Table of Contents
Introduction
If you’re travelling to London and keen to take a day trip to Europe from London or you want to explore another European country, then this is the right post for you. I’m about to share with you 10 amazing European day trips from London. So, if you are looking for where to fly for a day trip from London? Then keep on reading.
One amazing thing about living in London is how easy it is to explore the rest of Europe. With the budget airlines (mainly Ryanair, Wizzair and EasyJet), a budget National Express, and early morning flights, you can literally have breakfast in London and have lunch and dinner in another country in just one day!
Day trips around Europe are so fun because one they save costs and it also allows you to have a taste of a new country without the financial burden. Now don’t get me wrong Weekend trips are also fun, but sometimes all you need is one perfect day to get a taste of a country. Here are ten European day trips from London I’ve done myself, some solo, and many with a big travel group of people. I also have guides below with each country I have done a day trip so if you are looking for where to fly for a day trip from London then I have got you covered.
Related Post: 5 Amazing Underrated Destinations For Black Women to Visit Solo and Day Trips from London: 8 BEST Places to Visit in the UK
Key Tips for Day Trips from London to Europe
Before we jump into the day trips around Europe wagon, and where to fly for a day trip from London. Here are my top MBV Day trip tips to make your day trip smooth and enjoyable:
- Book the first flight out & last flight back – So you ideally want to get a flight before 7 am, the latest. And then the last flight at around 9/10 pm. That way, you’ll maximise your time in the city and avoid feeling rushed.
- Travel light (hand luggage only, a small bag) – Security is quicker, and you can move freely without waiting for bags.
- Pre-book airport transport – Especially for early flights from Stansted, Gatwick, or Luton don’t rely on last-minute trains or Ubers. If you live in London, it’s easier, you can book the National Express.
- Plan 1 or 2 key attractions – Focus on a couple of must-sees instead of cramming everything; travelling around Europe should be enjoyable and not exhausting.
- Download offline maps & tickets – Wi-Fi can be spotty, and having everything ready keeps things stress-free. Download Airalo below.
- Check passport & ID requirements – Even for EU trips, make sure your passport is valid and consider e-gates for quicker entry.
- Mindful of time and delays – You will have to be mindful of delays with flights as it does happen sometimes a day trip can end up being a one night stay if your flight is cancelled. Please make sure you have travel insurance to not be left empty handed. You can get via SafetyWing here.
Now lets get into a few of my favourite European day trips from London. You will see that most of these destinations are less than two hours, which is why they work perfectly as a day trip to Europe from London.
1. Dublin, Ireland
Dublin is buzzing with energy, full of colourful streets, traditional pubs, and lots of history. I was able to get a coach with GoAirCoach from the airport into the city, which wasn’t too expensive. You can spend the day hopping between the Temple Bar area, exploring Dublin Castle, and, of course, tasting a pint of Guinness at the Guinness Storehouse. Looking for a guide, read it here.
MBV Solo Tip: Dublin is a super friendly city, which makes it ideal for solo travellers. Chat to locals at the bar they’re usually happy to share recommendations and a story or two!
How to get there:
- Flight time: ~1 hour from London Stansted
- Airlines: Ryanair, Aer Lingus
2. Berlin, Germany
Berlin was actually my first solo trip that I did abroad and loved! The city is rich in history, art, and modern culture. You can easily walk along the East Side Gallery to see the remaining Berlin Wall, take in Brandenburg Gate, and stop by Museum Island if you’re a culture lover. You can read my full guide here.
MBV Solo Tip: Join a free walking tour! They’re perfect for learning the city’s history and meeting other travellers without committing to a group trip.
How to get there:
- Flight time: ~1 hr 50 mins
- Airlines: British Airways, EasyJet, Ryanair
3. Prague, Czechia
If you love fairytale cities, Prague is pure magic. Stroll across the Charles Bridge, explore the Old Town Square, and watch the Astronomical Clock strike the hour. You can read the full guide here.
How to get there:
- Flight time: ~2 hours
- Airlines: Ryanair, EasyJet
4. Bologna, Italy
Bologna is foodie heaven. Bologna is the capital and largest city of the Emilia-Romagna region in Northern Italy and one of those day trips from London you will love. It is one of the seventh most populous city in Italy. It is known for its iconic porticos and authentic pasta, it’s a quieter Italian city that feels like a secret gem. I spent my day enjoying tagliatelle al ragù (aka real Bolognese) and wandering cobbled streets. You can read guide here.
How to get there:
- Flight time: ~2 hours
- Airlines: Ryanair, British Airways
5. Gdansk, Poland
Gdansk is a beautiful city and easily falls under the day trips memo. I went to Poland during the Christmas season and it was an affordable European city with so much history. Gdańsk is a city located on the shores of the Baltic Sea, in northern Poland. It’s Poland’s principal seaport and one of the country’s most prominent tourist destinations, and once you spend even a day wandering its streets, it’s easy to see why. You can spend your day exploring the Main Market Square and the charming streets of the Old Town. You can read full guide here.
