European route E40, International transport route from Calais, France to Ridder, Kazakhstan.
European route E40 is an international highway that stretches from Calais in France to Ridder in Kazakhstan, covering over 8000 kilometers. The road passes through multiple countries and links major cities and important transport hubs along its course.
After World War Two, the United Nations developed this route to support international connectivity and economic recovery. Parts of the road follow ancient trade routes, linking historical commerce paths with modern transport needs.
The route links France, Germany, and Poland with Kazakhstan, creating a modern transport corridor between Western Europe and Central Asia. Along the way, travelers pass through diverse regions, from French coastal areas to the steppes of Central Asia.
Fuel stations, rest areas, and accommodation facilities are regularly available along the E40 in European sections, with clearly standardized signage throughout. Conditions and facilities vary in the Asian portions of the route, so travelers should prepare accordingly for these differences.
Driving the entire route takes approximately 54 days non-stop, making it the longest European designated road in the international network. This extraordinary length shows the scale of the modern infrastructure connecting Europe to Central Asia.
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