Europe is a continent teeming with fascinating history, stunning natural wonders and diverse cultures. Taking a trip around this continent can make for an exciting adventure. But just what is the best mode of travel for your Euro-trip?
There are many different transport options and the best solution is likely to depend on your budget, preferred level of amenities and practical needs. This post compares 10 popular ways to travel around Europe and rates them each on a scale from 1 to 5 for cost, comfort and convenience.
By car
Cost: 3
Comfort: 4
Convenience: 4
A road trip in a car can offer the flexibility to go where you want when you want. And you’ve got your own personal space and all the mod cons of a car like temperature control and bluetooth to listen to all your favourite tunes. There are however a lot of costs to consider when you take a car – fuel, tolls, vignettes, parking fees, insurance and the cost of car rental (if you’re hiring a car). If you’re travelling with friends, it’s possible to split all these costs and make a road trip by car quite an affordable option. However, if you’re travelling alone, you may have to set aside quite a large budget. It all depends on what car you decide to take.
By motorcycle
Cost: 3
Comfort: 3
Convenience: 3
Travelling around Europe by motorcycle can undoubtedly be thrilling. You have the same speed and flexibility as travelling by car, but you’re more connected to your surroundings. You don’t have much room for luggage however, and certain weather conditions could make travelling less comfortable and more challenging. Motorcycle running costs are generally cheaper than a car and you could save money if you’re taking your own bike. Hiring a motorcycle could however cost more than hiring a car, because rental fees typically come with huge insurance rates.
By bicycle
Cost: 5
Comfort: 2
Convenience: 3
Cycling can be a very cheap way to explore the continent if you already own a bike – there are practically no fees except potentially the occasional repair (which you may be able to do yourself with a portable bike repair kit and the right know-how). It can also be a great workout and you have the flexibility to explore many picturesque routes – including rural trails and city parks that you cannot access with a car. The biggest downside is that you won’t be able to cover as long distances as you would in a car or motorbike without taking other forms of transport. Doing a lot of cycling training to prevent fatigue could also be important, plus you’ll need to be willing to endure the elements.
By motorhome
Cost: 3
Comfort: 4
Convenience: 4
A motorhome or caravan could allow you to not just travel around Europe, but also provide a dedicated place to sleep each night. Although buying/hiring a motorhome can be expensive, you could save money on accommodation and potentially even cook your own meals. Some motorhomes are also very spacious and you can take a lot of stuff with you that you may not be able to pack in a car. Just be wary that larger motorhomes may not be able to take certain routes and parking in cities may be a little trickier. You also need to carefully consider where you park up for the night – in some countries, it’s illegal to just park up and sleep anywhere, which could mean looking for permitted car parks or campsites. This will come with fees.
By hitchhiking
Cost: 5
Comfort: 1
Convenience: 2
It’s possible to hitchhike your way around Europe, but it requires a certain amount of determination and bravery. Hitchhiking is unpredictable by nature – you never know when/if someone is going to pick you up from the roadside, and so need to be completely flexible with your travel plans. Being comfortable waiting around in different weather conditions and trusting complete strangers is key to successful hitchhiking. Hitchhiking solo is also hitchhiking with someone. The benefit of hitchhiking is that it’s completely free.
By coach
Cost: 4
Comfort: 3
Convenience: 3
There are a few different coach companies such as Flixbus, Eurolines and National Express that offer coach services across Europe – with routes stopping at most major cities. Getting a ticket is typically very cheap making this a popular budget-friendly option for backpackers. Comfort on these coaches can vary with some offering little legroom, while others offer spacious seating with air conditioning (as well as on-board toilets). The issue with coach travel is that it offers limited flexibility – there are only so many routes you can take and they run on a tight schedule. Some coach services also include many stops and can be quite slow. Thankfully many coaches have wi-fi so you can occupy yourself by solving online word search puzzles or streaming your favourite movies or listening to playlists of Spotify.
By train
Cost: 4
Comfort: 3
Convenience: 4
Interrailing is another popular way to tour Europe that provides many of the same perks as coach travel. The rail network around Europe is very extensive and you can get just about anywhere by train while enjoying scenic views. While some individual train journeys can be expensive, you can make travelling by train quite cheap by investing in a rail pass, which gives you access to huge discounts across Europe’s rail service. Compared to coach travel, travelling by train is typically much faster – especially if you get on a high-speed rail train. Comfort can vary massively – some trains have dining cars and you can hire out beds to sleep in, but others are very basic and prone to overcrowding with no guarantee of a seat. Always do your research before booking a train.
By luxury train
Cost: 1
Comfort: 5
Convenience: 3
Luxury trains are a very different experience to regular trains. These trains are modelled on the Orient Express and contain lavish cabins to sleep in, on-board gourmet meals served to you and plush lounge areas where you can grab drinks. They are one of the most comfortable ways to travel around Europe, but they are very expensive and there are a very limited number of routes you can take. You may also have to book these train journeys further in advance as spaces can quickly fill up.
By plane
Cost: 2
Comfort: 3
Convenience: 5
Catching a flight is the fastest way to travel from A to B in Europe. Major airports have regular flights that you can take to cities all around the continent. It’s possible to find cheap deals on individual flights if you book at the right time, but if you’re planning to visit multiple destinations, you may find that the cost of flying quickly adds up. If you stick to budget airlines, you also have to be prepared to endure a lower level of comfort – which typically means little legroom and few amenities. Travelling business-class or first-class can make flying more luxurious, but is only an option for those who have a lot of money to spend.
By cruise
Cost: 2
Comfort: 5
Convenience: 3
It’s hard to beat the luxury of a cruise ship. These floating hotels offer private cabins, restaurants and plenty of space to walk around. The most lavish cruise ships come with amenities like gyms, saunas, swimming pools, bars, casinos, shops, play areas, cinemas and even theatres. Of course, you can expect to pay a lot more for these amenities – however, there are all-inclusive ships that can save you having to worry about the cost of food and drinks. There are ocean cruises around the North Sea and the Mediterranean, as well as river cruises along the Rhine and Danube. It’s convenient being able to have your own room, however you are restricted to very select routes with limited port stops where you may only have a few hours to get off and explore.
Which form of travel is the best?
Let’s take a moment to tally up the score. If you compare each mode of transport’s cost, convenience and comfort rating, this is what you get:
- Car: 11
- Motorcycle: 9
- Bicycle: 10
- Motorhome: 11
- Hitchhiking: 8
- Coach: 10
- Train: 11
- Luxury train: 9
- Plane: 10
- Cruise: 10
It looks like the winners are car, motorhome and train! Of course, this is all subjective – it really depends on what you want to get out of your European trip. If saving money is a priority, cycling or hitchhiking could be your best options. If only the most luxurious levels of comfort will do, then a luxury train or a cruise ship could be the best way to explore the continent. If you want to be able to travel anywhere fast, then taking a plane could be the best mode of travel for you. There is also the option of combining different modes of travel for different parts of Europe. This could vary up your travel experience and make it all the more memorable.
