How much money do you need to travel around Europe?

Europe is one of the most diverse and exciting continents to explore, offering everything from historic cities to stunning landscapes, vibrant nightlife, and world-class cuisine. But how much does it really cost to travel around Europe? Well, in short… the answer depends on your travel style, destinations, and how long you plan to stay.

As a mid-range solo traveller who balances adventures with a 9-5 job, I understand the importance of budgeting wisely. In this guide, I’ll break down the costs of travelling around Europe, covering budget travel, mid-range travel, and luxury travel options in detail.

Factors That Affect Your Travel Budget

Before diving into specific costs, it’s important to understand the key factors that will influence your overall travel expenses:

1. Destinations Matter

Not all European countries cost the same. The cost of travelling in Norway is vastly different from travelling in Bulgaria.

• Western Europe (Expensive) – Countries like France, Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, and Italy are among the most expensive places to travel. Accommodation, dining, and transportation can add up quickly.
• Scandinavia (Very Expensive) – Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland are notoriously pricey due to high living standards and taxes. Even basic items like food and public transport cost significantly more than in other parts of Europe.
• Eastern Europe (Affordable) – Countries like Poland, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria are much more budget-friendly, with cheaper accommodation, transport, and food.
• The Balkans (Very Affordable) – Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, and Serbia offer beautiful landscapes and historic cities at a fraction of the cost of Western Europe.

2. Travel Style: Budget, Mid-Range, or Luxury

• Budget Travellers – If you’re willing to stay in hostels, take budget airlines, and cook your own meals, you can stretch your money significantly.
• Mid-Range Travellers – Those who prefer private rooms, occasional dining out, and comfortable transport options will need to budget more.
• Luxury Travellers – If you enjoy staying in 4-5 star hotels, fine dining, and private tours, your daily costs will be considerably higher.

3. Seasonality: Peak vs. Off-Peak Travel

• Summer (Peak Season – June to August): Prices are at their highest, especially in popular tourist spots. Hotels book up quickly, and flights are more expensive.
• Autumn & Spring (Shoulder Season – September to November & March to May): Ideal for lower prices and fewer crowds. This is my favourite time to go on holiday as its not too hot or too cold either!
• Winter (Low Season – December to February): The cheapest time to travel (except during Christmas and New Year). Accommodation and flights can be significantly cheaper.

4. Transport Choices

Your choice of transport will affect your overall spending:

• Budget Airlines – Ryanair, Wizz Air, and easyJet offer cheap flights, sometimes as low as £10. However, luggage fees can increase the cost. The cheapest flight I got was from Ryainair at just only £40 (Return) – That’s £20 each way!
• Trains – Comfortable and scenic but often more expensive than flights for long distances. The Interrail pass can save money for frequent train travellers. Travelling by train from one European country to another tend to be a lot cheaper than flights – I use sites like Omio to check the train timetables and prices.
• Buses – FlixBus and other budget bus companies also offer very cheap travel between cities.

5. Accommodation Costs

From hostels to luxury hotels, where you stay will greatly impact your budget:

• Hostels (£10–£40 per night) – Dorm rooms are the cheapest option.
• Budget Hotels & Airbnbs (£40–£100 per night) – Ideal for mid-range travellers who want privacy. Personally, I try to look for either 3 star or 4 star hotels – I don’t go below 3 stars.
• Luxury Hotels (£150+ per night) – Premium comfort at a high price. These are hotels that are 5 stars and are usually part of a larger chain such as IGH, Pullman, etc.

6. Food & Drink Costs

• Self-Catering (£5–£15 per day) – Shopping at supermarkets and cooking your meals saves a lot of money and allows you to experience local food that you wouldn’t usually find in your country.
• Street Food & Casual Restaurants (£10–£25 per meal) – Affordable local eats like kebabs, pizzas, and bakeries.
• Fine Dining (£50+ per meal) – For gourmet experiences and Michelin-starred restaurants.

Cost Breakdown for Different Budgets

1. Budget Travel (£30–£60 per day)

If you’re a backpacker or a traveller looking to save money, here’s what to expect:

• Accommodation: £10–£25 per night for a hostel in Eastern Europe, £20–£40 in Western Europe.
• Transport: Budget airlines (£10–£50 per flight), buses (£5–£30), and train passes (£200+ for a month).
• Food: Cooking meals (£5 per day) or cheap eats (£10–£20).
• Activities: Free museums and budget attractions (£5–£15 per day).
• Total Estimate: £900–£1,800 per month.

2. Mid-Range Travel (£70–£150 per day)

For those wanting comfort without overspending:

• Accommodation: £40–£80 per night for a budget hotel or private Airbnb.
• Transport: Economy flights (£30–£100), trains (£20–£80), and car rentals (£30+ per day).
• Food: £20–£40 per day for a mix of self-catering and restaurants.
• Activities: Guided tours, museums, and entertainment (£15–£40 per day).
• Total Estimate: £2,100–£4,500 per month.

3. Luxury Travel (£200+ per day)

For those who want the best experiences:

• Accommodation: £150–£400 per night for a luxury hotel.
• Transport: Business class flights (£200+), first-class trains (£80+).
• Food: Fine dining (£50–£150 per day).
• Activities: Exclusive tours and VIP experiences (£50–£300 per day).
• Total Estimate: £6,000+ per month.

Cost Comparison by Region

How Much Do You Need for a Europe Trip?

Here’s an estimate for different trip lengths:

Saving Money While Travelling Europe

1. Travel Off-Season – Avoid peak summer prices.
2. Use Budget Airlines – Compare flights on Skyscanner or Google Flights.
3. Stay in Hostels, Airbnb’s or mid-range hotels (3/4 star hotels) – Booking early helps secure lower prices.
4. Eat Like a Local – Visit markets, bakeries, and local restaurants.
5. Use Public Transport – Metro and buses are cheaper than taxis.
6. Get City Passes – Many cities offer passes with free transport and attractions.

Final Thoughts

The amount you need to travel around Europe depends on your travel style. Budget travellers can survive on £1,000 per month in Eastern Europe, while mid-range travellers should plan for £2,500+. Luxury travellers will need £6,000 or more.

With careful planning, you can explore Europe without breaking the bank. Let me know if you would like to see a budget itinerary for a specific country by contacting me here or private messaging me on Instagram (@TomSoloTravels)