The Cheapest Ways to Travel Between European Cities (Trains, Buses & More) – 2025 Guide
“I crossed 10 European countries in a month for less than ₹50,000—thanks to secret bus routes, overnight trains, and a little local know-how!”
Europe is a dream destination for many travelers, but the high costs of transport can be daunting—especially for budget-conscious Indians and global explorers. The good news? With the right strategies, you can hop between Paris, Berlin, Rome, and beyond without breaking the bank.
At My Budget Destinations, we’ve helped thousands of travelers navigate Europe on a shoestring. This 2025 guide reveals:
✅ The absolute cheapest ways to travel between European cities (spoiler: buses aren’t always the winner)
✅ New budget transport hacks (including a €29 unlimited rail pass!)
✅ Real cost comparisons (trains vs. buses vs. budget airlines)
✅ Pro tips from my own 3-month Europe backpacking trip
Why Europe Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive
- Buses: As low as €5 between major cities
- Trains: Night trains save you a hotel night + transport
- Budget Airlines: Flights for €20 if booked right
Fun Fact: The world’s longest bus route (London → Calcutta in 1957) took 50 days! Today, you can cross Europe faster—and cheaper—than ever.
Chapter 1: Buses – The Ultra-Budget Option
1.1 Best Budget Bus Companies (2025 Update)
| Company | Routes | Price Range | Perks |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | Pan-Europe | €5–€30 | Free Wi-Fi, power outlets |
| RegioJet | Central/East Europe | €4–€25 | Free coffee & movies |
| Blablabus | France/Spain/UK | €7–€35 | Eco-friendly buses |
Personal Hack: I took a €9 FlixBus from Berlin to Prague—slept overnight and saved on a hostel!
1.2 When to Book for the Best Deals
- 1–2 months early: Prices start at €5
- Last-minute: Check Busradar.com for unsold seats
Indian Traveler Tip: Use PayPal or Wise to avoid dynamic currency conversion fees.
Chapter 2: Trains – The Scenic (and Sometimes Cheap) Choice
2.1 The €29 Unlimited Rail Pass (2025’s Best Deal)
- Deutsche Bahn’s “Europa Spezial” – Unlimited travel in Germany + 1 bordering country for a month
- Example: Berlin → Amsterdam → Brussels → back for just €29
Catch: Must book 3+ months in advance (limited seats).
2.2 Overnight Trains – Transport + Hotel in One
| Route | Price (Sleeper) | Savings Hack |
|---|---|---|
| Vienna → Budapest | €29 | Book via ÖBB Nightjet |
| Paris → Venice | €49 | Bring your own snacks |
Pro Tip: Night trains sell out fast—reserve early!
Chapter 3: Budget Airlines – When Flying is Cheaper
3.1 Europe’s Cheapest Airlines (2025 Ranking)
- Ryanair (€9–€40 flights)
- Wizz Air (Eastern Europe focus)
- easyJet (Best for Western Europe)
Fun Fact: Ryanair once sold 10,000 seats for €1 each!
3.2 How to Avoid Hidden Fees
- Check-in online (€55 penalty at airport)
- Pack light (€25–€50 for checked bags)
- Print your boarding pass (€20 fee if you don’t)
Personal Story: I flew Dublin to Milan for €12—cheaper than a pizza in Italy!
Chapter 4: Carpooling & Ride-Sharing
4.1 BlaBlaCar – The Cheapest (and Most Social) Option
- How it works: Share rides with locals
- Sample Price: Paris → Lyon (€15 vs. €50 train)
- Safety Tip: Check driver reviews + verified ID
4.2 Hitchhiking – For the Adventurous
- Best Countries: Germany, Netherlands, Croatia
- Safety Rule: Use Hitchwiki for safe spots
Chapter 5: 2025’s New Budget Transport Hacks
5.1 The €49 Germany-Wide Ticket
- Unlimited regional trains/buses for a month
- Works in: Berlin, Munich, Cologne + rural areas
5.2 Free Public Transport Cities
- Luxembourg (First country with free transit)
- Tallinn, Estonia (Free for tourists staying overnight)
Cost Comparison: Train vs. Bus vs. Plane
| Route | Bus | Train | Plane | Best Choice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barcelona → Madrid | €15 (7h) | €25 (2.5h) | €30 (1.5h) | Train (fastest & scenic) |
| Rome → Vienna | €35 (12h) | €49 (overnight) | €45 (2h) | Overnight train (saves hotel) |
| Amsterdam → Paris | €20 (7h) | €35 (3h) | €25 (1.5h) | Plane (if booked early) |
Indian Budget Tip: Use RailEurope for train discounts with an ISIC card.
Your Turn! Share Your Europe Transport Hacks
What’s the cheapest trip you’ve taken in Europe? Comment below:
“I traveled from ____ to ____ for just €____ by ____!”
