The first time I backpacked through Europe, I remember standing in Helsinki Central Station, trying to decide whether to hop on a tram, train, or ferry.
With so many ways to move around the continent, figuring out the fastest option can honestly feel like a mini puzzle. But once you understand how Europe's transport system works, it becomes easy to jump between cities, and even countries in just a few hours.
Catching the tram straight to Linnanmäki amusement park for the ferris wheel, taking the metro to explore more things to do in Helsinki, or using buses to reach hidden neighbourhood cafes that never show up in guidebooks, happened because I knew exactly which transport option worked best.
And honestly? Reliable mobile data is what keeps everything running smoothly. If you're still unsure how much data you actually need, I've broken it down in How Much Data Do You Need to Travel in Europe.
Local transport may look confusing at first, but once you understand the network—and pair it with reliable connectivity, it becomes one of the fastest, most enjoyable and cheapest ways to experience Europe like a local.
7 Quick And Easy Ways To Get Around Europe
1. Trains – Fastest Cross-Country Option
Railway, Europe by train
When it comes to covering long distances quickly, nothing beats Europe's rail system.
High-speed trains like the TGV in France, ICE in Germany, Frecciarossa in Italy, and AVE in Spain can take you from one major city to another in just a few hours.
Paris to Lyon in under 2 hours, Berlin to Munich in 4, or Rome to Milan in around 3 — all without the airport chaos, long security lines, or baggage restrictions.
If you're planning a multi-city trip, countries like Switzerland, Austria, and the Netherlands also offer incredibly efficient intercity trains with predictable timetables and smooth connections.
It's one of the reasons so many travellers prefer exploring Europe by train.
Most countries also offer regional or national rail passes, which are perfect if you want flexibility. These let you hop on and off trains within a set number of days — ideal for spontaneous detours, slower village routes, or budget-friendly trips.
Reliable connectivity plays a huge role in smooth rail travel. With an Europe data eSIM, you can check real-time platform updates, track delays, buy digital tickets, or adjust your route mid-journey — especially useful at big, fast-moving stations like Paris Gare du Nord or Milano Centrale.
For first-timers, trains are one of the most efficient, scenic, and stress-free modes of transport. They're a core part of planning any European holiday, as highlighted in my Essential Europe Travel Tips – and they remain the fastest way to explore the continent without breaking your momentum.
2. Metro Systems – Quick Urban Movement
High speed train, Europe
If you're someone who gets restless navigating unfamiliar cities (I definitely do after a few wrong turns), metro systems are often the quickest way to beat travel boredom and get where you need to be fast.
Europe's capital cities have some of the most efficient underground networks in the world, and they connect major attractions, neighbourhoods, and transit hubs with almost clockwork precision.
Cities like Paris, Madrid, Berlin, and Vienna run frequent trains with intuitive colour-coded lines, making it surprisingly easy to hop from a morning museum visit to a park picnic or a late-night market run — often in under 10 minutes.
In Berlin, I've used the U-Bahn to jump between flea markets and cafés effortlessly, and in Paris, the metro is genuinely the only way I save myself from getting stuck in surface traffic.
Most metro systems now integrate digital tools to make your journey even smoother. Apps alert you instantly when a station closes, a platform changes, or a line faces delays — which is a lifesaver when you're on a tight schedule.
3. Trams – Scenic And Convenient City Travel
Tram in Lisbon
Many cities blend history with modern living, and trams provide a beautiful way to explore both.
Cities like Amsterdam, Lisbon, Prague, and Budapest operate tram networks that travel through picturesque neighbourhoods and major tourist areas.
Trams are faster than buses in crowded city centres and offer great views along the way. With constant data access, travellers can track arrivals, buy digital tickets, or switch between routes without confusion.
Trams bring charm and convenience together, making them a favourite among slow travellers and quick explorers alike.
Pro Tip: Check Urban Rail for maps of tramway and metro city in Europe
4. Regional Buses – Budget-Friendly Trips
Many remote villages and smaller towns feel more connected thanks to regional buses, which make reaching these destinations simple and reliable. They connect airports, rural areas, and popular attractions like hiking trails or coastal viewpoints.
Buses usually cost less than trains, making them ideal for long travel days on a budget. Many companies offer mobile booking and real-time location tracking.
Pro Tip: Check for delays and find replacement routes immediately – vital when buses don't operate as frequently as trains.
5. Ferries – Island Adventures
Sealink ferry
Europe's coastline and island clusters make ferries a practical and scenic mode of transport. Routes in Greece, Croatia, Italy, and Scandinavia help visitors hop between islands or cross short sea passages. Ferry schedules can change due to weather, so real-time updates matter.
Pro Tip: Booking online saves time at crowded terminals.
6. Bike And Scooter Rentals – Local Exploration
Riding around the beautiful island of Vis
In bike-friendly cities like Copenhagen, Amsterdam, and Munich, nothing beats getting around on two wheels. Shared bikes and e-scooters let you move door-to-door, skip traffic entirely, and wander into neighbourhoods you'd never reach by bus or tram.
Most European cities integrate their rental systems into mobile apps — you'll unlock bikes, track remaining battery levels, map cycling paths, and check traffic or no-ride zones directly from your phone.
For moments when signal drops (or when roaming charges used to be a problem), offline Google Maps is a lifesaver. You can download entire cycling routes, neighbourhoods, and city maps in advance, so navigation stays accurate even without mobile data.
When public transport winds down — especially after midnight — rideshares and taxis become your most reliable backup. In many European cities, metros and trams stop running early, and buses switch to slow night routes.
That's when services like Uber, Bolt, Free Now, and Lyft step in to fill the gap, offering safe, fast, and convenient transport for late dinners, sunrise airport transfers, or reaching hotels and neighbourhoods just outside the main city centre.
Digital tools play a big role here. Rideshare apps give real-time price estimates, driver tracking, and cashless payment options, which remove the uncertainty of hailing a taxi on the street — especially if you're travelling alone or unfamiliar with the area.
Taxis also remain useful for travellers carrying luggage, arriving at unfamiliar train stations, or moving between regions with limited bus or train coverage. Many cities provide official taxi apps or regulated taxi ranks, helping visitors avoid scams and maintain transparent pricing.
Staying Connected In Europe
Helsinki, Finland
Staying informed is half the battle when travelling through Europe's busy transport networks.
Platforms change last minute, trains get delayed, tram routes shift because of construction, and metro lines sometimes run reduced schedules.
Without real-time updates, it's unbelievably easy to miss a connection or hop on the wrong train — especially in massive stations like Paris Gare du Nord, Berlin Hauptbahnhof, or Amsterdam Centraal.
This is where having an international eSIM becomes your fastest travel companion.
With steady data, you can check live timetables, buy mobile tickets on the go, navigate complex stations, or reroute instantly if something unexpected pops up.
Apps like Google Maps, DB Navigator, Trenitalia, and local metro apps work seamlessly the moment you need them — no waiting for cafe Wi-Fi or struggling with crowded, unstable public networks.
In the end, getting around Europe isn't just about moving from point A to B. It's about travelling confidently, discovering more along the way, and having the freedom to explore at your own pace.
With smart transport choices and reliable connectivity, your Europe trip doesn't just run smoother, it becomes easier and far more memorable.
