A Beginner's Guide to Interrailing Across Europe

Are you tempted by the idea of exploring new places but think it will cost a fortune? Interrail offers affordable travel across Europe. Discover the treasures of Europe for a fraction of the price.

The Interrail program lets you travel by train to multiple destinations for a very reasonable price. Its biggest advantage is flexibility. You plan everything yourself; no one cares if you travel through one country or five in five days. It’s a great way to explore multiple places at once without spending a fortune. You gain the freedom to visit countries you’ve always dreamed of and add a little extra.

Another perk is the comfort trains provide on long routes. Spending seven hours on a train is much better than the same time squeezed into a bus seat. Train travel is also a more economical and eco-friendly option.

Ticket Options: There’s Something for Everyone

When it comes to choosing tickets, it depends on how many countries you want to visit. There are two options:

• If you only want to visit one country, the Interrail One Country Pass is ideal. The official Interrail website lists all the places you can see with this pass, which covers 30 European countries. With the One Country Pass, you can explore your dream destination from small villages to major tourist attractions, giving you a real feel for local culture.
• If your heart is set on multiple places, don’t worry. The Global Pass lets you visit as many countries as you can manage. It offers longer validity periods, so you won’t feel rushed while exploring Europe. The Global Pass allows travel in three additional countries not included in the One Country Pass: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Luxembourg, and Montenegro. Interrail also offers flexibility: you can travel a few days a month or explore new places continuously for several days.

Ticket Prices

The prices for Interrail tickets vary depending on the type of pass and destination. For the One Country Pass, the cost is influenced by your chosen destination. For example, in Norway, the cheapest ticket for three days costs EUR 167, while the most expensive option, offering eight days of travel, is EUR 275. In contrast, for Serbia, a three-day pass costs EUR 58, and the most expensive pass is EUR 129, which is still less than the starting price for Norway. Generally, less tourist-heavy destinations are more affordable.

For the Global Pass, travelers can choose between passes that allow a set number of travel days per month or continuous travel over a specific period. If you opt for a set number of days, prices begin at EUR 212 for four travel days within a month, increasing to EUR 239 for five days, EUR 286 for seven days, EUR 335 for ten days (usable over two months), and EUR 415 for 15 days (also valid over two months). For those who prefer continuous travel, the cheapest option is a 15-day pass for EUR 357. The price rises to EUR 440 for 20 days, EUR 522 for one month, EUR 620 for two months, and EUR 717 for the longest option, which allows unlimited travel for three months.

Interrail is 25% off until December 17th! (Interrail is a magical ticket that lets you take most trains in Europe for a daily rate. I've travelled 1000s of km like this for work & fun & basically the whole thing makes me feel warm and fuzzy, for all your plane-free travel needs) //t.co/trRDTOKk5U

— Tereza Jarníková (@tjarnikova) December 5, 2024

Itinerary: How to Plan Your Trip? Interrail’s Website Makes It Easy

Now let’s move on to planning your trip. The choice of destination is entirely yours. The official website offers plenty of tips for interesting places to visit. You’ll find suggestions for major landmarks and hidden gems that regular tourists might not see. Recommendations cover everything from cities to natural wonders. The site also shows you how much time you’ll spend traveling, which countries you’ll cross, and what tickets you’ll need. If you’re not a fan of planning or just need inspiration, you’ll find answers here.

Interrail also offers a map-based planning tool. Start by selecting your first stop, then add additional destinations where you’d like to stay. Before adding a city to your itinerary, specify how many nights you’ll spend there. This helps you instantly find the best ticket option for your trip and its price.

Seat Reservations: How to Book and Avoid Unnecessary Fees?

You’ve chosen your ticket; now it’s time to reserve your seat. Not all trains allow reservations, but some trains sell out very quickly. Interrail provides a simple guide to booking:

1. Log into your account.
2. Plan your trip and enter the number of passengers.
3. Search for the train you want to use.
4. Add the seat to your cart and reserve it.

Not all trains require seat reservations. You can also travel using regional trains, where a seat reservation costs no extra fee.

Packing Smart: What to Take and What to Leave Behind

Let’s be honest: when you want to visit as many places as possible, a suitcase isn’t the ideal choice. A larger backpack is more practical. If you’re only traveling for a few days, you’ll need just the basics: a toothbrush, toothpaste, underwear, clothing, and any necessary medications. The goal is to keep your luggage as light as possible since you’ll be carrying it around all day.

For longer trips, you’ll naturally need more clothing. However, remember that laundromats are available worldwide, or you can use the washing machines at your accommodation. A towel is unnecessary, as most accommodations provide one for free. It’s a good idea to bring a refillable water bottle to avoid excessive spending on bottled water. Essentials like a phone charger and travel documents are, of course, a must.

What to Visit in Each Location

The Interrail website helps you maximize your journey by providing pre-planned itinerary suggestions. These show which locations are traditional must-sees and what hidden gems tourists often miss. You’ll find the best-kept treasures of each destination.

Source: Interrail.cz; Interrail.eu