Traveling through Europe: Should I Drive or Take a Train? 10 Reasons Why It is Better to Drive
- 1. Cost savings for multiple people ...
- 2. You would likely need to arrange additional transportation from the train station to your final destination anyway ...
- 3. You get to see remote areas ...
- 4. You can access destinations that would otherwise need an expensive tour bus ...
- 5. You are not limited to the train’s schedule ...
Full Answer
Is it cheaper to rent a car or take the train?
Every year, as train prices go up, car rental becomes a better option for budget travelers in Europe. While solo car travel is expensive, three or four people sharing a rented car will usually travel cheaper than the same group using rail passes.
How expensive is it to travel around Europe?
Updated: 1/9/19 | January 9th, 2019. Traveling around Europe can be fairly expensive. Airline tickets, high-speed trains, overnight trains, ferries — they can all eat into your limited and precious travel budget.
Is it better to travel by car or train in Europe?
Consider these variables when deciding whether your European experience might be better by car or train: geographical range (trains are better if you’re covering a wide area) rail coverage (for example, Switzerland is crisscrossed by an extensive train network, whereas Ireland’s trains are sparse)
How can I get cheap train travel in Europe?
Cheap train travel in Europe can be possible though. Here are some tips! European train tickets are usually sold in batches, with a select number of really cheap (inflexible booking) tickets available first, then moving into higher price ranges as they sell out.
What is the cheapest way to travel long distance in Europe?
How to get around Europe on a budget?
How do budget airlines make money?
Who owns Megabus Europe?
Is the European rail system the best?
Is there a way to travel to Europe?
Is it cheaper to travel by train?
See 4 more
About this website
Is it cheaper to drive or train in Europe?
Every year, as train prices go up, car rental becomes a better option for budget travelers in Europe. While solo car travel is expensive, three or four people sharing a rented car will usually travel cheaper than the same group using rail passes.
What is the cheapest mode of transportation in Europe?
BusesBuses are probably one of the best and cheapest ways to travel across Europe, if you have time and can travel light. Booking last minute or in advance can be equally as economical, depending on what type of buses we're talking about. Around Europe, the main (best) bus line (in my experience) is Flixbus.
Is it cheaper to drive or fly around Europe?
Flying in Europe Flying is often the cheapest option for medium- to long-distance travel. But don't forget to add in the extra cost and travel time of getting to the airport. This can add an extra 8€-25€ and 2+ hours to the journey.
Is it better to travel by train or bus in Europe?
In most countries, trains are faster, more comfortable, and have more extensive schedules than long-distance buses. But in some places — especially Greece, Turkey, and big parts of Ireland, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Portugal, Spain, and Morocco — buses are often the better (or only) option.
How do I travel around Europe on a budget?
Top 7 Tips for Budget Travel in EuropeConsider Heading to Eastern Europe. ... Save on Booze & Food. ... Be Savvy about Budget Travel Options. ... Check Out Free Walking Tours. ... Avoid Restaurants in Touristy Areas. ... Travel During Off-Seasons. ... Research Budget Lodging Options.
What is the best way to travel around Europe?
5 Best Ways to Travel Around EuropeTake a Bus. A very cheap way to travel around Europe, including between cities, or across borders is using the bus. ... Catch a Train. Europe has great transport connections and this includes the railway. ... Take a plane. ... Rent a car or camper. ... Go on a tour or cruise.
What is the cheapest time to go to Europe?
The late fall and winter months—from mid to late October through mid-to-late March—are often the cheapest time to fly to Europe (though fares can spike in December). It's often cheaper to fly to Europe mid-week, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, in particular.
Should I fly or drive in Europe?
In terms of time, flying will generally be the fastest option, if you forget about the time you spend at the airport waiting for the plane. Driving in Europe can be economic if you do it right. To get the most for your money, you will need to look at a smaller car which offers good fuel efficiency.
Is it better to drive or train in France?
The French rail network is superb, and traveling by train is often just as quick as driving, and generally very reliable and quite reasonably priced too. Even better, you don't have to worry about headaches over parking, traffic, motorway tolls or unexpected breakdowns, all excellent ways to ruin your holiday.
