Dreaming of a Bollywood-style Europe adventure but worried about the cost? Here’s how to explore Europe on a smart, budget-friendly plan that keeps expenses low.
Over the years, Bollywood has made Europe look like a magical land where life’s best moments unfold against dreamy backdrops. Secretly, most of us want to relive Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and experience that European charm at least once. But the cost is usually what stops the dream in its tracks.
Here’s the good news: with the right budget travel Europe from India tips, you can still plan an unforgettable trip without draining your savings. This cheap Europe travel guide for India shows you exactly how to travel Europe on a budget from India, focusing on beautiful destinations that are far more affordable than Paris or Switzerland.
We’re covering three countries in 10 days with a smart, low-cost Europe itinerary.
Countries to include in your budget Europe itinerary
Instead of expensive Western Europe, head to Central and Eastern Europe, where your money stretches much further.
Hungary
Slovakia
Czech Republic
These destinations offer stunning architecture, rich history, lively nightlife and excellent public transport, all at significantly lower prices than Western Europe. Travelling in the shoulder season (April–June or September–October) is one of the best Europe travel cost tips for Indians, as flights and stays are cheaper and crowds are smaller.
Flight prices from India to Europe
Flights will still take the biggest bite out of your budget, often over half of your total spend. But with the right Europe travel cost tips for Indians, you can bring this down.
Budget flights from India to Europe typically cost approximately ₹30,000–₹38,000 return.
How to save on flights from India to Europe:
Book 3–6 months in advance
Set up Skyscanner Price Alerts
Be flexible with travel dates and nearby airports
Return fares from cities like Delhi, Mumbai or Bengaluru to Prague, Budapest or Vienna can drop to around ₹30,000–₹38,000 during sales or off-peak periods. Once you land in Europe, budget airlines make it easy to hop between cities cheaply.
Schengen Visa
Indian travellers will need a Schengen visa for this trip.
2026 Schengen visa costs for India passport holders:
Visa fee: about €90 for adults (~₹9,800), €45 (~₹4,500) for children
Visa service charges and extras: ₹1,500–₹3,000
Total visa budget: ₹10,000–₹12,000
Apply through the country where you’ll spend the most time. One of the most important budget travel Europe from India tips is to apply early to avoid last-minute courier or premium appointment fees.
Accommodation costs in Europe
Central Europe is extremely backpacker-friendly, which makes it perfect for a cheap Europe travel guide India style trip. Expect to pay around ₹8,000–₹10,000 for 10 nights.
Average hostel dorm prices (per night):
Prague: ₹900–₹1,200
Budapest: ₹700–₹1,000
Bratislava: ₹900–₹1,200
Staying in hostels or budget guesthouses just outside the city centre can cut costs further. Many hostels have kitchens, which is a huge bonus when you’re trying to manage your Europe travel cost.
Total for 10 nights: ₹8,000–₹10,000
Internal Travel
Transport between cities is another place where smart planning helps. Once you're in Europe, you'll pay around ₹6,000–₹7,000 for ten days of travel, depending on how often you move around.
Best budget options:
Long-distance buses like FlixBus and RegioJet
Ridesharing
Train travel
Buses between Prague, Bratislava and Budapest are comfortable and far cheaper than trains.
Estimated total internal travel cost: ₹6,000–₹7,000
Food costs in Europe
You don’t need fancy restaurants to enjoy Europe. In fact, eating like a local is one of the best Europe travel cost tips for Indians.
How to keep food costs low:
Buy groceries (bread, cheese, fruit, yoghurt, eggs)
Use hostel kitchens
Grab street food and bakery snacks
Picnic in parks instead of dining out
A daily food budget of ₹500–₹700 is realistic in Central Europe.
Total food budget: around ₹5,000
Total Estimated Europe Trip Cost from India
Category | Estimated Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
Flights | ₹30,000-₹38,000 |
Visa & fees | ₹10,000-₹12,000 |
Accommodation | ₹8,000-₹10,000 |
Internal travel | ₹6,000-₹7,000 |
Food | ₹5,000 |
Total | ₹59,000-₹72,000 |
European travel inspiration
Prague
Prague is a dream European city for travellers who want fairy-tale beauty without Western Europe prices. With its storybook castles, cobbled lanes and the iconic Charles Bridge, the Czech capital feels straight out of a film set — but meals, transport and attractions are far more affordable than in Paris or Rome. Visitors will appreciate how walkable the Old Town is, the availability of vegetarian food (thanks to a growing international food scene), and budget-friendly public transport that makes it easy to explore beyond the centre to Prague Castle and riverside viewpoints. Visit in spring or autumn for pleasant weather, fewer crowds and better flight deals, making Prague a perfect first stop on a budget Europe itinerary from India.
Budapest
Budapest is one of Europe’s best-value capitals for Indian travellers, combining grand architecture, soothing thermal baths and lively nightlife at prices far lower than Western Europe. Divided by the Danube into historic Buda and vibrant Pest, the city is easy to explore using cheap public transport, with highlights like Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion and Parliament offering stunning views. Food is affordable with good vegetarian and international choices, and the famous ruin bars make for a fun, budget-friendly night out. Visit in spring or autumn for pleasant weather and better flight deals, making Budapest a perfect stop on a budget Europe itinerary from India.
Bratislava
Bratislava is a compact and affordable gem that’s perfect for Indian travellers looking to explore Europe on a budget without missing out on charm. The Slovak capital’s pastel Old Town, hilltop castle and cosy café culture make it ideal for slow, scenic wandering, while low food and transport costs help keep daily spending down. Its small size means you can see most highlights on foot in a day or two, and it’s well connected by cheap buses and trains to Vienna and Budapest, making it an easy addition to a budget Europe itinerary from India. Visit in spring or autumn for mild weather and fewer crowds.
