If you’re wondering how to travel Europe cheaply or searching for cheaper ways to travel Europe, you’re not alone. Many travelers dream of exploring the continent but worry about the price tag. The truth is: Europe can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. With smart planning and the right strategies, you can travel Europe cheaply while still enjoying incredible experiences.
In this guide, I’ll cover flights, transportation, accommodation, food, and sightseeing — everything you need to know to make your Europe trip on a budget unforgettable!
How Much Does It Cost to Travel in Europe?
The cost of traveling in Europe depends heavily on where you go, how you get around, and your travel style. If you’re eyeing places in Western and Northern Europe like the UK, Switzerland, and Germany, be ready for a bit of a splurge. Eastern Europe, on the other hand, is very budget-friendly. Countries like Poland, Bulgaria, or Serbia are full of amazing and cheap experiences! That being said, here is how to budget a Europe trip:
- Backpackers and budget travelers can usually get by on €50–80 per day.
- Mid-range travelers who want private rooms and restaurants may spend €100–150 per day.
- Luxury travelers can easily exceed €200 per day.
To save some money while still having the time of your life, consider mixing your destinations. Maybe spend a week soaking in the romance of Paris, followed by another week in the colorful streets of Krakow. This way, you can enjoy a variety of experiences!
Cheapest Ways to Get to Europe
Wondering how to visit Europe cheaply? Flights are often the biggest expense, especially if you’re coming from outside Europe. Luckily, there are many inexpensive ways to travel Europe if you plan smart.
- Use flight comparison apps: Tools like Skyscanner and Google Flights let you compare prices across airlines and dates. Skyscanner’s option “explore” shows you the cheapest destinations and the best time to fly to your desired destination. With the option “drops”, you can even see which destinations “offer” price drops.
- Be flexible with airports: Sometimes flying into a less obvious airport can save hundreds of euros. Frankfurt, for example, is a major hub for many international flights. If you want to go to Paris, you could fly into Frankfurt instead, then take an overnight bus to Paris for around EUR 20. This only works if you’re flexible and don’t mind extra travel time, but it can save a lot!
- Travel off-season: Prices drop significantly in spring and fall. Traveling off-season doesn’t just save money — it also means fewer crowds, shorter lines, and a more relaxed experience!
- Consider stopovers: Some airlines let you add a free stop in their hub city (Icelandair in Reykjavik, TAP in Lisbon).
Budget airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air also connect Europe to the US and Asia with seasonal deals. Just be careful with baggage! On some routes, the luggage fee can be more expensive than the ticket itself. To save money, book luggage in advance or try to travel with only a carry-on if possible.
How to Travel through Europe on a Budget
Getting around is surprisingly easy once you’re in Europe, and it doesn’t have to break the bank. There are many inexpensive ways to travel Europe if you compare your options.
Traveling Europe by Train
Trains are one of the most comfortable and scenic ways to move between cities. You can score some really amazing deals if you book tickets in advance, especially in countries like Germany, France, and Spain. Rail passes (like Interrail or Eurail) can be great if you plan to cover multiple countries in a short time. If you plan to visit major cities, from London to Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam, high-speed trains like Eurostar will get you there in just a few hours!
For short trips, regional trains are often cheaper than high-speed ones. While they take longer, they can cut costs significantly. If you are traveling within Germany or Sweden by train, consider Flixtrain. It’s a sister company of FlixBus, and an ultra-cheap alternative to Deutsche Bahn if you don’t mind fewer routes and less frequency!
So, if you’re ready to explore Europe by train, hop on apps like Trainline, Omio, or Kombo. They’ll help you find the best deals on train tickets for your travel dates. If you want a full list of essential travel apps to save money and plan your trip, check out my guide to the 40+ Best Travel Apps for Europe that are also free to download!
Traveling Europe by Bus
Buses are usually one of the most affordable ways to travel Europe. Companies like FlixBus, RegioJet, and BlaBlaCar Bus connect most major cities for as little as €5–15 if booked early. BlaBlaCar Bus is the cheapest way to travel from London to Paris. More limited, but yes, operates routes like UK–France and within France/Spain.
While traveling Europe by bus takes longer than trains, buses are budget-friendly and often have night routes, which save you the cost of a night in a hostel. But don’t expect luxury — buses can be crowded, smelly, less comfortable, and slower than trains. Still, if you’re looking to save big, they’re hard to beat!
Use Budget Airlines to Travel Cheaply in Europe
Low-cost carriers like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz are the cheapest ways to travel within Europe. For example, you can fly from Milan to Barcelona for under €20 if you book ahead. The catch? Extra fees for baggage, seat selection, and boarding priority. This is where these companies are getting money from, and it’s important to be aware of that! Pack light and be flexible if you wanna get the best deals.
Pro tip: Sometimes flying within one European country is cheaper than taking the train. For example, a train from Rome to Palermo can cost €70+, while a flight with Volotea or Ryanair can be under €30. Domestic flights are handy in countries with islands (Italy, Spain, Greece). Start with apps like Skyscanner or Google Flights, but also check smaller airlines directly — some budget carriers don’t always show up on aggregators. Just watch out for baggage fees, which can be higher than the ticket price!
How to Find Cheap Places to Stay in Europe?
Where you stay can make or break your budget, and honestly, it comes down to your travel style. If you are traveling on a budget in Europe, here are some websites/apps I can recommend:
- Budget hotels & guesthouses: My personal go-to. Family-run guesthouses are often the best if you want privacy, but still good prices. Always book in advance for better rates.
