Is there an equivalent European bus pass similar to the eurail pass? Lots of countries and maybe more than 3 months of eligibility? My daughter is heading overseas for 3 - 6 months after she graduates next May. I plan to pay transportation costs as her graduation gift. Looking for website(s) to explore and compare bus options. (Yes, we already have the Schengen criteria under control).
Posted by
Paradise
6662 posts
She'll need a residence visa to do more than around 3 months. Eurolines is an option. But if I were paying, I'd look into some of the cheap airline tickets for long distance travel. Airpasses are offered by some companies. www.eurolines.com www.whichbudget.com
Posted by
Boston, MA, United States
1806 posts
Your daughter should look into the different passes available on BusAbout.com. BusAbout is a hop on/hop off backpackers bus network. She can supplement the bus pass with European budget flights, ferries or trains for areas that may not be covered within the network (ie, the UK, Norway, Sweden, etc). The good thing with BusAbout is she can spend as long as she wants in any area and move on whenever she is ready to do so. She will meet loads of other travelers in her age group, yet not be locked into sticking with the same group of people for her whole trip. BusAbout also can help with arranging for lodging for her at each of their stops (typically hostels, but some budget hotels & a few campsites) should she need it; however, she's free to make her own lodging reservations if she would prefer. The BusAbout pass is good anytime from May through October which is their entire operating season.
Posted by
Tilburg, Netherlands
2829 posts
BusAbout is the biggest rip-off aimed at English-speaking students. It's better to have your D.D. plan the journey, then you offer to pay her air tickets. With proper advance, they will cost far less (in low-cost airlines) than this outrageous € 630 (~US$ 780) fee for unlimited travel on BusAbout. A Rail pass would be second best option (not that good because it will require a lot of supplements).