When we talk about economical, low-budget, affordable travel, the bus often comes up as the most reasonable solution.
With France Bus, schools, associations, businesses and families are discovering that the coach is not just a means of transport: it is an economical, comfortable and flexible choice, which transforms a simple journey into a friendly moment.
In this article, we will see why the bus is often the most advantageous mode of transport. We will analyze the key figures of the French holiday budget, we will compare the real costs of bus, train, plane and car, and will share concrete strategies for traveling more cheaply by coach – whether it’s for a school trip, a business seminar, a wedding or a weekend with friends.
Some statistical benchmarks in France
In 2024, 65 % of the French went on vacation or on weekends between July and August.
Among those who left, more than half (52 %) did it for less than 4 days.
When they go on vacation, the majority of French people remain in France. In 2025, between 67 % and 74 % holidaymakers are planning to stay in France. And even among those who go abroad, the preferred destinations are nearby: Spain, Italy, Portugal, etc., journeys often possible by bus or coach.
Regarding the average budget that the French expect to spend in total on their advances, this amounts to approximately 1,838 euros for summer 2025, on the rise.
- In this total, the transport item is not a detail: according to recent studies, it represents between 23 % and 35 % of the overall budget, a figure that will increase in 2025 due to the prices of fuel and train or plane tickets.
These figures show that many are looking for cheap travel solutions, and that the cost of transport is a significant item in the overall holiday budget.
Cost comparison: plane, train, bus
Here's a comparative estimate of typical costs for an average one-way trip in France or Europe, depending on the mode of transport. These figures vary depending on distance, booking (in advance or last-minute), comfort, supplements, etc., but they give a general idea.
| Mode of transport | Estimated cost (one way)¹ | Benefits | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plane | 70-150 €/person (excluding luggage) | Speed, long distances, sometimes promotions. | Airport taxes, baggage fees, waiting times, access to airports. |
| Train (TGV) | 50-120 €/person | Comfort, central stations, ecological. | Variable prices, late bookings expensive. |
| Bus / coach | 20-60 €/person; for group rental, <30 €/person if bus full | Cheapest, flexible, services included, direct routes. | Longer journey, variable comfort, fewer services. |
| Personal car | 120-150 € (fuel + tolls return for 500 km) → or 30-40 €/person for a family of 4 | Flexible, door-to-door, unlimited luggage. | Driver fatigue, vehicle wear, traffic hazards. |
| Rental car | 70-100 €/day + fuel + tolls (approx. 200-250 € return) → or 50-60 €/person for a family of 4 | Total freedom, autonomy on site. | Security deposit, insurance, fuel, additional fees. |
¹These estimates are for typical, non-extreme journeys and assume reasonable advance booking.
Above all, beyond the simple ticket, we must count the hidden costs : an airport taxi (€65 between Roissy and Paris left bank), a metro or RER ride (€2.50 to €15 per person, or even long-term parking (€15 to €30 per day) which can quickly add up to a hefty bill over a week's stay.
So for individuals or small groups the bus can cost 3 to 5 times cheaper than the plane, and often cheaper than the train, especially if the group fills the bus or rents a complete vehicle.
Strategies for cheap bus travel
Here are some concrete ideas and numerical examples to optimize a bus trip and further reduce costs:
1. Book well in advance
Example: For a school trip from Paris to Bordeaux, if you book 4-6 months in advance, you can get a much lower "standard coach" rate. If the bus costs €1,200 for the full trip, with 40 people, this comes to 30 €/personIf you wait until the last minute, it can go up to €45-50/person, or more, depending on the competition.
2. Travel in a group to split the costs
The larger the group, the more the fixed cost (driver, toll, fuel) is spread.
Example: a bus rented for 50 people for a weekend, total rental cost + fuel + tolls = €2,500. The cost per head is 50 €. For 25 people, the cost rises to ~100 €The cost per person doubles if the bus is only half full.
3. Choose off-peak/off-season times and days
Avoiding weekends, busy school holidays, and public holidays often allows you to get cheaper fares. Some airlines offer discounts for Sundays or Tuesdays, etc.
4. Optimize the logistics of the route
If you have multiple visits to a region, try to group them together to limit travel. If the bus is available on-site for several short trips, this avoids paying for multiple vehicles or multiple fees.
5. Compare quotes, negotiate if possible
Get multiple offers from bus rental companies can make a big difference. Some companies agree to lower their fares if you are flexible, if you travel outside of peak hours, or if you accept a less "premium" bus. Don't forget to compare what's included: fuel, tolls, insurance, comfort, on-board services.
6. Opt for night buses
This is one of the The most effective tips for traveling on a budget. An overnight journey (Paris → Barcelona or Lyon → Amsterdam, for example) often costs 40-60 €, includes transport and above all allowssave a night in a hotel (often €80-120 in Europe). Companies generally equip their coaches with reclining seats, USB ports, and Wi-Fi, making the experience more comfortable. By leaving in the evening and arriving early in the morning, you can immediately enjoy your destination.
7. Reduce additional costs
- Prepare your own meals or snacks for the trip rather than buying them on the way.
- Share accommodation or opt for simple accommodation or with locals.
- Minimize surprise effects (supplements, optional equipment, etc.).
Concrete examples of economical travel
School trip / student group : 40 people leaving by bus for a 3-day stay in a nearby region. By renting a bus, taking simple accommodation, group meals, and booking in advance, the total cost could be 200-250€/person all-inclusive – much less than if everyone took the train or plane.
Weekend with friends : taking a bus to a distant festival or concert, sharing the bus, fuel, accommodation. Transportation sometimes comes down to less than 30-40€/person, which makes the weekend really affordable.
Business trip / team building : instead of paying everyone individually for train or plane tickets, renting a bus for everyone can save several hundred or thousands of euros depending on the size of the group.
Conclusion
Traveling cheaply by bus is far from being a second-best idea: it's one of the best solutions for those on a budget.
Whether for French people who are going away for a shorter time, those who cannot spend a lot, or groups – companies, schools, families – the bus allows you to significantly reduce the cost per person, avoid hidden costs and make flexible choices.
With France Bus, bus rental with driver becomes a major asset for economical travel: comfort, safety, and above all a controlled bill.
If you are looking for a cheap travel, A affordable price, A budget travel, think bus: it's often the most effective way to turn a limited budget into a great trip to share.
