Best travel apps for Europe: The essential list for US travelers

Travel apps to set up before traveling to Europe

You’ll want to set up a few travel apps before you leave so that you can hit the ground running in Europe. Most of these apps involve large downloads, so it’s easiest to handle them on your home Wi-Fi instead of dealing with the slow speeds of public Wi-Fi or data roaming. 

Navigation: Google Maps (+ offline trick)

You probably already have Google Maps on your phone, but did you know that you can download maps from the app to use offline? This trick can come in handy if you’re stuck in a rural area or in a dead zone on the London Tube or if you’re just trying to limit how much data Google Maps uses.

Before you leave for your trip, download maps for the cities you’ll be visiting, and once you’re there, you’ll be able to navigate just as you normally do, without using mobile data. To download offline maps on Google Maps, open the app and search for a city (like Rome). Select “More,” then “Download offline map” and “Download.”

Pro tip: “Star” important locations, like your hotel, the airport, and major attractions, so you can find them easily.

Translation: Google Translate (camera mode is the trick)

While a lot of people in Europe speak English, Google Translate can still come in handy. Signs in train stations or on roads will probably be in a foreign language, and if your wanderlust takes you to remote areas, you’re far less likely to encounter an English speaker. 

Like Google Maps, Google Translate also has an offline mode that can help you save data and get more consistent performance. Just download the language(s) you will need for your vacation before you depart. To download languages on Google Translate, open the app, find the language you want, and then click “Download.” 

Pro tip: Use the camera mode. Simply point your camera at a menu or a sign, and the app will translate the text in real time.

Messaging: WhatsApp (Europe’s iMessage)

WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in Europe offering text, voice, and video, think of it as Europe’s version of iMessage or Facebook Messenger. WhatsApp uses an internet connection to facilitate communication, so you won’t incur any EU roaming charges for international texts or calls. WhatsApp is a great way to contact an Airbnb host, tour guide, or a new international friend, and you can also use it to stay in touch with your friends and family back home.

Pro tip: If you’re connected to Wi-Fi, WhatsApp won’t use any data. But if you send a message on the go, you may incur data roaming charges. Read our article on how much data WhatsApp uses for more information.

Travel eSIM: Saily (recommended)

If you want reliable mobile data access on your trip, try an eSIM. An eSIM is a digital alternative to traditional SIM cards. You can download an eSIM before your trip, and it will activate as soon as you arrive. An eSIM helps you save on high international roaming charges, and you also don’t have to worry about the hassle of tracking down a SIM card in a foreign country or swapping out the cards in your device.

Saily’s eSIM plans for Europe are perfect for US travelers. Saily offers affordable data plans (starting at just US$4.99), and it has built-in security from the trusted team at NordVPN.

Note: Most modern iPhones and Android devices support eSIM technology, but some older models may not. Check your phone on our list of eSIM-compatible devices.

Best transport apps for Europe

Europe has a great transportation system with trains, buses, and subways (often called metros in Europe), making it quick and easy to get around the continent. However, all of those options can be confusing for tourists, so transport apps are a must.

Train and bus booking: Omio and Trainline

If you’re looking to get a ticket for a train or a bus in Europe, you have two main booking options: Omio and Trainline. These apps make reservations for you, so you don’t have to navigate multiple transport provider websites in foreign languages, and they provide instant digital tickets. 

Omio is a great option if your trip is going to take you to multiple countries, as you can book trains, buses, and flights across over 30 nations. Omio also lets you compare multiple routes so you can see which transit option is best for your destination.

If you’re primarily using train travel, download Trainline. This app covers over 270 rail and bus lines throughout Europe, and it is a reliable option, especially if you have to hop on a train last-minute.

Pro tip: Both Omio and Trainline sometimes tack on a booking fee. Compare their prices to the transport provider’s website for transparency.

City transit: Citymapper

Citymapper is your secret weapon for navigating public transit. It covers over 80 major European cities, including London, Paris, and Berlin, and it gives you real-time directions for metro, bus, and tram systems, plus travel alerts. Citymapper was designed with tourists in mind, so it also offers helpful hints, like which carriage to take or where to get off on the platform. You can also save Citymapper journeys online so that you don’t get left hanging in a subway dead zone.

Route planning: Rome2Rio

There are so many amazing places to visit in Europe, but how do you get to all of them? That’s where Rome2Rio comes in. While we recommend booking with Omio, Trainline, or transport providers, Rome2Rio is a great planning resource. It shows every single transport route between any two European cities, including trains, buses, ferries, and flights, with estimated times and costs. Rome2Rio can reveal transit options that you never knew existed, helping you get from point A to point B much more efficiently.

