Europe Trip Cost from India: The Complete Budget Guide for Indian Travellers

1. Introduction: Europe Is Closer Than You Think!

Let me be honest — when I first dreamed of visiting Europe, I thought it was only for people with deep pockets. Eiffel Tower selfies, gondola rides in Venice, tulip fields in the Netherlands — all of it felt like a fantasy on an Indian salary.

But then a friend of mine — a school teacher from Pune — actually did a 10-day Europe trip for under ₹1.5 lakh. That changed everything for me.

The truth is, planning a Europe trip from India is very much possible. Yes, it needs smart planning, the right timing, and a good budget. But once you know the numbers, Europe doesn’t look that scary anymore.

In this guide, I’ll break down the complete Europe trip cost from India — flights, visa, hotels, food, transport, and more. Whether you’re a student on a tight budget or someone who wants a comfortable holiday, this article has something for everyone.

Let’s dive in!

If you don’t want the hassle of planning everything yourself, you can also check ready-made Europe trip packages from India that include flights, hotels, and visa assistance.

2. Quick Overview: How Much Does a Europe Trip Cost from India?

Before we go into the details, here’s a quick snapshot of what you can expect to spend:

•     Budget trip (7 days): ₹80,000 – ₹1,30,000 per person
•     Mid-range trip (10 days): ₹1,50,000 – ₹2,50,000 per person
•     Luxury trip (10–15 days): ₹3,00,000 – ₹6,00,000+ per person

These are total costs — including flights from India, visa, stay, food, local travel, and sightseeing. The actual figure depends on where you fly from, which countries you visit, and how you travel.

Now, let’s look at each cost in detail.

3. Flight Cost from India to Europe

Flights are usually the single biggest expense in your Europe travel budget from India. The good news is, with planning, you can find some great deals.

Typical Flight Costs (Economy, Return):

•     Delhi / Mumbai → London, Paris, or Frankfurt: ₹35,000 – ₹65,000
•     Delhi / Mumbai → Amsterdam or Rome: ₹40,000 – ₹70,000
•     Chennai / Bengaluru → Europe: ₹45,000 – ₹75,000

Tips to Get Cheap Flights:

•     Book at least 3–4 months in advance.
•     Use Google Flights, Skyscanner, or MakeMyTrip to compare prices.
•     Try flying into less popular airports like Warsaw (Poland), Lisbon (Portugal), or Budapest (Hungary) — they’re often 20–30% cheaper.
•     Avoid peak season (June–August) for flights. March–May or September–October are much cheaper.
•     Consider budget airlines within Europe like Ryanair, EasyJet, or Wizz Air for connecting flights.

Pro tip: Flying via Middle Eastern hubs (Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi) often gives better prices compared to direct flights.

You can also check fares on Google Flights 

4. Schengen Visa Cost for Indians

Most European countries are part of the Schengen Area — which means one visa covers 26 countries. This is a huge convenience for Indian travellers!

Schengen Visa Fee:

•     Adult visa fee: €80 (approx. ₹7,200 – ₹7,500)
•     Children (6–12 years): €40 (approx. ₹3,600)
•     Travel insurance (mandatory): ₹500 – ₹2,000 for 10–15 days
•     VFS service charges: ₹1,500 – ₹2,500

So in total, budget around ₹8,000 – ₹12,000 per person for Schengen visa + insurance for Indians.

Documents You’ll Need:

•     Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond your travel dates)
•     Confirmed flight tickets
•     Hotel/accommodation bookings
•     Travel insurance covering minimum €30,000
•     Bank statements (last 3–6 months)
•     ITR (Income Tax Return) or salary slips
•     Cover letter explaining your trip

Apply for the visa of the country where you will spend the maximum number of days. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your trip.

Check the official Schengen visa information before applying.

