You open Instagram and see that your colleague is at the beach in Italy for the fifth time this year. How does she do it? Maybe she just knows how to save money. Thanks to this article, you will know too. We’ve got tips for you on how to travel to Europe cheaply by train or bus.
Traveling in Europe by train or bus can be budget-friendly if you plan your trip carefully and take advantage of available deals and discounts. Here are pieces of advice for traveling in Europe:
1.Book Your Tickets Early
If you want to save money, it’s a good idea to plan your trip as early as possible. Many companies artificially raise ticket prices as demand for specific dates increases. For example, if you’re planning to take a train to Paris in the summer, don’t hesitate to book your tickets at the beginning of the year.
2.Take Advantage of Flexible and Open Offers
If you plan to visit multiple countries during your train trip across Europe, consider whether purchasing an Interrail Pass (for Europeans) or Eurail Pass (for non-Europeans) might be worth it. These passes allow unlimited travel on European railways for a chosen period.
Interrail and Eurail passes apply only to trains. For buses, no similar flexible option exists—at least not in the same form as these train passes.
3.Compare Prices Across Carriers
It’s no secret that different companies charge varying prices for trips of the same distance. For example, the table below compares train ticket prices for the Amsterdam-Brussels route in February 2025:
| Carriers | Travel Time | Average Price |
| EuroCity Direct | 2h 22min | 30–40 € |
| Eurostar | 1h 56m in | 60–90 € |
| Thalys | 1h 50min | 45–60 € |
| Intercity (SNCB) | 3h | 24–30 € |
As you can see, the cost for a similar journey can vary significantly—up to three times as much. Using price comparison tools is, therefore, another valuable piece of advice for traveling affordably across Europe.
4.Use Overnight Connections
If you have no trouble sleeping on public transportation, here’s a great tip to save money while traveling in Europe. While it may not significantly reduce your transportation costs, it can help lower your overall travel budget. Overnight connections allow you to travel while also saving on accommodation costs.
For example, hotel prices in Paris start at €60, while overnight trains from Paris to Amsterdam can cost as little as €35. Some operators even offer private sleeping compartments for an additional fee, providing comfort comparable to a hotel room.
5.Keep an Eye on Deals and Discounts
Most transportation companies regularly offer promotions and discounts that can significantly cut your travel costs. To ensure you don’t miss out on any great deals, subscribe to newsletters from individual carriers via their websites.
Don’t forget to take advantage of discounts for students, seniors, or special family fares, which can make your journey even more affordable.
6.Travel off-peak
If you’re not restricted by your children’s summer holidays or other limitations, plan your trip outside the peak season. Ticket prices tend to be lower during this period due to decreased demand for travel. The same applies to accommodation.
Another undeniable advantage is that destinations won’t be overcrowded with tourists, allowing you to enjoy more peace and a better atmosphere.
Tip: Are you interested in other travel hacks? For example, how to pack effectively or which airlines to choose? Check out our other practical tips on how to travel not only across Europe.
Traveling by train or bus across Europe doesn’t have to be expensive when you know how to do it. The key to success is planning ahead, watching for discounts and offers, and comparing prices among carriers. Although finding the best tickets might take a bit of time, the money you save can be invested in other experiences that will enrich your trip even further.
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