Cheapest way to travel within Europe
Traveling through Europe is an amazing adventure! It has historic cities, pretty villages, and stunning landscapes. There is something for everyone to enjoy. You can visit old castles, try tasty local food, or see famous landmarks. Europe is full of exciting things to discover. Traveling is also easy with cheap trains and scenic road trips. Pack your bags, grab a map, and get ready for a trip you’ll never forget!
What’s the cheapest way to travel Europe?
The cheapest way to travel Europe? It’s all about smart choices! Budget airlines are great for short trips. They are cheap if you pack light. For longer trips, buses like FlixBus are very affordable. Trains with an Interrail Pass can also save money and offer amazing views. In cities, walking or renting a bike is fun and cheap. Free walking tours are a must-try. They let you explore and meet people without spending much. Traveling on a budget in Europe is not only possible—it’s exciting too!
1. Hopping around Europe Cheaply with Budget Airlines
Traveling around Europe with budget airlines is a fun and cheap way to visit many places. I used several budget airlines during my trips, and each one gave me a different experience. If you’re looking for ways to make the most of these affordable flights, here are the top budget airlines I recommend.
Ryanair was my go-to airline for quick and cheap flights. It has many routes connecting major cities in Europe. I found that the flights were very affordable, especially if you book early. The seats are simple, but the airline is efficient. Ryanair flights are usually on time, and even with extra fees for luggage, it was still cheaper than traveling by train or bus. I loved that I could fly from one city to another in just a couple of hours.
EasyJet is another airline I used often. It operates in many cities across Europe, and it has a reputation for friendly service. EasyJet flies to a wide variety of destinations. I flew from London to Paris and Barcelona to Berlin. The seats are a little tight, but they’re fine for short trips. The flight attendants are always friendly, which makes the flight more enjoyable. I liked how easy and quick the process was, from check-in to boarding.
Wizz Air is a hidden gem I found while traveling in Eastern Europe. This Hungarian airline offers affordable flights to over 120 destinations. Many of these places are less common and more off the beaten path. If you’re looking for affordable flights to cities like Budapest or Bucharest, Wizz Air is a great option. The flights are simple and there aren’t many extras, but the low prices make it a great deal.
Jet2.com is great for flying within the UK and Europe. I had a few short flights with Jet2.com, and I was pleasantly surprised. The staff was friendly, and the flight was comfortable. The aircraft was clean, and the flight was on time. I also liked how they offer great deals for short trips, especially to vacation spots in Spain, Greece, and Italy. The prices are affordable, and the service is great.
Lastly, Eurowings is my favorite for flying across Germany. It connects major cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg. I also used Eurowings to visit other European destinations, and I was happy with the experience. The flights were comfortable, and the cabin crew was professional. The service was smooth, and everything was well-organized. If you’re flying in Germany or to other cities in Europe, Eurowings is a budget-friendly choice.
Overall, budget airlines are a great way to explore Europe without spending too much money. Each airline offers something different, from wide travel options to good service and low prices. If you’re up for a bit of adventure and don’t mind the simple flights, these airlines give you the chance to see Europe on a budget!
One note with budget airlines: you absolutely, 1000% get what you pay for.
This means limited legroom, ‘meh’ service and additional costs for everything (including extra bags, in-flight meals and even printing your ticket at the airport).
2. Taking Buses to Travel Europe Cheaply
Taking the bus is one of the cheapest ways to travel in Europe! Companies like FlixBus and BlaBlaBus offer affordable tickets to many cities. These buses are great for long trips, connecting places like Paris, Berlin, Rome, and Prague. The best part? Tickets are often cheaper than a meal at a restaurant!
Buses are not only cheap, but also comfy. Many buses have free Wi-Fi, charging ports, and reclining seats. You can relax and enjoy the views as you travel. If you take a night bus, you save money on a hotel and reach your next stop by morning.
To find the best prices, book your tickets early and look out for special deals. Apps and websites help you compare prices and plan your trip. Whether you’re traveling across countries or just within one, buses are a reliable and budget-friendly way to explore Europe!
3. Eurail Pass:
If you love traveling by train, the Eurail Pass is a great choice! I found it to be an excellent way to see Europe, especially if you want to visit many countries. The Eurail Pass lets you travel on trains across 33 countries in Europe. Whether you’re visiting busy cities or quiet villages, the train ride is always enjoyable.
The best part is the flexibility. You can hop on and off trains whenever you like. This gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. I really liked not having to buy separate tickets for every trip. The trains are also very comfortable, with spacious seats, nice views, and extras like Wi-Fi and food.
What makes the train experience special is the scenery. You can sit back, relax, and watch the beautiful landscape go by. From green fields to snowy mountains, it’s a peaceful way to travel. If you love slow travel with amazing views, the Eurail Pass is a great option!
4. BlaBlaCar:
If you want an affordable and unique way to travel around Europe, BlaBlaCar is a great choice! I tried it on my recent trip, and it was both fun and cheap. BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing service.
You share rides with locals, which makes it much cheaper than trains or buses. Instead of paying for an expensive train ticket, you can split the cost of a car ride with someone already going your way.
What I loved most about BlaBlaCar was the personal touch. You’re not just sitting on a crowded train or bus. You’re sharing a ride with a local who often knows a lot about the area.
