How to get around while backpacking: Budget transport options explained

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There are lots of different transport options you can use when backpacking around the world. Some are expensive, some are cheap, and some will leave you with a travel story you will never forget. In this post we discuss every mode of transport you can think of which you can use when exploring a new country.

1. Airplane

No doubt you will have to use an airplane at some point when travelling. Probably it will mainly be used to get from your home country to your new destination. Planes are great for travelling long distances quickly and can help you avoid crossing rough impassable terrain or conflict areas of the world. Depending on the airline and the distance you have to travel, this mode of transport can either be good value for money or ridiculously expensive.

Downsides of airplane travel

• Don’t get to see any of the country or landscape you are over
• Can be costly
• You are stuck up in the air for a long time with not much space to move around in
• Takes up a lot of time before and after the flight due to check-in and baggage collection
• Can only take limited luggage, especially if only paying for carry on
• Items you can take are subject to lots of restrictions
• It’s brutal on the body and jetlag is not fun
• Little leg room and difficult to sleep
• Sometimes you can’t use certain electronics or get Wifi
• Expensive and complicated if you want to travel with your pet

When is it best to use an airplane?

Airplanes are best used for getting to your initial destination or for flying between countries when long distances or difficult terrain are involved. It is also beneficial when you are short on time and want to visit lots of different places which are far apart.

Budget friendly rating – £££££

2. Car

You could either rent or buy a car when backpacking, or take your own. If you are travelling to an area where you can drive from your home country e.g. European travel, then you maybe able to take your own car. This means that you are familiar with the vehicle, already have the insurance in place and don’t have to worry about getting it back by a certain date.

If you aren’t travelling to a country where you will have your own car, then you will need to either rent or buy one. Renting is great when you just want a car for a short space of time. However, if you are going to be spending a long time in a country and want to explore a lot of it by car or need a car to get back and forth to work everyday, then buying one maybe the better option. Depending on the country will depend on how easy it is to buy a car and what paperwork or licences may be required. If you are driving in a foreign country for a prolonged period, then you may need to either sit a driving test, or apply for one of their driving licences.

Downsides of travelling by car

• If buying or renting, there is a lot of paperwork involved. You will need to sort out insurance and possibly tax and will need to think about where you have to return the car to or how you are going to sell it
• You have to learn a new set of road rules if they are different from your own country
• There may be restrictions on where you can go or how late you can drive if using a rental car
• There may be difficulty obtaining fuel if you are travelling to remote regions
• You have to concentrate while driving and can’t just sit back and relax. You also can’t enjoy any alcoholic drinks
• A car can easily breakdown
• Can be difficult crossing borders, as different countries may have different road rules
• You need to have a driving licence

When is a car the best option while backpacking?

A car is a great choice when you want the independence of going where you want, when you want, and for exploring out of the way places. Also great if you plan on having a lot of stuff like camping equipment, as you can just load it all up in the car. It is a good option when there are lots of people travelling together as you can split the cost of fuel.

Budget friendly rating – £££

3. Buses and coaches

The bus is often one of the cheapest modes of transportation you can get as they are designed for locals to get around in or commute to their jobs. There are two main types of bus. The first is a local bus which generally travels a short distance around a city or travels between 2 neighbouring towns. These usually run on a timetable and depart dozens of times a day. You can just jump on these buses from the nearest bus stop.

The second type of bus is a long distance bus or coach. These often only depart from the main coach station of a town or city and are used to travel long distances across a country. They may only depart once a day or some will only depart on certain days of the week. These longer distance coaches are usually more comfortable and have more facilities such as a toilet, air conditioning or charging ports. Local buses on the other hand can get crowded with people and you may not even have a seat.

Downsides of buses

• Can only leave at set times
• Can take a long time to get to your destination due to multiple stops along the way
• Not great if you have a small bladder and need the toilet frequently as most don’t have toilet facilities
• Have to share space with lots of strangers
• Pretty uncomfortable on local buses due to overcrowding and often no air-conditioning
• Can’t just stop when you want
• If can be hard to know what stop you have to get off at if you are in a foreign country

What is bus travel best for?

