Europe offers endless incredible travel experiences – breathtaking landscapes, rich cultures and history, and one-of-a-kind adventures. And even though the ease of travel and accessibility make it a perfect destination for first-time solo travelers, having so much to see and do can be a bit overwhelming. Thankfully, with modern technology, solo travel doesn’t have to be so challenging. In this guide, I’ll introduce you to the best 30+ mobile apps for traveling in Europe. Whether you’re concerned about getting around efficiently, saving money, finding hidden gems, getting social, or staying safe, I got you covered!
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Transportation Apps for Traveling in Europe
Omio
Formerly known as GoEuro, Omio is one of my personal favorite apps for traveling in Europe – it’s one of the very first apps I used to plan my first solo Euro trip back when I spent this semester in Rennes. Omio helps you compare and book flights, trains, and buses across Europe, allowing you to find the best travel options that suit your budget and itinerary.
Trainline
Trainline is another leading transportation app in Europe. This one’s dedicated to booking and comparing train and bus rides across the continent. As the name suggests, it’s perfect for navigating Europe’s extensive train networks.
RailEurope
If you’re all for train travel, RailEurope is one of the must-download apps for traveling in Europe. The platform gives you access to an extensive selection of rail rides from more than 50 European train companies.
Rome2Rio
This one’s another personal favorite of mine. I love using Rome2Rio to determine the best way to get from one destination to another. The app helps you by displaying different routes and transportation options from point A to point B, along with an estimated breakdown of costs and durations.
Uber
I always opt for a ride-hailing app over taxis as they offer upfront pricing and card payments. The companies also vet drivers before hiring them, so as a solo female traveler, I feel a bit safer. Since Uber is the leading app in this field, you probably already have it and I assure you it’ll come in handy when traveling to European destinations.
Bolt
Another ride-hailing app available in Europe is Bolt. I believe it’s good to have another app downloaded just in case there’s a high surge at the time you’re requesting a ride.
BlaBlaCar
BlaBlaCar is a great app for solo travelers and eco-conscious ones as well. The carpooling app connects drivers and passengers traveling to the same destination – it’s budget-friendly, sustainable, and a great way to make friends as well. The app also allows you to book budget-friendly bus rides via BlaBlaBus, formerly known as OuiBus.
AutoEurope
Renting a car in Europe? This one’s not an app, but you might want to check out AutoEurope to help you compare prices from different service providers; such as Sixt or Herz, find the right vehicle for you, and book it all through the platform.
FlixBus
FlixBus is one of the most popular coach travel companies in Europe as they offer lots of bus trips across the continent, including long-distance ones, at very affordable prices. Even though you can book your FlixBus ride through other apps like Omio, it’s handy to have its standalone app on your phone if you’re making a last-minute booking.
Navigation Apps for Traveling in Europe
Google Maps
Traveling or not, we all use Google Maps for navigation for all the right reasons. The app offers comprehensive maps and directions for all means of getting around, whether you’re walking, driving, or using public transportation. The app also offers real-time traffic updates and allows you to download offline maps for specific areas for times you think you might struggle with poor connectivity.
Maps.me
The Maps.me app is one of the greatest navigation apps for traveling in Europe as it offers unique features that complement Google Maps. In my opinion, the best of all is that it offers unlimited offline apps, making it perfect for road trips and exploring the outdoors. In addition to the fact that it’s specifically designed for offline usage, it also shows detailed information about points of interest, making hiking trails, in particular, much less challenging. These features make it one of the must-download apps for traveling in Europe to adventurers and solo travelers.
CityMapper
On the other hand, CityMapper specializes in urban public transportation. The app provides real-time updates with alerts, and easy route planning features, covering various modes of transportation.
