Europe by Train: 10-Day Backpacking Itinerary for Solo Adventurers
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Ready to experience the ultimate European adventure without breaking the bank? This 10-Day Europe Backpacking Itinerary by Train takes you through five incredible cities – Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, Vienna, and Budapest – all connected by scenic and efficient train routes. Perfect for students and solo travelers, this guide packs in cultural highlights, social hostels, and budget-friendly tips to make your European dream a reality.
As a student or solo adventurer, you’ll discover how to maximize your experience while keeping costs down. From Amsterdam’s iconic canals to Budapest’s legendary ruin bars, this itinerary balances must-see attractions with authentic local experiences that won’t empty your wallet.
Essential Planning Tips for Your 10-Day Europe Backpacking Itinerary by Train
Rail Pass Options
The backbone of your European adventure will be the train network. For this 10-day itinerary, you have two main options:
Eurail Pass (for non-EU residents)
The Eurail Global Pass gives you flexible travel across 33 European countries. For this 10-day itinerary, the 5-days-within-1-month option is perfect, allowing you to use your travel days for the longer journeys between cities.
- 5 travel days within 1 month: approximately €301 (2nd class, youth price)
- Covers all trains in this itinerary
- Reservation fees may apply for high-speed trains
- Mobile pass option available for easy access
Interrail Pass (for EU residents)
If you’re an EU resident, the Interrail Global Pass is your ticket to adventure. The 5-days-within-1-month pass works perfectly for this itinerary, giving you the flexibility to explore each city while using your travel days efficiently.
- 5 travel days within 1 month: approximately €251 (2nd class, youth price)
- Valid for all train journeys in this itinerary
- Some high-speed trains require reservations
- Available as a mobile pass for convenience
Packing Essentials for Train Travel
Packing light is crucial for a backpacking trip, especially when you’ll be hopping on and off trains. Here’s what you shouldn’t leave home without:
- Backpack (40-50L) instead of wheeled luggage
- Packing cubes to stay organized
- Quick-dry towel
- Universal power adapter
- Portable charger for long train rides
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Water bottle with filter
- Small padlock for hostel lockers
- Sleep mask and earplugs for hostels
- First aid kit with basics
- Digital copies of important documents
- Travel insurance information
- Offline maps downloaded to your phone
- Lightweight rain jacket
Don’t Travel Without Protection
Before setting off on your European adventure, make sure you’re covered with travel insurance that includes medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and theft protection.
Get Travel Insurance QuotesBudget Breakdown: What to Expect
Understanding your daily costs helps you plan better. Here’s a realistic budget breakdown for this 10-day Europe backpacking itinerary:
| Expense Category | Daily Cost (€) | 10-Day Total (€) | Notes |
| Accommodation (Hostels) | 20-30 | 200-300 | Dorm beds in social hostels |
| Food | 25-35 | 250-350 | Mix of grocery shopping, street food, and occasional restaurants |
| Transportation | 10 | 100 | Local transport (excluding rail pass) |
| Attractions | 15-25 | 150-250 | Museums, tours, activities |
| Miscellaneous | 10-15 | 100-150 | Souvenirs, nightlife, unexpected expenses |
| Total (excluding rail pass) | 80-115 | 800-1150 | Add €250-300 for rail pass |
Money-Saving Tip: Download the “Too Good To Go” app to find discounted food from local restaurants and bakeries that would otherwise go to waste. It’s a great way to try local cuisine on a budget!
Day-by-Day 10-Day Europe Backpacking Itinerary
Days 1-2: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Must-See Attractions:
- Anne Frank House (book tickets online in advance)
- Van Gogh Museum
- Canal cruise
- Vondelpark
- Rijksmuseum
Free Cultural Experiences:
Start your day with a free walking tour of Amsterdam’s historic center. These tours operate on a tip basis and provide excellent orientation and local insights. Afterward, explore the Jordaan neighborhood and the famous Nine Streets shopping area.
Recommended Hostels
ClinkNOORD Hostel
Located in Amsterdam Noord, just a free ferry ride from Central Station. Features a café, bar, and regular social events. Dorm beds from €25/night.
Flying Pig Downtown
Located in the city center with an in-house bar and smoking area. Known for its social atmosphere and regular events. Dorm beds from €30/night.
Train to Berlin:
Depart Amsterdam on day 3 for Berlin. The direct train takes approximately 6.5 hours. Book an early departure to maximize your time in Berlin.
Train Tip: The Amsterdam to Berlin route is scenic but long. Download movies or podcasts, bring snacks, and don’t forget a water bottle. Most trains have power outlets, but bring a portable charger just in case.
Days 3-4: Berlin, Germany
Must-See Attractions:
- Brandenburg Gate
- East Side Gallery
- Reichstag Building (free, but registration required)
- Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
- Museum Island
Free Cultural Experiences:
Berlin offers excellent free walking tours covering different themes – general history, Third Reich, Cold War, and alternative Berlin. The alternative tour is particularly popular with backpackers, showcasing Berlin’s street art and counterculture scene.
