How Much Does it Cost to Travel Around Europe? Your Ultimate Budget Breakdown

Dreaming of sipping espresso in a Parisian café, marveling at the Colosseum in Rome, or cruising along Amsterdam's picturesque canals? The good news is that traveling around Europe can be achievable on various budgets. But how much does it cost to travel around Europe? This comprehensive guide will break down the expenses and help you plan an unforgettable European adventure, no matter your financial constraints.

Before get into details，here are some other recommendations near in this city:

Factors Affecting Your Europe Trip Cost

Travel Style

Your chosen travel style plays a crucial role in determining your overall expenses:

Backpacking: This budget-friendly option typically costs between €50-€80 per day. It involves staying in hostels, eating street food, and using public transportation.
Mid-Range: Expect to spend €100-€200 daily for comfortable hotels, occasional fine dining, and more flexible transportation options.
Luxury: High-end hotels, private transportation, and exclusive experiences can easily exceed €300 per day.

Destination Choices

The cost of traveling around Europe varies greatly depending on your chosen destinations:

Western Europe: Cities like Paris, London, and Amsterdam tend to be more expensive.
Eastern Europe: Countries such as the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland offer more affordable options.
Budget-Friendly Destinations: Portugal, Greece, and parts of Spain provide excellent value for money.
Expensive Countries: Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland are known for their high costs.

Duration of Travel

The length of your trip can impact your daily expenses:

Longer trips often allow for cost savings through long-term accommodation discounts and slower travel.
Shorter trips may have a higher daily cost due to concentrated transportation and accommodation expenses.

Time of Year

Seasonality significantly affects the cost of traveling around Europe:

Peak Season (June-August): Expect higher prices for flights and accommodation.
Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October): More affordable with pleasant weather.
Off-Season (November-March): Lowest prices, but some attractions may have limited hours or be closed.

Europe Travel Cost Breakdown

Flights

The cost of flights to Europe can vary widely depending on your departure city and destination. On average, round-trip flights from major US cities to popular European destinations range from €500 to €1000[1].

Tips for finding cheap flights:

Book in advance (ideally 2-3 months before travel)
Be flexible with your travel dates
Consider flying into major hubs and using budget airlines for intra-European travel

Accommodation

Accommodation costs in Europe can vary significantly based on location and comfort level:

Hostels: €15-€40 per night
Budget Hotels: €40-€80 per night
Mid-Range Hotels: €80-€150 per night
Luxury Hotels: €150+ per night

Alternative options:

Airbnb: Often more affordable for longer stays or groups
Couchsurfing: Free accommodation through local hosts
House Sitting: Free accommodation in exchange for pet or property care

Transportation

Getting around Europe can be a significant expense, but there are various options to suit different budgets:

Inter-country travel:

Budget: Bus companies like Flixbus offer fares starting at €5 for shorter routes.
Mid-range: Budget airlines within Europe can offer flights from €20-€100.
Train travel: A Eurail Pass for 10 days of travel within 2 months starts at €295 for youth (under 28) and €391 for adults.

Local transport:

Public transportation passes in major cities range from €5-€15 per day.
Bike rentals are often available for €10-€20 per day.
Walking tours are an excellent free or budget-friendly option in many cities.

Food & Drink

Your food budget can vary greatly depending on your dining choices:

Budget eating: €15-€30 per day (grocery shopping, local markets, street food)
Mid-range dining: €30-€50 per day (local restaurants, cafes)
Fine dining: €50+ per day

Activities & Entertainment

While many European cities offer free attractions, budgeting for paid activities is important:

Free activities: Walking tours, parks, free museum days
Paid attractions: Museum entries typically range from €10-€20
Guided tours: €20-€100 depending on the type and duration

Additional Expenses

Don't forget to factor in these potential costs:

Visa fees: Schengen visa costs €80 for most nationalities
Travel insurance: Approximately €2-€5 per day, depending on coverage
SIM card/data: Local SIM cards with data typically cost €10-€30 for a month

Money-Saving Tips for Traveling Europe

Travel during shoulder season for better deals and fewer crowds.
Consider Eastern European destinations for lower overall costs.
Stay in hostels or use Airbnb for more affordable accommodation.
Cook some of your meals to save on food expenses.
Take advantage of free walking tours and museum days.
Use city tourist cards for discounts on attractions and transportation.
Pack light to avoid baggage fees on budget airlines.
Learn basic phrases in the local language to avoid tourist traps.
Use a travel-friendly debit card to avoid foreign transaction fees.
Consider overnight trains or buses for long-distance travel to save on accommodation.

Sample Europe Trip Budgets

Backpacking Eastern Europe for 2 Weeks

Destinations: Prague, Budapest, Krakow
Total Cost: Approximately €1,400 (€100 per day)

Breakdown:

Flights (round-trip from US): €600
Accommodation (hostels): €280
Transportation (buses and trains): €150
Food and drink: €280
Activities and entertainment: €90

Mid-Range Western European Adventure for 10 Days

Destinations: Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin
Total Cost: Approximately €2,500 (€250 per day)

Breakdown:

Flights (round-trip from US): €800
Accommodation (mid-range hotels): €800
Transportation (trains and local transport): €300
Food and drink: €400
Activities and entertainment: €200

Romantic Getaway to Paris for a Long Weekend

Destination: Paris
Total Cost: Approximately €2,000 (€500 per day)

Breakdown:

Flights (round-trip from US): €1,000
Accommodation (luxury hotel): €600
Transportation (taxis and metro): €100
Food and drink: €200
Activities and entertainment: €100

Conclusion: Make Your Dream Europe Trip a Reality

Traveling around Europe is possible on almost any budget, from backpacking adventures to luxurious getaways. By carefully considering factors like travel style, destinations, and timing, you can create an unforgettable European experience that fits your financial constraints.

Remember, the cost of traveling around Europe is not just about the money spent, but the value of the experiences gained. With proper planning and budgeting, you can make the most of your European adventure without breaking the bank.

Start planning your trip today using resources like Skyscanner for flights, Hostelworld for budget accommodation, and Rome2rio for transportation options. Don't forget to check out travel forums and blogs for up-to-date tips and advice from fellow travelers.

Whether you're dreaming of exploring ancient ruins, indulging in world-class cuisine, or simply soaking in the diverse cultures of Europe, your perfect trip is within reach. So, how much does it cost to travel around Europe? The answer lies in your hands – start planning, start saving, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!