I remember my first time in Naples. The year was 2013, and my budget was incredibly small. I earned only a tiny salary at that time. I needed to see the world, but the costs of flights and trains felt impossible. This struggle led me to discover the world of cheap bus travel europe. I realized that the bus is the absolute cheapest way to get across the continent. Since then, I have traveled through dozens of countries using my favorite green and white coaches. I want to share my secrets with you so you can find the cheapest bus travel europe options for your own adventures.
The act of saving money on transport means you have more to spend on great food and fun activities. Most buses today are not like the old ones. They offer reclining seats, free wifi, and even charging points at every seat. However, you must know which companies to trust. Here is my list of the ten best options for your next trip.
FlixBus: The Green Giant of Europe
FlixBus is the company I use more than any other. It has a massive network with 400,000 daily connections to over 2,500 destinations in 35 countries. The prices are often shockingly low. I once bought a ticket from Berlin to Hamburg for just £5. That same trip by train would have cost at least £20.
The app they provide is very simple to use. It keeps your tickets on your phone and shows you exactly where the bus stop is on a map. FlixBus also gives you a generous luggage allowance. Usually, you can bring one large bag for the hold and one small bag to carry on for free. Additionally, they have electrical outlets so you can keep your phone charged during the long ride.
Pro tip from a regular rider: You should arrive at the bus stop at least 15 to 30 minutes early. The seats are often first come, first served if you did not pay to reserve one. If you want a window seat away from the bathroom, you must be at the front of the line.
BlaBlaBus: The French Connection
This service was once called iDBus and later OUIBus. It is a popular cheap bus service in europe that focuses on Western Europe. I have used them to go from Amsterdam to Paris. That ride takes about six hours and 23 minutes. On top of that, I found fares for as low as £15 for a trip in March.
The buses are comfortable and come with free wifi and plug points at each seat. They cover great routes like Paris to Brussels for only £6. Similarly, you can go from Paris to Barcelona in 15 hours for about £15. The baggage rules are also quite good. You can take two hand bags and one checked bag weighing up to 23 kg.
RegioJet: Luxury at Student Prices
I am a huge fan of RegioJet. They used to be known as the Student Agency bus service. Do not let the old name fool you. These buses are top-tier. They serve the whole Czech Republic and reach places like Vienna, Budapest, and Krakow.
The seats recline deeply, and the service is wonderful. They often give you free newspapers and hot drinks like chocolate, coffee, or tea. I once traveled from London to Prague with them for only €40. That journey is long at 18 hours, but the comfort makes it much better. Therefore, if you are in Central Europe, this is likely your cheapest bus tickets europe choice for high quality.
Lux Express: The King of the Baltics
The best way to see Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania is by using Lux Express. These buses are very fancy for the price. The seats have plenty of legroom. Each seat has its own personal entertainment system.
I traveled from Riga to Vilnius for just €11. The ride took four hours. If you want even more space, they have “Relax” seats that recline more. These cost about €28, but the standard seats are already great. Plus, they offer free tea and coffee on board.
Alsa: Exploring the Spanish Sun
Alsa is the biggest bus company in Spain. It is much cheaper than the high-speed trains in that country. They connect Madrid to Barcelona and even go to Portugal.
I found a bus from Madrid to Lisbon for only €15. They also have great deals for people between 12 and 25 years old. Most of their buses have wifi and power outlets. It is a very reliable way to see the Sierra Nevada or the Costa Brava.
National Express: The UK Leader
When I am in the United Kingdom, I look for cheap coach tickets europe options from National Express. They have a huge network across the UK. If you book in advance, you can find “funfares” as low as £1.
Your ticket can even get you two-for-one entry at places like the Tower of London or Legoland. They use London Victoria as their main hub to connect cities like Manchester, Bristol, and Edinburgh. Additionally, they offer a few international routes to Europe.
Eurolines: The Traditional Choice
Eurolines has been around for a long time. They are great for the competitive route from London to Paris. I have seen fares for this trip as low as €26.99. They allow one piece of carry-on and one piece of hold luggage for free.
They also offer classic routes like Vienna to Budapest for €8.99 and Berlin to Prague for €15. However, their website can be a bit hard to use compared to the FlixBus app. Still, it is a very solid option for cheap bus trips in europe.
Megabus: The Budget Legend
Megabus is famous for having extremely low fares. In the past, they had £1 tickets. Today, they mostly focus on the UK and North America. I found a fare from London to Edinburgh for £9.99.
The buses are basic but they do the job. Most have wifi and charging points. At that time, they represented the best value for students and budget travelers.
OnniBus: Finnish Fares for a Euro
The northern parts of Europe are usually expensive. However, OnniBus in Finland is a surprise. If you book early, you can get tickets from Helsinki to Tampere for just €1.
The buses have wifi and electrical outlets. It is the best way to save money in a country that is usually very pricey. Therefore, you should always check them first if you are visiting Finland.
Busabout: The Social Way to Travel
Busabout is a bit different from the others. It is a hop-on, hop-off network. It serves 9 countries and 34 destinations. The price starts at around €485 for a pass.
This is more like one of the cheap bus tours europe options because they have friendly guides and they drop you off right at hostels. It is a great way to meet other travelers. Though it costs more than a single ticket, the social aspect and convenience are worth it for many people.
Surviving Your Long Bus Journey
The choice to take a bus often means you will spend a lot of time on the road. You must be prepared. I always pack a small “survival kit” for my cheap coach travel to europe.
First of all, you need a good travel pillow. The seats rarely recline enough for perfect sleep. On top of that, bring earplugs or noise-canceling headphones. Someone will always be watching loud videos or talking on their phone.