5. Accommodation Cost in Europe

Where you sleep plays a huge role in your total Europe trip cost per person from India. Here’s a realistic range:

Budget Option — Hostels & Guesthouses:

•     Shared hostel dorm: ₹1,000 – ₹2,000 per night
•     Private room in budget guesthouse: ₹2,500 – ₹4,000 per night
•     Best for: Solo travellers and backpackers
•     Great platforms: Hostelworld, Booking.com

Mid-Range Option — 2★ to 3★ Hotels:

•     ₹4,000 – ₹8,000 per night for a decent room
•     Best for: Couples and small families
•     Try: Hotels.com, Airbnb, Agoda

Luxury Option — 4★ to 5★ Hotels:

•     ₹12,000 – ₹35,000+ per night
•     Best for: Honeymoon couples or special celebrations

Smart tip: Booking accommodation outside city centres (but near a metro station) can save you 30–40% on hotel costs.

You can book budget stays on Booking.com or find hostels on Hostelworld.

6. Food Cost Per Day in Europe

Food is one area where Indian travellers often get a surprise. European food can be expensive, but with the right approach, you can manage well.

Daily Food Budget Estimates:

•     Budget traveller: ₹1,000 – ₹2,000 per day (supermarkets, street food, bakeries)
•     Mid-range traveller: ₹2,500 – ₹4,500 per day (casual restaurants + occasional splurge)
•     Luxury traveller: ₹6,000 – ₹15,000+ per day (fine dining, restaurants)

Food Tips for Indians:

•     Buy breakfast items from local supermarkets like Lidl, Aldi, or Carrefour — very affordable.
•     Grab a quick lunch at a kebab shop or falafel stall — these are common, cheap, and filling.
•     Many cities have Indian restaurants. A full Indian meal costs ₹800 – ₹1,500.
•     Pack some ready-to-eat Indian food (poha, khakra, instant noodles) from home.
•     Carry a small water bottle and refill it — tap water is safe to drink in most of Europe.

7. Local Transport Cost in Europe

Europe has one of the best public transport systems in the world. As an Indian traveller, you’ll love how connected everything is.

City Transport:

•     Metro / Tram / Bus daily pass: ₹400 – ₹700 per day
•     Weekly transport pass: ₹2,000 – ₹3,500
•     Uber / Bolt (local taxi app): ₹400 – ₹1,500 per ride

Inter-City Travel:

•     Budget airline (e.g., Ryanair) between cities: ₹1,500 – ₹5,000
•     Train travel (e.g., Paris to Amsterdam): ₹3,000 – ₹8,000
•     Long-distance bus (Flixbus): ₹500 – ₹2,000 — very cheap!

Flixbus is a lifesaver for budget travellers. You can travel between major European cities for as little as ₹500–600 if you book early.

8. Sightseeing and Activity Costs

Europe has some of the world’s most iconic attractions. Some are free, some cost a bit. Here’s what to expect:

Popular Attractions and Their Costs:

•     Eiffel Tower (Paris): ₹1,600 – ₹2,500 (summit ticket)
•     Colosseum (Rome): ₹1,800 – ₹2,500
•     Amsterdam Canal Cruise: ₹1,400 – ₹2,200
•     Swiss train ride (Jungfraujoch): ₹10,000 – ₹15,000
•     Vatican Museums (Rome): ₹2,000 – ₹2,800

Free Things to Do:

•     Notre Dame Cathedral exterior, Paris
•     Hyde Park and British Museum, London
•     Walking along the canals in Amsterdam
•     Trevi Fountain and Colosseum exterior, Rome
•     Most national parks and beaches

Budget: Allow ₹700 – ₹1,500 per day for sightseeing. On some days (like free museum Sundays), you can spend almost nothing!

9. Total Europe Trip Cost Breakdown (Per Person from India)

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the Europe trip cost for Indians for different durations. These are budget-to-mid-range estimates for one person:

Note: Costs are for economy travel during shoulder season (April–May or Sep–Oct). Peak summer travel (June–August) can add 20–40% to flight and hotel costs.

10. Budget vs Luxury Europe Trip Comparison

Not all Europe trips are the same. Here’s how a budget trip compares to a luxury one:

For most Indian travellers, a mid-range trip is the sweet spot — comfortable, memorable, and not too heavy on the wallet.