AllTrails
If you’re an outdoors enthusiast planning on exploring European trails, then AllTrails is a must-download! The app offers detailed maps and user reviews for endless trails across Europe. You can save trails and their maps for offline usage, and you can also use the filters feature to find trails that fit your criteria; preferred distance, skill level, etc…
Accommodation Apps for Traveling in Europe
Hostelworld
As a solo traveler, Hostelworld is one of the most handy apps for traveling in Europe and around the world. The platform offers an extensive selection of hostels, which are perfect for meeting other solo travelers and staying on a budget. Its interface is also incredibly user-friendly, making comparing options on the go a piece of cake.
Booking
If you’re open to more accommodation options, like hotels, B&Bs, or guesthouses, then Booking.com is the place for you. Given that it’s the leading platform in this field, the options are endless – almost every single accommodation in the world will be listed on Booking. I also love their Genius loyalty program, which you’ll benefit from if you book through them frequently
Activities & Entertainment Apps for Traveling in Europe
Viator
If you often go off-the-beaten path, then Viator is a great choice for you. Viator offers a wide range of curated tours and one-of-a-kind experiences, often partnering with local guides and operators. So, if you’re looking for small-group experiences that offer a deep dive into a destination’s culture, Viator is definitely one of the best apps for traveling in Europe, if that’s your style.
Tiqets
On the other hand, Tiqets would be your go-to app if your main goal is to skip the line at major tourist attractions. The app offers instant access to mobile tickets, making it ideal for last-minute planners or travelers with a tight schedule.
Get Your Guide
As for Get Your Guide, the app offers a great mix of tours and customizable activities. Not to mention that it often has exclusive deals.
Ticketmaster
TicketMaster is one of the world’s leading ticket marketplaces where you can source tickets for the biggest events of all kinds; concerts, performances, sports leagues, you name it! The platform is the safest and most reliable. To top it all, even though there might not be an app for all countries, Ticketmaster has dedicated websites for various European destinations. Find Ticketmaster in the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Belgium, The Netherlands, Denmark, Czech Republic, and more.
Connectivity Apps for Traveling in Europe
Airalo
Staying connected to the internet is one of my top priorities as a solo traveler for easy navigation and to stay safe. My go-to solution for that is always downloading an eSIM, and Airalo is one of my favorite apps for just that. Download one of the Eurolink eSIMS from Airalo and you’ll be good to go if you’re traveling to more than one European destination. Don’t forget to grab my exclusive 10% discount here. If you’re new to using an eSIM, make sure to read my guide about the technology first.
Jetpac Global
Another great eSIM app is JetPac. Downloading an eSIM from JetPac comes with other travel benefits such as free lounge access for delayed flights and fast-track passes through immigration. How cool is that? Check out their Europe eSIM packages here.
WiFi Map
Even though I always travel with an eSIM downloaded, WiFi Map is one of the most handy apps for traveling in Europe. Why? Because a solo traveler’s got to save and if there’s free WiFi nearby, I’m going to connect to it to save my eSIM data. As the name suggests, you’ve probably figured out yourself that WiFi Map is an app that helps find free or shared WiFi networks in your area.
Health & Safety Apps for Traveling in Europe
SafetyWing
Did you make the mistake of not getting insured prior to your trip? No worries – you can download the SafetyWing app and get insured on the go. This is not the only reason why SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance is my personal favorite travel insurance. I love that it covers both travel and medical mishaps, and unlike most travel insurances, it covers electronics theft and adventure activities accidents. You can read my full breakdown here.
Doctolib
There are lots of great apps for traveling in Europe, but this one’s by far my greatest find. Doctolib allows you to find healthcare professionals and book appointments if you ever find yourself in need of medical assistance when you’re in France, Italy, or Germany.
Budgeting Apps for Traveling in Europe
XE Currency
XE is one of my go-to apps for traveling in Europe, and around the world, as it provides me with the latest currency exchanges and allows me to convert prices on the go.
TravelSpend
Another app I swear by is hands down TravelSpend, as it helps me manage my travel budget and track expenses. Some of the things I love about it are that I can track my spending in both local and home currencies and that I can automatically add expenses when I pay with Apple Pay.
