Travelling around Europe can sometimes be a challenge; especially if you don’t have access to a car. For this reason, I have come up with a few things you can do to make your next travel adventure a breeze.

Use GoEuro for the easiest ticket comparisons between trains, planes, and buses.

When planning my trip to Europe, I was constantly using GoEuro. It was a great tool to have when trying to budget and find the best deals. Thanks to GoEuro, I was able to compare many flights, buses, and trains which then allowed me to purchase the cheapest tickets out of the three options. I’ve honestly saved hundreds of dollars through this site!

Use Google Flights, Skyscanner, Kayak or Expedia to find the cheapest tickets for flights.

My favourite out of the four platforms is Google flights, but I have taken turns using all the sites. I just genuinely love using Google flights because of how easy it is to compare dates, cities, and pricing for each day. These sites are great ways to find budget airlines and cheaper flights around the world.

Pick up a metro map and learn your main metro stations.

When in doubt, use your trusty metro map. Pretty much every city has free metro maps and they truly come in handy when your phone dies or you get lost in the city.

I always recommend knowing your closest station to home, the main metro lines that go there, and one or two of the main metro stations in the city. This will definitely help you find your connecting lines.

Look into buying a EuroRail Pass if it fits your needs.

This is an option for anyone who might be using the railway system a lot throughout their travels in Europe. It can be quite costly, but if you can plan and efficiently use the program, you can end up saving hundreds of dollars.

Have google maps downloaded to your phone at all times.

Make sure you have Google maps downloaded to your phone! Or any map alternative app.

Google Maps was a lifesaver during my travels abroad. There were many times I had no idea where I was going and was able to follow the GPS with ease. It definitely saved me from being late once or twice.

Take local taxi services or use online apps like Uber.

Consider using a local taxi service or a taxi service app such as Uber (Use my affiliation code carina9ue for $10 off your first ride). If you are not on a tight budget, taxis are a great way to get around the city in the quickest time frame.

Use “OK Maps” to download maps and use them offline for 30 days.

Use this helpful trick when starting to learn a new city. The selected area of the map will be in full detail (including all streets, restaurants, stores, etc.) and can be used offline without any data. The downloaded map will last for approximately 30 days and then expire.

Be open to more transfers and longer flights or rides for cheaper prices.

While travelling, getting around Europe can become expensive. It is always important to stay open to more transfers and longer flights (layovers) so you can save more money for the truly fun activities.

Use the bus system to travel. ie. Flixbus, Megabus

The bus system in Europe is pretty amazing. You can find buses that go pretty much everywhere. Although the bus rides can be long, you will save immensely and get a very scenic landscape as an extra bonus.

Find those discount codes!

Discount codes are extremely popular for travel related sites. Definitely search around and see if you can get a discount off your next bus ride or activity. I recommend Coupons, Groupon, and the extension add-on Honey to automatically save and receive deals!

Don’t be afraid to walk and explore the city by foot.

Use those legs. If you are really interested in learning a city, start walking. Some of my favorite days were when I would go for walks and learn the ways of the city. Definitely a great way to go sightseeing, save on transportation costs, and stay fit.

Find the cheapest options for public transit. Ex: Venice Rolling Pass, weekly/monthly passes, Navigo Paris, tourist passes, etc.

Before heading to a new city, do a little research on the most cost-effective forms of public transportation. For example, if you plan to stay in Paris for a month, consider buying the Navigo pass. It allows for one month of unlimited bus rides, trams, and metro rides throughout the city.

Always try to travel light. Save on check-in fees.

Check-in fees can be truly scary. Consider travelling lighter where you only need one check-in bag or maybe even none. In the end, the lighter you travel, the easier it is to get around the city and travel from one place to the next.

Rent a bike, Vespa or car while abroad.

Europe is often car, bike, and Vespa friendly. Definitely look into renting different modes of transportation while travelling in a new city. Any way to make getting around easier is great!

Importantly, know if there are transportation restrictions in the city! For example, in Venice, you are not allowed to ride bicycles within the city centre.

Bike Rentals: OFO, Cycle Europe, BikeCity (Amsterdam), local shops.

Car Rentals: Budget, IdeaMerge, Kemwel, AutoEurope, Expedia and more.

Vespa Rental: Cooltra, local shops.

Carpool with strangers. Use apps like Bla Bla Car.

If you’re feeling a little adventurous, consider using a carpool/ride share app to get around. This would be a great way to save on gas, meet new people, and be a little more environment-friendly.

Buy tickets in advance for potentially better deals.

Lastly, keep an eye on the ticket prices. Try and figure out when the best time to buy your tickets are. Sometimes, if you wait too long you might miss a great ticket opportunity. You really don’t want to pay double for a ticket that was originally a fraction of the price.

Hope these tips help you on your next trip! Feel free to comment and share any other suggestions for cheaper and more efficient ways to travel around Europe.

Safe travels,

Carina