Buses are perfect if you’re on a tight budget and don’t mid how long the journey is. It’s a great way to get immersed in the culture and see how the locals live. Long distance coaches are perfect for those who need to travel long distances but don’t want the hassle of air travel or who may want to still be able to take in the scenery of a country.

Budget friendly rating – ££

4. Train

A great alternative to a bus is the train. They still run on a schedule and only depart from certain places, but they are faster over longer distances. Trains vary wildly in amenities and comfort, from the overcrowded sleeper trains in Southern Asia, to the luxurious Orient Express. Generally, trains are more comfortable than buses and you can also get up and walk around, which is something you can’t do on a bus. Some trains also have sleeping areas, dining carts and bars. Many trains cross through multiple countries. In somewhere like Europe, where there are lots of countries within a short distance, the train can be used to visit several countries all within a day.

Disadvantages of train travel

• Usually more expensive than other public transport
• Can be unreliable in certain countries with frequent cancellations and delays (I’m looking at you UK)
• Can only leave at certain times
• The scenery wizzes by very quickly, so you may not be able to enjoy it as much compared to a slower mode of transport
• Can’t just stop when you want
• Depending on the train or country you are in, it can get very crowded so you may end up standing
• Some train stations are quite far from the city centre or tourist attractions

When is it best to use a train?

Train travel is a good option for someone who wants to take public transport, but wants to get to their destination quicker and in a bit more comfort, but without having to get on a plane. It is best for going between major cities in the same country or different countries. Trains are also more environmentally friendly compared to a car or plane, so a great option for backpackers who are worried about their carbon footprint.

Budget friendly rating – £££

5. Underground / Metro / Subway

This method of transport has many names depending on where in the world you are, but they all refer to a train that goes underground, generally between different parts of a major city e.g. New York, Paris, London. These transport systems have multiple lines which run in different directions around a city and getting between places often involves getting one or more trains between your destinations.

The fee for riding can vary depending on whether you choose a single or return ticket, or whether you are travelling to multiple places in one day. Often there is an option for getting a day or weekly pass to reduce the cost. Some cities also have a transport and attraction combo ticket, allowing tourists to reduce costs further by giving them access to major tourist attractions and unlimited transport. Many underground networks now allow contactless payment which makes travel easier in a unfamiliar country.

Downsides of the underground

• Can’t go very far, their reach only expands to the edges of a city
• If you are travelling from a national train service to a city underground service you usually can’t use the same ticket as they are run by different companies
• As the journeys are relatively short (less than 1 hour) they don’t have any amenities such as toilets
• Can get cramped with lots of people standing especially during rush hour
• Some do not allow food or drink to be consumed on board
• Older systems such as the London Underground does not have any air conditioning and the heat can be unbearable in the summer
• Can get dangerous using them at night
• Some are quite complicated to navigate initially

When is underground travel the best option?

These tube systems are one of the best ways to get around a major city as they can bypass any traffic jams which can occur above ground. They are also a quick and easy way to get from the airport into the centre if that city has an underground network. The underground is beneficial for both tourists visiting a city short term but also a great mode of transport for those living and working in a city who have to commute every day.

Budget friendly rating – ££

6. Boats and ferries

At some point on your travels you may find that you need to cross a river or ocean to get to your next destination. Here is where you have to decide whether to fly or go by boat. If it’s a small body of water such as a river or lake, then going by water may save you a lot of time compared with the alternative of driving all the way around. For small bodies of water, you can expect a small boat, some with little more than a bench to sit on, while others may be a bit larger with seats, tables and toilets. In cities with lots of water e.g. Venice, Stockholm, boats are just part of their normal public transport system and are often included in normal transport tickets.

