A practical guide to reaching brilliant campsites by train, bus and ferry — no car required.
You don't need a car to have an incredible camping trip in Europe. With the right planning — and the right campsites — trains, buses and even bikes can get you to some of the best pitches on the continent, often more relaxed than driving.
Most people pick a campsite, then work out how to get there. For a car-free trip, it works better the other way round: start from the rail and bus network, then choose a campsite that sits well within it.
That's exactly why every campsite on GoCastra shows its nearest station and airport, a transport rating, and real step-by-step directions rather than just a distance in kilometres. Filter for places with a good rating first, and the rest of the trip falls into place a lot more easily.
Switzerland is the gold standard — many campsites sit directly next to a train station or lake ferry stop, and the rail network is dense enough to reach even fairly remote valleys.
The Netherlands is close behind, thanks to flat terrain and one of the best cycling networks anywhere — plenty of campsites are set up specifically for walking and cycling holidays rather than car touring.
France's river valleys, especially the Dordogne and the Loire, have campsites strung along train lines and are made for exactly this kind of trip.
Italy works well too, particularly along the coast and around the northern lakes — regional trains run close to many popular campsite areas, including the Lake Garda region.
Rail and bus travel usually costs less per day than running a car once you factor out fuel, tolls, parking and insurance — especially if you book regional tickets or a multi-day rail pass in advance.
Skip the heavy kit—many popular campsites let you rent tents, mattresses and cooking gear on arrival, so you can travel light with just a backpack.
The main adjustment from car camping is size and weight — look for compact, packable gear, and don't be afraid to leave the bulkier kit at home if the campsite offers rentals.
A trolley or wheeled duffel makes the last stretch — the walk from station to site — far more manageable than a traditional backpack once you're carrying camping gear.
Every campsite on GoCastra shows its real transport options, not just a distance on a map.
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