How to Travel Between European Cities on a Budget

Europe’s cities are incredibly well-connected, making it easy to travel across the continent — even with a tight budget. From low-cost buses to budget airlines and scenic trains, here are the best ways to move between cities without overspending.

🚌 1. Long-Distance Buses

Buses are usually the cheapest way to travel between cities, especially across borders.

Best for:

Short to mid-distance routes
Travelers on a strict budget

Popular companies:

FlixBus (Germany-based, covers all of Europe)
BlaBlaCar Bus (France, Spain, Central Europe)

Tip: Book early for the best prices.

🚆 2. Regional and National Trains

Trains are faster and more comfortable than buses — and in some countries, surprisingly cheap.

Affordable countries for trains:

Poland
Czech Republic
Slovakia
Hungary

Booking tip:

Use national rail websites
Travel off-peak hours
Buy regional day passes for discounts

✈️ 3. Budget Airlines

Low-cost airlines like Ryanair, Wizz Air, and easyJet offer cheap flights between European cities.

Pros:

Fast, frequent routes
Can be cheaper than trains for long distances

Cons:

Strict baggage rules
Secondary airports far from city centers

Always:

Read the fine print
Compare total travel time + airport transfers

🚗 4. Ridesharing and Carpooling

Platforms like BlaBlaCar let you ride with locals heading your way.
It’s affordable and a great way to meet people.

Example: €15–25 from Paris to Brussels

🧳 5. Overnight Transport = Save a Night’s Stay

Consider night buses or sleeper trains to save time and money on accommodation.

Popular overnight options:

NightJet (Austria → Germany/Italy)
FlixNight Bus
Intercity sleeper trains

📱 Bonus Tip: Compare and Book Smart

Use these tools to compare prices and schedules:

Omio
Rome2Rio
Trainline
Busbud

Final Tip:

Flexibility is key.
If you’re open to changing cities midweek or early in the morning, you’ll find the best deals.
Mix and match transport options for a perfect balance of comfort, speed, and savings.