For journeys involving crossing oceans, you can expect a ferry or similar sized ship. As these journeys take longer, these ships have a lot more facilities. You can expect there to be shops, restaurants, games and play areas and sometimes cabins to sleep in. These larger ships also accommodate cars, so you can drive on to them then off the other side.

Boats are so much more than merely a way to get from A to B, they can be an adventure in themselves. Many people chose to take a cruise as a way of seeing multiple destinations in a short space of time, all while getting your accommodation, food and entertainment included. There are river cruises through places such as Europe, Egypt and the USA, where you can relax and take in the sights of many different cities along the route. Or there are sea cruises, which take you further around the world, taking in multiple countries at once, with sometimes lots of days just at sea included in the journey.

Downsides of boats and ferries

• Not suitable for those in a rush as it’s generally a slow way to travel
• Risk of seasickness
• Cruises can be an expensive way to travel as you are paying for all the amenities and entertainment
• Can’t take your car on the smaller boats
• The landscape can get boring (after 10 minutes of seeing water, its pretty much the same after that)
• Ports are often far out of a city centre, so you will still need to use other transport to get to your destination
• There is no escape. You are stuck with the same people for a long time especially if you are on a cruise

When are boats and ferries the best travel option?

This method of transport is best for those looking to slow down and enjoy the journey. Cruises especially can be a wonderful experience and great if you want to see multiple countries at once, especially around areas of the world with lots of islands e.g. Caribbean. Smaller boat journeys are great for saving time if the alternative is having to drive really far around a lake or river to get to the other side.

Budget friendly rating – ££ – £££££

7. Campervans and relocations

A campervan is an incredible mode of transport as not only is it a way to get around, but it is also your accommodation. The benefits of a campervan is that you have everything you need in one vehicle, meaning you don’t have to worry about finding accommodation when you get to a new place, or trying to fight for kitchen space at a hostel. It can just be parked up on the side of the road for free or if you want more amenities you can choose to stay at a campsite. Campervans vary widely in size and complexity, from little vans with just a mattress in the back, to big American style RV’s which are like a mansion on wheels.

Like with a car, you could either own, rent or buy a campervan. If you already own one, then you can stock it up at home and you don’t have to worry about any additional paperwork or costs. If you are renting or buying then you have to check that you get all of the insurance, tax and other stuff in place which complies with the laws of the country you are driving in.

There is also the option of campervan relocations which is where a rental company needs a van returned to a certain city by a certain date. These allow you to rent a campervan for cheaper than normal, but you are a bit more restricted on the route and the amount of time you can take.

Downsides of campervans and campervan relocations

• There is little space in the smaller vans
• With campervan relocations your route is dictated by the time you have been given to return the campervan back to the depot
• Can be tricky learning how everything works in the van and getting used to cooking and sleeping in a small space
• There is a lot of paperwork involved with buying, renting or relocating a campervan and you may need to consider insurance, tax and how you will sell the vehicle
• There may be restrictions on where you can park your van, depending on the country or city you are in
• Might be difficult to obtain fuel if travelling to very remote regions
• Will have to learn a new set of road rules if they are different from your own country
• Can be difficult to park in a town or city if it’s a large van
• Campervans generally only accommodate 2 people, so you can’t travel in a group, unless everyone has their own separate vans
• There may be restrictions on where you can go or how late you can drive if using a rental campervan
• You can’t just sit back and relax like you would if you were talking public transport

When is a campervan the best option while backpacking?

Best for truly remote travel where you want to get back to nature or where there may not be a lot of accommodation options. Great for having a true backpacker adventure. Campervan relocations are best for when you want a campervan but can’t afford to rent one at full price and don’t mind the time restrictions. Campervans are generally better for rural travel rather than urban areas.

Budget friendly rating – ££££

8. Car sharing

A car share involves sharing a car with someone else, often someone who you didn’t start out travelling with. You can either find someone who wants to share your car, or if you don’t have a car, you can find someone who would be willing to take you as a passenger. This can be a great way to make friends and to split the cost of fuel while still enjoying the freedom that comes with travelling by car. Ideally try and car share with someone who can also drive, that way you can split the driving between you.