Food is another big deal. Bus station food is often bad or very expensive. I pack snacks like nuts, fruit, and plenty of water. Do not rely on the bus having snacks for sale. Many companies claim they have them, but the driver often does not have any on board.
The Truth About Night Buses
Taking an overnight bus can save you the cost of a hotel or hostel for one night. It sounds like a perfect plan. But be careful. I have taken many night buses, and they are a gamble.
Sometimes you arrive at your destination at 5 a.m.. The city might be closed, and you will be exhausted. The lights on the bus often stay on, and the driver might talk loudly. However, some new companies like Twiliner are trying to change this with seats that turn into flat beds. For now, if you are a light sleeper, a night bus might be a mistake.
Why You Should Choose the Bus
The train is faster and more comfortable. But the bus has its own magic. It can go to small towns that the train cannot reach. For example, in the Balkans, the train system is not very good. In those areas, the bus is the primary way to get around.
Additionally, the bus is much better for the planet than flying. It uses less carbon per person. Plus, you get to see the beautiful countryside out of the window. I have seen stunning hills and greenery on my way from Munich to Salzburg.
Booking Like a Pro
The secret to getting the cheapest bus tickets europe is to book early. Prices go up as the bus fills up. I use a tool called Omio to compare all the options at once. It shows me buses, trains, and flights side by side.
Another great app is Rome2Rio. It tells you how to get anywhere using any type of transport. If the bus is too slow, it might find you a train for only €3. Using these tools saves me hours of searching.
The Baggage Trap
Do not assume every bag is free. Most companies like FlixBus let you have one checked bag for free. But some smaller or local lines might charge you €1 or €2 for each bag you put in the hold.
Always check the rules before you buy your ticket. I once saw a driver refuse to let a passenger board because their bag was too big and they did not have cash to pay the fee. Also, keep your most valuable items in a small bag under your seat. Theft from the hold does happen sometimes.
Your Rights as a Passenger
It is important to know that you have rights in the European Union. If your bus is delayed or canceled, the company might owe you help. For long trips of more than 250 km, they must offer you snacks or water if the delay is over 90 minutes.
If the bus breaks down, they must find another way for you to continue your journey. If you are not happy with the service, you should contact the company within three months. I always keep a copy of my ticket and any photos of delays just in case.
The Best Regions for Bus Travel
Eastern Europe is the best place for a budget traveler. Countries like Albania, Romania, and Bulgaria are very affordable. The buses there are cheap and they go everywhere.
In Western Europe, the London to Paris route is very popular and cheap because many companies compete there. You can find dozens of buses every day for this trip. It takes about eight to nine hours, but it drops you right in the city center. This saves you the cost and time of getting to an airport.
FAQ
What is the cheapest transport in Europe?
The bus is definitely the cheapest bus travel europe option for anyone on a budget,. It is a smart way to move between major cities and it can often cost less than a lunch,.
Which is the best bus service to travel within Europe?
FlixBus is the top choice because it has a massive network of 400,000 daily connections to over 2,500 places. Additionally, it provides a very simple app that keeps all your tickets in one place on your phone.
Where in Europe is it cheapest to travel?
Eastern Europe is the most budget-friendly region on the continent,. Your money will go much further in countries like Romania or Albania compared to the west,.
What is the best and cheapest way to travel in Europe?
You should mix and match different modes of transport for the cheapest bus travel europe experience. It is best to use tools like Rome2Rio or Trainline to find the absolute lowest price for each specific leg of your journey,.
Which country is best for travel in low budget in Europe?
Albania, Kosovo, and Moldova are among the best choices for travelers who do not have much cash. These nations offer great history and deep culture for a very low price.
What is the 3 month rule in Europe?
Tourists cannot spend more than 90 days within a 180-day period in the Schengen area. This is a golden rule for anyone who does not hold a European passport, and you must track your days carefully,.
Is $100 a day enough in Europe?
It is more than enough in Eastern Europe, where monthly costs can be as low as €800. This means you can live well on less than $100 per day while you stay in hostels and eat local food.
Which country is best for travel in low budget?
Poland and Hungary are excellent choices for low-budget travel. They have beautiful old towns and very affordable cheap bus service in europe options to get you around,.
Are buses cheap in Europe?
Buses are extremely cheap and you can find cheap bus trips in europe for as little as 5 Euros. Prices for buses do not change as much as train or flight prices, so they are great for flexible plans.
Which bus is best for long travel?
RegioJet is the best for long trips because it offers extra comfort that other lines do not have. You get free hot chocolate, coffee, and newspapers on board to pass the time.
What is the best bus pass for Europe?
The Interflix ticket is the best choice for cheap bus tours europe because it allows five one-way trips for only 99 Euros. It is a great option for people who want to be flexible and spontaneous with their route.
Which bus is the best for long distances?
FlixBus is the leader for long distances because it reaches 35 different countries. It is the cheapest bus tickets europe provider that also gives you charging points and wifi to make the long ride easier.
Is FlixBus cheaper than flying?
Yes, it is often much cheaper than taking a plane, especially if you book early. You also save a lot of money because the cheap bus service in europe usually includes a free checked bag, while airlines charge high fees for luggage.
Concluding words
The bus is the ultimate way to travel through Europe without spending too much money,. You can find incredible deals for as little as 5 Euros if you make sure to book your seat early,. On top of that, many coaches now offer free wifi and comfortable seats to improve your journey while you move from city to city,.
You should always keep your passport with you to avoid any problems when you cross borders,. Finally, a bus trip allows you to see the beautiful landscape and you save a lot of cash for your next big adventure.
