Interrail on a Shoestring: 5 Affordable Routes for Backpackers
Let’s be real: Backpacking Europe doesn’t have to mean surviving on instant noodles or sleeping in sketchy hostels.
With the right routes, you can feast on pierogi in Kraków, swim in the Adriatic, and hike Nordic fjords—all without blowing your budget.
Ready to swap “expensive” for “epic”? Here are five under-the-radar routes where your euros stretch further than a yoga instructor’s limbs.
1. Eastern Europe Adventure: Budapest – Bratislava – Kraków – Prague
Why It’s Budget Gold
Eastern Europe is your wallet’s best friend. Think €1 beers, €10 hostels, and trains that cost less than a Netflix subscription. Start in Budapest, where thermal baths like Széchenyi cost €20 for a day pass (pro tip: go at night for half-price).
The Journey
- Budapest to Bratislava: 2.5h by RegioJet (€9). Bratislava’s Old Town is compact—explore it in a day, then hike up to Bratislava Castle for free city views.
- Bratislava to Kraków: 6h by Leo Express (€15). Kraków’s Kazimierz District offers cheap eats like zapiekanka (Polish pizza) for €2.
- Kraków to Prague: 8h by FlixBus (€20). Yes, it’s a bus, but with Wi-Fi and charging ports, you’ll survive.
Don’t Miss:
- Free walking tours in each city (tip what you can).
- Prague’s Vyšehrad Fortress—better views than Charles Bridge, zero crowds.
2. Mediterranean Escape: Rome – Florence – Nice – Barcelona
Sun, Sea & Savings
Skip the Amalfi Coast crowds. This route mixes iconic cities with hidden coastal gems—and keeps daily costs under €50 if you’re smart.
Cheap Transport Hacks
- Rome to Florence: 1.5h by Italo (€10 if booked 3+ months early).
- Florence to Nice: 5h by Trenitalia + TER regional train (€25). The coastal stretch from Ventimiglia to Nice is pure Riviera eye candy.
- Nice to Barcelona: 10h overnight bus by FlixBus (€30). Wake up in Spain, ready for tapas.
Budget Eats & Sleeps
- Rome: €3 margherita pizza at Pizzeria da Baffetto.
- Nice: Villa Saint Exupery Beach Hostel (€15/night, 5-minute walk from the beach).
- Barcelona: Free entry to Park Güell before 8 AM.
3. Scandinavian Budget Route: Copenhagen – Gothenburg – Oslo – Stockholm
Yes, Scandinavia Can Be Cheap
Scandinavia’s pricey rep? Half myth. Use trains and buses strategically, and you’ll soak up Nordic charm without freezing your budget.
Affordable Transit
- Copenhagen to Gothenburg: 3.5h by Öresundståg (€25). The bridge-tunnel combo over the Øresund Strait is an engineering marvel.
- Gothenburg to Oslo: 4h by Vy train (€30). Book via Vy for deals.
- Oslo to Stockholm: 6h by SJ train (€35). Sit on the left for lake views.
Savvy Spending
- Oslo Pass (€40/24h) includes museums and public transport.
- Street food: Copenhagen’s Reffen market has meals from €8.
- Free sights: Stockholm’s Monteliusvägen cliff walk offers skyline views for $0.
4. The Balkan Explorer: Belgrade → Sarajevo → Mostar → Kotor
Where €10 Feels Like €50
The Balkans deliver rugged beauty, hearty food, and prices stuck in 2010. Start in Belgrade, where nights out cost less than a latte in Paris.
Route Breakdown
- Belgrade to Sarajevo: 8h by bus (€20). The Drina River Valley’s cliffs will have you glued to the window.
- Sarajevo to Mostar: 2.5h by Centrotrans (€10). Walk Stari Most bridge at sunrise to avoid crowds.
- Mostar to Kotor: 4h by bus (€15). The Bay of Kotor’s fjord-like scenery? Worth the windy roads.
Must-Do’s
- Sarajevo’s War Tunnel Museum (€5) for a raw history lesson.
- Kotor’s Ladder of Kotor hike—free, sweaty, and rewarding.
Eat Like a Local
Burek (savory pastry) for €1.50 at Belgrade’s Pekara Trpković.
Ćevapi (grilled meat) for €3 in Mostar’s Restoran Tima-Irma.
5. The Classic Central Europe Loop: Berlin → Vienna → Zurich → Munich
Wait—Zurich on a Budget?
Yes, if you strategize. This route mixes iconic cities with wallet-friendly detours.
Transport Tricks
- Berlin to Vienna: 7h by Nightjet sleeper train (€49 for a seat, €79 for a couchette).
- Vienna to Zurich: 8h by Railjet (€29 with a Eurail Pass).
- Zurich to Munich: 4h by DB (€19 if booked early).
Budget Hacks
- Vienna: €1.50 sausage at Bitzinger Würstelstand near the Opera.
- Zurich: Swim in Lake Zurich for free, then picnic with Coop supermarket snacks.
- Munich: Eisbachwelle river surfing (free to watch, €5 to rent a board).
Skip the Crowds
- Instead of Salzburg, day-trip to Hallstatt from Vienna (€25 round-trip by train).
Pro Tips to Keep Costs Under €50/Day
1. Use Bus & Train Combos
FlixBus and RegioJet often undercut train prices. Mix both for maximum savings.
2. Sleep in Free Places
- Couchsurfing: Connect with locals for free stays.
- Overnight trains/buses: Save on a night’s accommodation.
3. Eat Supermarket Dinners
A €5 picnic (bread, cheese, fruit) beats a €15 restaurant meal. Lidl and Aldi are your best friends.
4. Walk or Bike
Most European cities are walkable. Rent bikes for €10/day in places like Copenhagen or Berlin.
5. Track Your Spending
Apps like Trail Wallet help you stick to €50/day. Guilt-free gelato? Yes, please.
FAQs: Your Burning Questions, Answered
Q: Are these routes safe for solo travelers?
Absolutely! Stick to well-lit areas, use common sense, and keep your valuables close in crowded spots.
Q: Can I do these routes in winter?
Yes—just pack layers. Christmas markets (Nov–Dec) add magic but book hostels early.
Q: Do I need a visa?
Most routes are within the Schengen Zone (90-day visa-free stays for many nationalities). Check requirements for the Balkans.
Final Thoughts: Adventure Doesn’t Have a Price Tag
Let’s be honest: The best travel memories aren’t made in five-star hotels.
They’re made getting lost in Sarajevo’s alleys, sharing stories with strangers on a night train, or eating €1 street food under the Acropolis.
With these routes, you’re not just saving money—you’re buying freedom.
So, pack your bag, download a map, and remember: The world is cheaper than you think.
