In Belgium, follow E40 to Brussels and then E17 to Calais. After crossing, take M20/A20 to London.
For tips on planning breaks, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.
3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Ljubljana to Nuremberg (500 km, 5 hours driving)
Leave at 8am. Drive A2/E61 to Austria. Stop at Lake Bled (15 min detour) for a photo. Continue to Salzburg for lunch at St. Peter Stiftskeller (oldest restaurant in Europe). Arrive Nuremberg by 5pm. Walk the old town and have dinner at Bratwursthäusle.
Day 2: Nuremberg to Cologne (400 km, 3.5 hours driving)
Visit the Documentation Center before 10am. Drive A3 to Frankfurt. Skip Frankfurt and stop at Mainz for 1 hour. Continue to Cologne. Arrive by 4pm. See the Dom and enjoy a Kölsch. Sleep near the train station.
Day 3: Cologne to London (450 km + crossing, 5 hours driving)
Leave at 7am. Drive A4/A44 to Belgium. Fuel up near Brussels (cheaper than France). Drive E17 to Calais. Aim for a midday crossing (12-2pm). After crossing, drive M20/A20 to London. Arrive by 5pm. Total time with stops: ~10 hours including crossing.
Best Stops Between Ljubljana and London
Salzburg, Austria (3.5 hours from Ljubljana): Park at Altstadt garage and walk to Getreidegasse. Try a Mozartkugel at Café Fürst.
Nuremberg, Germany (2.5 hours from Salzburg): The Nazi party rally grounds are a sobering stop. Free entry to the Documentation Center.
Frankfurt, Germany (3 hours from Nuremberg): Skip the city center; instead, stop at Mainz for the Gutenberg Museum. Parking €2/hour.
Cologne, Germany (2 hours from Frankfurt): The Dom is steps from the A3. Try a Kölsch at Brauhaus Sion.
Brussels, Belgium (2.5 hours from Cologne): Grand Place is a 5-minute walk from Parking 58. Buy a waffle from a street vendor.
Calais, France (3 hours from Brussels): Arrive at least 1 hour before crossing. Duty-free at Cité Europe.
Continue Your Adventure
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth driving Ljubljana to London?
Yes, if you enjoy road trips and want to see multiple countries. The drive offers diverse scenery from the Alps to the Channel coast. It's also cheaper than flying for a family of 4+.
How long to drive Ljubljana to London?
Non-stop driving takes about 14-15 hours, but with stops and the channel crossing, plan for 2-3 days.
What are the best stops Ljubljana to London?
Top stops include Salzburg, Nuremberg, Cologne, and Brussels. For nature, Lake Bled and the Moselle Valley are good detours.
What is the best 3-day itinerary Ljubljana to London?
Day 1: Ljubljana to Nuremberg (5h drive). Day 2: Nuremberg to Cologne (3.5h). Day 3: Cologne to London via Calais (5h + crossing).
What are things to do between Ljubljana and London?
Visit Salzburg's Old Town, Nuremberg's Nazi rally grounds, Cologne Cathedral, Brussels' Grand Place, and the Channel Tunnel itself.
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