Apple Wallet/Google Wallet
Speaking of which, I highly recommend you put your Apple Wallet or Google Wallet app in use while traveling, especially if you’re going solo. It doesn’t just guarantee convenient and safer payments but also allows you easy access to travel documents such as boarding passes and tickets.
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Social Connection Apps for Traveling in Europe
Google Translate
I bet most of you use Google Translate via browser to help with translating a foreign language. However, the app further facilitates communication by translating, not just text, but also voices and images. Not only that but downloading language packs makes the app work offline, meaning that you can still enjoy its benefits in areas where there’s limited connectivity.
Bumble
If you’re a solo traveler or a digital nomad like me, then Bumble is definitely one of the must-download apps for traveling in Europe. No, not for dating, but for the Bumble BFF feature that allows you to meet people looking for friendships or travel companions rather than dates. Read all about my personal experience with Bumble BFF here.
Timeleft
Another great app for solo travelers looking to make friends on the road is Timeleft. The app matches you with 5 strangers in your destination, based on your interests, and makes a dinner reservation for you to meet them. How fun and exciting is that?
Country-Specific Apps for Traveling in Europe
Even though the apps I listed above are great for navigating the continent as a whole, some must-have apps are designed specifically for certain countries. Here are a few must-haves if you’re planning a trip to any of the following popular destinations:
France
- SNCF Connect: For booking train tickets across the country.
- OuiGo: For booking low-cost high-speed trains.
- RATP: This is the official app for Paris’ public transportation system.
Italy
- Trenitalia: For booking trains across Italy.
- MyCicero: For booking buses, trains, and most importantly, parking across Italy if you’re renting a car.
Spain
- Cabify: A ride-hailing app alternative in popular Spanish destinations like Madrid – works as an alternative to Uber.
Germany
- DB Navigator: For booking Deutsche Bahn train tickets.
- BVG Fahrinfo: For navigating Berlin’s public transportation system.
The Netherlands
- Parkmobile: For parking, if you’re renting a car.
Greece
- Ferryhopper: For booking ferries to Greek islands.
- Beat: A ride-hailing app alternative in popular Greek destinations like Athens.
With these 30+ apps for traveling in Europe in your pocket (literally), exploring the continent cannot be any easier, especially if you’re a solo traveler. So, if a big Euro trip is still on your bucket list, make sure to pin this blog post for later as it’ll definitely come in handy.
Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance!
Travel (solo or not) isn’t always rainbows and butterflies – things might go down south sometimes. You might fall ill or lose your luggage, and that’s when you’ll thank me for having your back covered with travel insurance.
SafetyWing offers different travel insurance packages, tailored to your needs, but their Nomad Insurance is my favorite option.
This travel medical insurance is perfect for frequent travelers. It covers lost checked luggage, travel delay, doctors, hospitals, and more. It even covers the COVID-19 emergency quarantine period if deemed necessary by a physician.
GET INSURED NOW – Nomad Insurance
Booking a trip soon? Here are some useful travel resources:
- Book your flight with Skyscanner, Kiwi, CheapOair, or WayAway.
- Book your hostel with Hostelworld.
- Book your hotel with Booking.com.
- Get your travel insurance with SafetyWing.
- Hire a car with Skyscanner, Discover Cars, Rentalcars, or AutoEurope.
- Book your tours with Get Your Guide, Viator, Tiqets, or Klook.
- Download an eSIM from Airalo or Jetpac.
- Check out my trip planning tools for more travel resources.
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You might also like:
- How to Plan a Trip to Europe: Effortless Planning for First-Timers
- EU Flight Compensation: Know Your Rights for Delays & Cancelations
- Renting a Car in Europe: Is It Really Worth It?
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Nadine is an Egyptian curly-head who decided to quit the norm because it just doesn’t suit her. She ditched her 9-5 as a magazine editor to pursue her dream of becoming a full-time digital nomad and to inspire aspiring travelers to embark on their own solo adventures.