How to get there:
- Flight time: ~2 hrs 30 mins
- Airlines: Ryanair, Wizz Air
6. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is effortlessly cool. The city is probably best known for Nyhavn, the colourful 17th-century harbour lined with brightly painted townhouses, boats, and waterside restaurants; it’s one of the most photographed spots in the city, and for good reason. From there, it’s easy to explore on foot or by bike, since Copenhagen is famously one of the most cycle-friendly cities anywhere, with dedicated bike lanes running through almost every streets. Read the full guide here.
How to get there:
- Flight time: ~1 hr 50 mins
- Airlines: Ryanair, EasyJet, SAS
7. Oslo, Norway
Oslo is the capital of and most populous city in Norway. It was known as Kristiania from 1877 to 1925 when its original Norwegian name was restored. Oslo is now known to be the economic and governmental centre of Norway. Oslo is perfect for a quick city break that combines nature and culture. Explore the Oslo Opera House, stroll along the waterfront, and check out the Viking Ship Museum for some history. To make the most of your day in Oslo I would suggest using the city’s extensive and efficient public transportation system.You can read your full guide here.
How to get there:
- Flight time: ~2 hrs 10 mins
- Airlines: Ryanair, Norwegian Air, SAS
8. Venice, Italy
Venice is unlike anywhere else in Europe and I can’t believe it took me so long to get there. The city is built across more than 100 small islands and connected entirely by canals and bridges instead of roads. There are no cars in this historic centre, so the whole city feels timeless. You can easily spend the day on a food tour, wander St Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace, and finish with photos along the canals as the light changes. You can read my full guide here.
How to get there:
- Flight time: ~2 hours
- Airlines: Ryanair, British Airways, EasyJet
9. Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
Luxembourg City is one of the most underrated day trips from London in my opinion, it’s a relatively small country (one of the smallest in Europe), walkable, and almost everything (transport included) is free. You can do it for one night which I did last year or you can do it as a day trip. In one day you can cover Notre Dame Cathedral, the Corniche for skyline views, the free panoramic elevator down to Grund, and still have time for cake and chocolate before dinner. You can read my full guide here.
How to get there:
- Flight time: ~1 hr 15 mins
- Airlines: Ryanair
10. Rome, Italy
Rome in a day sounds ambitious, but it’s genuinely doable, especially if you anchor the morning with a food tour. I did mine with Secret Food Tours Rome, a small group tour (max 4 people) that takes you to the neighbourhood bars, family run bakeries, and cheese shops Romans actually use. I had espresso in 45 seconds, a cheese and cured-meats spread before 11am, supplì and pizza by the slice, and a Cacio e Pepe that’ll ruin all other pasta for you. After that, it’s just a case of hitting the icons: the Colosseum (a world wonder), Trevi Fountain, and finishing the day in Vatican City. You can read my full Rome guide here.
How to get there:
- Flight time: ~2 hrs ish…
- Airlines: Ryanair
Other Resources and Tools for European Day Trips
If you are doing a day trip to Europe from London there will be a few tools resources you will need here is a few lists below:
- My Instagram and TikTok have quick reels and specifics of my visit to all the days trips around Europe I have done.
- Always carry some cash, for smaller businesses they use Euros, just be sure to have XE to know the daily exchange rates.
- Before going to any of these countries, I recommend visiting the Foreign Advice Page for U.K. travellers. Check if you need visas here.
- Book with Viator or Get Your Guide if you want specific tours for any European day trips. Please read the reviews before booking!
- I used Airlo, an e-SIM card, for data. You can purchase it here and use the code ADEBOL5279.
- Check out my solo travel hub for tips on how to travel – Solo Travel Tips & Inspiration
Final Views on European Day Trips
And there you have it, 10 amazing European day trips from London. So, if you are looking for where to fly for a day trip from London? Here it is. London really is the ultimate travel hub for Europe. You could easily plan a trip to a neighbouring country that’s less than 2 hours away.
If you don’t mind using London as your base. You will have a selection of European Day trips to choose from. Europe is at your fingertips. From the lively pubs of Dublin to the dreamy canals of Copenhagen and the reflective calm of Oslo, these day trips around Europe prove you don’t need weeks off to have one or two European day trips adventures.
If you enjoyed this post, please don’t forget to subscribe to the blog. And if you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask via Instagram. If you’re ready to start your solo journey, my 5 Day Solo Travel Challenge will give you the confidence and tips you need to book your first adventure!
Speak soon,
MBV X
