Europe is one of the most popular places in the world that Indians love to explore because of its unique culture, geographical location, and architectural heritage. The continent is known for its cobblestone streets, the Alps that are covered with snow, ancient castles, and landmarks that cannot be found anywhere else.
Travelling to Europe for most Indians requires saving, planning, and booking a package with one of the best and most trusted travel companies. This ensures they have a curated itinerary and spend less depending on the season and travel style.
In this blog, Unify Holidays takes us through the average cost for a trip to Europe, and a Europe budget guide that will help you save more while enjoying every moment of your vacation.
What Should I Budget for My Europe Trip from India?
The amount of money to save if you are planning to go for a vacation in Europe from India is greatly determined by your chosen travel style. For example, if you want to stay in a guesthouse and eat local or street food, you will spend less compared to someone who stays in a 5-star hotel.
Also, the season you travel to Europe and the countries you are visiting. flight ticket, and your itinerary increases or reduces the money you spend.
Let's do an estimated breakdown of Europe travel budget get from India.
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
| Flights | ₹55,000–₹85,000 |
| Visa | ₹7,000–₹9,000 |
| Hotels | ₹40,000–₹80,000 |
| Food | ₹20,000–₹35,000 |
| Local Transport | ₹10,000–₹20,000 |
| Sightseeing | ₹15,000–₹30,000 |
| Shopping | ₹10,000–₹25,000 |
| Miscellaneous | ₹5,000–₹10,000 |
What is The Cost of a Flight from India to Europe?
Flights are often the most expensive part of your trip to Europe, and the price depends on the city you are departing from, the dates you are travelling, and how far the date you book is far from when you are flying.
| City | Average Price |
| Delhi | Between ₹50,000 and ₹80,000. |
| Mumbai | Between ₹52,000 and ₹82,000 |
| Bangalore | Between ₹55,000 and ₹85,000 |
| Chennai | Between ₹58,000 and ₹88,000 |
During the peak seasons (June to August and December), the prices of flight tickets are often very high, while the off seasons (January, February, and November are significantly cheaper. Also, booking three months in advance helps you get the best places at the lowest prices. In general, booking a 7-day Europe tour package from India, acts as a perfect plan for tourists travelling on a budget.
What is The Cost of a Schengen Visa for Indians?
Many countries in Europe are under the Schengen zone, which means Indians only need a Schengen visa. The process of obtaining a Schengen visa often takes between 10 and 15 working days, and the cost is ₹7,000 to ₹9,000
Below are some of the documents you need if you want to apply for a Schengen visa.
- A valid passport
- Travel itinerary
- Employment status
- Income tax report
- Two recent photos
- Travel insurance
- Hotel confirmations
- Bank statements
- An invitation letter if applicable
What is the Cost of Booking Hotel in Europe?
There are many hotels in Europe, and the season you are visiting, the country, and the type of hotel you want to stay in will determine how much you will budget.
| Hotels | Average Cost |
| Budget hotels | Between ₹2,500 and ₹5,000 per night |
| 3-star hotels | Between ₹6,000 and ₹10,000 per night |
| 4-star hotels | Between ₹10,000 to ₹18,000 per night |
| Luxury hotels | Between ₹20,000 and above ₹50,000 per night |
How Much Should You Budget for Food in Europe?
The amount of money you spend on food when exploring Europe is determined by the country you are in and where you choose to eat daily. Street food is the cheapest and costs between ₹300 and ₹600 per meal; ordering at fast food chains, on the other hand, can cost up to ₹400 to ₹700.
Eating at local cafés will make you spend between ₹800 and ₹1,500, even if it is an Indian restaurant. Fine dining is the most expensive way to eat as it often costs ₹2,500 or more for every meal depending on the type of cuisine you choose to eat.
How Much Should You Budget for Transportation in Europe?
Your Europe travel budget is determined by your travel distance, mode of transportation, and the countries you are coming or going to. For example: taking a metro often costs between ₹150 and ₹300, while trains are between ₹1,500 and ₹8,000, depending on the distance. Taking a bus is the cheapest option if you want to visit different cities within the same country.
Domestic flights within Europe are also very affordable when you book two to three months before visiting the continent. Other transport options like ride-sharing services can be great for short trips, especially for people who do not like entering public transport but are on a budget. You can also buy an Eurail Pass if you want to visit four or more countries by train.
How Much Should You Budget for Sightseeing in Europe?
Many people explore Europe because of its unique landmarks, and it often leaves a memory they carry for the rest of their lives with a perfect picture. Let's look at some of the most popular landmarks in Europe and how much it will cost an Indian to explore the place.
| Landmark | Cost Per Person |
| The Eiffel Tower | Between ₹1,500 and ₹3,000 depending on access level |
| The Colosseum in Rome | ₹1,800 for standard entry |
| Swiss mountain excursions | Between ₹8,000 and ₹12,000 |
| Amsterdam Canal Cruise | Between ₹1,500 and ₹2,500 |
| Prague Castle | Between ₹800 and ₹1,200 |
| Sagrada Família in Barcelona | ₹2,500 |
| Louvre Museum in Paris | ₹1,800 |
There are also many free landmarks you can visit across Europe if you cannot afford the ones mentioned above or you are on a tight budget.
How Much Should You Budget for Shopping in Europe?
Shopping is one of the highlights for many travelers, as Europe has a lot of options they can choose from. From unique souvenirs that can cost ₹500 to ₹2,000 depending on the item and city to fashion purchases (affordable high-street and luxury brands), there are different types of chocolates and perfumes, especially from Belgium and France, you can buy. Also, local products like leather goods or ceramics are great to purchase as memorable souvenirs.
What Are the Cheapest European Countries to Visit?
There are more than forty countries in Europe, and each of them offers a unique experience. However, the cost of exploring them is very different.
For example, Hungary, Poland, and the Czech Republic have a rich history, many affordable hotels, and the cost of their food is very cheap. Portugal has beautiful coastlines that you can explore at a very low price when compared to other countries in the Western part of Europe.
You can visit the beaches and old towns in Croatia at an affordable price rather than spending a lot in Italy. Slovakia and Romania also have hotels that are very affordable and less crowded attractions centers. These countries are great for people who want to experience and enjoy Europe without spending a lot of money or having a huge budget.
When is the Best Time to Visit Europe If You Are on a Budget
The time you choose to explore Europe can either make you spend a lot of money or help you save, especially if you are on a budget. Visiting Europe during the peak season (June to August and the December holiday) makes you spend a lot of money.
The shoulder season (April, May, September, and October) offers a balance of good weather and more affordable costs when compared to the peak season. The offseason (November to March excluding December) is when the prices are very low, and the weather is cold.
The Best Ways to Save Money on Your Europe Trip
Here are some of the best ways to save money when exploring Europe on a budget or want to cut costs.
- Travel during shoulder season
- Book a Eurail Pass
- Book your flights two to three months before your trip
- Use public transport when visiting multiple cities in one country
- Stay outside the city to get cheaper accommodation
- Buy a few attraction passes and visit other free ones
Why Choose Unify Holidays for Your Europe Trip?
Planning to explore Europe on your own can be very overwhelming, especially if you are travelling for the first time. Unify Holidays is a travel agent that provides a Europe budget guide with customized itineraries for travellers. Our packages consist of multi-country tours that simplify your travel experience.
When you book your Europe tour package with us, our team handles all your visa processing, flight booking, and lodges you in the best hotel across the continent. We also provide a tour guide who takes you to some of the popular landmarks, cultural heritage, and architectural genius of Europe, depending on the type of package you book.