Drive-in cinema screen at dusk

Drive-In Cinemas
in Europe

Europe's drive-in tradition started in Rome in 1957 and spread to Germany, Spain, and beyond. Today, permanent venues and seasonal pop-ups operate across the continent.

Directory of 30 drive-in cinemas across 8 countries, with maps, directions, and visiting information.

Find Drive-Ins Browse by Country
30
Drive-In Cinemas
8
Countries
1957
Since

Browse by Country

Find drive-in cinemas by country

10
Germany
8
Spain
6
United Kingdom
2
France
1
Netherlands
1
Switzerland
1
Austria
1
Italy
View All 8 Countries
The Drive-In Experience

Outdoor Cinema From Your Car

Drive-in cinemas project films onto large outdoor screens. Visitors watch from their cars, with audio broadcast over FM radio or through window-mounted speakers.

Open-Air Screening

Films play on screens up to 20 meters wide, visible after sunset. Most European drive-ins operate from April through October, with screenings starting at dusk. In Germany, where the Autokino format is established, some venues operate year-round.

FM Radio Audio

Audio is broadcast on an FM frequency displayed at the entrance. Tune your car stereo to hear the film through your own speakers. Some Swiss venues broadcast in two languages simultaneously on separate frequencies. A portable FM radio works as backup and saves your car battery.

Flexible Format

Drive-ins accommodate families with children, groups, and couples without the constraints of assigned seating. Kids can move around, conversations stay inside your car, and pets are welcome at many venues. Some sites allow lawn chairs and blankets beside the vehicle.

Pricing

Admission at European drive-ins ranges from free (touring Italian events) to around 15 EUR per person at German Autokinos. Some venues charge per car rather than per person. Spanish autocines typically run 6-8 EUR per person, often including a double feature.

Food and Drinks

Most permanent drive-ins have a concession stand or partner with food trucks. German Autokinos typically offer burgers, pizza, and snacks at a kiosk. Spanish autocines often include a snack bar. Concession revenue keeps venues operating, so buying on-site supports the business directly.

European History

The Metro Drive In near Rome opened in 1957 as Europe's first. Germany followed in 1960 with the Autokino Gravenbruch near Frankfurt. The format peaked in Germany in the early 1970s with 23 Autokinos. COVID-19 restrictions in 2020 triggered a revival, with temporary venues opening across the continent.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Practical information for visiting drive-in cinemas in Europe.

How does audio work at European drive-ins? ▼
Most European drive-ins broadcast audio over FM radio. The frequency is posted at the entrance or on a sign near the screen. Tune your car stereo to that frequency. A few older venues still use window-mounted speakers. In Switzerland, some venues broadcast the same film on two FM frequencies, one for the original language and one for a dubbed version. Bring a portable FM radio to avoid draining your car battery, or start your engine periodically to recharge.
When are European drive-ins open? ▼
Most operate seasonally from April or May through September or October. Screenings start at dusk, which means 9:30 PM or later in northern Europe during summer. A few German Autokinos and some Spanish autocines operate year-round. Check the venue's website or social media for the current schedule, as hours vary by season and weather.
What should I bring? ▼
Bring a portable FM radio (saves your car battery), warm layers (evenings cool down quickly in northern and alpine regions), and blankets. At venues that allow it, lawn chairs or blankets outside the car add flexibility. Arrive early to choose a good parking spot, especially on weekends and during popular screenings.
How much does it cost? ▼
Prices vary by country. German Autokinos charge 9-15 EUR per person. Spanish autocines run 6-8 EUR per person, often for a double feature. Some venues charge per car rather than per person. Touring drive-in events in Italy are typically free. Swiss venues reflect local price levels and cost more than neighboring countries. Tickets are increasingly sold online in advance.
Are drive-ins a recent phenomenon in Europe? ▼
No. Europe's first drive-in opened near Rome in 1957, and Germany's first Autokino opened in 1960 near Frankfurt. Germany reached a peak of 23 Autokinos in the early 1970s. The format declined through the 1980s and 1990s as land values rose and multiplex cinemas expanded. COVID-19 restrictions in 2020 triggered a sharp revival, with over 200 temporary venues opening in Germany alone. Many closed after restrictions lifted, but several new permanent operations survived.
Which country has the most drive-ins? ▼
Germany has the most permanent drive-in cinemas in Europe. The Autokino format is well-established, with venues operating in multiple cities. Spain follows, with autocines concentrated in the Valencia region and around Madrid. The UK has touring operations that set up in different locations.
What about weather and rain? ▼
Light rain usually does not cancel screenings since viewers are in their cars. Heavy rain or storms may lead to cancellation depending on venue policy. Most venues post weather-related updates on their website or social media on the day of the screening. German and Dutch drive-ins routinely screen through light rain. Southern European venues face fewer weather issues during their summer season.

About The Drive-In Club

The Drive-In Club is a directory of drive-in cinemas across Europe. Each listing includes location, current operating status, and practical visiting information where available.

The European drive-in landscape is smaller and more scattered than in the United States, where approximately 300 venues operate. In Europe, permanent drive-in cinemas number in the dozens, concentrated in Germany, Spain, and a handful of other countries. The format varies: German Autokinos are established businesses, Spanish autocines are often family-run, and British drive-ins tend to operate as touring events.

Country guides provide historical context and specific venue information. The interactive map shows all listed venues with color-coded status markers. Have a correction or know of a venue not listed? Contact us.

Find a Drive-In Cinema

Explore drive-in cinemas across 8 European countries on our interactive map.

Browse the Map