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Getting to Europe is usually the biggest cost of a trip, but getting around once you are there can add up fast too. The good news: Europe has more ways to travel between cities than almost anywhere, and with a little planning you can move from country to country without spending much.
Option 1: Trains
Europe's rail network is one of its great pleasures. Trains run from city center to city center, there is no airport security, and you can watch the countryside go by.
When the train makes sense
- Short and medium distances. Paris to Brussels, Amsterdam to Brussels, Madrid to Barcelona, Rome to Florence or Vienna to Budapest are all easy, comfortable train trips.
- When the airport is far from the city. Once you add travel to the airport, security and waiting time, a train that takes an hour or two longer on paper can still get you there sooner.
- For scenery. Routes through the Alps, along the Rhine or across the Swiss countryside are part of the trip.
How to pay less for trains
- Book high-speed trains ahead. Many high-speed and international trains (such as Eurostar, TGV, AVE and Italy's high-speed lines) use dynamic pricing: the earlier you book, the cheaper the seat, and the last tickets before departure can be expensive.
- Look at slower regional trains. On some routes, regional trains cost less and do not need a reservation. They take longer, but they are flexible.
- Consider a rail pass only for heavy train use. Passes such as Eurail can be good value if you take many long train rides in a short time, but many high-speed and night trains also need a paid seat reservation on top. Compare the pass with buying point-to-point tickets before you decide.
- Try a night train. Overnight trains, such as the Nightjet routes in Central Europe, save you a night's hotel and a day of travel.
Our guide on how to get from London to Paris compares the train and flights on one of Europe's busiest routes.
Option 2: Budget airlines
Low-cost airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air connect hundreds of European cities, often for much less than a long train ride.
When flying makes sense
- Long distances. London to Rome, Paris to Lisbon or Barcelona to Prague are long and expensive by train, but short flights.
- Crossing water. Islands such as the Greek islands, Sicily or Mallorca are often easiest to reach by air.
How to avoid budget airline traps
- Read the bag rules. The cheapest fares usually include only a small personal item that must fit under the seat. A larger carry-on and checked bags cost extra, and the fees are much higher at the airport than online.
- Check which airport you land at. Some budget airlines fly to secondary airports far from the city. Add the cost and time of the transfer before you compare. Booking an airport transfer in advance can save stress when you land late.
- Check in online and print or download your boarding pass. Some airlines charge to check in or print the pass at the airport.
- Skip the extras. Seat selection, priority boarding and insurance add up. Only pay for what you really need.
Option 3: Buses
Long-distance buses (FlixBus is the biggest network) are usually the cheapest way to travel between cities. Modern coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets, and overnight buses can save a hotel night. The downside is time: a bus can take much longer than a train, especially in traffic. Buses are a great choice for short hops and for travelers with more time than money.
Option 4: Renting a car
A car rarely makes sense for city hopping, because parking in big European cities is expensive and many historic centers restrict traffic. But for regions where public transport is limited, such as Tuscany, Provence, the Scottish Highlands or Portugal's Algarve, a car gives you freedom. Rent it for just the days you need it, and remember that dropping a car off in another country can come with a large one-way fee. You can compare local rental companies with Localrent.
Plan your route the smart way
Fly into one city and out of another
Instead of a round trip to one city, book an "open jaw" ticket: fly into, say, London and home from Rome. You avoid doubling back across the continent, which saves both money and time. Compare arrival cities too: flights from New York to London, Chicago to Paris, Boston to Amsterdam or Miami to Madrid can vary a lot for the same dates.
Put the cities in a logical order
Zigzagging across Europe is the fastest way to waste money and days. Group nearby cities together and move in one direction. Our multi-city flight search lets you search a trip with several stops at once, and our 10-day Europe itinerary shows a route that flows well.
Travel at the right time
Trains, flights and hotels all cost more in summer and around holidays. Spring and fall are cheaper and less crowded. See our guide to the cheapest time to fly to Europe for more.
Pack light
Traveling with one small bag makes every option cheaper and easier: no checked bag fees on budget airlines, no struggle on train stairs, and you can walk from the station to your hotel.
Mix and match transport
The cheapest trip rarely uses just one type of transport. A common pattern is a budget flight for a long jump, such as from Western Europe to Greece or Eastern Europe, then trains or buses for the shorter legs in between. Before you book each leg, compare the total door-to-door time and cost, not just the ticket price. A slightly more expensive train that leaves from the city center can beat a cheaper flight once you add airport transfers, bag fees and waiting time.
Use city passes and walk where you can
Most European city centers are compact, so walking between sights is free and often the best way to see a place. For longer distances, look at day or multi-day public transport passes, which can be cheaper than buying single tickets. Some cities also sell tourist cards that combine transport with museum entry, but only buy one if you plan to use enough of what it includes.
Quick comparison
- Train: best for short and medium trips, city center to city center, comfortable. Book high-speed trains early.
- Budget flight: best for long distances and islands. Watch bag fees and airport location.
- Bus: usually the cheapest, but the slowest. Great for short hops and flexible travelers.
- Car: best for countryside regions, not for big cities.
Before you go
Rules for travel within Europe can change, including new entry and exit systems for visitors from outside the EU. Check the current rules for each country on your route before you travel, and keep your passport with you on every cross-border trip, even by train or bus.
Ready to plan? Start with your flight to Europe, then add the cities you want to see.
Search cheap flights to Europe
Frequently asked questions
- Is it cheaper to take the train or fly in Europe?
- It depends on the distance. For trips of up to about 4 to 5 hours, a train booked in advance is often similar in cost and more convenient. For longer distances, budget flights are usually cheaper if you travel light.
- Is a Eurail pass worth it?
- Only if you plan many long train journeys in a short time. Many high-speed and night trains also need a paid reservation with a pass, so compare it with buying individual tickets first.
- What is the cheapest way to travel between European cities?
- Long-distance buses are usually the cheapest, followed by trains and budget flights booked in advance. The best choice depends on the distance and how much time you have.
- How do I avoid fees on budget airlines in Europe?
- Travel with only the free personal item if you can, pay for any bags online rather than at the airport, check in online, and skip extras like seat selection.