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What are the Different Ways to Travel in Europe?

Anne Kostuchik
Anne Kostuchik

There are a variety of different ways to travel in Europe, including by sea, air or train. The choice of travel will depend on traveler's preference, budget, and length of stay. Most of Europe is easily traveled by bus or coach, airplane, ferry, car, or on foot. Visitors can consult local tourist offices in each country before arriving to receive up-to-date information on schedules and fares.

One of the fastest and most reliable ways to travel Europe is by train. A rail pass allows access to most of Europe, and trains run locally and internationally. A variety of trains can accommodate most travelers' needs, including high-speed, scenic, intercity, and rapid airport-train connections. Non-European residents may be able to purchase a special pass that allows them to travel by train through many different European countries in any order.

Travel in Europe may be done by plane.
Travel in Europe may be done by plane.

Bus or coach travel in Europe lets visitors tour remote areas inaccessible by plane or train. There are two types of bus services offered in most European cities — local and sightseeing. Local buses let travelers interact with the area's inhabitants, while sightseeing buses allow people to hop on and off at popular attractions.

Cruises and barges are among some of the most interesting ways to travel in Europe, uniquely combining travel and accommodations. Barges allow a leisurely tour of the continent's canals, rivers, lochs, and lagoons, with time for exploration at various ports of call. Cruises grant passengers coastal and island views from decks and cabins.

Hostels cost less money than hotels and often attract younger guests, who will most likely be sharing a room with other customers.
Hostels cost less money than hotels and often attract younger guests, who will most likely be sharing a room with other customers.

Traveling by car in Europe allows visitors to tour at their own pace. A national driver's license permits travelers to drive anywhere in Europe, although some countries require an International Driving Permit, which must be obtained in advance. Europe uses its own E-road network, an international system of route designations reaching Europe and Central Asia that includes every major regional road. When touring Europe by car, a ferry system allows a driver to travel with his vehicle across the English Channel or to a Greek island, for example. In addition to ferries, Europe also has hovercrafts, hydrofoils, and catamarans offering the same service.

Traveling from location to location in Europe can be done on a budget.
Traveling from location to location in Europe can be done on a budget.

Among the different ways to travel in Europe, backpacking and cycling have long been the most inexpensive, mainly because of plentiful hostels and camping grounds. Bikes can be rented in tourist destinations and the surrounding countrysides. Many European countries have designated cycling lanes and facilities. Not all trains and coaches take bikes during busy hours, however, so travelers should check before they go.

Discussion Comments

animegal

If you are traveling Europe it is a good idea to make sure you at least try train travel in Europe. The scenery is fantastic, especially if you go through Switzerland. Frankly, the roads don't give you the same view as the trains do when it comes to the mountain ranges. Even if you just do one leg of your journey by train it should be France-Switzerland.

When my friends and I were looking at cheap travel in Europe we discovered that you can sometimes hitch a ride from your hostel to your next destination with another traveler. You of course have to be careful, but sometimes you'll see signs posted in hostels looking for people to chip in for gas.

drtroubles

@letshearit – If you are looking to travel cheaply around Europe you should look into buses. There are some great hop on hop off services, with Busabout being one of the more affordable options. Basically you choose how long you want to travel for and choose a loop. From there you can get on and off at whatever stops strike your fancy for one low price.

The railways do offer a discounted pass that works in a similar way to the buses, but they are still more expensive. I suppose the trade off is the fact that the rail network is more comfortable and gets you access to some even more spectacular scenery.

letshearit

Right now I am planning to travel to Europe for a few months to backpack around and get a feel for the various countries. I want to find the cheapest travel in Europe and was wondering if anyone had any good travel tips?

I have looked at air travel in Europe and while a lot of local carriers are pretty cheap, I would still like to see some of the countryside. Traveling to Europe for me is a bit of a life goal so I would like to make sure that I see as much of the countries I visit as possible.

Traveling by rail looks inviting, but those train passes seem really expensive, and I am not sure if I am missing something or not. I thought they were supposed to be for those on a budget?

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    • Travel in Europe may be done by plane.
      By: dmitrimaruta
      Travel in Europe may be done by plane.
    • Hostels cost less money than hotels and often attract younger guests, who will most likely be sharing a room with other customers.
      By: Alex_Mac
      Hostels cost less money than hotels and often attract younger guests, who will most likely be sharing a room with other customers.
    • Traveling from location to location in Europe can be done on a budget.
      By: Freesurf
      Traveling from location to location in Europe can be done on a budget.
    • Pension hotels are common in Europe, and offer a private room with a shared bathroom.
      By: Alexander Gitlits
      Pension hotels are common in Europe, and offer a private room with a shared bathroom.
    • Many travelers within Europe rely on regional and national airlines that sometimes offer inexpensive fares.
      By: HappyAlex
      Many travelers within Europe rely on regional and national airlines that sometimes offer inexpensive fares.
    • High-speed trains are popular in Europe and Asia.
      By: ortodoxfoto
      High-speed trains are popular in Europe and Asia.
    • Most of Europe can be easily traveled by bus, airplane, ferry, car, or even on foot.
      By: ilynx_v
      Most of Europe can be easily traveled by bus, airplane, ferry, car, or even on foot.
    • Trains in Europe satisfy passengers' needs for speed, scenery and rapid airport-train connections.
      By: metlion
      Trains in Europe satisfy passengers' needs for speed, scenery and rapid airport-train connections.