Your Guide to The Most Affordable Ways to Travel Around Europe This Summer

As the summer travel season approaches, more travelers are planning trips to Europe, and finding affordable ways to get around is a top priority. Public transportation not only helps save money on commuting expenses but also offers quicker city navigation and contributes to a greener environment.

Countries like France, Greece, Italy, and more provide unlimited passes for extra savings. In this guide optimized for SEO, Travel + Leisure has compiled the most affordable public transportation options in major European countries to help you plan your budget-friendly journey.

France – Efficient and Cost-Effective Public Transit Options
When traveling in France, the SNCF train system is a reliable choice. With high-speed rail service connecting most cities in the country and across Europe, downloading the SNCF app allows you to book in advance and save tickets virtually, avoiding long queues and potential sold-out tickets. For commuting within Paris, various public transportation options are available. Adult single tickets on metro lines and buses cost €2.10 (approximately $2.30).

Travelers making at least six trips per day can benefit from the Paris Visite travel pass, which provides unlimited public transport on buses and metro lines, along with special discounts. The pass costs €13.55 (Paris only) or €28.50 (expanded zone with transport to major airports and Disneyland Paris). Public transport options from Paris’ Charles-de-Gaulle Airport start at €2.10 for buses or €11.45 for trains in each direction.

Spain – Navigate Major Cities Safely and Economically
Spain’s Renfe rail system operates over 5,000 trains daily, connecting all major cities. Travelers seeking luxury can explore Renfe’s new schedule of Luxury Tourist Trains, offering plush accommodations and dining. In cities like Barcelona and Madrid, local public transportation on buses and rail is a safe and efficient way to get around.

Madrid’s Metro offers the Tourist Ticket, providing unlimited daily use of public transportation starting at €8.40 (approximately $9.19). Until June 30, 2023, visitors to Madrid can also enjoy a 50% discount on 10-pack Metro cards.

Italy – Explore Italy’s Major Cities with the Trenitalia Pass
For travelers exploring Italy’s major cities, the Trenitalia Pass is an excellent option exclusively available to foreign visitors. With a starting price of €129 (approximately $141.20), this pass allows unlimited travel across the country.

In Rome, various public transportation options, including rail, light rail, and buses, are available. A weekly 7-day pass for unlimited public transportation costs less than $30.

Germany – Introducing the Deutschlandticket: Unlimited Travel at an Affordable Price
Germany has launched a new all-inclusive public transport pass called the Deutschlandticket. This monthly pass allows unlimited travel throughout Germany on all local public transport, including regional and local trains, for only €49 per month (approximately $54 based on the current exchange rate). The ticket can be canceled monthly, making it ideal for travelers planning an extended stay and exploring multiple cities. The launch of the ticket on May 1 was so popular that it temporarily crashed the ticket-selling website, according to Euronews.

For shorter stays, many major cities in Germany offer tourism cards that provide discounts to attractions and unlimited use of public transit. In Berlin, the Berlin WelcomeCard grants travelers unlimited access to the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, and buses. Additionally, the WelcomeCard includes free admission to over 30 museums or exhibitions and, for an optional fee, provides public train service to the new Berlin Brandenburg Airport.

Hungary – Nationwide Transit Card and Budapest Card: Convenient and Economical Travel
Hungary recently introduced a nationwide transit card that offers unlimited public transport across the country. Priced at €49.15 (or $54.18 based on the current exchange rate), the national travel card provides access to both rail and buses. It can be purchased at over 1,000 locations selling train tickets throughout Hungary.

In addition to the country-wide travel card, Budapest, the capital city, offers the Budapest Card. This card includes unlimited use of public transportation, free entries to museums, walking tours, thermal baths, and more.

Portugal – Tourist Travelcard and European Youth Card: Discounts and Savings
Portugal’s national rail system, Comboios de Portugal (CP), offers various promotions and discounts ahead of the summer travel season. The Tourist Travelcard provides unlimited use of train lines across different cities, starting at just €6.00 (approximately $6.60). For travelers between the ages of 12 and 30, the European Youth Card offers a 25% discount on select train services.

Greece – Discover Greece’s Hellenic Train Service and Affordable City Transportation
Greece’s Hellenic Train Service is a popular way to travel between various cities in the country. By booking tickets at least 60 days in advance, travelers can enjoy a 25% discount on fares. Within Greece’s major cities, public transportation is easily accessible.

In Athens, the Athens Metro operates multiple service lines throughout the city, but it stops operating at midnight according to its schedule. Athens also offers a 3-day “Tourist Ticket” priced at €20 (approximately $21.96), which includes unlimited public transportation, including round-trip service from Athens International Airport.

Austria – ÖBB Rail Service and Einfach-Raus-Ticket: Budget-Friendly Travel Options
In Austria, ÖBB is the national rail service, catering to millions of passengers annually. For travelers visiting Austria during the weekend, the Einfach-Raus-Ticket is worth considering. This group ticket allows unlimited travel on local and regional trains on weekends and costs €36 (approximately $39.54) for two people.

For visitors to Salzburg, the Salzburger Verkehrsverbund GmbH provides the main public transportation service. A 24-hour ticket can be purchased in advance at a kiosk or counter for only €4.50 (approximately $4.94).

Denmark – Copenhagen Card: Free Unlimited Public Transportation and Attractions
Visitors to Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital city, can enjoy free and unlimited access to public transportation by purchasing the Copenhagen Card. This card also provides entry to 89 different attractions, including Tivoli Gardens, Canal Tours, Copenhagen Zoo, Botanical Garden, and more. The card is available for various durations, starting at 24 hours and allowing a maximum visit of 120 hours. The pricing for the Copenhagen Card starts at DKK 459 (approximately $67.67).

Traveling around Europe doesn’t have to break the bank. By utilizing affordable public transportation options, you can save money, navigate cities efficiently, and contribute to a greener environment. From the SNCF train system in France to the Hellenic Train Service in Greece, and from the Trenitalia Pass in Italy to the Copenhagen Card in Denmark, each country offers unique and cost-effective ways to explore. Whether you’re planning a short visit or an extended stay, consider these affordable public transit options to make the most of your European summer adventure.