Recommended Hostels
Circus Hostel
Located in trendy Mitte district with its own microbrewery and café. Modern facilities and regular social events. Dorm beds from €24/night.
Generator Berlin Mitte
Stylish hostel in central Berlin with a lively bar and café. Modern facilities and regular events. Dorm beds from €20/night.
Train to Prague:
The Berlin to Prague train journey takes about 4.5 hours. Book a morning departure on day 5 to arrive in Prague with time to explore in the afternoon.
Days 5-6: Prague, Czech Republic
Must-See Attractions:
- Prague Castle
- Charles Bridge
- Old Town Square & Astronomical Clock
- Letná Park for city views
- Jewish Quarter
Free Cultural Experiences:
Prague’s free walking tours are excellent for orientation. After the tour, explore the winding streets of Malá Strana (Lesser Town) and climb Petřín Hill for panoramic views of the city. In the evening, check out Prague’s affordable classical music concerts.
Recommended Hostels
Hostel One Home
Known for its family atmosphere with free dinner every night and organized activities. Located near the main train station. Dorm beds from €18/night.
Sophie’s Hostel
Stylish hostel with a mix of dorms and private rooms. Features a bar and common kitchen. Located in the New Town area. Dorm beds from €20/night.
Train to Vienna:
The Prague to Vienna train journey takes about 4 hours. Depart in the morning of day 7 to have the afternoon to explore Vienna.
Day 7: Vienna, Austria
Must-See Attractions:
- Schönbrunn Palace (gardens are free)
- St. Stephen’s Cathedral
- Naschmarkt (food market)
- Hofburg Palace (exterior)
- Museum Quarter
Free Cultural Experiences:
Vienna offers free walking tours covering the historic center. After the tour, visit the Naschmarkt for lunch and explore the city’s coffee house culture. In the evening, check if there are any free outdoor concerts or events.
Recommended Hostels
Wombats City Hostel Vienna Naschmarkt
Located next to the famous Naschmarkt with a lively bar and regular events. Modern facilities and great social atmosphere. Dorm beds from €22/night.
Train to Budapest:
The Vienna to Budapest train journey takes about 2.5 hours. Depart in the morning of day 8 to maximize your time in Budapest.
Days 8-10: Budapest, Hungary
Must-See Attractions:
- Fisherman’s Bastion
- Parliament Building
- Széchenyi Thermal Bath
- Ruin bars (especially Szimpla Kert)
- Central Market Hall
Free Cultural Experiences:
Budapest’s free walking tours cover the Buda and Pest sides of the city. After the tour, hike up Gellért Hill for panoramic views. In the evening, explore the famous ruin bars in the Jewish Quarter – Szimpla Kert is the most famous but there are many others worth visiting.
Recommended Hostels
Carpe Noctem Vitae
Party hostel in the heart of Budapest’s nightlife district. Organizes nightly activities and pub crawls. Dorm beds from €15/night.
Maverick City Lodge
Modern hostel with a more relaxed atmosphere. Features a common kitchen and lounge area. Located in the Jewish Quarter. Dorm beds from €18/night.
Budapest Highlight: Don’t miss Széchenyi Thermal Bath, one of Europe’s largest spa complexes. Go early in the morning to avoid crowds or in the evening for a unique party experience during their “sparty” events (check schedule in advance).
Safety Tips for Solo Backpackers
Traveling solo through Europe is generally safe, but it’s always good to take precautions:
General Safety
- Keep digital copies of important documents
- Share your itinerary with someone at home
- Get travel insurance that covers medical emergencies
- Register with your country’s embassy in each country
- Learn basic phrases in local languages
Hostel & Train Safety
- Use lockers in hostels (bring your own padlock)
- Keep valuables with you on trains
- Be extra vigilant in train stations and tourist areas
- Don’t leave drinks unattended in bars
- Trust your instincts – if something feels off, leave
Solo Traveler Tip: Hostels are perfect for meeting other travelers. Look for hostels with common areas and organized activities. Many solo travelers end up making friends and exploring cities together.
Ready for Your 10-Day Europe Backpacking Adventure?
This 10-Day Europe Backpacking Itinerary by Train offers the perfect balance of iconic sights, local experiences, and social opportunities. From Amsterdam’s artistic heritage to Budapest’s thermal baths, you’ll experience the best of European culture without breaking the bank.
Remember that flexibility is key when backpacking. Don’t try to see everything – leave room for spontaneous adventures and connections with fellow travelers. Some of your best memories will come from unplanned moments.
Start Planning Your European Adventure Today!
Secure your rail pass, book your hostels, and prepare for an unforgettable journey through Europe’s most exciting cities.
Get Your Rail Pass Find HostelsHave you done a similar backpacking trip through Europe? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!
