The European Train System vs. Budget Airlines: Which is Better for Studying Abroad?

By: Lauren Bloch

As a student studying abroad in Europe, one of the best ways to explore the continent is by traveling from one city to the next. I’ve had the chance to experience both the European train system and budget airlines while studying in Berlin, and I’ve learned that both have their unique advantages and drawbacks. To help other students make the most of their travel time (and budget!)I'm sharing my personal experiences on my European travels. 

The European Train System: Comfort, Views, and Convenience

One of my first trips outside of Berlin was a train ride to Prague, and I have to say, I was hooked on European trains from the start. The train system here is incredibly efficient, and it’s an ideal way to travel if you’re not in a rush and want to enjoy the journey.

My Experience: Berlin to Prague

The train ride from Berlin to Prague was about 4.5 hours, and I loved every minute of it. Not only was it comfortable, but the views were spectacular. As the train left Berlin, I saw Germany's picturesque countryside—fields of green, little villages, and winding rivers. By the time I arrived in Prague, I felt like I had already experienced a part of the country before stepping foot in the city.

One of the perks of traveling by train is the spaciousness. You have plenty of room to stretch your legs, you don’t need to worry about squeezing your bag into an overhead compartment (as you do on a plane), and you can even walk around if you want to stretch. The onboard Wi-Fi and charging stations were also a huge plus for me—since I’m always on my phone or laptop, this was a big bonus for staying connected while traveling.

Pros of the Train:

1. Scenic Views: Traveling through beautiful landscapes was one of the highlights of my train journeys. Whether it was the rolling hills on the way to Prague or the charming villages as I headed to Dresden, the train lets you experience the true beauty of Europe.
2. Comfortable and Spacious: I had plenty of space to move around, sit back, and relax. You can easily stretch your legs, enjoy a meal, and even chat with fellow travelers. Plus, I never had to worry about getting my luggage checked or carried up to an overhead bin.
3. City Center to City Center: The best part about train travel is the fact that stations are usually located right in the heart of the city. For example, I arrived in Prague's main station, which is close to most tourist attractions and public transport. In contrast, airports are often much farther out.

Cons of the Train:

1. Cost: While trains can be quite affordable if you book early, the prices can quickly rise, especially for last-minute tickets. I found that booking in advance for trains like Berlin to Munich or Prague was the most economical choice.
2. Longer Travel Times: While trains are generally comfortable, they can sometimes take longer than flying, especially if you're traveling across several countries. For example, the train from Berlin to Munich takes about 4 hours, while a flight might only take 1.5 hours.

Budget Airlines: Fast and Affordable (But a Few Catch-22s)

After taking several train trips, I also decided to test out budget airlines for comparison. With so many affordable options flying between European cities, I figured it was worth a try.

My Experience: Budget Airlines Between Cities

The first budget airline I flew with was Ryanair, flying from Berlin to Copenhagen. I was able to book a ticket for less than €80, which was a steal compared to the train ticket I would have bought. The flight itself was quick—around 1 hour—and I landed in Copenhagen with plenty of time to explore the city.

However, my experience with budget airlines wasn’t all smooth sailing. The first hurdle was the airport itself. Budget carriers often fly out of secondary airports, which are much farther from the city center. For example, I had to take a train to and from Berlin's Brandenburg Airport, which took nearly an hour and cost extra money. It was a bit of a hassle after my flight, and I found it stressful when I had a tight connection.

Another downside was the strict baggage policy. On my Ryanair flight, I had to pay extra for checked luggage, which added another €15 to my ticket. It was also challenging trying to fit everything I needed into a small carry-on bag to avoid paying extra. The budget airlines try to squeeze more money out of you so they will call you out if your backpack is too large resulting in a somewhat hefty charge to upgrade your bag!

Pros of Budget Airlines:

1. Fast and Direct: Budget flights are great for short distances. A flight from Berlin to Amsterdam took less than 1.5 hours, and it’s much faster than the train, which takes around 8 hours. When traveling from Friday-Sunday it made days a lot longer and allowed me to explore more of the city I was travelling. 
2. Affordable if Booked Early: The cheapest tickets I found were less than €50. If you book in advance (around a month early seems to be the sweet spot), budget airlines are the most affordable option for getting around Europe.
3. More Destination Options: Budget airlines can often get you to more remote locations that trains might not reach. For example, I flew from Berlin to Amsterdam for less than €80, but I also took a budget flight to Gran Canaria for around 130 Euros, a destination not reachable by trains.

Cons of Budget Airlines:

1. Additional Fees: While the base price is low, I quickly realized that budget airlines charge for everything—checked luggage, seat selection, even food and drinks. By the time I added it all up, my "cheap" flight wasn't as much of a bargain as I’d hoped.
2. Airport Locations: As I mentioned, budget airlines often use smaller airports that are far away from the city center. This can be a real inconvenience, especially if you're on a tight schedule or don't want to deal with extra travel time, not to mention added costs to get to the center of the city.
3. Less Comfortable: Let’s face it—budget airlines are not known for luxury. The seats are cramped, and the flight can feel rushed and uncomfortable, especially on longer journeys.

Which Is Better for You?

For me, choosing between trains and budget airlines ultimately comes down to what I value most in a travel experience.

• If you want comfort, scenic views, and a stress-free experience, trains are the way to go. They are perfect for short to medium-distance trips like Berlin to Prague, Munich, or Dresden, where you can relax, read, or even take in the view.
• If you're on a tight budget and need to cover long distances quickly, budget airlines are hard to beat. They’re great for affordable, speedy travel—just be sure to factor in the extra fees and time spent getting to and from airports.

As a student living in Europe, I’ve learned to use both depending on the situation. When I’m in the mood to relax and enjoy the journey, I’ll hop on a train. But when I need to save time (and money) on a longer trip, budget airlines are my go-to option.

No matter which mode of transport you choose, Europe is filled with amazing cities to explore—so get out there and start your adventure!