Metz to Lincoln Road Trip Guide: Epic Drive Across Europe

Driving from Metz to Lincoln is a 900 km journey that crosses three countries—France, Belgium, and the United Kingdom—using the A31, E42, A1, and M1. The route ties together the Moselle valley with the English Midlands. One historical quirk: the A31 near Metz was originally a Roman road, the Via Agrippa, linking Lyon to Trier.

This guide provides exhaustive detail on everything from UNESCO World Heritage sites to pet-friendly stops. It answers the core questions: best stops Metz to Lincoln, how long to drive Metz to Lincoln, and is it worth driving Metz to Lincoln?

The full drive takes 9–10 hours without stops, but with recommended breaks, plan for 12–14 hours. For tips on finding hidden gems, check this article: how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The primary highways are the A31 from Metz to Luxembourg, then E42/A1 through Belgium to Calais. After crossing the English Channel via Eurotunnel (35 min) or ferry, continue on M20/A2/M25/A1(M) to Lincoln.

• Tolls: French A31 (€12), Belgian E42 (free), UK motorways (free).
• Fuel: Petrol costs average €1.80/L in France, €1.70 in Belgium, £1.50 in UK.
• Estimated fuel cost for the whole trip: €150–€200 depending on vehicle.

Eurotunnel cost is around €100–€150 one way. Ferry from Calais to Dover is €80–€120 and adds 90 minutes. Booking in advance saves up to 30%.

Roads are well-maintained throughout. Speed limits: 130 km/h in France, 120 km/h in Belgium, 70 mph (113 km/h) on UK motorways. Both France and Belgium require a high-vis vest, warning triangle, and breathalyzer; UK requires none but a GB sticker if your car is not UK-registered.

Family-friendly stops include:

• Aa en Hunze indoor playground near Lille
• Eurotunnel's children's play area
• Legoland Windsor (detour near London)
• Lincoln's Whisby Nature Park

Pet-friendly stops: many service areas in France allow dogs, e.g., Aire de Reims-Champagne with a dog park. In UK, most motorway services have pet relief areas. Recommended rest zones every 2 hours: Le Perthus (A31), Aire de Valence (E42), Kent North (M20).

Hidden off-route spots:

• La Roche-en-Ardenne in Belgium (30 km detour) – scenic river town
• Strait of Dover viewpoint near Cap Blanc-Nez
• Stamford's George Hotel (historic coaching inn) on A1

Metz sits in a valley with vineyards and limestone cliffs. The landscape shifts to the rolling plains of Champagne, then the flat polders of Flanders. In England, the Chiltern Hills and the Fens lead to Lincolnshire's Wolds.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the route:

• Place Stanislas in Nancy (30 min detour)
• Notre-Dame Cathedral in Reims
• Historic Centre of Bruges (detour 20 km)
• Maritime Greenwich in London (detour)
• Lincoln Cathedral (part of the English heritage)

Local commerce stops: visit a Champagne house in Reims, pick up Belgian chocolate in Bruges, or buy Lincolnshire sausages at a farm shop near Lincoln.