Europe is an absolute goldmine for hitting two countries in one trip. Thanks to short travel distances and excellent public transport, it’s incredibly easy to visit two countries in one trip, or even one day. Whether you’re flying in for a quick break or planning a rail trip through Europe, these city combinations are fun, scenic, and totally doable without a car. In this guide, I’ll show you 6 of the best multi city trips in Europe, complete with travel times, transport tips, and why they’re worth the trip.
Ljubljana, Slovenia (Image by Bogdan R Anton)
1. Ljubljana, Slovenia to Trieste, Italy
Slovenia is an absolute hidden gem in Europe. Ljubljana, the capital, may be a small city for European standards but it has it’s own unique personality. Its old town is filled with pastel-coloured buildings, leafy promenades, and a castle perched overlooking the city. It’s the kind of place where you can wander all day, chilling out in cosy cafés and exploring open-air markets as you go. With its laid-back vibe and strong focus on sustainability, Ljubljana is ideal for a relaxed start to your weekend.
Then, with a simple 90 minute journey, you can go from Ljubljana to Trieste, another hidden gem in Europe perched on the Adriatic coast of Italy. The journey itself is scenic, with rolling hills, vineyards, and glimpses of the sea. Trieste is also different from most Italian cities. It’s got a feeling similar to Austria or Hungary, with grand architecture and elegant squares. The city’s café culture is legendary, and grabbing a spritz by the sea is practically mandatory. It’s the perfect contrast to Ljubljana’s inland charm.
The combination of Ljubljana and Trieste is one of the best multi city trips in Europe. It works beautifully if you want to experience two very different vibes in one short trip. It’s also important to note that buses are generally faster than trains, and there’s no border control as both countries are in the Schengen Zone.
Travel Options:
- Bus – Probably the best option to travel from Ljubljana to Trieste due to price and convenience. It takes 1.5 hours and prices start from £10 if you book here.
- Train – Definitely not a great option. The train takes almost 3 hours and costs the same. But if you still fancy the train click here.
- Drive – This will take the same time as the bus but will be much more expensive. You may also struggle finding rentals that let you cross borders. But, if you want to look, click here.
Kotor, Montenegro (Image by Rasmus Andersen)
2. Dubrovnik, Croatia to Kotor, Montenegro
You should start your trip in Dubrovnik, the jewel of Croatia’s coastline, and then go to Kotor. It’s often incredibly cheap to fly from the UK to Dubrovnik. Also, Dubrovnik is an incredible place in it’s own right. You will be greeted with massive stone walls, red-roofed houses, and sparkling blue seas all framed within a back drop of mountain. You may also recognise spots from Game of Thrones, but beyond the TV fame, Dubrovnik offers rich history, seafood restaurants, and panoramic views. It can be little pricey due to being a well established tourist hotspot, but a it’s definitely an incredible destination.
From Dubrovnik, you can take a two-hour drive, a bus, or a shared minibus, down the coastal road to Kotor in Montenegro. The journey from Dubrovnik to Kotor is absolutely jaw-dropping. You’ll wind along scenic cliffs, hidden beaches, and then suddenly find yourself in the fjord-like Bay of Kotor. The town of Kotor also feels like a fairytale. Enclosed in medieval walls and backed by steep mountains, it’s a quieter, more affordable alternative to Dubrovnik. In Kotor, you can climb the fortress for sweeping views, wander the maze-like streets, and enjoy local Montenegrin wine.
This route from Dubrovnik to Kotor is all about coastal beauty and historic charm, making it one of the best European multi city trips. Just note that Montenegro is not in the EU, whereas Croatia is. This means border crossings can take time, due to passport control, so leave early and factor in delays, especially in the summer months.
Travel Options:
- Bus – Buses will take 2-3 hours from Dubrovnik to Kotor, depending on border contorl and prices start from £22 here. The buses go 2-4 times a day in peak season and less in low season.
- Taxi -Taxis are always an option but could cost you upto £100.
- Drive – This will be maybe an hour quicker then the bus but will be much more expensive. You may also struggle finding rentals that let you cross borders. But, if you want to look, click here.
Colmar, France (Image by Pierre Blache)
3. Basel, Switzerland to Colmar, France
Basel offers an incredible merge of different cultures, nestled on the corner where Switzerland meets France and Germany. This location makes Basel a perfect start point for border-hopping, especially to Colmar. Basel itself is a dream for art lovers, with dozens of museums, beautiful architecture, and a scenic stretch of the Rhine River. You can also wander through the old town, take a dip in the river in summer, or ride one of the colourful trams.
From Basel, you can easily get to Colmar in France. Many people have not heard of Colmar, which is so surprising considering how incredible it is. Often stated as the inspiration for ‘Belle’s Village’ from the film Beauty and the Beast, it really feels like you’re entering a real life Disney movie. With colourful timber-framed houses and flower-lined canals it truly does not feel real. It’s also famous for Alsace wine and regional food like tarte flambée.
Alternatively, you have the option to Freiburg in Germany. Freiburg is also within an hour train ride from Basel and offers a different experience. This city is a sunny university city known for its eco-friendly lifestyle. It’s also set on the edge of the Black Forest and is ideal for hikers or anyone wanting to unwind in nature.
