Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
then it's probably not time to get off. If you're traveling to a major city there is good chance
you'll stay on the train until the very last stop. Don't be afraid to ask people around you.
Air Travel Within Europe
Train travel has long been the most preferred and “romantic” way to travel through Europe,
but the proliferation of no-frills budget flights across Europe has made flying an attractive op-
tion. With the proper timing, you can find insanely cheap airfare throughout Europe.
In fact, this has sparked a long debate (and even more confusion) whether it is better/
cheaper to travel by plane or by train. This guide will cover the pros and cons of air travel, the
steps you need to take to find the best travel deals, and a list of helpful sites to purchase tickets.
ADVANTAGES TO AIR TRAVEL
Travel long distances quickly.
Your time is just as valuable as your money. Air travel lets you
travel long distances much quicker than any other transportation method.
Cheap tickets.
There are multiple budget airlines in Europe offering no-frills service, so the
fierce competition has drastically driven down the price of airfare. I once got a ticket from
London to Glasgow for $2 (with all taxes and fees included) through Ryanair—Europe's most
popular discount airline. This is fairly uncommon but it is possible to purchase a one-way
ticket for $10 to $50 if you book early enough.
DISADVANTAGES TO AIR TRAVEL
Transportation fees to and from airport.
The cost for transportation between the airport
and the city is another hidden fee many people overlook. Most airports are connected to the
city center via trains so the fares are normally reasonable, but this isn't always the case. For
example, the train ride from Amsterdam's Schiphol International Airport to the city center
is about $6. However, the Heathrow Express (the non-stop train from Heathrow Airport to
London) starts at $35. There is also a slower option that costs around $17.
Most airports have a city bus service and a handful of private shuttles that are usually
cheaper than the train, but the transportation time is much greater because city traffic is uni-
versally terrible throughout Europe. Additionally, private shuttles often carry multiple passen-
