Traveling to Europe can be expensive, but with the right strategies, it’s possible to explore the continent without overspending. Whether you’re planning a backpacking trip, a city-hopping adventure, or a long-term stay, knowing how to travel Europe on a budget can help you stretch your money further.
This guide covers everything from finding cheap flights and affordable accommodations to saving on food and transportation costs. You’ll also discover free attractions and insider tips to make the most of your trip while keeping expenses low. Keep reading to learn the best ways to experience Europe without breaking the bank!
1. Finding Cheap Flights
Use Skyscanner or Google Flights
Finding cheap flights to Europe starts with using the right tools. Skyscanner and Google Flights help travelers compare prices across different airlines and booking platforms.
- Set Price Alerts – Enable notifications for specific routes to track price drops.
- Use the “Everywhere” Feature – If your dates are flexible, Skyscanner can show the cheapest destinations from your departure city.
- Search in Incognito Mode – Some sites may increase prices based on repeated searches. Private browsing can help avoid this.
- Check Nearby Airports – Flying into smaller or alternative airports (e.g., Brussels Charleroi instead of Brussels Airport) can significantly reduce costs.
📌 Pro Tip: Book flights 2-3 months in advance for the best prices, or 6 months ahead for peak seasons.
Find the Cheapest Flights to Europe on Aviasales
Fly Mid-Week or During Shoulder Seasons
Timing is everything when booking cheap flights.
- Mid-week flights (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) tend to be cheaper than weekend departures.
- Shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) offer lower airfare and fewer crowds.
- Avoid peak summer months (June-August) and holiday seasons when prices surge.
📌 Pro Tip: Use Google Flights’ date grid feature to compare fares across different days before booking.
Book Budget-Friendly Hostels on hotellook
2. Affordable Accommodation
Hostels, Airbnb, and Couchsurfing
Accommodation is one of the biggest travel expenses, but there are plenty of budget-friendly options.
- Hostels – Best for solo travelers and budget-conscious backpackers. Look for hostels with free breakfast, free WiFi, and communal kitchens on platforms like Hostelworld.
- Airbnb – Renting a private room is often cheaper than a hotel, especially in expensive cities like Paris or London. Look for long-term stay discounts if staying for a week or more.
- Couchsurfing – Free accommodation with locals who offer their couch or spare room. It’s a great way to experience a destination like a local and save money.
📌 Pro Tip: Book early for the best prices, especially in popular cities like Rome, Amsterdam, or Barcelona.
Consider Overnight Trains to Save on Lodging
Taking an overnight train allows travelers to save on both transportation and accommodation.
- Popular Routes:
- Paris → Venice (Thello Night Train)
- Berlin → Budapest (EuroNight)
- Madrid → Lisbon (Lusitania Train)
- Booking Tips:
- Choose a sleeper cabin for comfort.
- Book in advance on Eurail or Trainline for discounts.
- Some night trains offer discounted youth and senior tickets.
📌 Pro Tip: Carry earplugs and an eye mask for better sleep on night trains.
3. Transportation Tips
Get a Eurail Pass for Train Travel
A Eurail Pass is ideal for travelers visiting multiple European countries.
- Unlimited train travel in 33 European countries.
- Flexible options: Single-country pass, multi-country pass, or global pass.
- Avoids the need to buy separate train tickets for each journey.
📌 Pro Tip: Compare single-ticket prices before purchasing a pass—sometimes individual fares are cheaper for short trips.
Get a kiwitaxi Pass for Unlimited Train Travel
Use FlixBus or BlaBlaCar for Budget Road Trips
For cheap transportation between European cities, buses and ride-sharing apps are great options.
- FlixBus:
- Operates across 30+ European countries.
- Offers fares as low as €5 for short routes.
- Comfortable seats, free WiFi, and power outlets.
- BlaBlaCar:
- A ride-sharing service where travelers share car rides with locals.
- Often cheaper and faster than trains.
- Great for small towns and rural areas with limited public transport.
📌 Pro Tip: Book night buses to save on accommodation costs.
4. Saving on Food
Shop at Local Markets
Eating out in Europe can be expensive, but local markets offer fresh and cheap food.
- Buy fresh produce, bread, and cheese for picnic-style meals.
- Look for farmer’s markets in major cities like La Boqueria (Barcelona), Borough Market (London), and Marché Bastille (Paris).
- Supermarkets like Lidl, Aldi, and Carrefour have budget-friendly food options.
📌 Pro Tip: Street food stalls near markets often serve affordable, authentic local dishes.
Find Local Markets and Street Food Tours in Europe
Eat Where Locals Go, Not in Tourist Areas
Restaurants near tourist landmarks charge higher prices. Avoid overpriced meals by:
- Walking 5-10 minutes away from main attractions.
- Looking for daily lunch specials (prix fixe menus) which offer full meals at a discount.
- Using apps like TheFork and Too Good To Go for restaurant discounts and meal deals.
📌 Pro Tip: Ask locals or hostel staff for recommendations on where to eat.
5. Free Attractions
Many Cities Offer Free Walking Tours
A free walking tour is a great way to explore a city without spending money.
- Led by local guides who work on a tip-based system.
- Covers history, culture, and hidden spots.
- Available in most European cities through companies like Sandemans, Free Tours by Foot, and GuruWalk.
Find Free Walking Tours in Major European Cities
📌 Pro Tip: Book in advance during peak tourist seasons as spots fill up quickly.
Museums Have Free Entry Days
Many museums in Europe offer free admission on certain days:
- Louvre (Paris) – Free on first Sunday of the month (October to March).
- Museo del Prado (Madrid) – Free every evening from 6-8 PM.
- British Museum (London) – Always free.
📌 Pro Tip: Check museum websites for student and youth discounts.
Final Tips
Travel Slower to Cut Costs
Fast travel increases expenses. Instead of rushing through multiple cities:
- Spend more time in fewer places to save on transportation.
- Stay in cheaper accommodations like hostels or Airbnbs for longer periods.
- Use local transport passes instead of single tickets.
📌 Pro Tip: Consider volunteering or work exchanges to extend stays for free.
Look for City Passes for Discounts
Many cities offer tourist passes that save money on transport and attractions.
- Paris Pass – Includes Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and metro access.
- Berlin WelcomeCard – Free transport and museum discounts.
- London Pass – Covers 80+ attractions, including the Tower of London.
📌 Pro Tip: Calculate whether a pass actually saves money based on the number of attractions you plan to visit.
Final Thoughts on How to Travel Europe on a Budget
Traveling through Europe doesn’t have to be expensive. With the right strategies, you can explore top destinations while saving money on flights, accommodation, transportation, food, and attractions.
- Book cheap flights using Skyscanner or Google Flights.
- Stay in budget-friendly accommodations like hostels, Airbnb, or Couchsurfing.
- Use affordable transport options like Eurail, FlixBus, or BlaBlaCar.
- Eat like a local by shopping at markets and avoiding tourist restaurants.
- Take advantage of free attractions like walking tours and museum entry days.
By following these tips, you can experience Europe’s best sights and culture without overspending. Whether you’re planning a short trip or an extended adventure, budget-friendly travel is possible with smart choices and careful planning.