- Airbnb: Once a cheap option, now often pricier than hotels. Still, it’s great for authentic places. Tip: message the host before booking — I once cut a Lake Como stay from €130 to €80 a night.
- Hostels: I personally don’t stay in hostels (I value privacy and safety), but if you’re young, backpacking, or with a group, they can be the cheapest option. Just know you’ll likely share a dorm with strangers.
- HotelTonight: Perfect if you’re on a spontaneous trip. Last-minute discounts are real, though options can be limited.
- Agoda: Known for flash deals and secret prices. Sometimes excellent, but always read cancellation terms carefully.
- Booking.com (loyalty perks): My favorite. With Genius Level 3, I often get 10–15% off, free breakfast, and sometimes Booking is cheaper than Airbnb.
Travel Europe Cheaply – How to Save Money on Food
Food in Europe can either drain your budget or be one of the most affordable highlights of your trip — it all depends on where and how you eat. One of the most affordable ways to travel Europe is to avoid expensive restaurants and try cheaper alternatives.
- Skip tourist traps: If you see a restaurant with huge picture menus outside — run! These spots usually serve overpriced, bland food, and often the owner isn’t even local. My rule: the more low-key the restaurant, the tastier (and more authentic) the food.
- Go to bakeries: Pastries are a daily staple across Europe. You can grab a fresh croissant, burek, or pretzel with a strong coffee for just a few euros — perfect for breakfast or a cheap lunch.
- Discover street food & markets: Local food markets are goldmines for cheap, authentic meals. In Eastern Europe and smaller cities (like in Serbia), you can even find organic produce and traditional dishes for much less than in restaurants.
- Look for lunch menus: In many countries (Spain, Italy, France), restaurants offer a menu del día or set lunch menu — usually two or three courses at a much lower price than dinner. Sometimes these are even cheaper than ordering one dish à la carte.
- Cook your own meals: If your hostel, Airbnb, or hotel has a kitchen, cooking a few simple meals can save you a lot. Sometimes booking an apartment with a kitchen actually works out cheaper than eating out three times a day.
- Eat off-peak hours: Many restaurants offer early-bird or off-peak discounts to fill tables. Apps like The Fork can help you find these deals.
- Eat like a local: Ask locals where they eat. For example, in Paris, Bouillon République serves classic French dishes — even escargot — for around €10–11. That’s cheaper than a tourist café latte near the Eiffel Tower!
The Best Apps to Eat in Europe on a Budget
Here are my favorite ways to keep costs down while still enjoying great meals:
- Too Good To Go – Buy leftover meals at cafes & bakeries for a fraction of the price.
- The Fork – Find restaurants with discounts (sometimes up to 50%).
- Neotaste – It offers deals like two-for-one main courses, fixed discounts, or “cool deals” that help you try nicer places without overspending. As a new user, you can sign up for a one-month free trial and make the most of the offers.
Cheap Things to Do in Europe: Sightseeing & Attractions
One of the best parts of traveling in Europe is that so many attractions are free or very affordable. Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean missing out on culture — you just need to be smart about what you see and when.
- Check in advance: Before you go, look up which attractions are free and which require a ticket. Some are worth the price, but others can be shockingly expensive (like Sagrada Familia in Barcelona at €25+). Decide where to spend and where to save.
- Museums & cultural sites: Many major cities (Paris, London, Frankfurt, Madrid) have museums that are either free or offer free entry on certain days each month. If you’re a student or under 26, don’t forget to bring ID — discounts are huge.
- Free walking tours: Almost every big city has them. They’re a great way to get a feel for the city, meet people, and learn local history. Technically “free,” but remember to tip your guide at the end.
- City discount passes: Many cities offer cards that include transport plus entry to multiple attractions. The I-Amsterdam Card, Paris Museum Pass, or Milan Card (which even comes with a dining voucher) can save money if you plan to visit several sites.
- Public parks & landmarks: Some of the best experiences in Europe don’t cost a thing. Explore plazas, cathedrals, riversides, and viewpoints. Sit in a square, wander into old churches, or picnic in a park — all for free, and often more memorable than crowded ticketed spots.
Best Travel Apps for Traveling Europe on a Budget
Apps are your best friend when it comes to saving money on the road. If you want all the top budget travel apps in one place, here’s a quick list to keep on your phone before your trip:
- Flights: Skyscanner, Google Flights, Momondo
- Trains & Buses: Trainline, FlixBus, RegioJet
- Accommodation: Booking.com, HotelTonight, Agoda
- Food & Activities: Too Good To Go, GuruWalk, Meetup
- City Transport: Lime, FreeNow, Bolt
How to Travel Europe Cheaply – Final Thoughts
Traveling Europe cheaply is all about planning ahead and staying flexible. Use flight apps, book buses early, mix expensive and affordable destinations, and always look for free activities.
Whether you’re curious about how much it costs to travel Europe or just want the cheapest ways to travel across Europe, remember that budget travel doesn’t mean missing out. It means being smart with your choices so you can see more, spend less, and make your trip unforgettable.
How to Travel Europe Cheaply – FAQs
How much does it cost to travel to Europe for 2 weeks?
Budget travelers can expect to spend €700–1,000 for two weeks if staying in hostels and using buses or regional trains.
What is the cheapest way to travel across Europe?
Buses and budget airlines are usually the cheapest, though trains can also be affordable if booked early.
Can you visit Europe cheaply as a student?
Yes. Many attractions offer student discounts, and student rail passes can save a lot on transportation.
How to tour Europe cheaply without flying?
Stick to buses and regional trains. They’re slower but cost a fraction of flights.
