Rick Steves Encourages Using This Luxury In Europe If There Is No Public Transit

Public transit is often a go-to way to get around in Europe, especially to make a trip budget-friendly. But what if there isn't any available? While it may seem extravagant, Rick Steves says to consider hiring a private car and driver. It just might be the best choice to help you get to your next destination, particularly if you're traveling with multiple people.

Rick Steves is a reliable travel expert with decades of experience, and he says that a private driver is worth splurging on for the best trip to Europe. Some of Europe's most beautiful destinations can be difficult to travel to, and you may want to stop and get out to see the views along the way. A private car would allow you to have the flexibility to stop and take it all in without worrying about missing your next train.

Before you write off a private driver because it's too expensive, remember time is money and a private car might not hit your wallet as much as you think at first. In an article on his website, Steves raves about how flexible and affordable it is, writing, "You're picked up at your hotel and dropped off at your destination — free to explore until you're ready to move on (about $300 to $400 for 6 to 8 hours — more economical if split among several travelers)." Depending on where you are headed, the ease of getting to your location and the comfort of having more of a say in when and where you stop might be worth it. Plus, who doesn't want to live out their movie star dreams of gallivanting around Europe with a private driver?

When you know what day trips you want to do, look at the local private transportation options and compare the cost, convenience, and comfort. Some locations across Europe will be more suitable for private hire than others. As Steves explains, "To make the most of your time in sprawling destinations that lack good public transportation — like Normandy's D-Day beaches, the châteaux of the Loire River Valley, or Italy's Amalfi Coast — a guided minivan tour can be a smart choice."

The prices are dependent on several factors including the total distance, duration of your trip, group size, and whether you want to make any additional stops or detours. So you often have to contact the company directly for the total cost. Third party tour sites like Viator and Get Your Guide often have private tours and transfers listed, so they can be a good place to start. Having a private driver allows everyone in the party to enjoy the views, relax, and maybe even enjoy a glass of wine or two at lunch. Another great part of having a private driver is not having to worry about common taxi scams when visiting Europe.

While not as luxurious as a private car, carpooling services might just be the key to staying on budget in Europe. One popular tool is BlaBlaCar, where you can join other travelers to save costs on transportation to different cities. You can book a carpool ride either through the mobile app or on the website. It works by someone publishing a ride for a journey they're already making and offering seats to other travelers who are usually responsible for contributing to the cost of gas. It can also be a great way for solo travelers to meet people. Users register the ride through the app and have to provide valid ID to use the platform, so it's a safer option than hitch-hiking. 

Other carpooling options include Uber, which has the "Share" or "Pool" option in the app and can save you some money on your trip for short distances. You can book one Share seat and hop in a car with one or two other people, and the platform claims users save up to 50% on shared rides, making this a great tip for solo budget travelers. Definitely take into consideration whether you're traveling by yourself or you're traveling with a larger group, because that will help determine the best and most affordable transport option when there's no public transportation.