Traveling around Europe sounds exciting… until you start figuring out how to get from one city to another.
Should you take a bus? A train? Or just fly?
With rising travel costs these days, choosing the right transportation can make a big difference.
From my experience, there’s no single “best” option — it really depends on distance, time, and budget.
Quick Answer (Which One Should You Choose?)
If you just want a simple answer:
- Cheapest → Bus
- Best balance → Train
- Fastest → Flight
That’s basically it — but let’s break it down a bit more.
Compare Everything in One Place (Super Useful)
Before choosing anything, I always recommend checking everything in one place.
A tool like Omio lets you compare:
- Buses
- Trains
- Flights
All at once.
It saves a lot of time (and sometimes money too).
▶︎ Check routes and prices on Omio >>
Bus Travel (Cheapest Option)
If your main goal is to save money, buses are the way to go.
One of the most popular options in Europe is FlixBus.
✔ Why choose the bus?
- Usually the cheapest option
- Great for short to medium distances (3–5 hours)
- Many routes across Europe
⚠ Downsides
- Takes longer
- Less comfortable than trains
- Can be tiring for long trips
▶︎ Search cheap bus tickets >>
Train Travel (Best Balance)
Trains are my personal favorite for traveling in Europe.
In the Netherlands, you’ll often use NS and NS International.
✔ Why choose the train?
- Comfortable and spacious
- City center to city center
- No airport stress
💡 Bonus (for residents)
If you live in the Netherlands, NS subscriptions can help you save money on frequent travel.
Night Train (Underrated Experience)
If you want something a bit different, night trains are worth trying.
Nightjet is one of the main providers.
✔ Why try a night train?
- Travel while you sleep
- Save on hotel costs
- Unique experience
From Amsterdam, you can travel to cities like:
- Vienna
- Zurich
Flights (Fastest Option)
For long distances, flying is usually the best choice.
Budget airlines like Transavia and Easyjet are widely used.
✔ Why choose flights?
- Fastest way to travel
- Often cheap if booked early
- Great for long distances
⚠ Things to watch out for
- Extra baggage fees
- Airport travel time
- Security checks
So… What’s the Best Way to Travel in Europe?
Let’s keep it simple:
- Bus → cheapest way to travel Europe
- Train → most convenient option
- Flight → fastest for long distances
That’s basically your Europe transportation guide in one snapshot.
Final Tip
Instead of guessing, just compare everything first.
It makes planning so much easier.
▶︎ Compare all options in one place with Omio >>
This is honestly one of the simplest ways to figure out how to travel in Europe without overthinking it.