Explore Berlin, Monaco, and Amalfi coast affordably via local and regional buses to uncover their hidden gems
Given the ongoing depreciation of the pound, any opportunity to stretch your European vacation budget is highly appreciated. One straightforward yet enriching approach is to embrace the unassuming local bus. While these buses primarily serve mundane purposes of transporting commuters and shoppers, a little exploration will unveil numerous routes that traverse awe-inspiring landscapes, rivaling those of extravagant sightseeing tours, but at a fraction of the price. Moreover, they offer travelers an authentic glimpse into local life as an added bonus.
Presented below are six remarkably picturesque European bus routes that are not only affordable but also leave you inclined to offer the driver a gratuity
Sorrento to Amalfi, Italy
Indulge in the allure of the Amalfi coast, located southeast of Naples, renowned for its captivating beauty, romantic ambiance, and undeniable sophistication. Perched upon cliffs that overlook the Tyrrhenian Sea, the charming towns and villages clinging to its edges have become an irresistible attraction for the fashionable crowd. Esteemed filmmakers like Fellini, Rossellini, and many others have captured its essence on camera, while movie stars have savored cocktails on terraces high above the crashing waves. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the coast’s rocky terrain and diverse ecosystem further enhance its allure.
For a mere €3.10 (purchase your Corsa Singola ticket from a tabacchi shop before boarding), you can claim this enchanting realm as your own. Embark on the 5070 bus journey that winds along the coastline from Sorrento, treating you to breathtaking views of Vesuvius and the enchanting Isle of Capri. Along the route lies Positano, a town that gracefully drapes itself over the rocky landscape, resembling a vibrant, multicolored seaweed. The approximately 90-minute ride concludes in Amalfi, featuring a delightful little beach and houses seemingly stacked upon each other. If your appetite for coastal vistas remains unsatisfied, venture onto the 5120 bus from Amalfi towards the former Norman capital of Salerno, all for the affordable fare of €2.60.
For detailed routes and schedules, kindly visit unicocampania.it.
Across Paris
Save yourself the hassle of booking a sightseeing tour in Paris and instead, purchase a budget-friendly €2.10 t+ ticket to embark on the delightful 69 bus journey. This route traverses the city from west to east, commencing at the Champ de Mars near the iconic Eiffel Tower and concluding at Père Lachaise cemetery, the resting place of renowned cultural figures such as Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, and Jim Morrison.
Enchanting sights await passengers along the way, including the Esplanade des Invalides, the Alexandre III and Pont Neuf bridges, the Musée d’Orsay, the Louvre, the remnants of Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the vibrant Place de la Bastille. Keep in mind that the 69 bus can become crowded, particularly during peak hours. To secure a seat, it is advisable to board the bus near either end of the route. An exciting advantage of this journey is that the 69 bus follows a mostly different route when returning from Père Lachaise to the Eiffel Tower. Therefore, with an additional t+ ticket, you can embark on a fresh tour and discover new sights.
Lake Bled to Lake Bohinj, Slovenia
Even those with a casual interest in picturesque landscapes, as seen in chocolate boxes or jigsaw puzzles, would likely recognize the enchanting Lake Bled. Nestled amidst wooded hills, adorned with a castle, and graced by a charming island crowned with a pristine church, it is undeniably a breathtaking sight. However, it may come as a delightful surprise to discover that less than 19 miles away and slightly higher in altitude, there lies a lesser-known lake that captivates the eye with equal splendor: Lake Bohinj.
A convenient 40-minute bus journey (€3.60 fare) connects these two magnificent locations, commencing in the captivating town of Bled and tracing the southern shoreline of its namesake lake. The route then meanders alongside the banks of the Sava Bohinjka River, leading into the Triglav National Park and passing through a mountain gap to reach Lake Bohinj. For the best vantage points offering views of both lakes, it is recommended to secure a seat on the right-hand side of the bus and indulge in the captivating scenery unfolding before your eyes.
Bran to Rucar Romania
Embark on a captivating bus expedition along one of Romania’s most alluring routes, tracing the path followed by traders since the Middle Ages: the Rucăr-Bran Pass, which connects Transylvania with southern Romania. This journey holds special appeal for mountain enthusiasts, as it unveils breathtaking vistas of the Piatra Craiului, Leaota, and Bucegi mountain ranges. Ascending to an elevation of 1,300 meters, the road winds its way past picturesque mountain villages before descending towards Bran, offering a spectacular finale at Bran Castle.
Transformed into a museum, this castle perches above the surrounding forested slopes and has gained fame as “Dracula’s Castle,” although the connection rests on meager evidence, as Bram Stoker himself never visited Romania. One could argue he missed out on a great opportunity. The 45-minute voyage comes at a remarkably affordable cost of just 10 lei (approximately £1.80), far from blood-curdling.
Both sides of Berlin
Berlin’s 100 bus not only provides an extensive tour of the city’s most significant historical landmarks but also holds a significant place in history itself. Following the reunification of the city, this particular route became the first to traverse the border between East and West Berlin. For a ticket price of €2.90, you can embark on a 30-minute whirlwind journey that encapsulates the essence of Berlin, presenting you with a condensed tour of attractions reminiscent of a guidebook.
The adventure commences at Alexanderplatz, adjacent to the 368-meter television tower, a towering symbol completed in 1969 and still reigning as Germany’s tallest building. Passing by the Berliner Dom and Museum Island, the bus proceeds towards Unter den Linden and the Reichstag, encompassing Bellevue Palace, the Victory Column, and KaDeWe—the largest department store on the European mainland—before culminating at the Zoological Gardens, featuring its remarkable Elephant Gate. As the 100 bus is a double-decker, make a dash upstairs to secure the front seat, granting you a privileged viewpoint to witness the unfolding sights before you in grandeur.
Nice to Monaco
Surprisingly, in a place where over 30% of the population are millionaires like Monaco, one wouldn’t expect to find anything available at an affordable price. However, it’s a delightful revelation to discover that a taste of the luxurious lifestyle can be experienced for a mere €2.50 (€2.10 if you purchase your ticket via the Zou bus company app).
Furthermore, you have the luxury of choosing your preferred route. The buses operate along two of the renowned corniche roads that wind their way through this exquisite section of the Côte d’Azur, offering varying altitudes and breathtaking scenery. The Grande Corniche, constructed by Napoleon Bonaparte and favored by both James Bond and Alfred Hitchcock, is often shrouded in mist. For those who relish gazing at the turquoise sea, the 602 bus takes the lower (and clearer) Moyenne Corniche route. Along the way, it passes through the medieval cliffside village of Èze, which ranks among the highest coastal villages in France.
Alternatively, for those with a fear of heights, the 607 bus travels along the scenic Basse Corniche, hugging the seafront and leisurely passing by opulent seaside resorts such as Villefranche-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. With affordable fares, this bus ride allows you to revel in the charming contrast. Vive la différence indeed.