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Travelling to Europe from Australia: Visas, flights, costs, and travel tips
Travel to Europe from Australia with ease, and know your flight options, visa requirements, travel costs, the best time to visit, and transportation modes.
Traveling to Europe from Australia can involve distances of up to 15,000 kilometers, making it one of the longest overseas trips many Australians can take. Despite this, Europe remains one of the top international destinations for Australians thanks to its culture, history, and variety of travel experiences.
In this guide, we cover everything you need to know before planning your European adventure, from entry rules and flight options to travel costs. We also cover the best time to go to Europe, depending on what you’re looking for, and how to stay connected with ease.
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Do Australians need a visa to travel to Europe?
In most cases, Australians don’t need a Visa to visit Europe. Europe includes many visa-free countries for Australian passport holders. Australians can travel to countries within the Schengen area without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism, business, transit, sports and cultural events, and medical treatment.
The Schengen area is made up of 29 countries as follows:
| Countries in the Schengen area |
|---|
| Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland |
Many popular European destinations outside the Schengen area are also visa-free for Australians, including Ireland, Turkey, Albania, Montenegro, and Serbia. However, visa rules and permitted stay lengths may vary by country. If you plan on visiting the UK, for example, you need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA).
ETIAS and EES for Australians
Although Australians do not currently need a visa for short stays in the Schengen area, new entry systems now apply to travellers entering Europe.
One is ETIAS(European Travel Information and Authorisation System), a pre-travel authorisation visitors, including Australians, will need before entering most Schengen countries. It is expected to launch in late 2026 and should remain valid for up to three years or until your passport expires.
Europe has also introduced the EES (Entry/Exit System), which replaces passport stamping with digital border checks using biometric data such as fingerprints and facial scans.
What do I need to travel to Europe from Australia?
Before flying to Europe, make sure you have all the required travel documents and supporting information ready, as border officials may still ask for proof that you meet entry requirements.
Here’s a practical checklist of what you may need when travelling to Europe from Australia:
- A valid Australian passport – Usually valid for at least three months beyond your trip and issued within the last 10 years.
- ETIAS authorisation – Required for most Schengen countries once the system launches.
- Return or onward ticket – Proof that you plan to leave Europe before your stay limit ends.
- Accommodation bookings or itinerary – Hotel reservations or travel plans for your stay.
- Proof of sufficient funds – Evidence that you can support yourself during the trip.
- Destination-specific documents – Some countries outside Schengen may have separate entry rules (e.g., ETA for the UK).
- Travel insurance – Recommended for medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost luggage.
Travel insurance for Europe from Australia
Travel insurance for Europe is highly recommended for Australians, as medical emergencies, cancelled flights, and lost luggage can be expensive overseas. When choosing travel insurance for Europe, look for coverage that includes:
- 24/7 multilingual assistance
- Coverage across the Schengen area and multiple countries
- Medical expenses and emergency repatriation
- Flight cancellations and travel disruptions
- Baggage loss, theft, or delays
- Adventure sports coverage, if needed
How to fly from Australia to Europe
Flights from Australia to Europe usually depart from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, with most routes including at least one stopover. Common transit hubs include Singapore, Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, and Hong Kong.
Depending on your destination and layover time, the total journey usually takes between 20 and 30 hours.
| Route | Typical travel time |
|---|---|
| Sydney to London | 22–26 hours |
| Melbourne to Paris | 21–27 hours |
| Brisbane to Rome | 23–30 hours |
| Perth to Amsterdam | 18–24 hours |
| Sydney to Frankfurt | 21–25 hours |
London, Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt are among the most common arrival hubs, so it’s easy to continue travelling across Europe by train or short-haul flight.
To find cheaper flights from Australia to Europe, book several months ahead and on the cheapest days to fly, compare airlines, and consider travelling during spring or autumn when fares are often lower.
Tip! If you’re a budget traveler, check out the cheapest European countries to visit.
