Taking a bus tour in Europe is perhaps the best option if you have limited time and budget. As compared to driving and transportation modes like railways, European bus travel allows you to explore the true charm of Europe.
From quaint towns in French to the vibrant cityscapes of Berlin, the Europe bus services let you navigate the continent in a way no other transport does. Not only is it a money-saver, but travelling by bus is the ultimate way to gaze at the unparalleled beauty of Europe.
In this blog, we will walk you through each aspect of travelling Europe by bus, including the best bus tours in Europe, how to plan a bus trip, tips for cheap bus travel to Europe and more.
How to Plan Your Bus Travel Through Europe?
Smart planning is a must when embarking on a bus trip in Europe. It allows you to make the most of your trip by exploring the diverse landscapes and cultures across the European continent.
To help you plan cheap bus travel in Europe, here are some necessary factors to consider:
Research Bus Companies: The first and foremost step for planning a stress-free and memorable bus tour in Europe is researching the best bus companies and routes. Always keep in mind that the success of your bus journey will entirely depend on your chosen bus company.
Hence, it is very important to select the best bus tour in Europe based on your travel plans. For this, shortlist the trusted and reliable services and select the right one after considering factors like places you want to explore, budget, travel itinerary, customer reviews and so on. Whichever bus company you choose, make sure it is trusted, reliable and secure.
Plan an Itinerary: The next and most important step is to plan a practical tour itinerary. Make a list of all the cities or regions you want to cover on your trip, along with the dates and duration you want to stay.
While doing so, remember to list the top sightseeing points, the best activities to do, and the best places to eat and explore to avoid wasting time after reaching the destinations.
Another important point to note when outlining your travel itinerary is to keep it very simple and practical. Consider factors like the distance between destinations, cost of accommodation, etc., to ensure you have a safe and swift experience.
Book Your Tickets in Advance: The best thing about bus tickets is that their prices don't fluctuate like flight tickets. However, we still recommend booking your tickets in advance as they get sold out quickly due to reasonable prices and limited availability.
Learn About Bus Schedules: Choosing the right bus Europe bus service is not enough to ensure a great travel experience in Europe. You should also consider familiarising yourself with the running schedule and timetable of your selected bus(-es).
Go through their plans and understand various factors such as the total stops, sightseeing points they cover, overnight stays, type of accommodation, and so on.
This will help you align your travel plans with the bus schedule and make the most of your journey.
Stay Flexible and Updated: Your bus schedule can change due to weather conditions, government restrictions, technical issues, and so on.
Thus, always stay updated and have a contingency plan ready to deal with any sudden cancellations or delays.
What Are the Best Europe Bus Services?
Now that you know how to plan your bus travel through Europe, it's time we address the most anticipated question: "What are the best bus services in Europe"?
There is no fixed answer to this question, mainly because Europe is a huge continent. Thus, the selection of the best bus services will depend on the region of Europe you are planning to travel to.
Based on this, we have outlined a list of the best bus services in Europe for different regions:
FlixBus: If you are on a tight budget and looking for comfortable buses, FlixBus can be your best choice. With affordable fares and well-maintained buses with modern amenities, FlixBus offers rides across 20 European countries.
MegaBus: If you are planning for long-distance travel in Europe, then there is no better Europe tour bus option than MegaBus. It is budget-friendly and offers free overnight accommodation. Plus, you also get super comfortable seats with free Wi-Fi.
Eurolines: It is perhaps the oldest and most reliable Europe bus service. It connects more than 600 destinations across Europe and offers flexible schedules to align with your travel itinerary.
ALSA: If your travel plans include a visit to Spain and neighbouring countries, go for ALSA. It is a leading Europe bus service that offers comfortable seats with modern amenities and a timely schedule for punctual travellers.
National Express: There is no better bus service for the UK than National Express. If your itinerary includes destinations in the UK, such as the Scottish Highlands, Cornwell, etc., National Express is the bus service you should choose. You can avail some excellent discounts on booking their tickets online.