11. Cheapest European Countries to Visit from India

Not every part of Europe is expensive. Eastern and Southern Europe can be very kind to your wallet. Here are the most affordable European destinations for Indian travellers:

•     🇵🇱 Poland (Warsaw, Krakow) — Hostels from ₹700/night, meals from ₹300
•     🇭🇺 Hungary (Budapest) — Beautiful city, great nightlife, very affordable
•     🇨🇿 Czech Republic (Prague) — Cheaper than Paris or Amsterdam by 40–50%
•     🇵🇹 Portugal (Lisbon, Porto) — One of Western Europe’s most budget-friendly destinations
•     🇷🇴 Romania (Bucharest) — Cheapest capital in Europe, stunning castles
•     🇷🇸 Serbia (Belgrade) — Not in Schengen but no visa needed for Indians! Very affordable
•     🇬🇷 Greece (Athens, Thessaloniki) — Cheaper than Italy or France, amazing food
•     🇧🇦 Bosnia & Herzegovina (Sarajevo, Mostar) — Hidden gem, extremely cheap

If you’re on a tight budget, base your trip around Eastern Europe and you can do an amazing 10-day trip for under ₹1 lakh.

12. Practical Tips to Reduce Your Europe Trip Cost

These are real tips — not just textbook advice. These are things that actually work:

Before You Go:

•     Book flights 3–4 months early for the cheapest fares.
•     Use a zero-forex or low-forex credit/debit card (Niyo, HDFC Regalia, ICICI Amazon Pay) to avoid currency conversion charges.
•     Get a Revolut or Wise card — widely used by Indian travellers abroad for real exchange rates.
•     Buy your Schengen travel insurance from Indian providers like TATA AIG or Bajaj Allianz — cheaper than buying abroad.

During the Trip:

•     Always buy a local SIM or eSIM (Airalo) for cheap data — avoid roaming charges.
•     Use free walking tours in major cities (tip-based) — great for sightseeing without spending much.
•     Visit museums on free days — many European museums are free on the first Sunday of every month.
•     Cook simple meals if your hostel has a kitchen — saves ₹1,000–1,500 per day easily.
•     Travel by night bus or night train to save on one night’s accommodation.
•     Use the Flixbus app for inter-city travel — it’s often 5x cheaper than trains.

13. Best Time to Visit Europe from India (Cost Perspective)

Timing your trip right can save you tens of thousands of rupees. Here’s a season-by-season breakdown:

Peak Season (June – August):

•     Most expensive for flights and hotels
•     Crowds are at their highest
•     Weather is great, but tourist areas are packed
•     Avoid if you’re on a tight budget

Shoulder Season (April–May & September–October) — BEST TIME:

•     Flights are 20–35% cheaper than peak season
•     Hotels are more affordable and less crowded
•     Weather is pleasant — not too hot, not too cold
•     Most attractions are open, and lines are shorter
•     This is the sweet spot for Indian travellers!

Off Season (November – February):

•     Cheapest flights and hotels — can save up to 40–50%
•     Cold weather (0°C to 10°C in most places)
•     Christmas markets (December) are magical — a unique experience
•     Some attractions may have shorter hours or be closed

Recommendation: Plan your Europe trip in April–May or September–October for the best balance of cost and experience.

14. Sample 7-Day Europe Itinerary with Estimated Cost (Budget Trip)

Here’s a practical budget itinerary covering 3 iconic European cities — Paris, Amsterdam, and Prague. This is a solo traveller’s itinerary but works for pairs too (split accommodation costs).

Day-by-Day Plan:

1.   Day 1 – Arrive in Paris. Check into hostel. Evening walk to Eiffel Tower (free from outside). Cost: ₹0 (arrival day).
2.   Day 2 – Paris sightseeing: Louvre (free on first Sunday), Notre Dame, Montmartre. Budget: ₹1,500 (food + transport).
3.   Day 3 – Eiffel Tower summit + Seine cruise. Budget: ₹3,500.
4.   Day 4 – Flixbus to Amsterdam (3.5 hrs, ~₹600). Check into hostel. Canal walk in the evening.
5.   Day 5 – Amsterdam: Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, bike rental. Budget: ₹4,500.
6.   Day 6 – Budget airline to Prague (~₹2,500). Old Town Square, Astronomical Clock, Prague Castle. Budget: ₹3,000.
7.   Day 7 – More Prague exploration. Fly back home.

