Here are my top tips on how to travel cheaply around Europe. I used a combination of all of the below and would definitely recommend you to do the same.

 

Bla Bla Car

This has been one of my favourite ways to travel because not only is it super cheap but also a fantastic way to meet new people (usually locals). We actually do have it available to use in the UK but it’s not commonly used.

How does it work?

Firstly you must download the app. Once the app is downloaded you can search for rides. The best way to describe it is as a hitchhiking Uber.

Positives

The price !! It really is such a bargain – for example you can travel from Lisbon, Portugal to Seville, Spain for as little as £20 which is a 4 hour journey.

Meeting new people! In my experience the people driving are super friendly and want to meet new people. It’s a really great opportunity to culture exchange and also to practise speaking other languages. Often people are from or travelling to the same place you are going so at the very least you get some local tips and at best you could make lifelong friends.

Flexibility – there are journeys posted for all times of day and night so you can see what fits best with your plans.

Negatives

There is not a big consequence for either party cancelling the journey last minute as even if you cancel on the day you still receive some of your money back. If you’re travelling with no time restrictions then it’s absolutely fine but let’s just say it’s definitely not recommended if you need to catch a flight or go somewhere for a specific time.

Not all routes are popular so it can sometimes be difficult to find the journeys you want if they are not a common route so try to go via big cities where possible as these routes come up more often.

How far in advance should you book?

You can even book as late as on the day. People generally don’t post their journeys until about a week before.

 

Train

Firstly I would not advise to buy an Interrail ticket as this is a very expensive option.

I used the trains in Spain (Renfe) and Italy (Trenitalia) which I booked either at the station on the day or online with short notice. There was a train strike in France so I didn’t use any there except for one from Nice to Antibes which was perfectly fine. I also caught a free train in Geneva from the airport to city centre. Check out my Post on Geneva for more info.

 

FlixBus

The best value FlixBus I got was £40 going from Geneva to Rome which is a 10 hour coach ride! I also travelled from Marseille to Barcelona that way for around £30.

Positives

The price and that you can book super last minute – even on the day.

Once you’re signed up you get sent regular emails with promotions.

Negatives

Unreliable with timings. I used FlixBus about 3 times on my trip and 2 out of 3 it was perfectly on time, however, on my 10 hour trip to Rome it was delayed by 2 hours. I received a text message saying that the transport would be delayed when the transport was already half an hour late so definitely not one for when you have connecting transport at the other end.

 

Coach & Bus

During the French train strike I used the local bus services to get from Nice to the local destinations including Monaco, Menton, Eze Village and Villefranche. All bus journeys were €1.50 (paid in cash only) despite different distances from Nice. Villefranche being the closest at 20 mins away and Menton at 40 mins away.

To travel from Cadaqués to Figueres I booked a €5 coach which was a 45 mins journey using Moventis.

 

Uber

It is quite surprising which European cities do and don’t have Uber. Where possible it is definitely a useful way to travel late at night (esp if alone) and if you’re from the UK you most likely already have the app on your phone.

 

So now you know that it is more than possible to travel cheaply around Europe!

I would also recommend renting a bike in any of the cities you visit. Not only will you see much more than on the metro etc but you also have the feel good factor of being active 🙂