You don’t need a flight, a complicated bike box, or weeks of logistics to cycle across Europe. From the UK, you can roll straight onto the EuroVelo network, a web of long-distance cycling routes that connect the continent.
Better still, three of those routes run through the UK itself. Which means you can start close to home and keep going as far as your legs (and appetite) allow.
Overview
→EuroVelo routes that include the UK: EV1, EV2, EV12
→Best overall route from the UK: EV12 – North Sea Cycle Route
→Best for city-to-city riding: EV2 – Capitals Route
→Best beginner-friendly option abroad: EV15 – Rhine Route
→Best short trip: EV4 via northern France
Many major routes can be reached within a day from the UK using ferries, trains or planes.
What is EuroVelo?
A crucial tool for cycle tourers exploring Europe, EuroVelo is a network of long-distance cycling routes spanning Europe. It’s designed to make cross-border cycling simple, safe(ish), and, most importantly, enjoyable.
The essentials
- 17 long-distance routes
- Over 90,000 km planned network
- 40+ countries connected
- Around 63,000 km currently developed
Source: European Cyclists’ Federation / EuroVelo official data
Routes combine:
- Dedicated cycle paths
- Quiet country roads
- National cycling networks
You don’t need to ride the full length. Most UK cyclists tackle sections, from long weekends to multi-week tours.
How EuroVelo routes are structured
EuroVelo routes fall into three broad types:
- North–South routes (e.g. Scandinavia to Italy)
- East–West routes (e.g. France to Eastern Europe)
- Regional loops (e.g. around the North Sea)
For UK riders, the key is understanding which routes:
- Start or pass through the UK
- Connect easily to mainland Europe
- Which EuroVelo Routes Pass Through the UK
This is your foundation; these are the routes that make UK-based touring genuinely easy.
UK-connected EuroVelo routes
- EV1 – Atlantic Coast Route → coastal, long-distance
- EV2 – Capitals Route → London to Europe connector
- EV12 – North Sea Cycle Route → UK-based loop around North Sea
These routes either start in the UK or include major UK sections.
This is what allows you to cycle from Britain into Europe without needing to “jump” onto the network artificially.
Best EuroVelo routes from the UK
Let’s break this into two parts:
- Routes that include the UK (core routes)
- Routes that are easily accessed from the UK
Part 1: Core UK routes (Start from home)
These are your most logical starting points.
EV12 – North Sea Cycle Route
Best overall UK route
If you want the simplest possible start, this is it.
EV12 loops around the North Sea and includes extensive sections along the UK’s east coast.
EV12 at a glance
Best for: UK-based touring
Start point: East coast (Hull, Newcastle, Edinburgh)
Trip length: Weekend → multi-week
Terrain: Coastal, rolling
Why it works
Starts directly in the UK
No need for immediate travel abroad
Flexibility to ride a section or the full loop
Best UK section
Yorkshire coast → Northumberland → Scotland
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Mostly flat with some coastal climbs
EV2 – Capitals Route
Best for cycling from London to Europe
This is the most natural route if your goal is simple: cycle from London to mainland Europe.
EV2 connects major capitals, including London, and provides a direct path from the UK into continental cycling networks.
EV2 at a glance
Best for: London to Europe cycling
Start point: London
Trip length: 3 days → multi-week
Terrain: Mixed (urban + rural)
Why it works
London is a key starting point
Straightforward route to the Channel
Seamless continuation into Europe
Typical UK → Europe route
London → Dover
Ferry to Calais
Continue into Belgium → Netherlands
What makes it different
More urban than EV12
Strong mix of culture, food, and landmarks
Ideal for riders who want variety, not just scenery
Difficulty – Moderate
Requires more navigation than EV15
EV1 – Atlantic Coast Route
Best for scenic UK riding
EV1 runs from Norway to Portugal and includes sections along the UK’s western coastline.
EV1 at a glance
Best for: Coastal scenery
Start point: South West England
Trip length: 3 days → long-distance
Terrain: Hilly, coastal
Why it works
Stunning coastal scenery
Connects into longer European touring routes
Less crowded than eastern routes
Best UK section
South West England (Devon, Cornwall)
Difficulty
Moderate
More climbing than EV12
Part 2: Best EuroVelo routes easily accessible from the UK
Once you’re happy to hop on a ferry or train, your options expand quickly.
