I love the feeling of a heavy pack on my back and the smell of a new city in the morning air. You probably feel the same way if you love to explore the world. London is one of the best places for people like us because it is a massive hub for adventure. You can find Cheap Travel To Europe From London if you know where to look and how to book. I have spent years as a backpacker and a restless traveler. I have learned that you do not need to be rich to see the Eiffel Tower or the canals of Venice. You just need a solid plan. I once traveled from Paris to London for less than the price of six chicken nuggets. It was exhilarating. My mind was blown.
I want to share my secrets for the 12 Best Cheap Travel To Europe From London. These methods will help you save your hard-earned money for the things that matter. You can use that extra cash for a nice bottle of wine in France or a hearty meal in a Polish milk bar. First of all, you must understand that the price of a ticket is not always the final cost. Hidden fees are everywhere in the sky. However, I will show you how to dodge those traps. Plus, I will give you the details on trains and buses that offer a better experience for a lower price.
The Eurostar Snap Secret
The train is my favorite way to reach the heart of the continent. You leave from the center of London and arrive in the center of Paris, Brussels, or Amsterdam. You avoid the long lines and liquid limits of the airport. The cost used to be a problem for me. Therefore, I was very happy when Eurostar Snap returned. This service offers half-price tickets for those who are spontaneous.
You choose a date and a destination. You do not get to pick your exact time. Eurostar will send you your specific train time 48 hours before you depart. I have seen return journeys that cost £218 drop to just £100 through this service. Additionally, you get a great luggage allowance. You can bring two bags and one hand luggage for no extra fee. Is it a gamble? A little bit. You might get an early morning train or a late night one. However, the savings are worth the risk for a flexible traveler. You can book these seats up to 14 days before you leave for trips from London.
FlixBus: The Under £20 Adventure
I often use the bus when my budget is very tight. FlixBus is the leader in cheap coach travel across Europe. They offer a route from London to Paris that starts at just £18.99. I once took this trip and it was a mixed bag. You start at London Victoria Coach Station. I will be honest with you. That station is chilly and crowded. But, the price is unbeatable.
The bus takes about nine hours. You travel through Kent and board a ferry at Dover. I love the ferry part of the trip. You can get off the bus and watch the White Cliffs of Dover disappear behind you. The ship has lounges, food, and even a small arcade. Later, you arrive in Calais and head for Paris Bercy. I recommend the night bus to save money on a hotel. On top of that, FlixBus has a very relaxed cancellation policy. You can change your ticket up to 15 minutes before the bus leaves for a small fee. No stress? Almost none.
Low-Cost Airlines from Stansted and Luton
If you want to reach your destination fast, budget airlines are the way to go. I use Skyscanner cheap flights from London to find the best deals. You can find return fares to Nantes, France, for as little as £19 from Stansted. I have also seen flights to Cork, Ireland, from Luton for £18 in January. These are fantastic prices. However, you must be careful about hidden fees.
Vueling and Ryanair are some of the worst for add-on charges. Vueling can charge over £90 for a 20kg hold bag. Ryanair has a hefty £55 airport check-in fee if you do not do it online. I always travel with a carry-on bag to avoid these traps. You can save £50 each way by packing light. Similarly, I check london to anywhere google flights to see which days are the cheapest to fly. Midweek is usually about 13% cheaper than the weekend.
The Deutschland Ticket for Unlimited Germany
Germany is a beautiful country with old-world charm and amazing beer. I found a way to see the whole country for one flat rate. The Deutschland Ticket costs just €49 a month. This ticket gives you unlimited travel on all local and regional trains, buses, and subways in Germany.
I used this to travel from Hamburg to Berlin and then down to Munich. Gradually, Finally, I saw the castles of the Rhine Valley and the peaks of the Alps. You must remember that this ticket does not cover high-speed ICE trains. It is a subscription that renews every month. You must cancel it by the 10th of the month if you do not want it for the next one. This is a massive deal for a long-term traveler. Plus, it includes some ferry connections in Berlin and Hamburg.
Interrailing with a Flexi Pass
A rail pass is a classic choice for a reason. It is romantic and slow. I think the Interrail Pass is a great value if you want to see many countries. A four-day pass for one month costs about €258 for adults over 27. This pass gives you access to 33 countries.
You can hop on and off regional trains without a care in the world. I try to avoid high-speed and night trains with my pass because they require a seat reservation fee. These fees are usually €10 to €20. On the contrary, regional trains are free with your pass and let you see the small villages that other people miss. I suggest you use your travel days on weekdays. Fridays and weekends are busy and seats sell out fast.
Central Europe Deals with RegioJet
I found some of the best train deals in the Czech Republic and Hungary. RegioJet is a low-cost train company that links Prague, Vienna, and Budapest. I once paid just €9 for a ticket from Vienna to Budapest. The basic fare even includes WiFi and a reserved seat.
