How to Buy Cheap Travel in Europe: Tips and Best Platforms

Traveling around Europe doesn’t have to be expensive. By using the right platforms, you can save significantly on flights, accommodation, and even transportation within the continent.

In this article, we’ll explore the best platforms you can use to buy cheap travel in Europe, explaining their main advantages and how to use them to find great deals.

Plan your trip in advance

Although this article focuses on ticket and package purchase platforms, it is important to mention that planning in advance is always one of the best strategies for saving money. This applies to both air tickets and train, bus and accommodation.

Now, let’s look at the best players for those who want to save money on their trips around Europe.

Ryanair

Ryanair is undoubtedly one of the biggest names in the low-cost airline scene in Europe. Founded in 1984, the company has gained notoriety for its extremely affordable fares, especially on routes between smaller or secondary European cities.

• Advantages: Incredibly cheap flights, with prices starting from €9.99 in promotions. Ryanair also has a wide network of destinations in Europe.
• Usage tips: Check for additional fees, such as baggage or seat selection. Plan your trip flexibly to take advantage of the best deals, and remember that flights may depart from alternative airports further away.

EasyJet

Another giant in the low-cost airline sector is EasyJet, which offers a wide range of destinations, similar to Ryanair. EasyJet focuses on large urban centres and offers a slightly more comfortable experience than Ryanair.

• Advantages: Competitive pricing, especially on popular routes. Offers a slightly more passenger-friendly experience with fewer hidden fees compared to competitors.
• Usage tips: Just like with Ryanair, plan your luggage in advance to avoid extra costs. The best deals appear in advance, so try to book as early as possible.

Skyscanner

THE Skyscanner is one of the most popular flight price comparison platforms in the world, and its search power also extends to hotel and car rental options. It allows you to search for flights across multiple airlines (including low-cost ones) and shows you the best prices.

• Advantages: Allows you to compare hundreds of flights in one place, including flights with multiple stopovers or “multi-city” options. Offers a price calendar so you can see which days are the cheapest to fly.
• Usage tips: Use the “Price Alerts” feature to be notified when the price of a flight to your desired destination drops. Skyscanner also lets you search for destinations “anywhere,” perfect for those looking for inspiration or simply looking to save money.

Omio

For those who want to explore Europe by train or bus, the Omio (formerly known as GoEuro) is a great platform that compares train, bus and even flight tickets all in one place, making it easy to find the cheapest transportation option between European cities.

• Advantages: Compares various modes of transport (train, bus, plane), ideal for those who want flexibility in their choice. Supports major transport companies such as Trenitalia, Deutsche Bahn and Flixbus.
• Usage tips: Traveling by train or bus in Europe can often be more economical and even faster than flying, especially over shorter distances. Use Omio to explore these alternatives, especially between smaller cities.

FlixBus

If you prefer to travel by bus, the FlixBus is the best choice for those looking to save money. With routes that cover practically the whole of Europe, the company is known for its affordable prices and for offering trips to hundreds of destinations for less than €20.

• Advantages: Extremely competitive fares, with comfortable buses and Wi-Fi on board. Offers routes to smaller and larger cities throughout Europe.
• Usage tips: Check the FlixBus website for promotional offers, as they often run campaigns with even cheaper tickets. Also, book your tickets in advance, as prices increase as the departure date approaches.

Conclusion

Traveling cheaply around Europe is totally possible with the use of these platforms. Ryanair and EasyJet are the ideal choices for those looking for budget airfare, while the Skyscanner makes it easy to compare multiple flight options.

For those who prefer to explore the continent by train or bus, Omio and FlixBus are fantastic options for saving on ground transportation.

Use these tools to your advantage, be flexible with departure dates and locations, and take advantage of promotions. Traveling around Europe on a budget is a reality, and these platforms are key to making it possible.