What is the best way to tour Europe for the first time?
Trains are generally the best way to get around in Europe. The rail network is comprehensive, ticket costs are rather affordable, and the scenery is gorgeous. Trains are a great way to visit many destinations quickly and efficiently. We loved travelling by train in Europe!
Where should I stay in Europe for a month?
London. A fantastic place to start your first trip to Europe, London is a great big city with countless things to do. ... Paris. No matter who you are, all first-time visitors to Europe are going to want to visit the city of Paris. ... Barcelona. ... Nice. ... Milan. ... Florence. ... Rome. ... Venice.More items...•
Is it cheaper to drive or take the train?
When comparing fuel alone, driving is cheaper than peak train tickets 100% of the time and against off-peak train travel tickets 87.5% of the time.
What is the cheapest time to go to Europe?
The late fall and winter months—from mid to late October through mid-to-late March—are often the cheapest time to fly to Europe (though fares can spike in December). It's often cheaper to fly to Europe mid-week, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, in particular.
Can you tour Europe by train?
The multi-stop rail ticket is an iconic and budget-friendly way to tour Europe—as long as you're maximizing the perks.
How can a student travel around Europe?
Red-eye flights and overnight trains are often a great way to save money when traveling Europe as a college student. Not only do you get a cheaper price (usually) for the route, but because your trip happens at night, you also save the cost of one night's stay!
How do I travel Europe for a year?
Ways To Stay In Europe For More Than 90 DaysSplit Up Schengen and Non-Schengen Countries.Working Holiday Visa.Become a Student at a European University.Long Term Tourist Visa.Language Assistant Program.Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Jobs.Self Employment or Freelance Visa.European Passport.More items...•
10 Best Budget Europe Tours & Trips 2022/2023 - TourRadar
Discover Budget tours and authentic experiences in Europe, visiting places like Rome and Venice. All Major Brands. Biggest Selection. Best Prices.
The 20 best places to visit in Europe on a budget 2021 - Rough Guides
4. Czechia (Czech Republic) Though ever-popular Prague is not quite the dirt-cheap city break destination it once was, you’ll still find Czechia (Czech Republic Dropdown content) to be a good-value country for independent travel.The country that invented Pilsner is justifiably famous for producing some of Dropdown content the best beers Dropdown content – at pretty good prices.
8 of the Cheapest Ways to Travel Europe - A Backpackers Tale
MEGA BUS (In Europe Called FlixBus) If you get the right ticket, this is by far your cheapest option for getting around. At the moment, Mega Bus (Flixbus) covers only the UK and a few surrounding countries in Western Europe, but you can’t argue with the price. It is a cheap way to get around on your Europe trip. A trip can cost 1.50 Euro, however, it usually requires that you book at least a ...
How to Travel Europe CHEAPLY • Europe on a Budget in 2022!
2. Get Railed with a Train Pass. Travel around Europe by train, also known as interrailing, is a super popular way of backpacking across Europe.. Few other places have a similar opportunity for train travel. Europe has very extensive rail networks, and usually, its trains are clean, fast, and comfortable.
How long does it take to travel by train in Europe?
Europe’s train network is extensive and nearly every town and city is connected by rail. If your train journey is less than six to eight hours, then the train is normally the best choice. There are also many overnight long-distance routes, which can be a good option since you sleep on the train.
Why is it important to have a car?
A car is a great option if you want to explore small towns and the European countryside. For example, when we visited the Normandy region of France, we discovered that the only way to visit was via car. Any other option simply wasn’t possible.
Can you travel between two cities that aren't a great distance apart?
If you’re traveling between two cities that aren’t a great distance apart (for example, Madrid and Barcelona ), either mode could work. However, you should still ask yourself the following questions:
Do rail passes require seat reservations?
We also know travelers who purchase rail passes because they offer some peace of mind—their tickets are taken care of (although, in truth, passes still require seat reservations on high-speed trains).
What is the cheapest way to travel long distance in Europe?
