Being able to save the most vacation time possible by avoiding destinations where you have lengthy waits in airports or queues for popular attractions can significantly improve a trip abroad. A new study conducted by the car rental company Avis has uncovered the European cities where tourists waste the most and least of their holiday time.

Avis examined multiple factors to determine the most and least time-efficient European cities, including open data from Skytrax (the international air transport rating organisation), the average journey time from the airport to the city centre and mobile Internet speeds.

The study also analysed over 3.29 million Tripadvisor reviews, monitoring for keywords such as “queues” and “waiting times”, to determine how busy each city’s top three attractions were. These 5 cities have been crowned the most time-efficient in Europe.

Save Most Vacation Time In Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

Avis’ top city for saving vacation time is Luxembourg City, scoring 92.3 out of 100. Built on the foundations of a 15th-century fortress, what makes Luxembourg efficient is its short airport-to-city centre journey, which lasts only 12 minutes, its highly efficient public transportation system and the lowest Tripadvisor Queue Score in Avis’ study. For visitors wanting to spend as little time in queues as possible, this is the perfect spot for a weekend getaway.

Visit Vilnius, Lithuania, For A Back-To-Nature Trip

Ranking as the second highest-scoring destination, with a score of 70.9 out of 100, Vilnius combines beauty with convenience. The city’s low-traffic airport and short journey from the airport to the city centre (19 minutes) make it easy for travelers to explore.

Vilnius promises a memorable experience for those looking to immerse themselves in another culture without the hassle of long commutes or delays. As one of the greenest capitals in Europe, with an impressive 61% of its landscape blanketed in grass and plants, Vilnius offers visitors a refreshing, back-to-nature trip.

Enjoy Cultural Gems In Stuttgart, Germany

Lying in the picturesque Neckar Valley, Stuttgart has been recognised as the third top time-saving destination in the study. Scoring 3.5/5 for its airport waiting times and one of the lowest TripAdvisor Queue Scores, this German city is an ideal destination for those seeking a time-efficient travel experience. Visitors to Stuttgart can enjoy the city’s lush vineyards and world-renowned automotive museums (Mercedes-Benz and Porsche) alongside cultural landmarks such as the Stuttgart Opera House.

Immerse Yourself In History In Zagreb, Croatia

The fourth on Avis’ list is Croatia’s capital, Zagreb. According to the study, visitors to Zagreb can enjoy its popular attractions with minimal delays. The city’s main gateway, Franjo Tuđman Airport, stands out as one of the least crowded in Europe, handling just 3.7 million passengers annually, making it an efficient entry point for travellers. The city is also a magnet for history lovers, its mediaeval architecture and cobblestone streets transporting visitors back in time.

Indulge In Local Food In Lyon, France

Ranking fifth on Avis’ index is Lyon, the culinary heart of France and a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts. With a well-connected public transport network and an average airport-to-city centre journey time of 29 minutes, visitors can easily immerse themselves in the rich culinary and cultural offerings of Lyon with minimal hassle. Renowned for its bouchons (traditional restaurants offering hearty, authentic cuisine), Lyon is a paradise for gastronomes and one of the destinations in Europe where travelers save most vacation time.