Bus travel around Europe

Catching the bus across Europe isn’t the most efficient transport option, but it does have some distinct advantages. If you have the time and patience, buses can be a fraction of the cost of a plane or rail trip and tend to offer way more inclusions.

For example, you can travel from the centre of London to the centre of Paris on Flixbus, with on-board Wi-Fi, toilets, power outlets, and both checked and hand luggage included. While fares fluctuate in 2026, you can still find tickets for around £35–£45 when booking ahead. The catch – the bus will take about 9 hours, compared to 2.5 hours on the Eurostar train or 1 hour 20 mins on a plane.

It might be tempting to opt for a budget airline in this scenario – they do offer low fares, and sitting on a bus for 9 hours is not ideal. However, the plane isn’t always as cheap as it seems. Low-cost carriers in Europe are notorious for extra fees – they make Aussie airlines look generous.

Airports in Europe are also rarely close to city centres – you’ll have to account for the time and cost of airport transfers both ways. Bus and rail options tend to take you closer to the action.

Wondering how to pay for your journey? You can usually pre-book your trip online with the bus company. If you want to stay flexible, there are often sales points at major destinations, or some companies offer the option to buy your ticket directly from the driver. The correct currency or a travel money card are handy here!
 

Public transport tips for European cities

Arrived at your dream destination? If you want to travel around on public transport like a total pro, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Get public transport passes

If you’re planning to explore a city extensively, look into multi-day or multi-trip passes. Along with saving money, you’ll avoid both the fuss of buying single tickets and the queues at ticket booths.

If you do need to buy individual tickets, see if they offer the option to use your bank card to tap on to public transport – it’s becoming more common in Europe. This is when a travel money card, like our Travel Money Oz Currency Pass, is super useful, so you avoid conversion fees. In London, for example, you can use the Currency Pass to tap on to the Tube, bus, and even the Elizabeth Line to the airport. Nifty. 

Bring local currency in case

While many public transport systems in Europe are now cashless, this isn’t always the case. Do  your research and get enough local currency in advance. It’s usually the Euro, but there are exceptions.

Also, make sure you’re across where and how you pay for public transport at your destination. It might even vary within the same country. For example, in Athens, Greece, you can buy a multi-use pass at the airport. But if you hop across to the island of Santorini, you’ll still need to pay in cash on the bus.

Travelling on to Italy's Amalfi Coast? You can use cash to buy a bus ticket at the local tobacconist, then use that ticket to get on the bus. It really varies across Europe, so research can help you avoid any transport hiccups at your destination.

Regardless of the public transport system, it can be helpful to carry small amounts of cash with you as a backup. Just be mindful of your safety and security. Like anywhere in the world, public transport can be a prime spot for pickpockets.

Use a public transport app

While Google Maps is a good go-to, there are public transit-specific apps that can make your journey seamless. Citymapper, for instance, is supported in all major European cities. Plus, your trips can be saved offline, so you won’t get lost if you don’t have roaming.
 

Your guide to public transport in London, Paris, Rome and Madrid

Here's the down-low for everything you need to know about catching public transport in some of Europe's most popular destinations: London, Paris, Rome, and Spain. 

London, England

London is famous for its public transport. Whether you ‘mind the gap’ on the Tube or catch an iconic red double-decker bus, it’s the best way to traverse this vast city.

There is a range of ticketing options. For journeys on the Tube, you can buy a single or return ticket at the station or get a Visitor Oyster Card that can be loaded up with credit. 

However, the simplest choice is to just tap and go with our Currency Pass. You can load it up with GBP, lock in that exchange rate, and avoid the conversion fees you might get when tapping a regular bank card. If you’re riding a classic London bus, remember you can’t use cash; you must tap on when you board (no need to tap off on buses!).

Want to ride a classic London bus? You can’t use cash or buy a ticket at the stop, so you will need to tap and go with your Currency Pass, bank card or Oyster card. Unlike the Tube, you don’t need to tap the reader at the end of your journey, just when you board the bus.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed with the ticketing systems, visit one of the Transport for London Visitor Centres, which are located at major Tube stations. There’s also one at the Heathrow Terminal 2 & 3 Tube station if you need help when you fly in.

Paris, France

One of the best things to do in Paris is to set out on foot, wander the charming streets, admire the Seine, and fuel up on route at a local patisserie. Just like ‘Emily in Paris’ but in more comfortable shoes.

However, it’s a sprawling city, so you’ll likely need public transport at some point. Paris has the bus, tram, metro, and RER. While the city has been traditional with tickets, 2026 marks a major shift as contactless bank card payments are finally rolling out across the entire Metro and RER network.

If you need to buy a physical ticket, they can be bought at metro stations, some bus terminals, and selected retailers, like tobacconists – look for a RATP sign. You can usually use cash or a card to pay at the ticket machines, so it’s handy to have our Currency Pass ready for payments to avoid extra fees. 

Bus tickets can be bought on board with cash, but you’ll need to use small change – so have your Euros ready. FYI: you’ll also need small change to use public bathrooms in Paris, so it’s worth having some on you.

If you’re planning a few trips on public transport, then a travel pass is a great choice – either the Paris Visite Pass or Navigo Easy Pass. The Paris Visite Pass gives you unlimited travel within Paris for a set number of days. You can choose between a pass that covers the inner suburbs (zones 1-3) or one that covers destinations that are further afield, like the airport, Disneyland, and Versailles (zones 1-5). Use it on the metro, RER, tram, and bus within selected zones. Purchase them at metro stations, RER stations, or Paris tourist offices.

