Cheapest Ways to Backpack Across Europe by Train 🚆🎒

Backpacking across Europe by train can be an affordable and unforgettable adventure if you plan strategically. Here’s how to travel Europe by train on a budget while maximizing your experience.

1. Get a Rail Pass Instead of Individual Tickets

✅ Interrail Pass (For European Residents)
✅ Eurail Pass (For Non-European Residents)

  • Covers multiple countries with flexible travel days.
  • Best for those traveling long distances or multiple countries.
  • Book in advance to get discounts.
  • Youth (under 27) and Senior (60+) discounts available!

💡 Alternative: If you’re staying in one country, consider a regional rail pass, such as:

  • Germany: Deutsche Bahn’s Deutschland-Ticket (€49/month for unlimited travel)
  • Italy: Trenitalia’s Regional Pass (discounts for multiple rides)
  • France: SNCF’s Ouigo and TGV promo tickets

2. Travel Overnight to Save on Accommodation

  • Use night trains to sleep while covering long distances.
  • Some budget overnight routes:
    • Berlin to Budapest
    • Paris to Vienna (Nightjet)
    • Venice to Munich
    • Amsterdam to Prague
  • Many offer reclining seats or couchettes (cheaper than hotels).

3. Book in Advance for Cheaper Tickets

  • Budget-friendly train companies:
    • FlixTrain (Germany, Sweden)
    • Ouigo (France, Spain)
    • Italo (Italy)
  • Best websites/apps for cheap train tickets:
    • Trainline (For booking across multiple countries)
    • Omio (Compares train, bus, and flights)
    • RailEurope (For passes & regional tickets)
    • SNCF Connect, Trenitalia, Deutsche Bahn (For direct country-specific tickets)

💡 Pro Tip: Prices are cheapest 3-6 weeks before departure!

4. Travel Off-Peak for Lower Prices

  • Avoid summer (June-August) when ticket prices are highest.
  • Travel midweek (Tuesday-Thursday) for the best deals.
  • Off-peak hours (early morning or late evening) are cheaper.

5. Mix Trains with Buses & Rideshares

  • Combine trains with budget-friendly buses (like FlixBus or BlaBlaCar rideshare).
  • Example: Paris to Amsterdam 🚆 train (€70) vs. FlixBus (€25-30).
  • Use Omio or Rome2Rio to compare the cheapest transport options.

6. Pack Smart to Avoid Extra Costs

  • Carry a light backpack (some railways charge for extra luggage).
  • Bring a reusable water bottle and snacks to avoid buying overpriced food on trains.
  • Download Google Maps & offline rail schedules (like RailPlanner for Eurail users).

7. Stay in Budget Accommodations

  • Hostels (via Hostelworld or Booking.com)
  • Couchsurfing (stay for free with locals)
  • Work Exchange (Worldpackers, Workaway, WWOOF) – work a few hours in exchange for free lodging.

8. Travel with a Group for Discounts

  • Some train companies offer group discounts (like Deutsche Bahn’s regional passes).
  • Split Airbnb/hostel costs with fellow travelers.

9. Explore Free & Cheap Attractions

  • Free walking tours in major cities (just tip the guide!).
  • City transport cards (like the Lisbon Card or Berlin Welcome Card) offer free transport & discounts.
  • Visit free museums on their designated free-entry days.

Final Thoughts 💡

  • The cheapest way to backpack Europe by train is planning ahead, using budget rail passes, traveling off-peak, and combining different transport options.
  • Book early and travel light to make the most of your budget!

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