Long and middle distance bus travel is an important practical alternate method of transport for those in Europe on a budget. Although often a ‘no frills’ way of moving about, it represents the best way for travellers looking to save on one of the more mundane costs when organising budget travel of any considerable length.
Eurolines is the best known European bus travel operator, with no fewer than 500 destinations in 25 countries across the continent served by the company.
Europe on a Budget
Rather than operating as a single entity, Eurolines is actually a network of 32 different independent companies operating together and allowing its reach to expand north, south, east and west.
Although overall standards can vary depending on the individual operator, all Eurolines buses are well equipped and non-smoking, with full toilet facilities, reclining seats and a decent amount of legroom.
The major advantages of travelling with Eurolines lie firstly with the peace of mind offered and secondly the cost saving.
Almost all Eurolines services travel directly between city centres for pick-up/drop off locations, so there is no need to think about additional transfer costs from an out-of-town airport.
Eurolines Pass
The Eurolines Pass is geared towards giving flexibility to young travellers intending to journey long distances around the continent. With a choice of either a unlimited pass valid for 15 or 30 days, travellers are able to choose from among 46 Eurolines destinations to visit within that period.
Destinations range from European capital favourites like Budapest, Prague and Vienna, to lesser well known options including Gdansk, Brno and Siena.
Example prices for a 15-day pass in the high-season (June 27-September 14, December 13-January 4) are Youth (under 26) €290/£189/$385 and Adult €345/£229/$459.
For a 30-day pass in the high-season, rates are €375/£249/$498 for a Youth and €455/£299/$605 for an Adult.
Prices are lower for the mid-season (March 14-June 26, September 15-October 31), priced at €205/£139/$272 Youth and €240/£159/$319 Adult for the 15-day pass. For the 30-day option, the cost is €270/£179/$359 Youth and for an Adult, €330/£219/$439.
Long Distance Bus Travel
Although neither offers a particular long time duration, both provide a fair value in enabling a traveller to plan a decent ‘point-to-point’ whistle stop tour of a number of European cities with this period.
With a tight and reliable service schedule and ever expanding list of destinations, Eurolines has helped make long distance bus travel a genuine method of exploring the continent.
For all information on routes schedules and Eurolines Pass details, check the Eurolines website. Portals to individual national sites are available from here that give further information on exact destinations and additional special online offers.
Andrew Latham - I am a self-confessed lover of travel and always keen to discover another 'must see location' somewhere on this giant rock, finances ...
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