Otherwise, the Navigo Easy Pass comes loaded with 10 journeys and can be recharged. It can be used on the metro, RER lines in central Paris, tram, and most buses. Purchase one at counters within metro stations, then simply recharge it at ticket machines if you need extra journeys.

In general, the metro is the best way to travel around Paris. It’s a big network, and trains run regularly. Usually, stations are marked with a big yellow ‘M’, but it is Paris after all, so there are creative signs in the mix. If you’re buying a single ticket, hold on to it for the entire journey as inspectors may check your ticket on the route.

Want to explore the streets of Paris at your own pace? Try Vélib' – that’s the city’s bike sharing scheme. There are regular bikes (green) and e-bikes (blue) available for hire. You can buy single trips, 24-hour, and 3-day passes online.

Rome, Italy

Rome wasn’t built in a day… and it also wasn’t built for cars. If you’re travelling around the centre of Rome, avoid getting in a taxi. Besides the fact that taxis can be tricky to find and flag down in the first place, the roads get super congested.

The metro is the best option to skip traffic and travel between the city’s incredible historical sites. Use it to get to the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, the Vatican, and more. There’s also a large tram and bus network, which is a scenic way to get around and explore Rome’s outer suburbs.

In 2026, Rome's Tap & Go® system is fully operational on all buses, trams, and metro lines, meaning you can simply tap your Currency Pass and skip the ticket booth entirely.

Pro tip: Some public buses only have Tap & Go systems at the front of the bus, so if you jump aboard the side door, make sure to work your way to the front to tap on (even if it is busy!). Law enforcement frequently patrols public transport buses, and tourists who don't tap on properly can receive hefty fines. 

Madrid, Spain

Whether you’re off to watch some Flamenco, explore the lush El Retiro Park, or catch a Real Madrid game, you’ll likely need the metro or bus. The best two travel pass options for tourists are the Tourist Travel Pass or the Multi Card.

The Tourist Travel Pass allows unlimited travel on all types of public transport in the city centre. You can choose between two zones – zone A is the best for central trips. Zone T will cover you for day trips to popular spots like El Escorial, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Tourist Travel Pass is loaded onto a Multi Card, but you can also just purchase the Multi Card for €2.5 and load it up with trips. Get Multi Cards or Tourist Travel Passes from ticket machines at the metro stations and pay in cash or via card.

It’s possible to pay for a single bus ticket on board, but you’ll usually need to pay the driver in small change so have your Euros ready.

FYI – now you’re a real public transport buff, don’t miss the ‘ghost metro station’ Chamberí. You can visit this beautifully restored 1919 station, which closed in 1966. It’ll give you a taste of what metro travel was like years ago.

Pay for public transport like a pro

Using public transport in Europe is an efficient way to get around, see the sights, travel like a local, and help you stick to your budget. So, if you’re choosing a cost-effective transport option, you really don’t want to get slammed with extra fees because you haven’t considered the way you’ll pay.

Using a card for European public transport

When paying for public transport by card, our Travel Money Oz Currency Pass is a smart choice. You can load up to 17 currencies in advance, lock in a competitive exchange rate, and avoid the conversion fees and hidden surcharges that can come with using your regular bank card.

You can get your hands on our Currency Pass travel card in two ways. If you want a personalised card (embossed with your name), you can order this online or at any of our stores – just make sure you don’t wait until the day you leave to get it sorted, as it’ll take up to a week for your Currency Pass to be created. 

Alternatively, if you’re in a bit more of a rush, you can grab an Instant Card version (which won’t be personalised with your name) in store instead!

Using cash for European public transport

If you’re using cash to pay, make sure you’ve got the right currency for your destination. Most countries use the Euro, but there are a few notable exceptions, including the UK, Norway, Türkiye, Switzerland, and more.

See our ultimate Travel Money guide to Europe for the full breakdown and clever currency tips. Get the correct currency before you leave so you’re ready to go to your destination.

We have several ways you can grab the foreign cash you’ll need for your upcoming trip to Europe:

Exchange currency at our Travel Money stores

You can visit our friendly Travel Money experts in-store, and this means you can be a bit more specific with the denominations you want, and we’re always thrilled to talk to fellow travellers about our favourite travel money tips and tricks!

Order online for same-day delivery or click & collect

If what you’re after is convenience, then you can also order online for same-day delivery or click and collect!

Our Same-day delivery option is perfect for those who are time poor and want the most convenient option possible – of course, like Uber Eats, you’ll need to pay for the delivery service (which is fully insured by the way!), and our online rates are ultra-competitive.

Same Day Click & Collect has all the convenience of getting it organised when you want it, and because you’re collecting it yourself, it’s free! We like using this option when we’re going on an errand run anyway and want to be a bit more budget-conscious

Now you’ve read our comprehensive guide, you can pack your bags, stash your currency, and take all our top public transport tips with you to Europe. Before you know it, you’ll be getting from A to B with ease!

^Disclaimer:

^{This blog is provided for information only and does not take into consideration your objectives, financial situation or needs.  Travel Money Oz has sought to ensure that the information is true and correct at the time of publication (First Published June 2023, updated in August 2023 and April 2026). Prices, details and services are subject to change without notice, and Travel Money Oz accepts no responsibility or liability for any such changes, including any loss resulting from any action taken or reliance made by you on any information provided. You should consider whether the information and suggestions contained in any blog entry are appropriate for you, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.  While we take reasonable care in providing the blog, we give no warranties or representations that it is complete or accurate, or is appropriate for you.  We are not liable for any loss caused, whether due to negligence or otherwise, arising from use of, or reliance on, the information and/or suggestions contained in this blog..}