Van or a Motorhome: What is the right choice in 2025?

Travelling in a Motorhome or Campervan is becoming increasingly popular among holidaymakers. Offering freedom to move around wherever you like, comfort and economy, these ‘homes on wheels’ are ideal for a spontaneous weekend getaway or a long holiday spent travelling across Europe. Before you get started: do you know the difference between these two vehicles? What exactly are the regulations applicable in Luxembourg? Follow this comprehensive guide to choose the vehicle that’s right for you.

Van or Motorhome: two ways to travel

The camper van is attracting an increasing number of young couples, weekenders and road trippers. It drives like a conventional car, offering few constraints in terms of use. Its compact size (often less than 2.10 m high and 5 to 5.4 m long) means it can go anywhere and park in standard spaces. Discreet, even in city centres, it offers all the essential amenities: a bed, a small kitchen, storage space and in some cases a shower.

Its purchase price and running costs (maintenance, fuel consumption, tolls) are generally lower than those of a motorhome.

A true home on wheels, the motorhome meets other expectations. It offers greater autonomy, often with larger water tanks, powerful batteries and plenty of storage space. It features a fully equipped kitchen, a separate bathroom, several beds (perfect for a family) and plenty of storage space. There are several different types: semi-integrated, coachbuilt (large family models) and A-class (high comfort).

Slightly bulkier than a van, it is more difficult to manoeuvre or park in the city and is subject to more regulatory controls. The choice depends on your style of travel (urban or countryside/mountains), the length of your stays, the number of travellers and your budget.

What criteria should you apply when choosing your vehicle?

Before making any decisions, you need to ask yourself the right questions:

• How many people will be travelling? Couples or solo travellers will find it easier to choose the flexibility of a van. A family will likely opt for the space of a motorhome to take out the stress out of travelling with the kids.
• Where will you be sleeping most of the time? Car parks, in the countryside, on campsites (here is the map of all the campervan campsites in Luxembourg): parking rules differ.
• What level of comfort do you expect? If you want to be able to stand up, enjoy the use of a bathroom and a proper kitchen, a motorhome is more suitable.
• Your budget: purchase price, maintenance, insurance, etc. Vans are generally more affordable than motorhomes.
• Where will you be travelling? In the city, vans are more suitable. For long distances, the comfort of a motorhome really comes into its own.

For weekend adventurers, a converted van is sufficient. If you are going away for a long time, with your family or with a lot of equipment, a motorhome is your best bet for comfort.

The six Luxembourg regulations applicable in 2025

1. Driving licence in Luxembourg

With a B licence (light vehicle), you can drive any van or motorhome with a maximum authorised laden weight (MALW) of 3.5 tonnes. A C1 licence is required for any converted vehicle exceeding 3.5 tonnes (up to 7.5 tonnes). Unlike France, where a number of extensions are planned for 2025, Luxembourg has not yet adopted the 4.25-tonne tolerance for B licence holders.

Foreign drivers must keep their licence valid and it must correspond to the vehicle they are driving.

2. Parking and wild camping

Parking a van or motorhome is legally permitted in authorised areas and on public roads, but never in ‘wild camping’ mode (tables, chairs, awnings, spending the night outside a designated area, etc.).

Please note that some municipalities in Luxembourg, particularly the City of Luxembourg, may prohibit the parking of vans/motorhomes in certain residential areas (regulatory signs or markings on the ground). It is necessary to  respect local signage. It is strictly forbidden to spend the night outside of authorised areas and campsites (penalties range from fines to impoundment!.

3. Approval, inspection and safety

A van or motorhome must be listed under the correct designation on the vehicle registration document (e.g. ‘VASP’ for a converted vehicle). For any conversion of a vehicle into a living space, approval must be obtained from the SNCA (Société nationale de circulation automobile) authorities.

Technical inspections are mandatory every two years for vehicles over four years old (as with a car). Police give safety advice for motorhomes and caravans to ensure safe arrival.

Good to know: In addition to providing advice, the police organize preventive checks to have your vehicle weighed before leaving on vacation. The goal of these free checks is to prevent the risk of accidents related to overloading the vehicle.

4. Specific insurance: the key to peace of mind

The vehicle must be insured, covering at least third-party liability, including all leisure equipment and fittings (kitchen, solar panels, storage). Check that your policy covers the actual value of the converted vehicle, damage to third parties and the risk of theft/damage to the interior and exterior. Remember to also insure your personal belongings (luggage, sports equipment, etc.).

5. Environment and access

Luxembourg does not enforce traffic restrictions such as low-emission zones (LEZ) or Crit’Air stickers in 2025. Older vehicles are still allowed everywhere, however, changes are expected in the not to distant future.

6. Speed limits and driving

Before travelling to any municipality or abroad, check the local regulations.

• In towns: 50 km/h (watch out for 30 km/h zones).
• Outside built-up areas: 90 km/h.
• Motorway: 130 km/h, to be confirmed depending on tonnage.

Choosing between a van and a motorhome depends on how you want to travel. A compact van for spontaneity or a spacious motorhome for family comfort, each option has its advantages depending on your needs. Careful preparation will allow you to fully enjoy your adventure on the roads of Luxembourg and Europe!