Tour logistics: getting the band and the gear there
Half of a tour is the music – the other half is getting the band and the gear there on time and in one piece. Where you start shapes the route: a mainland band may simply drive out, while a band from the Nordics, the British Isles or another island often crosses water first. The route comes down to three options: road, sea and air, and the right choice depends on distance, how much gear, and budget.
This page is a map: it walks through the three routes, says when each makes sense, and links to the in-depth guide for each. The paperwork side (A1, visas, carnet) is handled separately in the touring paperwork guide.
Three routes to the gig
- Road → van and trailer. The most common way in Europe when there is a lot of gear. On the continent you meet tolls and vignettes and cities' low-emission zones (LEZ).
- Sea → ferry. For bands from the Nordics, the British Isles or other islands, a tour usually starts by ferry. The key thing is to book the van and trailer in the right height class early.
- Air → flights. For far destinations or a tight schedule you fly and rent the gear at the destination. The flying with instruments guide covers cabin-baggage rules and battery limits.
Which route, where?
A rough rule of thumb for a band crossing into mainland Europe – the destinations below are framed from a northern starting point; a band already on the continent skips the ferry leg. The final choice depends on how much gear you carry and how many shows fit the route.
| Destination | Typical route | What to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Nordics and the Baltics | Van + trailer (partly by ferry) | Ferry height class, driving and rest times |
| Central Europe (Germany, Benelux, Poland) | Van via ferry | Tolls and vignettes, low-emission zones (LEZ) |
| Southern Europe, long trip | Van or flights + rented gear | Tolls in several countries, driving-time rules; by air, light gear only |
| Far destinations (UK, US) | Flights, gear rented or freighted | Cabin baggage, lithium batteries, customs for gear (carnet) |
Road: tolls and low-emission zones
Driving a van, two things catch out a first-time tourer: road charges and emission limits. Countries charge for the road in different ways – some require a vignette (a sticker bought in advance), some charge by distance. On top of that, many cities restrict access to the centre with low-emission zones that need a sticker or registration in advance. Work out the countries and cities on your route before leaving – a fine or a ban stops the show day.
Sea and air
A ferry is practically a mandatory first leg if you start from the Nordics, the British Isles or another island and need to reach the continent. Book the van and trailer in the right height class, choose a freight or passenger ferry as needed, and remember that on a long crossing a cabin is rest – see ferries when touring.
Flights win when the trip is long or time is tight. Small instruments travel in the cabin, but heavy backline is better rented at the destination. Check the airline's instrument and cabin-baggage rules and lithium-battery limits in advance – see flying with instruments.
Summary
Tour logistics splits into three routes: road (van, tolls, low-emission zones), sea (ferries) and air (flights). For nearby Europe you drive a van – adding a ferry crossing if you start from an island or the Nordics; for far destinations you fly and rent the gear. Work out the countries on your route in advance and budget logistics in – it is one of the biggest costs of a tour.
In KIERTUE you can attach travel, ferry and flight bookings and routing details directly to a show, so the whole band sees the same plan.
Frequently asked questions
Should a band drive a van or fly?
For nearby Europe a van and trailer is usually cheapest when there is a lot of gear. For far destinations or tight schedules, flights plus rented gear win. Budget both and compare.
What should a band watch on the way to a European tour?
If you start from an island or the Nordics, the tour often begins with a ferry, so book the van in the right height class early. On the continent come tolls, vignettes and low-emission zones – work out the countries on your route in advance.
Can gear be carried by air?
Small instruments yes, but heavy backline is better rented at the destination. Cabin-baggage rules and lithium-battery limits decide what you can bring.
What makes up the logistics costs?
Fuel or flights, ferries, tolls and vignettes, parking, and any gear rental and freight. Logistics is one of the biggest costs of a tour, so it belongs in the budget from the start.