The Cheapest Ways to Travel Between European Cities

Europe may be compact compared to other continents, but that doesn’t make getting around any less of a challenge—especially if you’re trying to do it on a budget. The good news? From high-speed trains to no-frills flights and scenic bus routes, there are plenty of wallet-friendly options to help you hop from Berlin to Budapest or Paris to Prague without emptying your bank account.

This guide dives into the cheapest ways to travel between European cities, with real-world tips and practical advice on budget transport in Europe. Whether you’re planning a grand backpacking tour or just squeezing in a few weekend getaways, here’s how to move smarter, spend less, and see more.

Why Budget Travel Between Cities Is Easier Than Ever

Europe’s travel infrastructure is among the best in the world. With multiple transport options, extensive rail and bus networks, and fierce competition among budget airlines, savvy travellers can often move between cities for less than the cost of a night out.

Plus, the Schengen Zone makes border crossings smooth and hassle-free—so once you’re in, you can explore freely.

1. Ride the Rails: Cheap Trains Across Europe

Train travel is quintessentially European. And while high-speed services like the Eurostar or ICE can be pricey, there are plenty of cheap train options if you book smart.

Budget Train Tips:

• Book in advance: Rail companies like SNCF (France), Trenitalia (Italy), and Deutsche Bahn (Germany) offer deep discounts when you book early.
• Use regional trains: Slower, less flashy, but way cheaper.
• Railcards and passes: The Interrail (for EU citizens) or Eurail (for non-EU) pass can offer huge savings if you’re visiting multiple countries.

Example Deals:

• Berlin to Prague: From €18 with Czech Railways
• Florence to Rome: Regional trains from €10 (vs €35+ on high-speed)
• Lisbon to Porto: €12–15 with CP’s regional service

Best for: Scenic routes, city centre-to-centre convenience, and relaxed travel

2. Hop on a Budget Airline

If you’re flexible on time and location, budget airlines in Europe can be incredibly cheap—especially for longer distances.

Popular Low-Cost Carriers:

• Ryanair – Ireland-based, covers over 40 countries
• easyJet – UK-based, great for western and southern Europe
• Wizz Air – Best for Eastern Europe and the Balkans
• Vueling & Transavia – Ideal for Mediterranean routes

Booking Hacks:

• Fly mid-week: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are cheapest
• Use comparison sites: Try Skyscanner or Google Flights with “flexible dates”
• Avoid extras: Luggage, seat selection, and meals can double your ticket price

Sample Fares:

• London to Milan: As low as €12 one-way
• Barcelona to Budapest: From €19 with Wizz Air
• Warsaw to Paris: Around €20 with Ryanair

Best for: Long distances, short trips, and spontaneous getaways

3. Budget Bus Travel: Surprisingly Cheap and Comfortable

Buses are the unsung heroes of budget transport in Europe. They’re often the cheapest option, and companies now offer far more comfort than you might expect.

Top Bus Operators:

• FlixBus – Massive European network, free Wi-Fi and outlets
• Eurolines – Covers over 600 destinations across the continent
• RegioJet – Popular in Central and Eastern Europe
• Omio.com – A great platform to compare trains, buses, and flights

Price Examples:

• Amsterdam to Brussels: From €8
• Paris to Munich: Around €20
• Zagreb to Budapest: From €11

Best for: Ultra-low fares, night travel to save on accommodation, and off-the-beaten-path routes

4. Carpooling and Ridesharing

Platforms like BlaBlaCar match drivers with empty seats to passengers heading in the same direction. It’s not only eco-friendly but can be one of the cheapest ways to move across borders.

How It Works:

• Sign up and verify your ID
• Browse rides by route, price, and driver reviews
• Book and pay via the app—usually much cheaper than train or bus

Example:

• Berlin to Warsaw: Around €20–€25 (vs €45+ by train)

Best for: Social travellers, flexible plans, and eco-conscious journeys

5. Overnight Options: Save on Travel and Accommodation

Why pay for a hotel when your bed can come with wheels?

Overnight Trains:

• Nightjet (Austria’s ÖBB): Links cities like Vienna, Berlin, Venice, and Zurich
• Intercités de Nuit (France): Sleep your way from Paris to the Pyrenees
• Thello (Italy): Connects Milan with southern France (seasonal)

Overnight Buses:

• Available on FlixBus and Eurolines routes
• Reclining seats, blankets, and charging ports on some services

Double Win: You’ll wake up in a new city and save a night’s accommodation.

Real-Life Budget Itinerary: Five Cities for Under €100

Clara, a 22-year-old student from Leeds, travelled from Paris to Berlin via Brussels, Amsterdam, and Hamburg—all for under €100.

Here’s how she did it:

• Paris to Brussels: €9 (FlixBus)
• Brussels to Amsterdam: €8 (BlaBlaCar)
• Amsterdam to Hamburg: €19 (overnight bus)
• Hamburg to Berlin: €17 (regional train)
• Berlin hostel: Free night via Couchsurfing

“Being flexible saved me hundreds,” she says. “I just booked as I went and used comparison sites religiously.”

Tips for Saving Even More

1. Use City Cards and Transit Passes

Cities like Vienna, Prague, and Budapest offer travel cards that cover local transport, discounts, and free museum entry—ideal if you’re staying a few days.

2. Be Flexible With Airports and Stations

• Flying into Brussels Charleroi or Paris Beauvais can save you a lot over central hubs.
• Budget train stations sometimes operate slightly outside city centres—always check travel time and cost to downtown.

3. Travel Off-Peak

Fares on buses, trains, and flights drop drastically outside of holidays and weekends. Aim to travel mid-week and avoid high season (June–August).

4. Set Fare Alerts

Use tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Omio to monitor price drops and plan your next hop when deals appear.

Key Takeaway

Getting around Europe doesn’t have to be expensive. With a bit of planning, flexibility, and a willingness to try something new, you can criss-cross the continent for a fraction of what most people pay. Whether it’s cheap trains, budget airlines, or late-night buses, there’s a budget transport option in Europe to suit every style of traveller.

Travel Smart, Go Far

Europe’s cities are brimming with charm, history, and adventure—and getting between them shouldn’t be the most expensive part of your trip. From low-cost flights to local trains and rideshares, the options are endless if you know where to look.

So pack light, stay flexible, and chase the deals. The open road—and a new destination—is always just a booking away.