Estimated 7-Day Cost (Solo, Budget):

•     Flights (India ↔ Europe): ₹45,000
•     Visa + Insurance: ₹9,000
•     Accommodation (6 nights, hostel): ₹9,000 – ₹12,000
•     Food (7 days): ₹10,000 – ₹14,000
•     Local & inter-city transport: ₹8,000 – ₹12,000
•     Sightseeing & activities: ₹7,000 – ₹10,000
•     TOTAL: Approximately ₹88,000 – ₹1,02,000

Yes, a Paris–Amsterdam–Prague trip for under ₹1 lakh is very real — if you plan smart!

15. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the minimum budget for a Europe trip from India?

For a basic 7-day budget trip, you need around ₹80,000 – ₹1,00,000 per person. This includes flights, visa, hostel stays, street food, and public transport. For a 10-day trip, plan for ₹1,10,000 – ₹1,50,000.

Q2. Do Indians need a visa for Europe?

Yes. Indian passport holders need a Schengen Visa to enter most European countries. The visa fee is around €80 (approx. ₹7,200–7,500). You apply through the consulate or VFS Global. Some countries like Serbia and Albania do not require a visa for Indians.

Q3. Which is the cheapest country in Europe for Indian travellers?

Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Romania, and Portugal are among the most affordable European countries for Indians. Eastern European countries are generally 40–50% cheaper than Western Europe (France, UK, Switzerland).

Q4. Is₹ Europe safe for solo Indian travellers?

Yes, most of Europe is very safe for Indian solo travellers, including women. Cities like Prague, Amsterdam, Lisbon, and Vienna consistently rank among the safest in the world. The usual precautions apply — be alert in crowded tourist areas, especially for pickpockets.

Q5. What is the best way to carry money in Europe?

It’s best to use a combination of cash (Euros) and a zero-forex card like Niyo Global, HDFC Regalia, or a Wise/Revolut card. Avoid exchanging money at airports — you’ll get poor rates. ATMs in Europe are widely available, but check your bank’s international withdrawal fee before you travel.

Q6. Are Europe trip packages worth it for Indians?

Europe trip package costs from India typically range from ₹1,20,000 – ₹2,50,000 per person for a 7–10 day group tour. These packages handle logistics and accommodation, which is great for first-time travellers or families. However, if you’re comfortable planning independently, a DIY trip can save you ₹20,000 – ₹50,000 easily.

Q7. Can I visit Europe on a budget if I’m vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Many European cities — especially in Western Europe — have excellent vegetarian and vegan options. Supermarkets are also filled with vegetarian-friendly foods. Indian restaurants are common in London, Paris, Amsterdam, and other major cities. Pack some homemade snacks and instant Indian meals just in case!

For more detailed answers, you can also check our Europe trip planning guide.

16. Conclusion: Your European Dream Is Very Achievable!

If you’ve read this far, you now know that a Europe trip from India is not just for the ultra-rich. With the right planning — booking flights early, travelling in shoulder season, choosing budget-friendly countries, and spending smartly on food and accommodation — you can have the trip of a lifetime without breaking the bank.

The cost of Europe tour from India varies widely, but for most Indian travellers, ₹80,000 – ₹1,50,000 is a very realistic target for a 7–10 day trip.

Start small. Maybe Paris and Prague this year. Then add Switzerland and Italy next year. Europe is big, and there’s always a reason to go back.

So stop waiting for the ‘right time’ or the ‘bigger salary’. Start planning, start saving, and get that Schengen visa stamped. Your Europe adventure is waiting for you! ✈️🌍

Choosing the right time is equally important — read this guide on Best Time to Visit Europe from India to plan your trip better.

— Happy Travels! —

Share this guide with a friend who’s dreaming of Europe! 🗼