Best time to travel to Europe from Australia
For most travellers, the shoulder seasons of May to June and September to October offer the best balance of pleasant weather, manageable crowds, and lower prices. But the best time to travel to Europe from Australia can vary depending on your European itinerary.
| Travel goal | Best time to visit Europe | Recommended destinations |
|---|---|---|
| Warm weather and beaches | June–September | Greece, Croatia, Spain, southern Italy |
| Sightseeing with fewer crowds | May–June, September–October | France, Portugal, Netherlands |
| Christmas markets and winter trips | Late November – December | Germany, Austria, Switzerland |
| Northern Lights and snow | December–March | Norway, Finland, Iceland |
| Budget-friendly travel | February, April, October | Central and Eastern Europe |
How to get around Europe
Europe has an extensive transportation system, making it relatively easy for Australians to travel between countries. Depending on your plans, you can travel around Europe by train, budget airline, rental car, ferry, and local public transportation.
Trains
Best for: Multi-country itineraries and major cities
Trains are among the easiest ways for Australians to travel around Europe, especially when visiting several countries on a single trip. For example, high-speed rail connects cities such as Paris, Amsterdam, Rome, and Barcelona with direct city-centre arrivals.
A Eurail Pass can work well for flexible multi-country travel, while booking directly with national rail operators is often cheaper for fixed itineraries. Booking early usually gives the best fares on popular high-speed routes.
Budget airlines
Best for: Affordable long-distance trips
Budget airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air are useful for travelling between countries that are farther apart, such as Spain to Greece or Italy to Eastern Europe. Flights are often very affordable when booked in advance and can save significant travel time on longer routes.
However, low-cost airlines often charge extra for checked baggage, seat selection, and airport transfers, so check the total price before booking.
Car hire
Best for: Regional travel and road trips
Hiring a car is most useful for rural areas and destinations with limited train access, including Iceland, the Swiss Alps, and smaller towns in southern Europe. It also gives more flexibility for road trips and countryside travel.
Australians can usually drive with an Australian license, although some countries may also require an International Driving Permit (IDP). Always check local road rules, toll systems, and cross-border rental policies before driving between countries.
Tip! Know your transport options, and check out the European cities with the best public transport.
How much does a trip to Europe cost from Australia?
A trip to Europe from Australia can cost anywhere from around AUD $2,500 for a five-day budget trip to more than AUD $5,000 for a higher-end holiday.
Your total budget usually includes flights, accommodation, food, and local transport, with flights often being the biggest expense. Costs also vary depending on the travel season and destination.
Estimated five-day trip costs by destination:
- Germany cost: AUD $2,600–3,700
- Greece cost: AUD $2,250–3,550
- France cost: AUD $3,000–4,650
- Italy cost: AUD $2,600–3,950
- Spain cost: AUD $2,500–3,820
- Switzerland cost: AUD $3,600–5,450
Practical travel tips for Australians visiting Europe
A little planning can make travelling around Europe much easier, especially on a multi-country trip. Here are a few practical tips before you go:
- Plan your route carefully to reduce unnecessary flights or long travel days.
- Stay alert in crowded tourist areas, train stations, and public transport to avoid pickpocketing.
- Validate train or public transport tickets where required to avoid fines.
- Check local tipping customs, as tipping expectations vary by country.
- Expect some shops, supermarkets, and restaurants to close on Sundays or public holidays.
- Use a credit or debit card with low international transaction fees.
- Get a travel eSIM or a Europe SIM card to stay connected across multiple countries.
Stay connected in Europe with Holafly
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FAQs about traveling to Europe from Australia
Yes, Australian citizens can travel to many European countries visa-free for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period, including countries in the Schengen area and several destinations outside it.
Australians are not expected to need a traditional visa for short tourist trips to most European countries in 2026. However, travellers will likely need ETIAS authorisation before entering most Schengen countries once the system launches in late 2026.
February, April, and October are usually among the cheapest months to fly from Australia to Europe. These periods fall outside the peak European summer season, so flights and accommodation are often more affordable.
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