FlixBus

If you’re on a budget, FlixBus (and its train equivalent, FlixTrain), is a great way to snag cheap tickets. However, that affordability does come with a tradeoff. You should only expect basic levels of comfort, and delays are common. FlixBus can be a good choice if you’re only traveling a short distance or need to save money.

Ride-sharing apps in Europe: Uber, Bolt, FreeNow, and Cabify

Ride-sharing apps are available throughout Europe, but depending on where you are, certain apps may be better than others:

• Uber is used widely throughout Europe, and it also has food delivery options via UberEats. You probably already have it on your phone for trips in the US, so it is extremely convenient.

•  Bolt is an Estonian rideshare app. It is most popular in Eastern Europe, although it is available in Scandinavia, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and the UK. Like Uber, Bolt also has food delivery options.

• Cabify is heavily used in Spain and Portugal, and it offers fixed rates for its trips, so you always know what you’re going to pay.

• FreeNow is a division of Lyft, another rideshare app familiar to US users. FreeNow is  currently available in the UK, Austria, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Poland, and Spain.

Apps for planning, booking, and finding things to do in Europe

Are you feeling overwhelmed trying to pick the right activities and attractions for your trip? These apps can help with pre-trip planning and making the most of your time once you arrive.

Trip organization: TripIt or Wanderlog

You don’t need to sort through dozens of confirmation emails to manage your trip. Instead, try TripIt or Wanderlog. TripIt generates a master itinerary with your hotels and transport (including flights and trains). All you have to do is forward your confirmation emails to the app. The free version works well, but you can upgrade to premium for real-time travel alerts.

If you’re a more visual person, Wanderlog is a great app for you. This map-based trip planner allows you to plug in your travel and activities. It also offers real-time collaboration, making it perfect for coordinating with friends or family.

Tours and experiences: GetYourGuide or Viator

If you want insider knowledge and VIP treatment, GetYourGuide and Viator can upgrade your experience throughout Europe. Both apps have guided tours that allow you to hit major landmarks, uncover hidden gems, and even skip the line. Viator focuses more on the “must-see” attractions, so it’s a great choice for first-time visitors. GetYourGuide prides itself on offering authentic, off-the-beaten path experiences for tourists who want to immerse themselves in the local culture.

Accommodation apps: Booking.com and Airbnb 

Finding safe, comfortable, and convenient accommodation is a key part of your vacation planning. Booking.com is an industry leader. This platform lets you compare a wide variety of accommodation options, including hotels and short-term rentals, and its filter options make it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for.

If you want more space, Airbnb connects you with vacation rental hosts who offer full apartments or homes. Airbnbs are great for longer trips or if you are traveling with large groups or multiple children. With the app, you can often get multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, plus access to a kitchen and living room. For nature lovers, Airbnb is also the best way to find accommodation in the countryside, from the snow-capped mountains of the Alps to the majestic fjords of Norway.

Managing money in Europe

Although most of Europe uses the euro, you may still find yourself managing different currencies (like the British pound or the Czech koruna), and it can be hard to understand how much you’re spending in US dollars. Here are some of our top picks for managing currency conversion and expense tracking.

XE Currency

XE Currency is the gold standard in currency conversion. This free app supports all European currencies, and it updates exchange rates in real-time. If you can’t get a signal, it will even work offline, using recently cached rates to give you an estimate. You can track specific currencies so that you only see the conversions you need.

Wise

If you want to skip foreign transaction fees, use Wise. You can connect your US bank to the Wise app and spend with foreign currencies at low exchange rates. However, the Wise debit card is the real gamechanger. You can load the debit card with euros and spend just like a local.

Splitwise

If you’re traveling with a large group, Splitwise makes money management easy. Whenever one member of the group pays for something (hotels, meals, tickets, etc.), simply upload the expense to the Splitwise app, and it will automatically calculate who owes what. With Splitwise, you can settle finances easily and transparently so that no one gets stuck with the bill.

Get ready for your trip to Europe!

With some careful planning, you can take advantage of everything Europe has to offer! For example, take a look at our Europe packing list to remember everything you’ll need during your trip. Also, set up your Saily eSIM app before you leave so that you can get connected as soon as you arrive. That way, you’ll have affordable, reliable data coverage for all the other Europe travel apps that you’ll need. Bon voyage!