For those wondering whether they should travel between European countries by airplane, train, or bus, this guide -complete with pros and cons for each alternative- will help find the most convenient travel option for you.
Is It Easy to Travel Between Countries in Europe?
Yes, if you’re planning to travel to Europe for the first time, you’ll be glad to know that navigating between European countries is easy. This partly thanks to well-developed transportation networks and open borders within the Schengen Area.
From high-speed trains to budget flights, the continent offers numerous options for convenient and affordable travel, allowing you to explore diverse cultures and landscapes with ease.
However, the fastest way to travel across Europe is not always the easiest way to get around Europe. It may also not be the best way to travel around Europe cheaply.
What Is the Best Way to Get Around Europe?
The ideal transportation to visit multiple European countries in a single trip varies depending on several factors. These include the amount of time you have, whether you already know which destinations you wish to visit, and, the budget you have allocated to do so.
If you’re wondering whether it is cheaper to fly or take a train in Europe, the answer is that it also depends. If you’re only traveling between major cities, you may opt to fly.
However, if you need to get to smaller towns that are not near any airports, then a train would be the better option. Similarly, a train ticket will get you to the heart of a city, whereas a low-cost flight will likely take you to secondary airports on the outskirts.
Let’s explore the pros and cons of each travel alternative within Europe to decide which one is right for you.
Traveling Around Europe by Train
Europe’s rail network is vast and very efficient, with multiple trains a day for most destinations. Additionally, many popular routes have a train departing on an hourly basis, which makes it quick and easy to get around.
Advantages of traveling by train in Europe
- There are train stations in many of the smaller European villages, some of which cannot even be accessed by bus. So if you plan to take the road less traveled, trains may be the most efficient way to get around.
- European trains run like clockwork, contrary to airplanes that are often affected by delays.
- Missing a train in Europe is no big deal since train companies can easily book you on the next one with minimum hassle
- Sleeping on the train may be more comfortable than doing so on a bus or budget flight, since overnight trains are often roomier
- Trains are not affected by traffic like buses are, so going through major cities is often faster
- There are multiple train stations in many towns and cities, which can save you the time and cost of getting to an airport or station
- The views on European trains are often spectacular, so get a window seat if you can
- You can take your own food and drinks when traveling by train and often have a bigger table to enjoy a good meal than on airplanes
- You can walk up and down the train to stretch your legs if you get tired of sitting
Disadvantages of traveling by train in Europe
- You will have to carry and stow your own luggage, so trains are better for people who travel light
- Food sold onboard European trains tends to be overpriced
Traveling Around Europe by Airplane
Traveling between major European cities by airplane is now more affordable than ever. With hundreds of flights a day and a choice between budget airlines and traditional ones, flying is a quick and practical way to get around the EU.
Advantages of traveling around Europe by airplane
- Low-cost flights usually land in secondary airports on the outskirts of major cities. This can cause you extra hassle and expense before you get to your final destination
- Many flights leave at inconvenient hours, and you also have to factor in extra time to get to the airport and check in
- Budget-friendly airlines charge extra for checking in luggage, amongst other services, which may add up.
Disadvantages of traveling around Europe by airplane
- Low-cost flights usually land in secondary airports on the outskirts of major cities. This makes travelers incur in extra trouble and expenses to get to their destination by taxi, train, or bus
- Many flights leave at inconvenient hours, and when travelers factor in the time to get to the airport and the number of hours they need to arrive in advance to check in, taking an airplane begins to seem less appealing
- Budget-friendly airlines charge extra for checking in luggage, amongst other services, which may add up
Traveling Around Europe by Bus
Going from one major city to another by bus is a cost-efficient way to get to know Europe. Although travel times may be longer, frequent buses allow spontaneous travel for more adventurous tourists looking to book a ticket on a whim.
Advantages of traveling around Europe by bus
- Getting around Europe by bus is usually more cost-effective than traveling by airplane or by train
- Most European buses allow passengers to buy tickets and board a bus almost immediately
- Buses usually make stops every few hours making it more comfortable for travelers to get a good meal, use a proper restroom and stretch their legs before continuing on the road
Disadvantages of traveling around Europe by bus
- European bus companies offer limited routes, most of which connect major cities, but not smaller villages in comparison to trains
- Information on bus routes is less readily available and usually in the local language
- Some European bus stations are out of town or away from the city center, closer than the airport but usually further away than train stations
- Many buses that travel around Europe are not equipped with toilets, hence frequent stops along the route
- Traveling by bus takes longer than by train so if you have little time on your vacation you may prefer to take a train or flight
- European buses usually have limited seating space, similar to budget airlines. Therefore, taller people may appreciate the extra space train seats offer, or the more time-efficient option of flying to their destination.
Documents Needed to Travel Around Europe
American citizens are often unsure if they can travel in Europe without a passport. The good news is, once you arrive in your country of entry within the Schengen Area, you will be allowed passport-free travel within other member countries.
However, you should keep your passport on you if you are traveling from a Schengen country to a European Union country that does not belong to the Schengen Area. You may encounter border control checks.
U.S. citizens traveling to the Schengen Area can do so without a visa using their passport. However, from 2026 onwards, American passport holders will be required to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization.
This still means visa-free travel, but the electronic ETIAS permit will become an entry requirement for the Schengen Area. However, the application process is easy and completed online.
The ETIAS grants holders 90-day stays within a 180-day period in all the member countries for tourism and leisure. Most ETIAS requests are granted in minutes, although some applications may take up to 72 hours to be approved.
If you are traveling around Europe with an ETIAS visa waiver, you may exit from another Schengen country from that which you entered the Schengen Area.
