Russians Flock to Sarajevo and Bucharest as Europe Travel Costs Soar
Travelling to Europe has become more complicated and costly for Russians in recent years. With direct flights suspended, many now take longer routes through cities like Istanbul or Belgrade. Despite the challenges, budget-friendly destinations like Sarajevo and Bucharest remain popular for short breaks. A weekend trip to Sarajevo now costs around 24,000 rubles, making it the cheapest European destination for Russians. A cup of coffee there is about 170 rubles, while a bus ticket runs 242 rubles. A 48-hour transit pass is 580 rubles, and the city’s main art gallery charges no admission fee.
Other affordable cities include Bucharest, Tirana, Belgrade, and Trenčín, where a short visit rarely exceeds 30,000 rubles. Meanwhile, Scandinavian capitals are far pricier—roughly three times the cost of Eastern European stops. A three-course meal in Stockholm or Oslo can top 17,000 rubles, compared to about 6,000 rubles in Sarajevo or Belgrade. For longer holidays, popular spots like Spain, Italy, and Greece still draw Russian tourists. A full 7–10 day trip now averages 200,000–250,000 rubles. Lisbon, however, has fallen in the rankings after a 22% price increase for short stays, dropping from fifth to sixteenth place.
Russians now face higher travel costs and detours due to suspended direct flights. Budget-friendly cities in Eastern Europe offer cheaper alternatives, while longer trips to Western Europe remain expensive. The shift in prices and routes continues to shape where people choose to go.
