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From Gas Guzzler to Bus Enthusiast: How Europe Changed My Ride or Die Mindset!
Forget the hassle of trains, planes, and automobiles! My European journeys have been transformed by the affordability, charm, and ease of bus travel.
Traveling through Europe? Ditch the “Eurail Pass”! Here’s why buses are your new best friend!
Imagine this: It’s my first day in Europe, and I’m eager to soak up all the culture and adventure.
I’m standing outside the bustling train station in Frankfurt, bracing myself to navigate the chaos inside.
Potential train cancellations, delays, and finding a spot for my luggage on a packed train swirl through my mind.
This isn’t the serene European journey I had envisioned.
That’s when I spot a sleek, modern bus gliding by. I think, “Why not give that a try?”
What followed was a revelation.
1. Money in Your Pocket, Not the Airline’s
Planes?
Let’s talk about those hidden fees. Checked baggage, seat selection, even a measly cup of coffee — it all adds up!
Especially on those so-called budget airlines.
Fail to check in online due to their overloaded systems?
That’s another charge, even if it’s their fault.
All these fees can more than double the cost of that supposedly “cheap” ticket.
And don’t get me started on the aggravation!
Fighting for overhead luggage space for your carry-on? Who needs to deal with that!
But on a bus, what you see is what you get.
My trip from Amsterdam to Strasbourg?
A mere 45 euros, including my luggage and a comfy seat with a panoramic view.
The tremendous cost savings don’t stop there. Buses offer incredible value for money, with tickets often being a fraction of the cost of planes or trains.
For budget-conscious travelers, this means more funds for experiences, dining, and exploring.
2. The Joy of the Scenic Route
Flying over Europe, you miss out on the charm of the countryside.
Trains?
Often too fast or running through tunnels. Many tracks now have soundproofing barriers that block any scenery at all.
But buses?
They cruise through picturesque villages, rolling hills, and landscapes that look like they’re straight out of a storybook.
On a bus ride from Thessaloniki, Greece to Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria, I found myself marveling at the stunning greenery and mountain views I would’ve missed otherwise.
Each twist and turn of the road revealed a new postcard-worthy scene.
Buses, especially on trips over two hours long, normally stop for a 15–20-minute break, usually at a roadside rest stop or even a quaint restaurant or café.
Many of these stops can be in the middle of the mountains or in scenic areas with breathtaking views.
They also offer a great opportunity to chat with locals or other travelers en route, sharing and enhancing your travel experiences.
3. Flexibility and Convenience
Ever missed a train because your arriving train was two minutes late pulling into the station?
Well, I have, and let me tell you, it wasn’t pretty.
Imagine yourself running down the stairs from one platform, sprinting across the station, and then scrambling up another set of stairs with your luggage, only to see your connecting train pulling away!
Stranded and out of breath, you end up standing in line at the rail office with other disgruntled passengers, trying to catch the next train.
This is happening more and more in many European countries due to increased and overdue rail line repairs and, of course, strikes.
Buses, however, are far more forgiving. With multiple departures daily and tickets available on the spot, they’re perfect for spontaneous travelers.
You can even buy them online!
One rainy afternoon in Berlin, for example, I decided to head to Krakow on a whim. I walked to the nearest bus station, bought a ticket, and was on my way.
No frantic running, no missed connections — just smooth sailing.
4. Meeting the Locals
The beauty of bus travel lies in the people you meet. Unlike the isolated bubble of planes or the impersonal rush of trains, buses bring together a mix of locals and fellow travelers.
On my first bus trip in Albania, from Tirana’s International Airport to the coastal city of Vlore, we stopped at a rest area.
I wandered over to a little stand selling pastries called Bureks. I’d never had one before.
A fellow passenger, who had overheard me talking with a couple of people, also returning to visit relatives in Vlore, approached me.
He asked where I was from and if I had ever tried an Albanian Burek with the traditional yogurt drink that usually accompanies it. I said, “No, but maybe some other time.”
But he insisted, treating me to a Burek and a yogurt drink. We sat and chatted for about ten minutes, enjoying our snacks before continuing our journey.
As we approached Vlore, I realized I wasn’t sure where to go once we arrived. I only had the address of my Airbnb reservation.
The people I’d been talking to on the bus asked the other passengers if anyone was getting off near my Airbnb’s address and could show me the way.
One guy was getting off around my stop, so I followed him, and he pointed me in the right direction.
You just don’t get that kind of travel camaraderie on planes and trains anymore.
On a bus, you’re not just passing through a country; you’re engaging with its people, sharing in their lives, and making memories.
5. Comfort You Can Count On
Forget the cramped airplane seats and stuffy train compartments. Modern European buses are designed with comfort in mind.
Reclining seats, ample legroom, and even free onboard Wi-Fi make for a pleasant journey.
The prices are so cheap, you can even buy the adjoining seat next to you, if you want even more room to spread out!
On a night bus from Munich to Budapest, I stretched out, popped in my earbuds, and watched the starry sky from my window.
When I woke up, I was refreshed and ready to explore a new city.
6. Environmental Friendliness
Concerned about your carbon footprint? Buses are a greener choice compared to planes and trains.
By opting for bus travel, you’re not only saving money but also contributing to a more sustainable mode of transport.
It feels good knowing my scenic ride through the Swiss Alps down to the majestic Lake Como in Italy wasn’t just a feast for the eyes but also a kinder choice for the planet.
7. An Authentic Travel Experience
Traveling by bus in Europe isn’t just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about the journey itself. You’re immersed in the local culture, experiencing the rhythm of daily life in a way that planes and trains simply can’t offer.
In fact, bus travel nowadays reminds me of what European train travel was like 30–40 years ago, only more comfortable and efficient!
On a route from Vienna to Trieste, the bus made several stops in small towns.
Each stop was a mini adventure, from tasting local delicacies at roadside cafes to taking in mountain vistas.
Now, it’s your turn to take the plunge!
Go ahead, ditch the planes and trains and embrace bus travel. It’s cheaper, more scenic, and offers a richer, more authentic experience.
The next time you’re in Europe, just hop on a bus and see where the road takes you!
David Peluchette is a Premium Ghostwriter/Travel and Tech Enthusiast. When David isn’t writing he enjoys traveling, learning new languages, fitness, hiking and going on long walks (did the 550 mile Camino de Santiago, not once but twice!), cooking, eating, reading and building niche websites with WordPress.