Finding a car share can be done in many ways. You could either meet someone when travelling and ask if they want to share, or you can often find adverts for car shares on travel forums or hostel notice boards. Just make sure to vet the person first to check that you will be comfortable driving alone with them. Also ensure that if you are both sharing the driving that you are both insured to do so and that you agree to split any costs e.g. fuel, repairs, parking tickets.

Downsides of car sharing while backpacking

• Might not get on with the other person, especially if you have only just met them
• Can be dangerous if you are getting into a car with someone you have only just met
• Might have to compromise on where you go or where you stop along the way
• If it’s a small car and you both have a lot of stuff it can be very cramped

When is car sharing the best option when travelling?

Car sharing is the great for getting from A to B at a reduced cost or for making friends and having an adventure. It’s a better option for exploring off the beaten track compared to just taking public transport. It is a good way to get the benefits of car travel without having to commit to buying or renting one.

Budget friendly rating – ££

9. Taxis and Ubers

This is a personal door to door service travelling by car or van. Taxis can be booked in the traditional way by going to a taxi rank, or the more modern way of using taxi app such as Uber. There are many variables which can affect the price including, distance, time of day, the day of the week and the city you are in. Often night times and weekends are the more expensive times. A taxi or Uber is the same rate regardless of how many passengers, so it is more cost effective to have multiple people splitting a taxi so that they can share the cost. Uber has many advantages over taxis, as you can book and pay for them in advance so there will be no argument over price at the end of your journey. They also have added safety features such as driver reviews and the ability to share your route with friends or family.

Downsides of taxis and Ubers

• Can be expensive compared to public transport
• There are a lot of unlicenced and dodgy taxi drivers out there and it can be difficult sometimes to tell which ones are legitimate
• Uber doesn’t work in all countries
• Can be hard to find taxis in certain rural locations or at some times of the day
• The wait time can be hours at peak times or in some rural locations
• They can refuse to take you if you are drunk, loud, misbehaving or have pets with you
• If you haven’t agreed on a price in advance, then there may be some disagreement or confusion over the price at the end of your journey
• They work out a lot more expensive if you are just travelling alone

When are taxis and Ubers the best mode of transport?

The best reason to get a taxi is when you are travelling a relatively short distance and there are no public transport options. Other good reasons to use them is when it would be unsafe to be waiting at a bus stop, or when you have to be somewhere at a specific time and the public transport times don’t match up. It is best when there are multiple people sharing, so you can split the cost and have safety in numbers.

Budget friendly rating – ££££

10. Shuttle bus

Shuttle buses take multiple people to the same or different destinations over a relatively short distance. It’s often used to take people from an airport to the city centre or to their different accommodation. Shuttle buses may also be used to take people back and forth to a specific event. These usually can be prebooked through a travel agent or website or booked at a kiosk at an airport.

Disadvantages of a shuttle bus

• It usually takes a long time to get to your destination as the bus drops people off at several stops along the way
• Only goes one specific route
• Only suitable for short distances
• Have to share with lots of other people

What is a shuttle bus good for?

Mainly suitable for getting to and from an airport or event. It gives you the door to door service of a taxi but for a lower price. Good if you are travelling by yourself and have no one to split the cost of a taxi with.

Budget friendly rating – £££

11. Organised tour

An organised tour is a method of travelling where everything is planned out for you by a guide. You often travel with a group people and the route, your transport, accommodation and food has all been prearranged. You pay a lump sum up front, then sit back, relax and enjoy being taken to lots of amazing places. Organised tours can explore one country or might span multiple countries. They can be a whole adventure in themselves or can make up part of a gap year.