EV4 – Central Europe Route
Best for short trips
This is one of the easiest ways to get a “proper Europe” cycling trip without going far.
EV4 at a glance
Best for: First EuroVelo trip
Start point: Calais
Trip length: 3–10 days
Why it works
Direct ferry access from Dover to Calais
Excellent French cycling infrastructure
Perfect for 3–7 day trips
Difficulty – Easy
Well signposted
Terrain: Flat
EV15 – Rhine Route
Best for beginners abroad
If you want stress-free cycling, EV15 delivers.
EV15 at a glance
Best for: Beginners
Start point: Rotterdam / Amsterdam
Trip length: 5–14 days
Terrain: Very flat
Why it works
Flat route following the Rhine
Outstanding infrastructure
Easy access via Rotterdam or Amsterdam
Typical route
Netherlands → Germany → Switzerland
Source: EuroVelo Data Hub (European Cyclists’ Federation)
EV6 – Atlantic to Black Sea
Best for big adventures
For those who want to go long, EV6 is one of Europe’s iconic routes.
EV6 at a glance
Best for: Long-distance touring
Start point: Northern France
Trip length: 1–8 weeks
Terrain: Mostly flat
Why it works
Follows major rivers (Loire, Danube)
Huge flexibility in distance
Easy to join from northern France
Difficulty – Moderate
Long-distance endurance required
How to get from the UK to EuroVelo routes
You’ve got three main options, and they’re all viable with a bike.
Ferry (best all-round option)
- Key routes
- Dover → Calais (EV2, EV4, EV6)
- Hull → Rotterdam (EV15)
- Newcastle → Amsterdam (EV12, EV15)
- Why choose ferry
- Bike-friendly
- Minimal restrictions
- Ideal with panniers
Train (fast, but more rules)
- Key route
- London → Paris (Eurostar)
- From Paris, you can connect to multiple EuroVelo routes.
- Note: Bike policies vary, check requirements for bags and bookings.
Fly (faster, but costly)
- Multiple route options
- Bike transport policies vary from airline to airline
- Time considerations for dismantling, packing for travel and setting up at the other end.
- A specialist bike box or bag will be required for transport.
EuroVelo in numbers
A few stats that show the scale of what’s available:
- 90,000+ km planned network
- 63,000+ km currently developed
- 17 routes across Europe
- 40+ countries connected
Source: European Cyclists’ Federation / EuroVelo
Which route should you choose?
It depends on what you want from the trip.
Beginners
EV15
EV12
Short trips
EV4
EV2 (London → France section)
Scenic riding
EV1
EV12
Big adventures
EV6
Quick decision guide
Want to start from London? → EV2
Want to stay in the UK? → EV12
Want a short European trip? → EV4
Want easy cycling abroad? → EV15
Want a long journey? → EV6
Practical tips for UK cyclists
Navigation
Signage varies across Europe.
You’ll find a strong, clear network in France, Netherlands & Germany.
Be prepared for less consistency elsewhere.
You could use GPX routes or apps for assistance.
Costs
Typical daily spend
- Budget: £40–£70
- Mid-range: £70–£120
Documents
- GHIC card recommended
- Cycling travel insurance essential
- No visa needed for short EU trips
Bike choice
You don’t need a specialist setup.
- Hybrid / touring bikes = ideal
- Road bikes = fine on developed routes but could be limited.
- E-bikes = allow travelling further but have charging considerations.
FAQs
Can you cycle from London to Europe?
Yes. EV2 provides a direct route from London to Dover, where you can take a ferry and continue cycling into mainland Europe.
What are the EuroVelo routes in the UK?
EV1, EV2, and EV12 all include sections within the UK.
What is the easiest EuroVelo route?
EV15 (Rhine Route) is widely considered the easiest due to flat terrain and excellent infrastructure.
Do you need a special bike?
No, any reliable bike suitable for long-distance riding will work.
Final Thoughts
For UK cyclists, EuroVelo removes the biggest barrier to European touring: access.
You can: Start from London – Ride to the coast – Cross the Channel – Keep going
No flights. No complicated logistics. Just a continuous route across a continent.
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Sources
Data sourced from EuroVelo (European Cyclists’ Federation) and official route documentation.
https://www.walkwheelcycletrust.org.uk/
Source: Veloplanner / EuroVelo guidance
This blog has been created as general information and should not be taken as advice. Make sure you have the correct level of insurance for your requirements and always review policy documentation.
