Even with the falling Euro, traveling around Europe can still be fairly expensive, especially if you are traveling long distances or miss out on that killer fare from Ryanair. I sometimes get sick to my stomach at how much transportation can cost even for the shortest distances. But, despite the high valued Euro, high transportation costs, and general expensiveness of Europe, there are still many ways to travel around Europe affordably:
1. Megabus
Megabus is a cheap way to get around the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales), as tickets can cost as little as 1.50 USD. You’ll need to book at least a month in advance on popular routes to get these fares and even if you don’t scoop up these amazingly cheap deals, you can still travel for a more reasonable price than on the national bus system as fares rarely top 15 USD.
Additionally, Megabus also operates trains to some destinations around the UK, usually starting at 10 USD. Megabus is definitely the cheapest way to get around the UK and now is also the cheapest way to get to Paris, Brussels, or Amsterdam. They just launched routes from London to these cities with fares as low as 10 USD.
2. Busabout
Busabout is a hop-on/hop-off bus service similar to the Oz or Kiwi Experience in Australia and New Zealand that is primarily used by backpackers. You can get on and off whenever you want along one of their set routes.
Additionally, you can buy tickets that let you travel their whole network with a set number of stops. For example, you can buy a 9 day flexipass which gives you 9 stops from your starting city. Those stops can be wherever you want, for as long as you want. That pass is 669 USD which works out to be 72 USD per trip. That makes the pass competitive with the long distance and high speed trains.
The only downside to Busabout is that if you want to visit a city not on their route, you have to make your own way there. It’s not as versatile as a regular bus or train pass.
3. Eurail Pass
Rail passes are a great way to save a lot of money, and are a must for anyone looking to take the trains for extensive, long distance travel. I managed to save a few hundred dollars each time I’ve bought a rail pass.
4. Hitchhiking
The best way to travel for cheap is to not pay for it. Hitching is quite common in Europe and I’ve met a number of travellers who have done it. I myself travelled this way in Bulgaria. It’s important to use your head when hitchhiking. Just because someone stops doesn’t mean you need to get in their car!
The Cheapest
The cheapest way to travel around Europe is by bus or budget airline, but what it really comes down to is planning – the earlier you book your bus/plane/train ticket the cheaper it will be.
The key to traveling around Europe cheaply is planning. Plan, book in advance, and save. However, if you are as fickle and indecisive as me, buying a rail or bus pass can help you reduce your prices while maintaining flexibility. But well, I could always ride my bike!