A trip to Europe is a dream vacation for many people. And if you have the time, it’s certainly doable. Countries in Europe are not far from each other and have affordable transportation options. You can easily spend 4-5 countries in a 2-week trip.
Planes, trains, and cars are three of the most common means of transportation, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Finding the right options for each leg of your trip can help you save money and have a more comfortable journey from place to place.
My wife and I spent three months in Europe last summer. During that time, we took a few flights, took a few trains, and at one point rented a car. If you are deciding how to get around, this is the place to go.
For long distance travel: Airplane
If you want to get there as quickly as possible, flying is the best option. It is also convenient for long trips that take more than 6 hours by train. On the other hand, if you fly, you could be there within two hours.
Compare flights and trains online to wherever you want to go. We recommend Google Flights and Trainline. You can enter your trip details for each and compare prices and travel times. You can see if traveling by train is a viable option, or if flying is the only way to get there in a reasonable amount of time.
Somewhat surprisingly, a recent study by Greenpeace found that in most parts of Europe, air travel is cheaper than train travel. However, this is not always the case. We made a lot of last minute reservations and trains were usually more affordable. The cheapest airfares are also offered by low-cost airlines, many of which charge an additional fee for each piece of luggage other than personal items.
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However, if you use a travel credit card and have miles available, you can use them to save money on flights. Short-hop flights for €100 to €200 may be available for as little as 5,000 to 8,000 miles.
To enjoy a relaxing journey: train
Europe has an excellent rail system and I highly recommend taking advantage of it if possible. It’s the quintessential European travel experience. You can relax with a coffee or drink and watch the countryside go by.
As for when to use it, it depends on how far you’re going and how much train travel you can tolerate. My general rule of thumb is to go by train if the journey takes less than 5-6 hours and you don’t need to transfer. For anything longer or more complex, I prefer to fly by plane because it’s more convenient.
If you’re traveling within one country, trains are usually a good option. The train is also great for day trips to cities not too far away. It is also suitable for traveling between countries. For example, from Paris to Amsterdam by train he can go within three and a half hours.
When comparing the time it takes to fly vs. train, keep in mind that travel time doesn’t tell the whole story. If you’re traveling by train, you don’t need to arrive as early as there are no extensive security checks like at airports. Train stations are also often conveniently located within major cities, rather than in the suburbs like many airports.
For remote areas: car
In most parts of the United States, people are used to driving cars everywhere they go. If you’re planning to visit major European cities, there’s no need to rent a car. In fact, it might be better not to. Public transportation makes getting around easier and often faster than driving. In big cities, traffic congestion is heavy and finding parking can be difficult. The subway and bus are also good options. Many cities also rent bicycles and scooters.
The exception is when traveling to small towns or places without fast public transportation. For example, when my wife and I were staying on a farm in Tuscany, the only real option was to rent a car. If you’re not sure if you need a car, try searching online. You can also contact your accommodation host or the hotel you are staying at.
If you rent a car, be sure to read the traffic laws in the area you are driving. There are many stories of travelers receiving tickets in the mail for traffic violations, such as driving carelessly in restricted areas. We also recommend paying using one of the many credit cards that offer free rental insurance.
The right way to get around Europe depends on where you’re going and your travel preferences. Personally, I took the train most of the time, and only used planes when traveling by train was too difficult. Although a car is not required in most of Europe, it is practically required in certain destinations.
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