Take the bus Despite the longer journeys if you are serious about travelling without flying, then buses are not to be overlooked as a good form of sustainable travel. If you are looking for the cheapest way to travel and don't mind a bit more space confinement, then you can also take a bus to reach your destination.

The cheapest way to travel long distances without flying in 2026 is generally by intercity bus (such as FlixBus or Greyhound) or by utilizing flexible rail passes like Eurail or Interrail. Buses often provide the lowest base fares, frequently undercutting even budget airlines for regional travel, though they take significantly longer. For those crossing oceans, "repositioning cruises"—where cruise lines move their ships seasonally between regions—offer a unique, low-cost way to travel between continents for a fraction of the standard cruise price. Another ultra-budget option is ride-sharing apps (like BlaBlaCar) that connect travelers with drivers already heading in the same direction. For the most adventurous, "Find a Crew" platforms allow people to hitch rides on private sailboats in exchange for labor. While these "slow travel" methods require more time and logistical planning than a flight, they offer a much lower cost per mile and a significantly smaller carbon footprint, making them the gold standard for budget-conscious and eco-friendly travelers.