It can be costly to travel around Europe. Travelling around Europe can be expensive.
There are many ways to travel around Europe on a tight budget. One option is to use the sharing economy, which includes discounted train passes, new bus options, and many low-cost airlines.
Since 2006, I have been travelling Europe and have seen many changes. Although COVID may have impacted the way things are done, there’s no doubt that Europe has never been more accessible. There are many cheap ways to explore Europe.
1. Travel by Bus
Intercity buses are one of the most affordable ways to travel around the continent. Eurolines, a German bus company, and FlixBus are the two main international bus companies. FlixBus expanded significantly after it acquired Megabus to have routes throughout the continent.
Flixbus offers the lowest prices, starting at just 5 EUR. The buses are equipped with Wi-Fi and electrical outlets. They also provide free luggage (one bag to be carried and another one that can be stored underneath the bus) and comfortable seats. Megabus is still running in the UK.
FlixBus became my preferred way to travel across Europe without taking the train. The cheapest way to travel around is by no means fancy, but it’s a great option. You can plan your trip using this map!
Many other bus companies in different regions can take you to your destination. It is also the largest bus company in Spain and neighbouring countries.
BusBud allows you to compare routes and prices on the continent.
2. Budget Airline Travel
Budget airlines are by far the most affordable way to travel across Europe. Budget airlines are very popular on the continent, and their competition has resulted in incredibly low fares. There are flights as low as 15 EUR. Skyscanner is my go-to site for finding the best prices. They do the work for you!
Budget airlines earn most of their revenue through fees. Many budget airlines are strict with baggage limits and will penalize you if your boarding card is not printed. You shouldn’t expect to get any free drinks or meals. If you know the rules, you can save money.
Here is a guide on how to find cheap flights.
3. Eurail Pass or Train Travel
I enjoy travelling by train. It’s relaxing to read a book and watch the scenery. It is more comfortable than travelling by bus and less stressful than flying. The European rail network is among the best in the world.
Trains are the best option for city-to-city trips. They offer great value and comfort. Trains can be very expensive for longer trips (overnight, inter-country, or high-speed lines, such as Paris to Bordeaux, Berlin to Munich, etc.).
A rail pass will save you money if you want to travel in Europe without flying. You will save a lot of money per trip compared to buying these tickets individually.
Will a Eurail pass work for you? This is a detailed breakdown of Eurail Passes and how they can be used to save you money.
Trainline is a great option if you’re looking to travel by rail but do not want to purchase a Eurail Pass. It’s super easy to compare prices and buy train tickets in Europe. They are great. I use them each time I go to Europe. Buy your tickets early! If you book your train tickets at least a week in advance, you can save up to 30%. Weekends and peak travel times are more expensive.
A high-speed train takes less than four hours to travel from Berlin to Munich. Bordeaux to Paris costs between 60 and 110 USD, while Madrid to Barcelona costs between 30 and 95 USD. The Eurostar ticket from London to Paris starts at USD 60 and can go up to USD 300 in second class!
Book early to get the best deals!
Non-high-speed train tickets are also cheaper than those for faster trains. If you have time, take the slower trains. The cost of a short distance (1-2 hours), compared to a longer journey (3-5 hours), is around $15-30 USD. The price of trains varies a lot depending on the distance. However, in general, the slower, shorter journeys are about 40-50% cheaper than the high-speed train.
4. BlaBlaCar: Travel with BlaBlaCar
BlaBlaCar, the king of the sharing economy, allows people to take a ride from a local going their way. This service is very popular in Europe, and I have used it many times. You can ride with other people if they have space in their vehicle. You find someone to ride with, they accept, and you’re off. The driver sets the price to cover the cost of fuel and wear and tear on the car.
It’s the best way to travel around Europe. You can meet a local and have a conversation with them, save money, reach your destination faster, and get to know a native. This service is available in over 20 European countries.
BlaBlaCar is usually faster and more exciting than the bus, even if it’s not cheaper (FlixBus may be very affordable).
5. Rent a car or campervan
Renting a campervan or car might be worth it if you are travelling in a small area of Europe or a country and want flexibility. This is especially true if you split the cost with another person. You can rent a car for as low as 25 EUR a day. However, gas is costly.
Discover Cars offers the best rental car deals in Europe.
In countries such as Iceland, Scotland, and Norway, campervans are very popular because they offer many hiking and camping options. Campervans can be found for 60 EUR per day—a great price when shared with a partner, considering that they include accommodations! You can find cheap and free overnight parking in Europe using the “park4night app.”
You will find that many countries in Europe demand foreign drivers to possess an International Driving Permit. You can purchase one before you arrive in your home country for about 20 EUR. It’s basically a translation of your driver’s license. Keep in mind, too, that the cost of renting a standard transmission versus an automatic transmission is usually around two times as high.
6. Hitchhiking is a great way to travel.
It’s quite common to hitchhike — and it is safer than you might think. I’ve seen a lot of people who did it successfully. I have done this in Bulgaria and Iceland with no problems.
Always remember to keep your head on when you’re hitchhiking. Use common sense and trust your instincts. Always keep your valuables with you in case your bag is left in the car. Never hesitate to text someone your license plate if you have forgotten it. Make sure you have a good-looking sign with your destination written on it. This will make it easier for you to find a driver.
Hitchwiki has tips that will help you to have a safe and fun experience.
What is the BEST and Cheapest Way to Travel to Europe?
What is the best way to explore Europe? Combine your modes of transport.
You can see that there are many ways to travel around Europe on a tight budget. The best thing to do is mix up your transport depending on how far you’re going and how long. BlaBlaCar and trains are my favourites for short trips. For trips of medium length (e.g. For a half-day trip, I will take the bus, BlaBlaCar or train. Flying or taking a high-speed rail or overnight bus is my choice for long distances.
Many travellers believe that it is either all or nothing. It’s like one way is better than another. This is not true. It’s not true. You have a lot of options, and you must know which one to choose.
If you have extra time, take the cheaper, slower routes. I love to do this on the train.
Fly if you can afford it and go by train if your trip is shorter.
Use a website such as Rome2Rio or Omio if you don’t care about how you travel and just want to find the cheapest deal. Yo,u need to enter your destination, and the sites will combine the best ways to travel around the continent at the lowest cost. The sites wie buses, trains, and planes in order to create the fastest trip at the lowest cost.