Europe Travel is a pricey place to travel. Airfare, sleeper trains, high-speed trains, and ferries all take money out of your meager (and valuable) travel budget.
Fortunately, there are several inexpensive alternatives to travel around Europe. You can travel around Europe on a cheap thanks to the sharing economy, new bus choices, inexpensive train passes, and a variety of low-cost flights.
The following are the most cost-effective methods for exploring Europe:
1. Travel by Bus
One of the least expensive methods to travel across the continent is by taking an interstate bus. Eurolines and German-based FlixBus, which significantly increased its routes after acquiring Megabus, are the two major international bus operators.
The least expensive bus option is often Flixbus, with rates as low as 5 EUR. Wi-Fi, outlets, free luggage (one carry-on and one kept beneath the bus), and comfortable seats are all included on their buses. (The UK still has Megabus service.)
My go-to affordable non-train method of traveling around Europe is FlixBus. It is by no means glamorous, but it is the least expensive mode of transportation. They occupied the majority of Europe. To assist you in planning your journey, below is a map showing their routes.
There are several more locally focused bus companies, meanwhile, that can transport you elsewhere. For instance, Alsa is the primary supplier in Spain and its surrounding nations.
To locate the cheapest and quickest choice on your selected route, utilize BusRadar or Get By Bus.
2. Travel by Budget Airline
Budget airlines are by far one of the most affordable options for long-distance travel in Europe. Since there are so many of these airlines on the continent, prices are extremely low due to competition. Finding flights for as cheap as 10 EUR is not unusual! Skyscanner is what I use to look for the best prices. They carry out every task!
Just keep in mind that surcharges are how low-cost airlines generate the majority of their revenue. The luggage restrictions are fairly stringent, and many will charge you if you don’t print your boarding card. You shouldn’t anticipate receiving any free meals or beverages. But you may save a ton of cash if you adhere to the guidelines and are aware of what to anticipate!
3. Travel by Eurail Pass
I enjoy using the train because it allows me to take it easy, read a book, and take in the beautiful scenery. It is more comfortable than a bus and significantly less stressful (as well as more environmentally friendly) than flying. Additionally, the rail network in Europe is among the greatest and largest in the world.
For quick city-to-city travel, trains are difficult to surpass in terms of cost and convenience. Trains may become quite expensive for longer trips (overnight trips, international trips, or trips requiring a high-speed route, like Paris to Bordeaux or Berlin to Munich).
The easiest way to travel more cheaply in Europe if you don’t want to fly is to get a rail pass. If you had to purchase these tickets separately, your cost per trip would be significantly higher.
4. Travel by BlaBlaCar
People may now share a ride with residents heading in the same direction thanks to the growth of the sharing economy, and BlaBlaCar is now the market leader. In Europe, it is quite common and well-known, and I have frequently utilized this service. It enables you to rideshare with others whose vehicles have spare room. You locate a ride, they consent to pick you up, and you go. The driver sets the prices, which are intended to cover the cost of petrol and general wear on the car.
Because you get to meet a local, engage in casual conversation, save money, and arrive at your destination more quickly, this is the BEST paid method to travel around Europe.
It is accessible in over 20 European nations.
Even while FlixBus can sometimes be quite inexpensive, BlaBlaCar is typically far faster and more fascinating.
5. Travel by Rental Car/Campervan
Renting a car or campervan may be worthwhile if you’re searching for flexibility when exploring a single nation or small area of Europe, especially if you can divide the expense with someone. Although petrol is pricey, it is possible to rent a car for as low as 25 EUR a day. Use Discover Cars to get the lowest rates on European vehicle rentals.
Due to the abundance of hiking and camping options, nations like Iceland, Scotland, and Norway are particularly popular for campervan use. You can rent a campervan for as little as 60 euros a day, which is quite affordable when divided with a trip companion and taken into account the fact that it also includes lodging! For inexpensive (and free) overnight parking all throughout Europe, use the “park4night” app.
Note: A valid international driving permit is required for foreign drivers in several European nations. Before coming, you may purchase one for about 20 EUR in your own country. (In other languages, it is effectively simply a copy of your license). Also keep in mind that renting an automatic transmission will often cost around twice as much as renting a conventional transmission.
6. Travel by Hitchhiking
Hitchhiking is quite safer than you may expect and fairly frequent. Numerous tourists I’ve met have successfully completed it without issue. I had no issues using this route when visiting Iceland and Bulgaria.
Just bear in mind that hitchhiking requires using your common sense. Always follow your gut and exercise common sense. Keep your belongings close to you in case you leave your bag in the car, and don’t be afraid to contact someone before you get in with the license plate. Put your destination on a sign, dress nicely. You will locate a ride more quickly as a result.
Use the advice on the website Hitchwiki to make sure you have a good time and are safe.