Historic and bustling cities like Rome and Berlin, sunny beaches, small mountain villages, delicious street food, different cultures and languages... Who doesn’t dream of a trip around Europe?
It might seem too expensive to youbut have you ever thought about exploring Europe by train? Interrail and Eurail give you endless possibilities to discover every corner of the continent – on a budget! With only one train ticket, you can hop on almost every train in Europe and travel from Stockholm to Barcelona and from Paris to Prague. Together with friends or alone, you will make memorable experiences and meet locals and fellow travellers from around the world. It will be for sure an adventure of a lifetime.
Quick Q&A
What is the difference between Interrail and Eurail?
Interrail Passes are for European residents only. But non-residents can purchase a Eurail Pass, which works the same way.
How does it work?
First things first, you need to pick a pass that fits your plans. There are two options: TheGlobal Pass, which allows you to travel in 30 European countries and the One Country Pass, which covers one single country. Eurail travellers have a third choice, the Select Pass, a combination of up to four bordering countries.
Prices depend on the period of validity and whether you choose first or second class.There are special prices for young people under 27, seniors and families travelling with children. Passes can be purchased online or in bigger European train stations.
Note that you might need to pay a fee for seat reservation in high speed or night trains. Also, you can’t use the Interrail ticket in your country of residence.
More detailed explanations on how to use the pass can be found on www.interrail.eu or www.eurail.com.
The perfect route?
There is no such thing as a perfect route. You can find endless inspiration on the Internet but choose your unique itinerary, prioritise and visit places you always wanted to see.
Why you should interrail
Interrail is a good money saver. You can take as many trains as you want with just one ticket. Even if you take a fast train and need to reserve a seat, train travelling will be cheaper than taking the plane. Furthermore, you don’t need to arrive in advance at the station, there is no check-in and if you miss a train, you simply take the next one.Unlike airports, train stations are mostly located in the city centre.
Interrail gives you a lot of freedom. Of course, you can plan the whole trip in advance but you don’t need to. The train ticket gives you enough flexibility to change your plans spontaneously. If you are on your way from Avignon to Genoa but want to stop in Cannes, why not, just hop off the train and enjoy the Côte d’Azur. You decide where the journey takes you!
You meet like-minded people from all over the world along the way. You can explore the place together, party all night long, have good conversations, exchange about your experiences or even continue your Interrail adventure together.
General Tips
Download the free Rail Planner App to look up train times. It works offline and is a good tool to plan your journey and shows you trains which do not require a seat reservation.
Pack lightly. Whether you take a backpack or a suitcase, remember that you have to carry your luggage a lot of the time. Good and comfortable shoes are also essential as you walk around a lot. You won’t enjoy your trip with an aching back and blisters on your feet.
Save money. It certainly depends on how you want to spend your trip, but if you are on a budget there are many options to keep travel costs low. Check out websites like Airbnb, Hostelworld or Couchsurfing for cheap accommodation. Most hostels have a kitchen free to use. Buy your own food in a local supermarket and cook a delicious meal with your fellow travellers, rather than eating out.Take free walking tours. These tours are offered in almost every major city by locals which show you the highlights of their homes and teach you about their cultures. It’s also a good way to meet new people.
Don’t be afraid that you lose time while being on the train. The train rides are part of the journey, offer you the most spectacular views and give you a lot of time to relax. Sit back and enjoy!
Don’t rush. Take your time. The aim is not to see as many places as possible. If you want to stay longer than planned in one place, do it.
Taking the train is for sure one of the best ways to explore Europe. Enjoying the breath-taking landscapes and places Europe has to offer while staying flexible in your planning makes Interrail unique. So, what’s left to say: Go for it. You won’t regret it!