Omio: While Omio is not a European Bus Company, it is a reliable platform that allows you to book buses as well as other modes of transport across Europe. The best part about Omio is it lets you compare different services and choose the one that fits your budget and preferences.
Top European Destinations to Explore By Bus
Europe is a vast continent with numerous picturesque destinations spread across various countries.
From the Nordic adventures of Northern Europe to the cosmopolitan charm of Western Europe, the Mediterranean beauty of Southern Europe and the architecturally diverse Eastern Europe, there are plenty of experiences waiting for you.
To make things a bit easier for you, here is a list of some of the most fascinating destinations to cover on your bus trip to Europe:
Eastern Europe: Indulge in the Traditional Elegance and Fascinating Heritage
Krakow to Prague: Take a bus trip from Krakow to Prague to see what the heart of Europe looks like. From the historic town of Ostrava and the ever-stylish Polish countryside to the magnificent streets of Prague, every city has a story to tell.
Tallinn to Riga: If you are up for a fun and exciting Baltic adventure, take a bus trip from Tallinn to Riga. You will surely be thrilled by the vibrant art nouveau architecture and numerous rivers, forests and quaint villages on your way.
Sofia to Belgrade: A bus trip from Sofia to Belgrade will offer you an amalgamation of history and natural beauty.
Western Europe: Ride through the History to Modern Cosmopolitan Charm
London to Edinburgh: From the Queen's capital to the majestic castles of Scotland, take a bus trip from London to Edinburgh to walk through centuries of history and breathtaking natural views.
Paris to Bruges: Explore the fashion streets of Paris before delving into the picturesque canals and mediaeval charm of Bruges.
Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle: A bus tour from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle is an ideal way to explore the pristine beauty of Bavaria.
Northern Europe: Hop on for a Nordic Adventure
Helsinki to Rovaniemi: Explore the bustling capital of Finland to the enchanting landscapes of Rovaniemi, the village of Santa Claus.
Copenhagen to Malmö: A trip from Copenhagen to Malmö will let you experience Scandinavian culture alongside the iconic elegance and style of Malmö.
Bergen to Flåm: Walk straight into the fairytale world and experience Nordic adventures surrounded by cascading waterfalls and rugged mountains.
Southern Europe - Explore the Sunny Coastline and Ancient Beauty
Rome to Amalfi Coast: When in Southern Europe, a bus journey from ancient Rome to the sun-drenched Amalfi Coast should not be missed.
Barcelona to Valencia: Visit the best-preserved historic city of Barcelona before heading to Valencia, the multifaceted jewel of Europe.
Lisbon to Seville: Lisbon, Portugal's best-kept secret, is known for its delicious food, age-old trams and marvellous architecture. It makes a great stop before exploring the fun-filled streets of Seville, Spain.
Tips for Fun and Memorable Bus Trips in Europe
To help you enjoy your bus trips in Europe to the fullest, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Prefer Front Seats or Top Decks: When booking your bus tickets, opt for front seats or those on the top decks. These seats are more comfortable and provide you with the best views.
Buy Pass or Multi-trip Tickets: If you plan to explore multiple European destinations with the same bus company, consider getting a Europe bus pass or multi-trip ticket, as they are cost-effective and highly convenient.
Pack Essentials: To avoid any dull moments, make sure to pack all the essentials including entertainment options (books, headphones, speakers, etc), snacks, medicines, power bank, camera, compass and other items based on your tour itinerary.
Explore Stopovers: European tourist buses have multiple stopovers. This is an excellent opportunity to explore offbeat cities and towns on your way to a popular destination.
Take Care of Your Belongings: Your safety is your responsibility. So, take good care of your belongings and always stay alert. In addition, pack light and avoid carrying expensive items such as precious jewellery, unnecessary electronics, a lot of cash, etc.
Record Your Journey: Last but not least, record your journey with a camera, journal or travel blog. This will help you capture your travel experiences and cherish them for a lifetime.
Why Travel to Europe By Bus?
