Travelling across Europe by train is one of the most scenic, comfortable, and unforgettable experiences you can have. You get to see stunning landscapes, historical cities, and charming small towns — all without dealing with airport security lines or expensive flights.
The best part? You can actually explore several countries across Europe for under €100 — yes, it’s possible if you plan smartly, book early, and know which routes to take.
This complete guide will show you how to make your European train journey affordable, efficient, and full of memories.
If you're planning a full budget trip across Europe, don’t miss our guide to the Top 10 Budget-Friendly Cities in Europe (2025) — perfect destinations to include in your rail journey.
Why Choose Train Travel in Europe?
Europe has one of the world’s most advanced and connected rail systems. From high-speed trains like France’s TGV and Germany’s ICE to scenic regional routes in Austria or Switzerland, the network covers almost every major city and town.
Train travel offers several advantages:
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Comfort: Spacious seats, no baggage restrictions, and freedom to move around.
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Flexibility: Many trains let you hop on and off with open tickets or travel passes.
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Sustainability: It’s eco-friendly — trains produce far less carbon emissions than planes.
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Scenery: You enjoy stunning views of landscapes, lakes, castles, and villages right outside your window.
But the real charm lies in discovering how to do all this on a tight budget.
How to Keep Your Train Travel Under €100
1. Pick Budget-Friendly Routes
Not all routes are equally expensive. Western European countries like France, Switzerland, or the UK often have higher ticket prices, while Central and Eastern Europe are much cheaper.
For example, this popular and scenic route can easily fit under €100 if you book early:
That’s just around €45–€55 for travelling across three countries — Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, and Hungary.
You’ll still have money left for snacks or short local trips!
2. Book in Advance
Train tickets in Europe work a lot like flight tickets — the earlier you book, the cheaper they are.
Use trusted platforms such as:
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Omio (user-friendly, shows best deals)
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Trainline (great for cross-country travel)
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Deutsche Bahn (DB) (Germany-based but covers much of Europe)
If you plan your trip a few weeks ahead, you can easily get discounts of 30–60% compared to last-minute bookings.
3. Travel Overnight
Overnight trains are a hidden gem for budget travelers. You save both time and one night of accommodation.
Trains like ÖBB Nightjet (Austria) or RegioJet (Czech Republic) offer sleeper seats and couchettes at affordable rates. You can sleep comfortably and wake up in another country — that’s both efficient and cheap.
4. Use Train Passes and Regional Deals
Sometimes, individual tickets cost more than a travel pass. Europe offers many regional passes that are ideal for short multi-country trips.
Here are some excellent options under €100:
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Benelux Pass: Covers Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg.
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Balkan Flexipass: Ideal for exploring Eastern Europe (Serbia, Croatia, Bulgaria, etc.).
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Interrail One Country Pass: Choose one country (like Italy or Spain) and travel freely for a few days.
These passes give you flexibility and allow spontaneous stops along your route.
5. Travel During Off-Season
Prices for trains (and even hostels) can double in summer (June to August). Traveling in spring (April–May) or autumn (September–October) not only saves money but also gives you fewer crowds, cooler weather, and more local experiences.
If you love the charm of autumn travel, check out our 10 Magical Fall Destinations in Europe You Can Visit on a Budget (2025) for the best cozy and affordable spots this season.
Sample 5-Day Itinerary Under €100
Let’s see a realistic example of a 5-day journey that takes you across three countries for under €100.
Day 1: Berlin → Prague (€20)
Catch an early train from Berlin to Prague. The journey takes about 4.5 hours.
You’ll cross forests, rivers, and rolling green landscapes — a beautiful start to your trip.
Day 2: Explore Prague
Spend your day exploring one of Europe’s most picturesque capitals. Visit Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, and Prague Castle — all easily walkable.
You’ll spend little on local transport since Prague’s city center is compact and perfect for walking.
Day 3: Prague → Vienna (€15–€20)
Catch a morning train to Vienna. This ride takes about 4 hours.
Vienna, the capital of Austria, offers many free or cheap experiences: stroll along the Danube River, visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, or enjoy the city’s many parks and cafés.
Day 4: Vienna → Budapest (€10–€15)
Another short train ride (around 2.5 hours) takes you to Budapest.
Enjoy the incredible architecture, walk along Chain Bridge, and relax at Széchenyi Thermal Baths.
Many attractions here are either free or cost just a few euros.
Day 5: Explore Budapest
Spend your last day soaking up the city’s culture. Visit local markets, enjoy Hungarian street food, and take an evening stroll along the Danube.
You’ve just travelled across three countries — Germany, Czech Republic, and Hungary — for less than €100 in total train fare!
Bonus Tips for Budget Train Travel
Here are a few more smart hacks to make your trip even cheaper and easier:
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Bring your own food and snacks. Train food can be overpriced.
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Carry a refillable water bottle. Many stations have free refill stations.
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Use local currency cards or travel cards to avoid exchange fees.
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Choose regional trains instead of high-speed ones; they’re slower but much cheaper.
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Download offline maps like Google Maps Offline or Maps.me to save data.
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Keep digital tickets saved on your phone — no need to print.
Final Thoughts
Travelling across Europe by train under €100 isn’t a fantasy — it’s absolutely possible with a bit of planning and flexibility.
By booking early, picking affordable routes, using travel passes, and travelling smartly, you can experience some of Europe’s most beautiful destinations without breaking the bank.
Train travel gives you a front-row seat to Europe’s diversity — from historic cities and snow-capped mountains to peaceful countryside views. Whether you’re a student, a backpacker, or just someone chasing adventure, Europe’s trains are waiting to take you there.
So grab your backpack, your favourite playlist, and your ticket — and get ready to watch Europe unfold through your train window. 🚆🌍
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