Cheapest Way to Travel Europe by Train: The Truth
The cheapest way to travel Europe by train depends entirely on your itinerary. There is no universal answer, despite what rail pass marketing suggests.
General Rules for Cheap Travel
- Short, fixed routes are cheaper with point-to-point tickets.
- Long, multi-country routes favor rail passes (Eurail).
- Early booking (2-3 months out) significantly reduces costs.
Travelers should always compare three things before buying:
- Eurail pass cost + mandatory reservation fees
- Individual ticket prices booked in advance
- Number of long-distance journeys planned
The cheapest option is determined by route density and distance, not pass popularity.