Re: Advice on Driving to in and around
 

Can anyone for definite tell me whether I need to purchase a vignette or use a Liber-t device if travelling the Calais to Lille route through France on our way to Hungary through Belgium, on to Germany.

Researching my route I do use the A1 which shows as a toll road but named as the Lille to Paris route.

If any one who travels my anticipated route could advise me, I would be very grateful.

Thanks.

Dave.

Re: Advice on Driving to in and around
 

I have never used one on that route. Just Austria and Hungary you need vignettes...and some parts of Germany so I understand.

Re: Advice on Driving to in and around
 

No, on that route there are no tolls or vignette needed until you enter Austria. I try to minimise the driving in France to avoid tolls but I think it is the best bet distance wise anyway to head straight for Belgium. The A1 looks to be a north/south road so I don't know why you would be on that unless it is just for a short distance. I go Lille > Mamur.

Re: Advice on Driving to in and around
 

We always do route from Calais to Bruges then down to Brussels. There is no toll on this route.

Re: Advice on Driving to in and around
 

Ditto

Re: Advice on Driving to in and around
 

my sat-nav takes me thro.belguim,germany and Austria,vignette and tolls after than I don't bother with anything

Re: Advice on Driving to in and around
 

If you use the via michelin website it includes the cost of toll roads so you can compare time/distance saved versus cost. http://www.viamichelin.co.uk/

Personally I now always drive straight to Bruges etc rather than through France as, for a motorway the road condition (potholes etc) was pretty bad so ended up going quite a bit a slower than I'd want.

Re: Advice on Driving to in and around
 

All info appreciated. I seem to remember from previous posts traffic congestion avoided in Belgium if "Lille route taken. That's the reason I included Lille as a "via" option in the AA Route Planner from UK to Hungary.

Re: Advice on Driving to in and around
 

When are you driving? I plan to be around Brussels before 6 am on Tuesday then stopping of near Regensburg for the night will let you know how this works out. I'm towing so speed will be a bit slow.

Re: Advice on Driving to in and around
 

may be setting off from leeds late tuesday or early wednesday )2000hrs down to dover for ferry. not decided yet. But will look out for your post.

Thanks.

Re: Advice on Driving to in and around
 

If you can make it as far as the German / Austrian border, I recommend http://www.schaerdinger-hof.at/

Schärding is a very beautiful town & this hotel is great value, central & very friendly - fantastic breakfast. In our experience, no need to book as long as you arrive before 19.00.

Re: Advice on Driving to in and around
 

Brussels does suffer some congestion at certain times of the day, but nothing compared to the average UK rush hour, it just seems bad because the rest of the route is usually so free flowing.

Re: Advice on Driving to in and around
 

hi dave we are on the lille mons route from Dunkerque stayed at campsite in Maubeuge there were no tolls nice road although didnt save much time wise over the last trip past Brussels mid morning.
there are no tolls or vignettes in Germany just straight down the A3 to Austria where you will have the 13 euros for the Austrian vignette then the e-vignette for Hungary if you have forints pay at the border for Hungary which is 2975ft if you buy at fuel station in Euros its 14Euros.

be careful if you want to go into German cities to a hotel, stuttgart or Frankfurt for example as they have umwelt zones and you will be fined if you dont have the sticker, also fuel up at night in Germany as its slightly dearer durring the day

Re: Advice on Driving to in and around
 

As I've mentioned before, it is worthwhile going via Luxembourg as the fuel is cheaper there.

Re: Advice on Driving to in and around
 

Lots of info and advice.

Thanks everyone, will do a bit more map reading ,see about accomm. on way and hopefully have a trouble free journey to Hungary.