The train journey from Basel to Colmar is short and pleasant, and you can easily see two or even three countries in one weekend without feeling rushed. Although the journey itself is not as scenic as some others on this list, the convenience of this multi city trip makes it one of the best in Europe.
Travel Options
- Train – Trains are a great option for the journey from Basel to Colmar. They leave regularly, take just 45 minutes and prices start from £17 here.
- Buses – If you’re looking for an eaven cheaper option. Buses start from £9 but take an hour and a half or more. Book yours here.
- Drive – This will take around an hour and will provide much more freedom. If this is your choice click here.
Nyhavn, Copenhagen
4. Copenhagen, Denmark to Malmö, Sweden
Copenhagen to Malmö is one of Europe’s most seamless international trips. A quick 35-minute train ride over the Öresund Bridge connects Malmö in Sweden to Copenhagen in Denmark. The bridge offers fantastic views over the Øresund strait.
I would suggest starting in Copenhagen and then heading to Malmö. Purely because it is one of the cheapest cities to fly to from the UK. I previously flew return for around £35. You can read. more about my trip here. Copenhagen is an interesting city, as it feels both historic and hyper-modern. You’ll find castles, canals, designer boutiques, and a serious coffee scene. Copenhagen is also more fast-paced and polished, compared to Malmö, which feels more local and laid-back. Together, they offer a balanced city break with two distinct vibes.
Malmö is a compact city with a cool, creative energy. The old town squares are full of cafés and indie shops, while the modern side of the city boasts sustainable design and striking architecture like the Turning Torso. It’s a great place to explore by bike but I would suggest only visiting for a day or two.
Trains run regularly from Copenhagen to Malmö, and there’s no passport control, but always carry ID, just in case.
Travel Options:
- Train – Trains are the best option for the journey between Copenhagen and Malmö. They leave regularly, take just 35 minutes and prices start from £13 here.
- Buses – Buses are also a good option, they take around an hour and start from £8 here.
Bratislava, Slovakia (Image by Pixabay)
5. Bratislava, Slovakia to Vienna, Austria
Bratislava to Vienna is one of Europe’s easiest and most popular border crossings. Vienna and Bratislava are just an hour apart by train, yet they offer wildly different experiences. Bratislava is smaller and more budget-friendly, making it a great base for your weekend.
In Bratislava, you can expect a quirky old town with colourful buildings, affordable pubs, and castle views over the Danube river. It has a youthful energy, especially in summer when riverside bars and food trucks pop up along the waterfront.
Then, hop on a train from Bratislava to Vienna and enter a world of elegance. Vienna is grand, refined, and full of culture. You will find imperial palaces and famous coffee houses. Within just a few hours here, you can visit the Schönbrunn Palace, many museums, and enjoy a slice of the famous Sachertorte.
The short travel time from Bratislava to Vienna means you can make the most of both cities without feeling rushed. Trains run frequently, and the route is smooth and scenic, making it one of Europes best multi city trips.
Travel Options:
- Buses – This is by far the best option to travel from Bratislava to Vienna. The buses take about 50 minutes and start from £9 here.
- Trains – Trains take a bit longer at an hour and are a bit more expensive, starting at £17 here.
- Boat – You can also opt for a beautiful boat ride. This takes 1 hour and 15 minutes and prices start from £33 here.
Mostar, Bosnia (Image by abdullah çadırcı)
6. Mostar, Bosnia to Dubrovnik, Croatia
The trip from Mostar to Dubrovnik is one of the longest journeys, but offers the experience of two contrasted cities. So, start in Mostar, a less discovered city in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The highlight here is the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge), which arcs dramatically over the Neretva River. The streets are cobbled, the mosques and minarets add a distinctly Ottoman flavour, and the food is hearty and delicious.
Then head from Mostar to Dubrovnik—a very different kind of beautiful. The journey takes around three hours, winding through mountain and coastal scenery that will have you glued to the window. Dubrovnik is all about sea views, polished streets, and historic walls. And, if you’re feeling even more adventurous you can then head on to Kotor in Montenegro as explained in point 2.
Mostar is authentic and budget-friendly, while Dubrovnik is polished and touristy. That contrast makes this one of the best multi city trips in Europe. Just be mindful of bus schedules and border checks, and consider a private transfer for a more flexible experience.
Travel Options:
- Buses – This is probably the best option to travel from Mostar to Dubrovnik. It does take 3-4 hours and prices start from £18 with flixbus. They also generally only run in peak season.
- Drive – This will take around three hours and will provide much more freedom. If this is your choice click here.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Conclusion
From fjords to fairytale towns, these easy cross-border combinations show just how much Europe packs into small distances. Whether you’re chasing sunsets in Kotor, sipping coffee in Vienna, or cycling around Copenhagen, hopping from one country to another is not only doable—it’s one of the most exciting ways to travel.
With smart planning and a flexible mindset, you can double the culture, double the cuisine, and double the memories—all in a single weekend.
Leave a comment with any other trips you have done visiting multiple countries in a short time.
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