Service will re-start in 2022. 3. Traveling Europe by Budget Airline. By far one of the cheapest ways to travel long-distance in Europe is by budget airline. These airlines are hugely prolific on the continent and competition has led to incredibly cheap fares. It’s not uncommon to find flights for as little as 10 EUR!
How to get around Europe on a budget?
Fortunately, there are ways to get around Europe on a budget. The sharing economy, new bus options, discounted train passes, and lots of budget airlines — there are tons of options for navigating Europe without breaking the bank.
How do budget airlines make money?
Just remember that budget airlines make most of their money through fees. They are very strict about baggage limits or and many will ding you if you forget to print your boarding pass. Don’t expect any complimentary drinks or meals either. But if you follow the rules and know what to expect you can save a ton of money!
Who owns Megabus Europe?
Over the last few years, a new company has entered the market and totally changed the bus system in Europe. German-based FlixBus acquired Megabus Europe and has routes all around the continent. Prices start as low as 5 EUR and their buses include Wi-Fi, electrical outlets, free baggage, and comfy seats. They’re comparable to Megabus in pretty much every respect (Megabus still runs in the UK).
Is the European rail system the best?
It’s more comfortable than a bus and much less stressful than air travel. And the European rail system is one of the best and most extensive in the world.
Is there a way to travel to Europe?
Too many travelers think it’s an all-or-nothing thing. Like one way is always better than the other. That’s not true. There’s no one way to travel Europe. There are a ton — and you need to know when to use which method.
Is it cheaper to travel by train?
If you’ re going to travel by train, it’s hard to beat them on price and convenience for short city-to-city travel. For longer journeys (overnight journeys, between countries, or rides that require a high-speed line, like Paris to Bordeaux or Berlin to Munich), trains tend to be very expensive.
What is the cheapest way to travel to Europe?
One of the most popular (and cheapest) ways to travel Europe is through budget airlines.
How to travel around Europe cheaply?
1. Taking Buses to Travel Europe Cheaply. If affordability is what you’re after, I highly recommend traveling around Europe by bus. While it’s not as comfortable, convenient or scenic as train travel, it comes at a fraction of the cost (which means more euros in your pocket for croissant hoarding and wine guzzling).
How are European train tickets sold?
European train tickets are usually sold in batches, with a select number of really cheap (inflexible booking) tickets available first, then moving into higher price ranges as they sell out.
What is a Bayern ticket?
In Bavaria for example (where I currently live), there’s a group deal called a Bayern Ticket that gives you unlimited travel for the day for 5 people on the same ticket.
Is Eurail cheaper than buying tickets?
For my fellow North Americans, Eurail offers a lot of different passes for different countries, time periods, etc. These can be much cheaper than buying tickets individually, and they also offer a lot more flexibility.
Is it cheaper to rent a car in Europe?
etc.) The truth is , it is highly unlikely that renting a car will be the cheapest way to travel Europe for you .
1. Catch a Cheap Bus
Taking the bus is probably the cheapest way to travel around Europe. It’s easy to find budget options all over Europe – even for long distances.
Do You Want to Travel FOREVER??
Then pop your email address in below and we’ll send you a FREE copy of ‘How to Travel the World on $10 a Day!’ – make travel your LIFE.
2. Get Railed with a Train Pass
Travel around Europe by train, also known as interrailing, is a super popular way of backpacking across Europe.
3. Catch Flights, Not Feelings
Listen, no other place does low-cost flying quite as well as Europe. The prices for low-budget airlines can be absolutely RIDICULOUS. Route prices start at around $8 – no kidding. When I still lived in Finland, a return flight between my city and London was half the price of a one-way train to my hometown!
4. Share a Ride with a Merry Stranger
Travelling solo? So are many others! Cut costs and maybe make a friend on your intercity travels.
5. Go Drive Yourself
Living the vanlife in Europe is many backpackers’ dream. And it can easily be one of the cheapest ways to travel Europe if you’re exploring countries like Switzerland or Norway.
8. Take a Hike, Buddy
When you’re thinking about how to travel around Europe cheaply, long-distance hiking is actually a very viable option. If you can find a free camping spot, all you end up paying for is your food.
