Traveling internationally doesn’t have to break the bank. There are numerous affordable options for getting from one country to another without spending a fortune. Whether you’re on a tight budget or just want to stretch your travel funds further, here are some of the cheapest ways to travel between countries.
1. Budget Airlines
Budget airlines are one of the most cost-effective ways to travel between countries, especially for short-haul flights. Airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, AirAsia, Jetstar, Spirit Airlines, and Wizz Air offer incredibly low fares, often starting at just a few dollars (excluding additional fees). While they may not offer the luxury of full-service carriers, they provide a cheap and convenient way to travel between cities and countries.
- Tips for saving money:
- Book tickets in advance for the best deals.
- Be flexible with your travel dates to take advantage of last-minute offers.
- Avoid extra costs by traveling with only carry-on luggage.
- Use fare comparison websites like Skyscanner or Google Flights to find the cheapest routes.
2. Train Travel
Train travel is a fantastic and often affordable way to move between countries, especially in regions like Europe and parts of Asia. Countries in Europe, like France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, have well-connected rail networks that allow for easy and relatively inexpensive travel. In Asia, countries like Japan, China, India, and Thailand also offer affordable train routes for international travel.
- Highlights:
- In Europe, consider rail passes like the Eurail Pass, which allows you to travel on multiple trains across several countries for one price.
- In Asia, China’s high-speed trains are known for their efficiency and affordability.
- In India, long-distance trains are a budget-friendly and scenic way to travel across the country.
- Tips:
- Look for discounted tickets on the official railway websites of each country.
- Book tickets in advance for the best deals.
- Take overnight trains to save on accommodation costs.
3. Bus Travel
Buses are one of the cheapest modes of international travel, especially for long-distance journeys. Companies like FlixBus, Eurolines, Greyhound, and Southeastern Railway (in Southeast Asia) offer budget-friendly options between countries, particularly in regions like Europe, Southeast Asia, and North America. While bus rides can be longer than flights or trains, they are often significantly cheaper.
- Highlights:
- FlixBus in Europe offers affordable routes connecting major cities across many countries.
- Southeastern Asia has affordable bus networks connecting countries like Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos.
- Greyhound offers routes across the United States and into Canada and Mexico.
- Tips:
- Book tickets in advance, especially for popular routes, to get the lowest prices.
- Consider overnight buses to save on accommodation costs.
- Look for special promotions or discount cards, like FlixBus’s FlixBus Pass.
4. Ride-Sharing and Carpooling
For a more flexible and sometimes cheaper alternative to trains and buses, ride-sharing and carpooling services can be a great option, particularly in regions where long-distance bus or train routes may not be available. Websites and apps like BlaBlaCar (popular in Europe) allow travelers to share rides with others going in the same direction, splitting costs and making the trip cheaper.
- Highlights:
- BlaBlaCar allows users to find drivers offering rides to various destinations across Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
- In Southeast Asia, services like Grab or Gojek provide shared rides between neighboring countries like Thailand and Cambodia.
- Tips:
- Always check the reviews of drivers or passengers to ensure reliability and safety.
- Confirm the exact cost beforehand to avoid surprises.
- Keep in mind that ride-sharing may not be available in every country or region.
5. Hitchhiking
Though not as common as it once was, hitchhiking remains one of the cheapest (if not free) ways to travel between countries. It can be particularly popular in areas with less-developed infrastructure or in countries with a strong culture of backpacking. Hitchhiking allows travelers to get from one destination to another at no cost, relying on the kindness of strangers.
- Highlights:
- Free travel, except for any food, water, or other supplies you may need along the way.
- Flexibility to travel at your own pace and meet locals.
- Tips:
- Always prioritize your safety—travel with others, use reputable hitchhiking apps like Hitchwiki, and be cautious about getting into vehicles with strangers.
- Choose busy highways or main roads with traffic to increase your chances of getting a ride.
- Bring a sign with your destination to make it easier for drivers to offer a ride.
6. Ferries and Boats
In coastal regions or areas with numerous islands, taking ferries or boats can be a cheap and scenic way to travel between countries. For instance, ferry services between Greece and Turkey, Italy and Croatia, or Thailand and Malaysia are popular options. Depending on the region, ferries can be more affordable than flying and offer a unique experience.
- Highlights:
- Ferries in Europe (e.g., from Italy to Greece or Croatia), often offer budget routes for travelers.
- In Southeast Asia, ferries are widely available to travel between islands and countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
- Greece and Turkey are well-connected by ferries, offering affordable options for hopping between islands and mainland cities.
- Tips:
- Book tickets in advance during peak seasons.
- Bring your own snacks and water to avoid overpriced food onboard.
- Check for budget options such as slower ferries that can be cheaper than fast routes.
7. Use of Travel Passes and Discount Cards
For travelers visiting multiple countries in a specific region, there are several travel passes and discount cards available that can help save money on transportation. For example, in Europe, the Eurail Global Pass offers unlimited train travel across 33 countries, while Interrail provides similar benefits for European residents.
- Highlights:
- Eurail Pass and Interrail Pass for unlimited travel by train in Europe.
- Asia Passes like Asia Rail Pass or Japan Rail Pass allow unlimited train travel in specific regions.
- Southeast Asia bus passes or multi-country packages that offer discounts on inter-country travel.
- Tips:
- Compare the cost of passes against individual ticket prices to ensure it’s worth the investment.
- These passes are ideal for long-term travel or for covering multiple destinations within one region.
- Book passes in advance where possible to get the best deals.
8. Cycling or Walking
For the truly adventurous traveler, cycling or walking between countries is a free, environmentally-friendly, and physically challenging way to explore. While this option requires the most effort and preparation, it’s one of the cheapest, offering an immersive experience of landscapes, cultures, and people along the way.
- Highlights:
- Cycling from Thailand to Cambodia or Vietnam to Laos can be a memorable and cheap journey.
- Walking or cycling through Europe (e.g., from France to Spain) offers stunning rural landscapes and the chance to meet locals.
- Tips:
- Plan your route carefully, especially when crossing borders or remote areas.
- Bring necessary gear such as a bike or good walking shoes, along with water and food.
- Research visa requirements and travel permits in advance if you are crossing multiple countries.