The drivers are friendly, and it’s a great way to learn about the places you’re visiting. Plus, the rides are more flexible than public transport schedules. You can book a ride at the last minute, and you may even get to see scenic routes that trains or buses don’t take.
The platform is easy to use. You can filter rides by your preferences. I also liked that you can check driver reviews before booking, so you feel safe.
The rides are comfortable, with roomy cars and sometimes even fun conversations. BlaBlaCar is a fantastic way to travel, meet new people, save money, and have a more personal experience in Europe!
5. Hitchhiking:
If you’re feeling adventurous and looking for a truly unique way to travel Europe, hitchhiking might just be the experience you’re after. It’s completely free, and there’s something thrilling about the unpredictability of it all. I decided to give it a try during my travels, and it was both exciting and eye-opening.
Hitchhiking isn’t for everyone, and it definitely requires some planning. The first step is to choose a good location to start your journey.
I found that places like gas stations, rest stops, or busy road intersections are the best spots to stand. You’ll need to be patient, as it can sometimes take a while for a driver to stop. But when they do, it feels like a small victory!
One thing I quickly learned was the importance of safety. While hitchhiking is a great way to meet new people, you need to take precautions.
Always trust your instincts, and don’t hesitate to decline a ride if something feels off. I always made sure to let a friend know where I was and what my plans were, just in case. Another tip I learned the hard way: pack light. You’ll want to be able to move quickly and easily from one spot to another if needed.
The best part of hitchhiking is the incredible people you meet along the way. I was picked up by so many kind and interesting drivers who shared stories about their lives, their countries, and even gave me tips on hidden gems to visit. It’s a great way to get off the beaten path and explore areas of Europe you might not otherwise see.
However, don’t expect it to always be easy. There were moments when I was stuck on the side of the road for longer than I would have liked. But those moments made the rides I did get even more rewarding.
There’s something magical about the kindness of strangers and the freedom of traveling with no set plans.
Hitchhiking isn’t just a way to get from one place to another—it’s a journey in itself. If you’re up for the challenge and can handle a bit of uncertainty, it’s an unforgettable way to experience Europe like never before. Just remember to plan ahead, stay safe, and enjoy the ride!
6. Rental Car/Campervan:
If you want more freedom and flexibility while traveling, renting a car or campervan is a great choice. I tried it on a trip through Europe, and it made my experience so much better. Unlike trains or buses, I could go wherever I wanted, whenever I wanted.
Renting a car is perfect for exploring places that are hard to reach by public transport. I drove through quiet villages, rolling hills, and coastal roads. It was amazing to stop whenever I wanted to enjoy the view or take a picture. Having a car meant I could visit several places in one day and make the most of my time.
But the real highlight was renting a campervan. A campervan gives you both transportation and a place to stay. It’s a cost-effective way to travel and adds an exciting new layer to the trip.
You can park in beautiful spots and wake up to stunning views. No need to find a hotel. I loved cooking meals in my little kitchen while watching the sunset. When the weather was cold, I enjoyed cozying up inside with a book.
The best part? If you’re traveling with friends or family, you can share the cost. You can also split gas and insurance, making it even more affordable. This way, you get all the benefits of having your own vehicle without spending too much money.
Of course, renting a car or campervan means you have to plan for things like parking, fueling up, and following local driving laws. But the freedom and adventure make it totally worth it. Plus, it’s a fun way to bond with your travel companions and make memories together.
Renting a car or campervan is a great way to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems. If you want an unforgettable experience, I highly recommend it!
Conclusion
The cheapest way to travel within Europe is by combining budget airlines, trains, buses, and local public transport. Booking flights and trains in advance, using budget carriers like Ryanair and EasyJet, and opting for buses like FlixBus can save money. Additionally, consider regional passes, carpooling, and affordable accommodations like hostels or guesthouses. With smart planning, you can explore Europe without spending a fortune!
FAQs
Q1: Are there passes for train travel in Europe?
Yes, there are train passes that can save you money if you plan to travel extensively by train:
- Eurail Pass: This pass allows unlimited travel on most trains in Europe for a set number of days.
- Interrail Pass: For European residents, this pass offers similar benefits as the Eurail Pass.
- Regional passes: Many countries offer their own rail passes for unlimited travel within a country or region, like the Swiss Travel Pass or the BritRail Pass.
Q2: How can I save money on transportation while in Europe?
- Public Transport: Use local buses, trams, and metros within cities, as they are often the cheapest options.
- Travel off-peak: Prices for transportation and accommodation tend to be cheaper during the off-peak seasons, typically from November to March.
- Book tickets in advance: Whether it’s for a train, bus, or flight, booking early usually gives you access to cheaper prices.
- Use transportation apps: Apps like Google Maps, Rome2Rio, and Citymapper can help you find the cheapest and most efficient routes.
Q3: Can I travel around Europe by car?
Yes, renting a car can be a cost-effective option if you’re traveling in a group or plan to visit destinations that are less accessible by public transport. However, keep in mind the costs of fuel, tolls, and parking fees, especially in larger cities.
Q4: How do I find the cheapest accommodation in Europe?
To save on accommodation:
- Book in advance: Use sites like Booking.com, Airbnb, and Hostelworld to find budget options.
- Stay in hostels: Hostels are often the most affordable, especially in major cities.
- Consider couchsurfing: You can stay with locals for free through platforms like Couchsurfing.
- Look for budget hotels or guesthouses: Many affordable hotels and guesthouses offer basic amenities without the high price.