If you pay a tiny bit more, you get a better seat and a free newspaper. I also took a RegioJet bus from Prague to Budapest. It was the most luxurious bus I have ever seen. They had a bus attendant who gave us free hot chocolate and tea. Therefore, if you are in that region, you should always check their site. Czech Railways also offers a deal from Prague to Munich for about €15. This is much cheaper than booking through the German train site.
BlaBlaCar: The Social Way to Travel
Ridesharing is a great way to save money and meet locals. BlaBlaCar matches drivers with passengers who go to the same place. You just help pay for gas and tolls. I have seen rides from Belgium to London for as little as €20.
The site has a good review system, so you can see if a driver is reliable. It is a bit like a safe version of hitchhiking. I find it very useful for routes where trains are too expensive. Additionally, Google Maps now shows BlaBlaCar rides as an option when you search for directions. This makes it very easy to plan. Though, you must be flexible with your luggage. A small car does not have room for a giant suitcase.
High-Speed Rail in Spain for €9
Spain is a land of sun, beaches, and amazing food. Travel between major Spanish cities used to be pricey. At that time, you had to fly or take a slow bus. However, a low-cost train service called Ouigo changed everything in 2021.
You can now travel from Barcelona to Madrid for just €9. This is a high-speed train that is clean and fast. I found these fares for June and July when I booked in advance. You can bring a small bag and a carry-on for free. A large suitcase costs an extra €5. These trains also stop in cities like Zaragoza and Tarragona. This is one of the best ways to see Spain on a budget.
Night Trains: The Hotel on Wheels
I love the idea of falling asleep in one country and waking up in another. Night trains are a great way to save the cost of a hotel room. The Nightjet service from Paris to Vienna starts at about €60 for a seat.
It leaves Paris at 6:58 pm and arrives in Vienna the next morning at 10:12 am. A seat in a six-person compartment is the cheapest option. I will tell you that those seats are not the most comfortable for a full night of sleep. If you spend an extra €20, you can get a couchette. This is a bunk bed that lets you lie flat. I think the investment is worth it for a better rest. Also, there is a Nightjet from Munich to Zagreb that starts at just €29.90 if you book early.
Error Fare Hunting
This is a secret for the truly dedicated traveler. Error fares are mistakes in the airline booking systems. A currency conversion error or a technical glitch can make a ticket 70% to 90% cheaper than normal. I have seen business class to Asia for $400 and round-trip flights to Europe for $180.
You must be very fast to catch these. They usually only last for a few hours. I use sites like Jack’s Flight Club and Secret Flying to get alerts. My advice? Book first and ask questions later. Use a credit card for better protection. Wait 72 hours before you book your hotel to make sure the airline honors the price. Most of the time, they do. Finally, stay quiet about your deal until you have your ticket number. If too many people brag online, the airline will notice and fix the error faster.
Cheap Gems from London Luton
I look for destinations where the day-to-day spending is low. Budapest is a top choice. You can find return flights for under £50. Once you are there, a pint of beer is only £1.50. Similarly, Sofia, Bulgaria, is one of the cheapest cities in Europe.
You can find a three-course dinner for two with wine for less than £35 in Sofia. I found that budget airlines serve this city from Luton and Stansted very often. Additionally, Krakow, Poland, is a favorite for its history and Milk Bars. A hearty meal in a Milk Bar costs only about £5. I search cheap flights from london to europe in december to find winter deals for these cities. They are magical when it snows.
Midweek Skyscanner Strategies
I always use Skyscanner cheap flights from London to scan for “anywhere”. This is how I find the absolute cheapest getaway. I saw flights from Gatwick to Milan, Italy, for just £21 return with Wizz Air. Malaga, Spain, was also a bargain at £22 return.
You can find these low fares for many months of the year if you fly midweek. I found that Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the best days to fly. Gradually, Finally, I learned to avoid school holidays and the peak of summer. Those times are always the most expensive. If you are flexible with your dates, you can see a new city for the price of a dinner out in London.
The Hidden Trap of Budget Flying
I have mentioned fees, but I want to give you the hard numbers. I do not want you to be surprised at the gate. Travel experts found that extra fees can make a cheap flight very expensive. Vueling has the highest fees at about £163.36 on top of the ticket. Ryanair is close behind at £152.99.
These fees come from seat selection, cabin bags, and hold bags. On the contrary, Iberia Express has some of the lowest fees at just £42.10. They even include a 10kg cabin bag in the price. Therefore, you should always check the total price with bags before you click “buy.” I found that hold luggage for a 20kg bag costs an average of £37 across all budget airlines.
