Want to get away without breaking the bank? Many major European cities are accessible from Paris at very competitive prices, whether by train or bus. With a wide range of companies – Eurostar, Thalys, TGV INOUI, OUIGO, Trenitalia, TGV Lyria, FlixBus, and BlaBlaCar Bus – European getaways have never been so easy… or so affordable.
Brussels: The Fast and Ultra-Accessible Neighbor
Brussels is one of the quickest and cheapest trips. By train, you can choose from high-speed classics like Thalys or Eurostar, with tickets starting at €29, or low-cost options like OUIGO and Izy, offering journeys from €10 to €15 – slightly longer, but very budget-friendly. On the bus side, FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus offer tickets from €9.98, with many daily departures.
Amsterdam: Between Comfort and Low Prices
The Dutch capital, known for its canals and laid-back vibe, is well-connected. Thalys and Eurostar cover the journey in just over 3 hours, with prices starting around €35 to €50, especially if booked in advance. For tighter budgets, buses (FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus) are a good alternative starting from €15 to €18, though the journey takes 7 to 8 hours.
London: England in the Blink of an Eye
London is within rail reach thanks to Eurostar, connecting Paris to the British capital in 2h20. Prices vary depending on the season, but tickets can be found from €44. If you’ve got time, overnight buses from FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus can save you money, with prices between €18 and €39.
Barcelona: Head South by TGV or Overnight Bus
For a Mediterranean atmosphere, Barcelona is accessible via direct TGV INOUI in around 6h30. Early bookings can get you tickets from €39. Buses start around €19, with longer journeys (13 to 15 hours), often as overnight trips – great for saving on hotel nights.
Milan, Turin: Italy Just a Train Ride Away
Toward Italy, Trenitalia and TGV INOUI offer direct trains to Milan, with tickets starting from €29 to €35 for a 7-hour trip. Turin is also served, mainly by bus, with departures from €45. Overnight buses are common on this route.
Switzerland: Geneva and Zurich by TGV Lyria
To Switzerland, TGV Lyria connects Paris with Zurich or Geneva starting from €30 to €40, with a fast 3- to 4-hour journey. Long-distance buses, particularly FlixBus, also offer budget-friendly options, though trips can take up to 10 hours.
Other Cities: Munich, Prague, Ljubljana, Madrid…
Cities like Munich, Prague, Ljubljana, and Madrid are only reachable by bus from Paris, with long journeys (12 to 20 hours) but very affordable fares, especially via overnight routes. FlixBus is the main operator, often joined by BlaBlaCar Bus.
Tips : Flash Sales for Even Cheaper Travel
A great way to save even more is to take advantage of flash sales regularly organized by train and bus companies. These promotions often appear at the start of a season (spring, summer, back-to-school) to fill low-occupancy trains or after new timetables are published.
Companies like Eurostar, Thalys, TGV INOUI, OUIGO, Trenitalia, and TGV Lyria offer special deals several times a year with slashed ticket prices. Even FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus sometimes take part in these sales.
Recent Flash Sale Examples: In April 2025, Eurostar launched a flash sale with tickets at €25 to Brussels, €32 to Amsterdam, and €39 to London, valid for travel through early July. The previous summer, TGV INOUI and Trenitalia offered tickets to Milan from €29 – sometimes half the standard fare.
Flash sales typically last only a few days (sometimes just 2 to 4) with limited availability. Tickets are usually non-refundable and non-exchangeable, but savings are real – between 30% and 60% off depending on the destination.
Tips to Catch the Best Deals:
Subscribe to company newsletters (SNCF Connect, OUIGO, Eurostar, etc.).
Check comparison tools regularly like Omio, Trainline, or Tictactrip.
Be flexible with dates and times to get the best prices.
Plan your travel dates early to book as soon as tickets are released.
Smart Travel Tips
Planning ahead and staying flexible are the keys to cheap travel. Booking several weeks in advance often secures the best prices, whether by train or bus. Traveling mid-week or outside school holidays can also lead to big savings. For longer trips, overnight buses are unbeatable in terms of time-to-cost ratio.
From Paris, Europe is within reach of every budget. Thanks to a variety of operators – OUIGO, Izy, TGV INOUI, Trenitalia, TGV Lyria, Eurostar, Thalys for trains, and FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus for buses – low-cost getaways are plentiful. With a mix of early planning, flash sale alerts, and smart transport choices, you can get to Brussels, Amsterdam, London, Milan, Barcelona, or Geneva for under €40 – sometimes even under €10 by bus.
Europe has never been so accessible. Now it’s your move!
