Best Way to Get Around Europe

We have used various means to get around Europe, once your there and we still believe train travel is the best option when and where you can use it, they are quick and very reliable and without blowing your savings. The trick is choosing the right transport for the right type of journey — and mixing methods to keep costs down while still travelling efficiently.

Getting Around Europe

Depending what country your in, Trains are great for Short & Medium Distances

For journeys under 4–6 hours, trains are usually the perfect balance of:

comfort
speed
city‑centre to city‑centre travel and direct to smaller town
no airport stress
no check in
no baggage fees
business or first class seating at minimal cost
good pricing if booked early

Budget Flights for Long Distances

When you need to cross countries quickly — say, Spain → Greece or Portugal → Germany — flights are often cheaper and faster than trains.

Best airlines:
Vueling, easyJet, Ryanair

Why it works for mid‑budget travel:
You save time and money on long routes, but still have enough budget to pay for luggage or seat selection when needed.

Tip:
Always compare the total price (bags + seats + airport transfers) — sometimes a full‑service airline ends up cheaper.

Buses for Train Alternative

Buses like FlixBus are incredibly cheap, but slower. They’re great for:

short hops between nearby cities
countries that don't have great trains
country hopping through the mountains and Alpine areas
filling gaps where trains are expensive or non existent
no excess baggage fees
comfortable rides

Best for:
Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Croatia.

Why mid‑budget travellers use them:
We've used FlixBus from Geneva to Annecy, other bus services to get around Spain and even Peru. I Don't have a problem with them

Car Rentals for Rural or Scenic Region

If you’re exploring countryside areas, a car is worth it.

Best regions for driving:

Tuscany
Scottish Highlands
Ireland
Slovenia
Portugal’s coast
French countryside
Germany Black Forest
Switzerland
Austria
French Countryside

Why mid‑budget travellers choose it:
You get freedom and flexibility without relying on limited public transport. For our France, Switzerland, Germany leg of our journey, highly recommend. Just remember tolls may add to your cost, however we didn't manage to come across any.

Tip:
Avoid cars in big cities — parking and traffic are a nightmare and hire a small to medium vehicle for maneuverability

Public Transport Within Cities

Europe’s cities have excellent public transport:

metros
trams
buses
suburban trains

Why it’s ideal:
Cheap, fast, safe, easy and avoids rip off taxi costs.

Tip:
Buy day passes or multi‑day cards — they often include discounts for attractions.

The Winning Strategy

Most mid‑budget travellers like us use a mix:

Trains for 2–6 hour journeys
Flights for long distances
Buses for cheaper and scenic hops
Cars for countryside and mountain's
Public transport inside cities

This is what worked for our European Holiday, then again everyone is different.

FAQ: Getting Around Europe

What’s the best way to travel between European cities?

There’s no single “best” way — it depends on distance, budget, and time. Trains are ideal for short to medium distances, flights work best for long jumps, and buses are the cheapest option. Many travellers mix all three.

Are trains better than flying in Europe?

For most routes under 5–6 hours, trains are usually faster overall once you factor in airport travel, security, and boarding times. They’re also more comfortable and take you straight into the city centre.

Are buses a good option for getting around Europe?

Yes. Companies like BlaBlaBus and FlixBus offer cheap, comfortable travel between major cities. Buses take longer than trains but can save a lot of money, especially on popular routes.

Do I need to book trains in advance?

It depends on the country. In places like France, Italy, and Spain, booking early can save a lot of money. In Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, many trains have fixed pricing, so booking ahead is less critical.

Is it worth renting a car in Europe?

Renting a car is great for exploring rural areas, small towns, the Alps and regions with limited public transport. It’s less ideal for big cities due to parking costs, traffic, and low‑emission zones. Always compare rental prices and insurance options.

Are internal flights in Europe cheap/

They can be. Low‑cost airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air offer very cheap fares, but watch for baggage fees and airport locations. Always compare prices and then book directly with the airline.

What’s the easiest way to compare transport options?

Tools like Rome2Rio, Omio, and Trainline make it easy to compare trains, buses, and flights. They’re perfect for planning routes and checking travel times.

Do I need to validate my train ticket?

n some countries, yes. Italy, France, and parts of Eastern Europe require ticket validation before boarding. Digital tickets usually don’t need validation. Always check the instructions on your ticket.

Is public transport easy to use in European cities?

Yes. Most cities have excellent metro, tram, and bus networks. Buying a day pass or multi‑day card can save money and make travel easier.

Should I worry about luggage when travelling by train or bus

Not really. Trains have overhead racks and luggage areas, and buses have under‑carriage storage. Just keep valuables with you and avoid oversized bags if possible.