Planes, Trains and Automobiles: Tips For Getting Around Europe, On A Budget

June 1st, 2007 by The Backpackers Team

RyanAir - European Budget Airline

Mark Kahler of the About.com Budget Travel team, has some great tips on choosing your mode of transport once in Europe.

In his budget transport feature, he debates the pros and cons of three types of travel: planes, trains and automobiles.

With the increasingly low prices offered by low-cost airlines, many travellers are starting to go this way, saving travel time and often money.

Of course, it’s not good for global warming, so if you’re worried about your eco-footprint, or would prefer to see more of the country-side as you go, plane travel might not be for you.

European Rail Travel - photo by Christopher Hylarides

Europe’s extensive rail system make catching trains one of the easiest ways to get around, but prices can be surprisingly high, unless you book tickets far in advance (some great fares to be had if you’re organised, though!).

Railpasses don’t always work out to be more affordable than buying point-to-point tickets, so you need to give some thought to where you might be going before you decide on laying out the cash for one.

As for car travel, whilst it does give you more freedom to ditch the tourist trail – unless you’re planning to be in a place for an extended period, and are travelling in a group, it’s likely to be more expensive and more hassle than it’s worth.

Busabout Bus

One of the ways not mentioned in the article is hop-on-hop-off bus services, like those provided by Busabout (continental Europe) and Eurohop (Spain and Portugal).

They can be a bit slower than rail travel, but the opportunity to meet other travellers along the way makes for a fun and sociable travel experience!

Related entries:
Europe’s Low Cost Airlines: Put To The Test
Backpackers Bookmarks: Alternative Airlines Web Portal
Europe Travel Tips: To Buy A Railpass, Or Not To Buy A Railpass…

Travel resources backpackers might find useful:
SkyScanner – compares prices of low-cost airlines in Europe.
Low Cost Airline Guide – Low cost airline guide, primarily European airlines.
Cheap Hostels – find and book your hostels online, choose from over 12,000 worldwide!

Travel Insurance – instant, cheap travel insurance for backpackers
Travel newsletter – sign up for our free monthly travel newsletter ‘From The Road’

Posted in Destinations, Transport, Travel Tips & Planning