How to Save on Lodging and Data
You have your transport sorted. Now, how do you save on the ground? I love staying in family-run hotels or bed and breakfasts. They are a great way to support locals. I often save money by booking direct. Third-party sites like Booking.com take a 15% to 20% cut. I use a Chrome extension called Directo to find the hotel’s own website. I am not afraid to send an email and ask for a discount. The worst they can say is no.
I also stop paying for expensive international data plans. My carrier used to charge me $100 for a 10-day trip. I now use an eSIM from Holafly. It costs about $37 for the same trip and offers unlimited data in many countries. You do not have to swap your physical SIM card. You just use an app. This is much safer than buying a local SIM at a sketchy airport stall.
What to Pack for Your Trip
I found that the type of bag you choose changes your whole experience. I love a large backpack because it gives me “cool points”. You have your arms free to buy souvenirs or look at a map. However, backpacks can be heavy and hard to organize. Therefore, a small carry-on size backpack is my favorite.
You do not have to check it on the flight. You save time and money. If you have back problems, a rolling suitcase is better. Just remember that Europe is full of cobblestones and stairs. Those wheels do not work well on old streets. I always use Ziploc freezer bags to organize my stuff. They are thick and cheap. I use them to separate clean clothes from dirty ones. I also bring a hanging toiletry bag for hostel showers. It keeps my soap off the floor.
Safety and Language Tips
I feel very safe in Europe, but you must be careful about pickpockets. This is the biggest danger. I always wear a money belt or a neck wallet. I never carry all my cash in one place. I am especially careful in crowded train stations or markets. If a group of children swarms you in southern Europe, they might be trying to steal your wallet.
I also try to learn a few words of the local language. I always learn how to say “Hello,” “Thank you,” and “Please”. It goes a long way with the locals. I use the Google Translate app to help me. You can speak into it, and it will translate for you. Gradually, Finally, I always have a copy of my passport and tickets tucked away in my bag. I also store them online so I can access them from any computer.
FAQ
Which European country is cheapest to visit from London?
Bulgaria and Poland are consistently among the most affordable countries to visit, offering very low daily costs for backpackers.
What part of Europe is the cheapest to fly into?
London itself is often the cheapest gateway city for those entering Europe, though major hubs like Amsterdam and Paris also offer competitive fares.
How to plan a budget friendly European trip from London?
You should book transportation at least three to four weeks in advance and aim to travel during the off-season or midweek to secure the lowest prices. Utilizing low-cost carriers or bus services and packing light to avoid baggage fees will further reduce your expenses.
Where can I fly in 2 hours from London?
You can reach numerous destinations within this timeframe, including Edinburgh in 80 minutes and Paris, which has an actual flight time of less than 45 minutes.
What European countries are close to London?
France, Belgium, and the Netherlands are the closest neighboring countries and are easily reached via high-speed rail or coach services.
Is $100 a day enough in Europe?
Yes, it is possible to travel through Europe on as little as $50 per person per day by choosing cheaper destinations and using public transportation.
Which month is cheapest to fly to Europe?
February is specifically noted as the cheapest month for bus travel between major hubs like London and Paris, while winter and autumn generally offer lower airfares than the summer.
What is the cheapest and safest country to visit?
Bulgaria is ranked as one of the cheapest destinations, and travelers often report that Central and Eastern European regions feel safer than Western Europe.
What is the cheapest city in Europe to visit?
Sofia, Bulgaria, is one of the most affordable cities on the continent for budget travelers.
Where to go for a 3 day trip to Europe?
Paris is a highly recommended destination for short stays, while short organized tours are also available for regions like Western Ireland.
Is 1000 euros enough for 2 weeks in Europe?
Since a reasonable daily budget can be as low as $50, 1000 euros is more than enough for a two-week trip.
Where to go for 4 days from the UK?
Flexible four-day itineraries are easily accomplished using specialized Interrail tickets that allow for several days of travel within a month.
What is the shortest flight from the UK to Europe?
The flight from London to Paris is among the shortest, with the journey taking just over an hour from gate to gate.
Which European city breaks 2 hours from London?
Paris is a prime city break destination that can be reached in just 2 hours and 15 minutes by train.
What’s the best day trip from London?
Paris is considered an ideal day-trip destination because it is close enough to visit and return from in a single day via the Eurostar.
Concluding words
Traveling affordably from London to Europe is highly achievable by utilizing a mix of low-cost airlines like Ryanair, budget bus services such as FlixBus, and discounted rail options like Eurostar Snap. Significant savings are found by booking tickets well in advance, remaining flexible with travel dates, and prioritizing destinations in Central and Eastern Europe like Sofia and Krakow. By packing light to avoid hidden fees and choosing local experiences over tourist traps, you can enjoy a comprehensive European adventure on a modest daily budget.
