Transportation planning can be one of the most overwhelming parts of planning a trip, especially if you’re a solo traveler who has to do all the research and booking on your own. However, transportation in Europe can be easy to get the hang of, thanks to how interconnected the continent is and the wide range of modes of transport available. That’s one of the main reasons why I believe traveling around Europe is ideal for first-time solo travelers.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through all the different ways of getting around in Europe, the pros and cons of each, how to book, and more. So, if you’re planning a Euro trip anytime soon, read along for smooth travels.
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Different Methods of Transportation in Europe
Like I mentioned earlier, Europe is privileged with a highly interconnected transportation network, making hopping from one destination to another super easy and affordable. Various methods of transportation in Europe include trains, buses, flights, car rentals, and boats. Let’s take a closer look at each option and break them down so you can figure out which mode is the best for you.
PRO TIP: The key to smarter transportation in Europe is comparing your options and booking early.
Trains – The Most Scenic Option
Trains are hands down one of the best modes of transportation in Europe, as the continent is home to one of the most extensive and efficient train networks in the world. With high-speed rail systems, a well-developed infrastructure linking major cities, and flexible rail passes like Interrail and Eurail, exploring Europe is made easy and comfortable.
The biggest perk of traveling via trains in Europe is that it’s the most scenic transport option – it’s not just a practical mode of transport, it’s a full experience! Trains offer some of the most breathtaking views, from alpine landscapes to coastal cliffs. So, if you want an affordable way to hop from one destination to another, while soaking in the magical views as a plus, trains can be ideal.
Where to Book Trains in Europe:
- Omio (formerly known as GoEuro)
- Trainline
- Rail Europe
Buses – The Most Budget-Friendly and Widely Available Option
If you’re traveling around Europe on a budget, then buses might be your best option for saving money, especially as a solo traveler. You can easily find incredibly cheap bus fares for rides connecting lots of destinations across the continent. So, if you don’t mind traveling at a slower pace and affordability is your number one priority, or if you’re a last-minute planner, then buses are definitely for you.
Where to Book Buses in Europe:
- BlaBlaBus Car (formerly known as BlaBlaBus and OuiBus)
- FlixBus
- Omio (my favorite way to compare rides and book from any available provider right away)
Flights – Perfect for Long Distances
If you’re prioritizing time over budget, that’s when you should consider flying. However, you can find lots of cheap flights between European destinations if you’re flying with budget airlines such as EasyJet, Ryanair, Wizz Air, or Transavia.
Where to Book Flights in Europe:
Relevant Reads:
- How to Find Hot Flight Deals and Save on Airfare
- EU Flight Compensation: Know Your Rights for Delays & Cancelations
Car Rentals – For More Freedom and Flexibility
Planning a Euro road trip is insanely fun, and it’s on a lot of travelers’ bucket lists for very valid reasons. On top of those are the freedom and flexibility that having your own car gives you.
It’s worth noting that renting a car in Europe can be pricey, as you need to factor in other costs like tolls, insurance, parking fees, and not just gas and rental. That said, it might not be a solo travel-friendly choice; however, if you’re traveling with a group of friends, it can be totally worth it.
Where to Rent a Car in Europe:
Relevant Reads:
Ferries and Boats – For Island Hopping
If you’re traveling to Europe in the summer and planning on crossing island hopping off your bucket list, then boat rides make a lot of sense. It’s definitely one of the most scenic and fun modes of transportation in Europe, if you don’t get sea sick, of course. Also, if you’re traveling with a car, with a pet, or heading to a destination with no airport, then traveling with a ferry would be a wise choice.
Where to Rent Boats and Ferries in Europe:
Don’t forget to download an eSIM to stay connected for safety and navigation. Browse different Europe data plans from Airalo starting at €4.5 only. You can also snag my 10% discount exclusive to my readers HERE!
Local Transportation in Europe: Getting Around Cities
Once you’ve landed in a European city, getting around can be super easy thanks to the efficient and affordable local transport networks. Here’s a quick breakdown of the best ways to navigate European cities like a local:
Transportation in Europe 101: Metros, Trams, and Buses
Public transportation in Europe is typically punctual and easy to navigate. Here are the usual options:
- Metros are usually the fastest way to get around, especially in big cities like Paris and Rome.
- Trams are a scenic way to commute, and they’re common in destinations like Lisbon, Amsterdam, and Milan.
- Buses are ideal for reaching areas that aren’t covered by metro and tram lines.
- Traditional taxis are available as well, but who really likes haggling with a driver?
Public Transit Cards and City Passes
Most major cities and capitals offer public transit cards that work across different forms of public transport. If you’re staying in a city for a long period of time, these cards can save you money, as well as time wasted on buying single-ride tickets before every trip. Examples can be the Navigo Card and Weekly Pass in Paris, as well as London’s Oyster Card.
Aside from those cards, a lot of cities also offer travel passes that bundle attractions with transportation for extra savings. A great example would be the Lisboa Card in Lisbon, which grants its holders free public transportation, as well as free train rides to some of the neighboring towns.
Ride-Hailing Apps
If you’re in a hurry or in need of a ride late at night, then ride-hailing services will come in handy. There are several ride-hailing apps available in Europe, but the most common ones are Uber and Bolt.
Bike and Scooter Rentals
For a more fun and eco-friendlier ride, you can also rent an electric scooter or bicycle through the local self-service bike rental system, or one of the dockless systems, such as Lime.
Tips on How to Save Time and Money on Transportation in Europe
- Like I mentioned earlier, the key to smarter transportation in Europe is booking in advance. This way, you can find better deals and guarantee an empty seat, especially if you’re traveling during peak season.
- Travel light to avoid fees spent on extra weight. Or you can travel lighter, in other words, with a carry-on or backpack only, so you can eliminate baggage fees altogether.
- Use comparison sites and apps like Omio or Rome2Rio if your itinerary includes multiple cities or countries. They’ll help you get an idea of the fastest and cheapest routes.
- Take advantage of travel passes and discount cards offered by local tourism offices. Getting the Lisboa Card in Lisbon helped me save so much money as it gave me free access to all public transportation.
If you found my travel guides and tips valuable, you can show support by buying me a virtual cup of coffee HERE. Your support helps me keep bringing you the resources and insights you need for unforgettable, safe solo trips.
Thank you, Nadine ☕️🌍
In Conclusion
At the end of the day, figuring out the best mode of transportation in Europe all goes down to YOUR travel style, budget, and itinerary. So, whether you’re all for scenic train rides, saving a ton with bus rides, flying to cut long distances short, enjoying the freedom of a road trip, or hopping from one island to another, Europe has something for everyone. Just make sure you compare your options and book in advance.
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.
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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
- Best Apps for Traveling in Europe (30+ Essential Ones)
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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.