Traversing Europe by bus offers an immersive and exciting experience. It allows you to learn about different countries and diverse cultures, explore scenic beauty and meet amazing people on this magnificent continent.
Bus tours in Europe have become popular among backpackers due to the highly developed and extensive road infrastructure. They allow you to explore unexplored areas in a cheap and environmentally friendly way.
Here are some other reasons why you should opt for bus tours in Europe over any other mode of transport:
Budget-friendly: Perhaps the biggest reason behind the increasing popularity of bus trips in Europe is their cost-effectiveness.
Given the skyrocketing fuel rates and increasing cost of air tickets, buses offer a cheap and pocket-friendly option to travel to European cities. It is a great option if you want to make the most of your European trip without breaking the bank.
Comfortable: Are you sceptical about bus tours, thinking that buses are not very comfortable? Just because bus tours in Europe are cheaper than other travelling methods doesn't mean you have to give up on your comfort or luxuries.
From high-end luxury tours for sophisticated travellers to mid-range and low-cost tours for budget travellers, there are numerous options you can choose from. The best European bus tour packages even include meals, accommodation and guided tours to the most popular destinations around their regions.
Easy Accessibility: Another perk of taking bus tours in Europe is that they allow you to reach remote, offbeat destinations that are not accessible by trains or flights.
Some examples include the rugged terrains of Scotland, the mountain villages of Spain, the Lofoten Islands of Norway and many more.
These are just a handful of destinations. Buses offer an excellent way to traverse geographically isolated areas with limited connectivity.
Picturesque Bus Routes: When you are travelling by bus, no need to worry about driving or sticking to the maps to figure out the best bus routes in Europe. All you have to do is sit on your comfy seat and enjoy the scenic routes right from your window.
Whether you are travelling through the aesthetic Amalfi Coast in Italy, the lush-green Scottish Highlands or the enchanting Swiss Alps, a bus journey will definitely offer you an unforgettable experience full of cultural discoveries and natural wonders.
Higher Flexibility: Bus tours in Europe allow you to plan your itineraries and schedule your journey at your convenience. Unlike air travel, you don't have to book your tickets several months in advance, as their price remains the same throughout the year.
Besides, you have the freedom to customise your tours by considering factors such as the number of night stays you want, the areas you want to cover, the type of accommodation you want, and more.
In short, you travel at your own pace without worrying about the tight schedules of your transportation mode.
Environment-friendly: Travelling via air or personal vehicle is thrilling but we can not ignore the huge carbon emission it incurs.
By choosing buses as your travel mode, you can make the most of Mother Nature. Travelling in groups by bus reduces the carbon footprint and helps conserve the environment.
Is Travel Insurance Necessary for Europe?
Getting a European visa from India is the first step towards starting an adventure-filled bus journey in Europe. Amongst other requirements, travel insurance is an important document for obtaining an overseas visa, especially if your travel itinerary includes visiting Schengen nation countries.
So, whether you are planning to explore Italy, Switzerland, France or any other nation in the Schengen Area, you must obtain Schengen travel insurance to secure a visa.
At Reliance General Insurance, our
Schengen Travel Insurance lets you travel to 29 European countries without worrying about unforeseen circumstances.
With a claim limit of up to €50,000, our plans offer coverage for medical emergencies, trip delays, baggage loss and emergency financial assistance, among other benefits.
On top of that, we offer instant policy purchases with zero paperwork and no pre-medical checkups.
So, secure your European journey and get your travel insurance quote today!
Final Words
Bus tours are surely the best way to travel across Europe. They are affordable and convenient and provide a great opportunity to explore the top European destinations in a short span.
Whether you are a seasoned traveller or a first-time visitor, planning a bus travel through Europe will allow you to gain unique experiences, make discoveries and learn about diverse cultures on your international trip.
But before outlining your travel itinerary, do your research and list down the best
European countries open for travel. This will ensure a well-planned, successful and worthwhile trip to the wonderful 'Old Continent'.