Where to Travel by Bus from Ukraine: Top 5 Budget Destinations in Europe in 2025

Dreaming of a European vacation but your wallet says otherwise?Don’t rush to cancel your plans. According to 2024 data, over 100,000 Ukrainians have already traveled to European countries, and many of them have found ways to save on travel without sacrificing the quality of their trip.

How to Find the Cheapest Bus Tickets to Europe: Tips and Hacks

Start your search with aggregator websites. Busfor, ContraBUS, and Infobus collect offers from dozens of carriers in just seconds. These platforms work like a travel “Rozetka” — showing all options and prices in one place. The ComparaBUS platform covers more than 2,500 European routes, while BlaBlaCar Bus allows users to purchase digital tickets without needing to print anything.

Be sure to check carrier websites directly. FlixBus regularly holds flash sales with tickets for €5–10, which aggregators may not show. Eurobus offers routes to 28 European countries with special discounts for regular customers.

KLR Bus specializes in routes to Poland, the Czech Republic, and Germany, offering affordable prices and promotional deals. Eurolines has operated routes since 1987 and offers a cumulative discount system.

Use carrier mobile apps — they often have exclusive offers and push notifications about flash sales. Compare prices in different currencies — sometimes paying in euros is cheaper than in hryvnias. Keep seasonality in mind: summer and New Year holidays raise prices by 40–60%, while January, February, and November are the cheapest months.

Here are a few tried-and-true tricks for “hunting” budget tickets:

• Book 1–2 months in advance — prices can vary 2–3 times.

• Choose Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday instead of weekends.

• Subscribe to carrier newsletters — promo codes arrive first via email.

• Consider departures from Lviv or Uzhhorod instead of Kyiv — savings can reach 30–40%.

• Use the “flexible dates” search feature.

• Buy one-way tickets separately — sometimes it’s cheaper.

Read also: Office Interior Design for Those Who Dream of Travel

Top 5 Budget-Friendly European Cities to Visit in 2025

According to a ranking by the reputable magazine Time Out, the most affordable capital in Europe is Tirana, Albania. The average cost of accommodation is around 2,100 UAH per night, and a glass of beer costs a modest 160 UAH. The city is full of contrasts — architecture blends with colorful murals, and trendy cafes operate inside former bunkers. Albania ranks among the top three most affordable countries for Ukrainian tourists.

Kraków remains a magnet for budget travelers. A night in a hostel starts from €25, and a traditional meal costs €10–12. Walking the Royal Route from Wawel Castle to the Main Square won’t cost a dime, yet will leave a lifetime of impressions. The city has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1978.

Budapest offers luxury at a reasonable price. Thermal baths cost €15–20, public transport runs like clockwork with unified tickets for all types of transportation, and climbing Gellért Hill for a panoramic photo is free for everyone.

Despite its popularity, Prague is still more affordable than most Western European capitals. A hearty meal at a brewery will cost €8–10, and a sunrise stroll across Charles Bridge — before the crowds arrive — will give you magical memories. A public transit ticket costs about €1.

Vilnius is a true gem for thrifty tourists. As one of the cheapest cities in the eurozone, Lithuania’s capital allows you to explore the center on foot, enjoy a tasty meal for €6–8, and take a free walk through the bohemian Užupis Republic.

Short on Cash for a Ticket? Where to Quickly Get Funds for Your Trip

First, reevaluate your budget. Maybe it’s worth postponing your trip for a month and saving the necessary amount? Sometimes patience saves more than rushed financial decisions.

The easiest way to earn money is to sell unused items through platforms like OLX or Facebook Marketplace. That old iPhone or laptop could bring in ₴5,000–15,000. Borrowing from friends or family is also a classic — just make sure to agree clearly on repayment terms.

A credit card with a grace period can be a smart choice for short-term needs. PrivatBank offers up to 55 days of interest-free credit usage, PUMB — up to 62 days, and Alliance Bank — even up to 92 days for purchases. If you repay the funds within the grace period, it’s essentially free money.

Some travel services offer “installment payments” — allowing you to split the ticket price into several payments without extra fees.

Microfinance organizations provide quick solutions for urgent needs. Various MFIs offer instant processing, simple procedures, and the possibility to get funds even with a poor credit history.

Rates range from 1–2% per day, which equals 365–730% annually. Before taking a loan, always check whether the company has a valid NBU license on the official regulator’s website — that’s your protection from fraud.

Europe Is Waiting for You

With the right approach, a trip doesn’t have to cost a fortune. The key is to plan ahead and use all available savings tools. Remember: the most expensive trip is the one that never happened because it was always postponed “for later.”