If you are planning a trip Europe this year, you know you need to buy a plane ticket, but have you thought about how to get around once you get there? Often times, transportation can be the most confusing and frustrating element of people’s vacations, but it doesn’t have to be. In this two-part post, I’m going to explain your options and provide online resources that will help you. I’ll be focusing on Europe specifically, but much of this information will be applicable all over the world. In Part 1, we looked at how to get around within a city. Now, in Part 2, we will explore how to get from one city to the next.
City-to-City
If you plan to visit multiple cities, you will want to start by figuring out the most logical order of cities based on the easiest route. Start by going to Rome2Rio. This is my go-to website for figuring out all of the different modes of transportation options for getting from one city to the next.
You probably want to spend the least amount of time in transit as possible. So be strategic, make sure that you aren't backtracking. The best way to do that is to fly "open jaw" meaning you fly into your first destination city and out of the final destination. If that's not possible and you have to fly in and out of the same city, try to make a loop so that you are never backtracking. Let’s talk about some of the transportation options that might pop up on Rome2Rio.
Planes
Sometimes the fastest, and the cheapest option is to fly, even within continental Europe. However, when looking at flight times, you also need to add in the time to get to and from the airports as well as how early you need to get there. I usually add 2-3 hours to flight times to consider how long it will really take. The earlier you book, the better price you get, so book a couple of months in advance if possible. Ryan Air and Easy Jet are great options for lower cost flights, but prevent disappointing surprises by making sure that you research first. There are many extra fees and smaller carry-on limits.
The airline's websites can make it difficult to find the fees, which are usually hidden at the bottom of their web pages.
For your convenience, here are the direct links to the fees.
You also need to be aware of carry-on requirements so you don't get turned away or charged to checked your bag.
Ryan Air requirements: One cabin bag weighing up to 10 kg with maximum dimensions of 55cm x 40cm x 20cm, plus 1 small bag up to 35 x 20 x 20 cms may be carried per passenger.
EasyJet requirements: ONE piece of cabin baggage no bigger than 50 x 40 x 20cm including handles and wheels. Guaranteed to always travel with you in the cabin.
Trains
I love using trains in Europe. To figure out schedules and prices, Bahn covers most of Europe. Use Trainitalia if you are in Italy. You can usually just buy the ticket at a kiosk or counter in the train station, but on some busier routes or times, it’s helpful to book in advance online. While this hasn’t happened yet to me, be aware that strikes are common.
One great option I generally try is to plan a stop along the way to my next destination. That way, you can explore another city for a few hours, without having to book a hotel. Most train stations have convenient lockers to store your bags, and are located in the city centers near the most popular sites. For example, on our way from Paris to Bruges, we stopped over in Brussels to get lunch and walk around a bit. The lockers were very secure and easy to use.
Keep in mind that not all trains are the same. Some are slower than a car, while others are insanely fast. For example, you can get from Rome to Naples in only 2 hours! Those speedy trains make day trips easy and economical options.
You can buy first or second class tickets. Usually in Italy, it’s worth paying the little extra for first class because the second class can be hot and crowded. Don't underestimate the value of first class air conditioning.
In Germany, trains can be most expensive, but Landertickets are regional day passes that can sometimes save you money.
Eurail Passes are handy, but are they worth it? Sometimes, but not always! Use Bahn to add up the estimated costs of each individual ticket and compare the total to the price of the pass. I've done both.
Busses
Busses can be a great way to save money, and sometimes are your best option. Bus Europe shows routes and prices on different carriers and you can book it online if you prefer.
Car rentals
I love renting cars when driving through rural or scenic areas (but not cities). Driving around in Provence or other beloved regions gives you the freedom to pull over and smell the roses whenever you want.We rented a car when driving from the Dolomites down to Venice specifically because it is known as an incredibly scenic drive, and it was!
I highly recommend using navigation by either including the GPS in your rental car or purchasing an off-line app like TomTom. If you use an app, make sure you bring along a small phone mount so that you can actually see the map! Not having one in France was causing some arguments between my husband and I, so he ended up constructing one out of paper clips and rubber band!
Now I have a phone holder that clips onto the vent that is small and easy to pack along.
Before you rent, check with your credit card and your personal auto insurance to see if you're covered. You could save money this way, although find out the fine print about what it does and does not cover. It's often safest to just get the extra rental insurance. That way, you are in the clear no matter what happens to the car.
Boats
Ferries are sometimes quicker, less expensive, and more enjoyable than flying across water but not always. Traveling by ferry in choppy water could turn out to be a sickening experience, so check the weather first. We learned our lesson here.
River cruises can be a fun, albeit expensive way to explore a country. This website lists possible routes and reviews different companies.
Getting around in Europe is much easier and cheaper than most other continents, including North America, making exploring other regions and countries during your trip a breeze. Research different options and see what works best for your budget and timeline, and enjoy traveling through Europe!
Read about transportation within a city in Part 1.
Still overwhelmed? I love planning transportation! Contact me with the cities you plan to visit, and I can put together your transportation itinerary for you!