Downsides of an organised tour

• You are thrown together with lots of strangers so you may not get along with everyone
• It’s quite expensive as you are paying for the convenience and the guide’s time and expert knowledge
• It’s a pretty full on as you often visit a new place every day, with activities being organised for most days and evenings
• You have little choice in where you go, how long you stay there or what you have to eat
• With cheaper tours, you often get assigned daily ‘chores’ such as cooking or cleaning
• The travel days are often long, with journeys lasting 6-12 hours
• If you don’t get on with the tour guide it can be a horrible experience

When are organised tours the best option while backpacking?

They are best for exploring parts of the world which may be difficult or unsafe to travel around. Good for solo travellers to make friends plus it’s safer than travelling alone. It’s an ideal introduction to travelling if you are a complete novice, or a great way to travel if you don’t want to plan anything. Tours are an easy way to visit a lot of different places in a short space of time.

Budget friendly rating – £££££

12. Hop-on hop-off bus

A hop-on hop-off bus travels along a set route and passengers can choose which destinations they would like to get off at. After they have got off the bus, they can choose how many days to stay at their destination before getting back on and moving on to the next place. The passenger pays for a pass which is valid for a set period of time or a set distance. Along with the bus driver, the bus may also have a guide who can help you find accommodation or offer tourist advice. There are hop-on hop-off buses in most major cities which tourists use for sightseeing, but for backpacking, there are also hop-on hop-off buses which travel a longer distance around a country. Theses buses are cheaper than an organised tour as there isn’t any food or accommodation included.

Disadvantages of hop on hop off buses

• You are dictated by the route, the number of stops you are allowed or the length of time of your ticket
• Although there may be a guide, they don’t arrange everything for you like you would get in an organised tour
• There might not be space to get back on the bus on the specific date/time you want
• The buses often don’t depart everyday, so you may have to stay in a destination longer than you had planned
• It may not stop at all the cities or tourist destinations you want to visit
• There won’t necessarily be the same passengers each time, so it’s not the best way to make friends
• They don’t go to as many rural locations

When is a hop-on hop-off bus the best option?

It’s the best transport option for someone who wants the freedom and flexibility of travelling by themselves but with the structure and scheduling of an organised tour. It’s good in countries that have lots of major cities and tourist destinations.

Budget friendly rating – ££££

13. Motorbike and moped

These two wheeled vehicles are the main mode of transport in many cities around the world. They have the speed and power of a car but are small so can nip through alleyways or bypass traffic jams. Motorbikes are bigger and more powerful than mopeds and you need a specific licence to drive one. Special clothing and a helmet is needed when riding to ensure you are protected should you have a crash. Despite being a lot smaller than a car, they can accommodate a passenger and carry goods.

Mopeds and motorbikes could be driven from home when travelling or could be rented or bought when abroad. Like with a car or campervan, you will need to ensure you have the correct paperwork and insurance in place and that you abide by the road rules of the country you are travelling in.

Downsides of travelling by motorbike or mopeds

• They can be a dangerous mode of transport as there is very little protection in the event of a collision
• It is not pleasant driving in cold or wet weather
• Certain countries take little care of the mopeds they are renting out, so are more hazardous to drive
• It is annoying having to travel around with the helmet and protective clothing
• You need to have a specific licence to drive one
• They can’t carry much luggage or other goods
• They can’t take lots of people
• The fuel tanks are smaller than a car, so they will need refuelling more often. This could be challenging if in a very rural location where petrol stations are limited

When is a motorbike or moped the best option?

Moped and motorbikes are best for people travelling alone with little equipment to carry. They are a good way to get around a city or to travel further afield, with the extra bonus of avoiding traffic and parking problems. They are a good option for people who only have a bike licence. It is better done in a warmer climate and is safer in countries which have stricter road rules.

Budget friendly rating – ££

14. Bicycle / E-Scooter/ Segway

There are so many personal modes of transport now, not just the humble bicycle. With the invention of electric scooters (also known as e-scooters), segways and electric bikes, even getting around hilly areas can be done easily. These methods of transport are faster than walking but still allow you to explore all the narrow streets and hidden areas of a city. They are also good for commuting as you don’t get stuck in traffic.