How does the European train system work?
The system works great for locals and travelers alike, with well-signed stations, easily accessed schedules, and efficient connections between popular destinations . First-time train travelers get the hang of it faster than they expect. Generally, European trains go where you need them to go and are fast, frequent, and affordable. Lace this network together to create the trip of your dreams.
What are the best ways to travel?
Rent a Car or Take the Train? 1 geographical range (trains are better if you're covering a wide area) 2 rail coverage (for example, Switzerland is crisscrossed by an extensive train network, whereas Ireland's trains are sparse) 3 urban vs. rural (a car is a pointless hassle in big cities, but helpful in the countryside) 4 number of travelers (a car is usually the cheaper option when shared with more than two people) 5 luggage (a car is better if you're bad at packing light) 6 kids in tow (car travel is more flexible, but trains give kids room to move around)
Why is driving important?
Driving is ideal for countryside-focused trips. The super mobility of a car saves you time in locating budget accommodations in small towns and away from the train lines. This savings helps to rationalize the “splurge” of a car rental. You can also play it riskier in peak season, arriving in a town late with no reservation. If the hotels are full, simply drive to the next town. And driving is a godsend for those who don't believe in packing light — you can even rent a trailer.
Can you sleep on a train in Venice?
It's also quite time-efficient, especially with Europe's ever-growing network of super-fast trains. With night trains, you can easily have dinner in Paris, sleep on the train, and have breakfast in Venice. And (with the exception of the Eurostar English Channel train) you don't need to show up early.
Is it better to travel by train or fly?
For many travelers, the pleasure of journeying along Europe's rails really is as good as the destination. Train travel, though not as flexible as driving, can be less stressful. On a train, you can forget about parking hassles, confusing road signs, speed limits, bathroom stops, and Italian drivers. Watch the scenery instead of fixing your eyes on the road, and maybe even enjoy a glass of the local wine. Compared to flying, rail travel allows more spontaneity. If a town looks too cute to miss, hop out and catch the next train .
Do you have to show up early for Eurostar?
And (with the exception of the Eurostar English Channel train) you don't need to show up early. As long as you're on board when the train leaves, you're on time. As Americans, we're accustomed to being shoehorned into a cramped car or an economy-class airline seat.
What is the cheapest way to travel long distance in Europe?
Service will re-start in 2022. 3. Traveling Europe by Budget Airline. By far one of the cheapest ways to travel long-distance in Europe is by budget airline. These airlines are hugely prolific on the continent and competition has led to incredibly cheap fares. It’s not uncommon to find flights for as little as 10 EUR!
How to get around Europe on a budget?
Fortunately, there are ways to get around Europe on a budget. The sharing economy, new bus options, discounted train passes, and lots of budget airlines — there are tons of options for navigating Europe without breaking the bank.
How do budget airlines make money?
Just remember that budget airlines make most of their money through fees. They are very strict about baggage limits or and many will ding you if you forget to print your boarding pass. Don’t expect any complimentary drinks or meals either. But if you follow the rules and know what to expect you can save a ton of money!
Who owns Megabus Europe?
Over the last few years, a new company has entered the market and totally changed the bus system in Europe. German-based FlixBus acquired Megabus Europe and has routes all around the continent. Prices start as low as 5 EUR and their buses include Wi-Fi, electrical outlets, free baggage, and comfy seats. They’re comparable to Megabus in pretty much every respect (Megabus still runs in the UK).
Is the European rail system the best?
It’s more comfortable than a bus and much less stressful than air travel. And the European rail system is one of the best and most extensive in the world.
Is there a way to travel to Europe?
Too many travelers think it’s an all-or-nothing thing. Like one way is always better than the other. That’s not true. There’s no one way to travel Europe. There are a ton — and you need to know when to use which method.
Is it cheaper to travel by train?
If you’ re going to travel by train, it’s hard to beat them on price and convenience for short city-to-city travel. For longer journeys (overnight journeys, between countries, or rides that require a high-speed line, like Paris to Bordeaux or Berlin to Munich), trains tend to be very expensive.
