How to Travel Around Europe Cheap (Updated 2023)

Dreaming of a European adventure but worried about the cost? This guide will show you how to travel around Europe cheap without sacrificing the experience.

Traveling around Europe can be a dream come true, but it can also be expensive. However, with some careful planning and budgeting, you can still have an amazing experience without breaking the bank.

In this article, we will be discussing some tips on how to travel around Europe cheaply while still enjoying all the sights, fun, and experiences the continent has to offer.

Why Traveling Around Europe Can Be Expensive?

Traveling around Europe can become a dream come true for many people, but it’s important to be aware of the potential expenses that come with this adventure as it can make or mar your journey. Here are some reasons why traveling to Europe can be expensive:

First, the cost of accommodation in Europe can be quite exorbitant, most especially in popular cities like Paris, London, and Rome. And these expenses can quickly add up without you paying much attention, especially if you plan to stay for an extended period.

However, there are some ways you can implore to cut back on expenses and save money on accommodation, such as staying in hostels or renting apartments through websites like Airbnb.

Second, another significant expense in Europe is transportation, especially if your plan is to travel between different countries or regions within or outside of Europe. Flights, trains, and bus fees can all add up quickly for you, most particularly during the peak tourist seasons.

However, just like with accommodation, there are ways to save money on transportation, such as booking in advance or using airlines on a budget.

Third, eating out in Europe can be pretty expensive, most particularly in areas that tourists frequent. The cost of food and drink tends to be significantly higher than what you may be used to having at home. To solve the problem, you can decide to eat in food stalls close to your hotel.

Fourth, the rate involved in the exchange of currency can also impact the cost of your trip to Europe. If the exchange rate is unfavorable, you may end up spending more money than you had earlier anticipated. It’s important to keep an eye on exchange rates and plan accordingly before embarking on your trip.

Many of Europe’s top tourist attractions sites charge admission fees, which can add up quickly if you had plans to visit multiple attractions. There are ways to save money on attractions, such as purchasing city passes or visiting free attractions sites.

Overall, while Europe is a wonderful place to visit and enjoy yourself, it’s important to carefully budget and plan to ensure that you can make the most of your trip without ever needing to break the bank.

Knowing how to travel Europe cheaply is a skill that everyone should learn because it definitely will come in handy when you need it the most.

If you want to travel around Europe without spending too much money, taking intercity buses is a great option. Two of the main international bus companies are Eurolines and FlixBus. 

FlixBus is usually the cheapest option, with prices starting as low as 5 EUR. They have routes all around the continent, so you can easily get from one place to another without breaking the bank.

How to Travel Around Europe Cheap

Here are some cheaper means of traveling around Europe:

1. Taking a Bus

Buses are an incredibly cost-effective mode of transportation in Europe, particularly for long-distance travel between cities and countries.

FlixBus, Megabus, and Eurolines are just a few of the bus companies that operate in Europe, providing competitive prices and routes to numerous popular destinations.

Furthermore, taking a bus can be an excellent way to explore the countryside and smaller towns en route, which may not be possible if you’re traveling by plane or train.

Not only are buses a budget-friendly option, but they also offer a unique perspective on the journey.

As you travel through the picturesque countryside, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the beauty of Europe’s hidden gems.

Additionally, buses provide a comfortable and convenient way to travel, with many companies offering amenities such as Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and reclining seats.

In addition to the bus companies I mentioned earlier, there are also other bus companies that offer affordable travel options in Europe. Some examples include:

• National Express: This is a UK-based bus company that offers affordable travel between cities in the UK and Europe.
  
• PolskiBus: This is a bus company that operates in Poland and offers affordable travel options between cities in Poland and neighboring countries.
  
• Ouibus: This is a bus company that operates in France and offers affordable travel options between cities in France and neighboring countries.
  
• Student Agency: This is a Czech-based bus company that offers affordable travel options between cities in Europe.

When taking a bus, it’s important to check the duration of the journey and the amenities provided on board.

Some buses have Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and comfortable seats, while others may not. You should also check the bus schedule in advance and book your tickets early to get the best prices.

Overall, taking a bus can be a great way to save money on transportation in Europe, and it can also be a fun and unique way to see the continent.

2. Taking a Train

Hey there, if you’re planning on doing some serious train travel in Europe, you should definitely consider getting a Eurail or Interrail pass. These passes give you unlimited train travel within certain countries or throughout Europe for a set period of time.

There are two types of passes available: the Eurail Pass and the Interrail Pass. The Eurail Pass is for non-European residents and lets you travel across multiple European countries for a set period of time.

The price depends on how many countries you want to visit and how long you’ll be traveling. The Interrail Pass is for European residents and lets you travel within certain countries or throughout Europe for a set period of time.

