🚄 Internal Travel

Getting Around Europe

Trains, buses, budget flights — how to travel between European countries like a pro

🌍 Understanding the Schengen Area

The Schengen Area comprises 29 European countries that have abolished passport controls at their mutual borders. Once you enter one Schengen country, you can travel to others without additional passport checks — just like moving between states in Nigeria.

✅ What This Means for You

  • One visa = access to 29 countries
  • No passport checks between countries
  • Travel by train like road-tripping between states
  • Maximum 90 days within 180 days total

⚠️ Important Notes

  • UK is NOT in Schengen (separate visa required)
  • Ireland is NOT in Schengen
  • Some countries do random spot checks
  • Always carry your passport anyway
🇳🇬 For Nigerian Passport Holders: You may face additional scrutiny when crossing borders, even within Schengen. Keep your passport, visa, hotel bookings, return ticket, and proof of funds easily accessible. Be polite and patient — you'll get through.

🚊 Your Transport Options

🚄 Trains — The Best Way to Travel

Trains are often the most comfortable, scenic, and convenient way to travel in Europe. Stations are in city centers, no baggage restrictions, and you can walk around during the journey.

✅ Advantages

  • Stations in city centers (no €30 taxi from airport)
  • No baggage weight limits
  • Scenic views — see the countryside
  • Can walk around, eat, use wifi
  • Often faster than flying (city-center to city-center)
  • Night trains = save on hotel costs

❌ Disadvantages

  • Can be expensive if booked last-minute
  • Slower than flying for long distances
  • Strikes can disrupt service (especially France)
  • Some routes require transfers
Route Duration Price Range Best For
Paris → Amsterdam 3h 20m €35-140 Book 2-3 months ahead
Paris → London (Eurostar) 2h 20m €50-200 Fastest, but UK needs separate visa
Rome → Florence 1h 30m €20-50 Frequent departures
Barcelona → Madrid 2h 30m €30-100 Much faster than driving
Munich → Vienna 4h €29-70 Beautiful Alpine scenery
💡 Pro Tips:
  • Book early: Prices are dynamic like flights — €35 in advance can become €140 on the day
  • Validate tickets: In Italy and some other countries, you MUST stamp your ticket in yellow machines before boarding or face fines
  • First class: Often only €10-20 more and much more comfortable
  • Use Seat61.com: The ultimate guide to European train travel

✈️ Budget Airlines — Cheap But Read the Fine Print

Budget airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air offer incredibly cheap flights — sometimes as low as €10-15. But hidden fees can quickly add up.

✅ Advantages

  • Incredibly cheap base fares (€10-50)
  • Best for long distances (1000+ km)
  • Wide route network across Europe
  • Fast for covering big distances

❌ Disadvantages

  • Only free item: small underseat bag
  • Carry-on bags cost €20-40 extra
  • Checked bags: €30-60 extra
  • Often fly to secondary airports (far from city)
  • Seat selection costs extra
  • Strict baggage size checks

Major Budget Airlines

Ryanair

Largest network, strictest rules

EasyJet

More main airports, slightly higher prices

Wizz Air

Eastern Europe specialist

Vueling

Spain & Southern Europe

⚠️ Hidden Costs to Watch:
  • Airport transfer from secondary airports (€15-30)
  • Printing boarding passes at airport (up to €20)
  • Priority boarding if you want overhead cabin space
  • Buying anything on board (even water costs €3+)

🚌 Buses — The Budget Champion

If you have more time than money, buses are the cheapest way to travel. FlixBus dominates the market with routes starting as low as €5.

✅ Advantages

  • Cheapest option (€5-30 for most routes)
  • WiFi and power outlets on board
  • No baggage fees
  • Frequent departures on popular routes

❌ Disadvantages

  • Much slower than trains/planes
  • Can be uncomfortable for long journeys
  • Subject to traffic delays
  • Bus stations often outside city center
Route Bus Duration Bus Price Train Comparison
Paris → Brussels 4h €10-20 Train: 1h 22m, €29-60
Amsterdam → Berlin 7h €20-35 Train: 6h, €40-90
Barcelona → Madrid 7h 30m €15-30 Train: 2h 30m, €30-100
💡 Pro Tip: FlixBus is the main operator for international routes. Book on their app for occasional discounts. Night buses can save a hotel night — bring a neck pillow!

🚗 Car Rental — Freedom to Explore

Best for countryside, small towns, and places not well-served by public transport. Not recommended for major cities.

✅ Best For

  • Tuscan countryside, Provence, Scottish Highlands
  • Groups of 3-4 (split costs)
  • Flexible itineraries
  • Wine regions and rural areas

❌ Avoid For

  • City trips (parking is expensive/impossible)
  • Single travelers (expensive)
  • Countries with good trains (Germany, Netherlands)
⚠️ Important: You'll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your Nigerian license. Get this from FRSC before traveling. Also, many European cars are manual transmission — specify automatic if needed.

📊 Quick Comparison: Which Transport to Choose?

Factor 🚄 Train ✈️ Budget Flight 🚌 Bus
Best for distance 300-800 km 1000+ km Under 400 km
Price €€ (book early = €) € (with hidden fees = €€) € (cheapest)
Comfort ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐
Speed ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐
Baggage Unlimited Strict limits Generous
Station location City center Often far out Varies
🎯 The Smart Approach: Mix and match! Use trains for short/medium distances, budget flights for long hops across Europe, and buses when budget is tight and time is flexible.

📱 Essential Booking Apps & Websites

Omio

Compare trains, buses & flights in one search. Best for finding the cheapest option.

Trainline

Great for booking trains across Europe. Clean interface, good prices.

Seat61.com

Not an app, but THE resource for understanding train travel in Europe.

FlixBus

Main bus network across Europe. Book directly for best prices.

Skyscanner

Compare all airlines including budget carriers. Set price alerts.

Google Flights

Excellent for finding cheap flight dates and tracking prices.

Rome2Rio

Shows ALL options between two points — trains, buses, ferries, flights.

Eurail/Interrail

Rail passes for unlimited train travel. Worth it for 3+ countries.

💡 Practical Tips for Getting Around

🎫 Ticket Validation

In Italy, France, and some other countries, you MUST validate/stamp your train ticket before boarding. Look for yellow machines on platforms. Failure to do so = fine of €50-100.

📶 Stay Connected

Get a European SIM card or eSIM for data. Most trains have WiFi but it's often slow. Google Maps works offline if you download maps in advance.

🧳 Pack Light

You'll thank yourself when running for connections. A carry-on size bag makes train travel much easier. Most European city trips need less clothing than you think.

⏰ Arrive Early

European trains leave exactly on time. Aim to be at the station 15-20 minutes before departure. For international trains like Eurostar, arrive 45-60 minutes early for passport control.

💺 Reserve Seats

Some high-speed trains (TGV, AVE, Eurostar) require reservations. Others don't but fill up quickly. Reserve if traveling on weekends or during peak hours.

🌙 Night Trains

Save time AND money by sleeping on the train. Routes like Paris-Barcelona, Vienna-Rome, and Amsterdam-Zurich have overnight options. Book a couchette or private cabin for comfort.

More Travel Resources

Continue planning your perfect European trip

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