Lots of major cities now have bicycles and e-scooters for hire. They are a good budget transport option as you can either pay a monthly subscription which spreads the cost if you’re using them regularly or just pay small fee if it’s only going to be a one off use. They have pick up and drop off points dotted around the city, so you don’t have to worry about having to return to where you started. It is also a more unusual way to get around (segway tour around the Roman Colosseum anyone?).

Downsides of bicycles, segways and e-scooters

• They can be dangerous as you are riding through traffic, often without a helmet or any instructions being provided
• Can’t go long distances if they are electric
• You still have to understand and abide by the rules of the road like you would driving a car abroad
• Some cities won’t allow you to hire them off the street if you are not a resident there
• Quite bulky to transport when travelling if you bought your own from home
• Not fun in cold or wet weather

When are bicycles, segways or e-scooters the best mode of transport?

They are really useful for exploring a city if you don’t want to walk, need to get around quicker or cover further distances than you could walking. Great for commuting as you can avoid traffic jams.

Budget friendly rating – ££

15. Hitchhiking

Ah the ultimate backpackers budget method of travel. A free way of seeing the world and meeting some interesting people along the way. For those not familiar with this term, it involves standing on the side of the road and trying to get someone to stop and give you a lift for free (usually involving sticking out a thumb, holding up a sign or waving). It may be done as part of your adventure but is often done out of necessity when someone has run out of money, broken down or in an area where there is no public transport available. Due to the uncertain nature of who may pick you up, this method needs to be given the most consideration when deciding whether to hitchhike or not. Factors to consider should be whether you are travelling alone, your age and gender (sadly single young girls are most at risk), the time of day and the country you are travelling in.

Downsides of hitchhiking

• It can be dangerous
• You could be waiting a while for someone to pick you up
• The person who picks you up may not be going all the way to your destination
• It can be awkward sharing a car with a stranger, especially if you are not particularly confident
• You might end up riding in the back of a truck or van, so it can be uncomfortable
• It is illegal in some countries or on some main roads

When is it best to hitchhike?

Hitchhiking is for when you have no other transport options and it’s more dangerous to stay where you are than to try and get a lift. Or for those looking to have an authentic backpacker adventure and get to know the locals. Best done in a ‘safe’ country to minimise risk.

Budget friendly rating – £

16. Walking

This is one of my favourite ways to explore a new city. By forgoing public transport and walking through a new city, you get a real feel for it, get to meet the locals and often stumble across hidden gems. Plus it’s a great form of exercise, is better for the environment and is free. Hiking is also a wonderful way to get back to nature and explore off the beaten track.

Downsides of walking

• Can be dangerous depending on the area you are walking in and the time of day
• Not all cities and towns are walkable. The weather, the terrain and lack of pavement can prove a challenge
• It takes longer. You can’t go as far walking as you would by driving or taking public transport
• You can get sweaty, which is fine if you’re by yourself hiking, but not so good if you’re going for dinner or shopping
• Sore feet and chaffing are one of the hazards
• Not fun in extreme weathers
• Hard work if you are also carrying your luggage

When is walking the best option?

Walking is amazing for getting immersed in a new city or for exploring the countryside. It is also good for those with little money or those who want to keep fit. Only suitable for going short distances.

Budget friendly rating – £

What is the best budget transport option?

The cheapest transport options while backpacking are walking, hitchhiking, buses and car sharing. However, depending on the country you are in, whether you are travelling with other people, and the distance and terrain you have to travel, other options such as buying a car, campervan or motorbike might be a better option and can work out just as cost effective. Unless you have to travel large distances over a short period of time, travelling by plane, cruise ship or an organised tour is not going to be the best option and should be avoided if you are on a tight budget.

Travelling the world, jumping from country to country, crossing oceans, exploring new cities and remote locations will often mean that more than once transport option will be needed. By using several different methods to get around, you can experience the world in lots of different ways, adding to the wonderful memories of your adventure.

Go out there and explore the world in as many different ways as you can xx

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