Both passes are super flexible and convenient, and they can save you a ton of money on transportation costs while you’re traveling around Europe. Plus, train travel in Europe is generally pretty comfy and offers some amazing views of the countryside and cities along the way.

But here’s the deal: not all trains in Europe are covered by these passes, and some high-speed trains require seat reservations or additional fees. So make sure you plan your itinerary carefully and consider the cost and time of each train journey. Some routes may be more expensive or take longer than others.

Overall, using a train pass is a great way to see multiple countries and cities in Europe while staying on a budget. So go ahead and get your pass, hop on a train, and enjoy the ride.

3. Consider Ride Sharing

If you want to travel around Europe cheaply,you might want to consider using ride-sharing services like BlaBlaCar. They’re a great way to save some cash on transportation while still getting to your destination.

BlaBlaCar is super popular in Europe and operates in a bunch of different countries. Basically, it connects drivers who have empty seats in their cars with passengers who are going to the same place. You split the cost of the ride with the other passengers, which can be way cheaper than buying a bus or train ticket.

One thing to keep in mind is that ride-sharing services can be a bit less reliable than other forms of transportation. It all depends on whether there are drivers available and what their schedules are like. So, make sure to check out the driver’s reviews and ratings before you book a ride to make sure they’re legit and safe.

Overall, ride-sharing is a great option if you’re trying to save some money while traveling. Plus, it can be a cool way to meet new people and make some friends along the way. So, give it a shot and see how it goes.

Walking or biking

If you’re planning a trip to Europe and want to explore the cities and towns without breaking the bank, then walking or biking is the way to go! Not only is it budget-friendly, but it’s also a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and discover hidden gems that you might miss if you’re traveling by car or public transportation.

Many European cities are designed for pedestrians and cyclists, so you’ll have plenty of scenic and historic neighborhoods to explore on foot or by bike. Plus, walking is completely free and it’s a great way to stay active and burn off all the delicious food you’ll be eating while traveling.

If you’re feeling adventurous, then biking is also a great option. Many cities have bike rental programs that won’t cost you an arm and a leg, and some even have dedicated bike lanes and routes for cyclists. Biking is not only fun, but it’s also eco-friendly and can help you cover more ground than you would on foot.

Just remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water if you’re walking, and wear a helmet and follow traffic rules if you’re biking. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and explore Europe on foot or by bike.

4. Budget Airlines

Budget airlines are an excellent option for those looking to travel long distances in Europe while keeping their expenses in check. With a plethora of low-cost carriers to choose from, the competition among airlines has resulted in remarkably affordable fares for passengers.

However, it is crucial to read the fine print and comprehend any additional fees that may be levied when booking with budget airlines. For instance, these airlines may charge extra for checked baggage, seat selection, and in-flight meals and drinks.

Additionally, it is essential to note that budget airlines may fly to smaller airports outside of the city center, necessitating additional transportation costs to reach your final destination.

Apart from budget airlines, numerous online travel agencies and booking platforms can assist you in finding the best deals on flights, hotels, and transportation in Europe. These platforms frequently offer discounted rates and package deals that can help you save money on your trip.

taking advantage of budget travel options such as budget airlines and online booking platforms can enable you to explore all that Europe has to offer without breaking the bank. However, it is imperative to conduct thorough research, read the fine print, and plan ahead to obtain the best deals and make the most of your trip.

Take Home

When it comes to traveling around Europe, transportation costs can quickly add up and eat into your budget. However, there are several ways to save money on transportation while still experiencing all that this amazing continent has to offer.

One option is to use a combination of different modes of transportation. For instance, you can take a train or bus to a major city and then rent a car or take a local bus or metro to explore the surrounding area. This approach can be more affordable than renting a car for the entire trip, and it also allows you to see more of the region and experience local culture.

Another cost-effective option is to use budget airlines to travel between cities in Europe. Low-cost carriers such as Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air offer affordable flights between major European cities, and they often have great deals and promotions that can help you save money on airfare.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that budget airlines often have additional fees for baggage and seat selection, and they may fly to smaller airports outside of the city center, which can add to transportation costs.

Lastly, careful planning and booking in advance can also help you save money on transportation. Many transportation companies offer discounts for early bookings, and booking in advance can also give you more options and flexibility in your itinerary.

In conclusion, there are numerous ways to save money on transportation while traveling around Europe. Whether you prefer walking, biking, taking the train, or flying on a budget airline, Europe has plenty of transportation options to help you explore this amazing continent while staying on a budget.

So, plan ahead, choose the option that best fits your budget and travel style, and enjoy all that Europe has to offer.