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Interrail Pass in a nutshell
The Interrail Pass is the ultimate all-in-one ticket for European residents to explore the continent’s vast rail network. Offering seamless access to over 33 countries and 40,000 destinations, it allows travelers to hop on and off trains across major carriers, high-speed lines, and scenic routes. With a digital-first approach via the Rail Planner app, it provides unparalleled freedom and convenience.
- Global eligibility for European residents: The Interrail Pass is exclusively available to citizens and official residents of European countries, serving as the local alternative to the Eurail Pass. Whether you are a resident of the UK, Switzerland, or any EU nation, this pass allows you to journey across borders effortlessly, provided you have lived in Europe for at least six months.
- Flexible validity and activation windows: Travelers enjoy an extended 11-month window to activate their pass after purchase, making it ideal for early bird planners. Once active, validity periods are highly versatile, ranging from a quick four-day getaway within a month to a comprehensive three-month continuous rail odyssey, ensuring every itinerary, no matter the length, is fully covered.
- Versatile global and one-country passes: Travelers can choose the Global Pass for multi-country adventures or the One-Country Pass for deep dives into specific regions like Italy or Switzerland. You can further customize your journey by selecting a Flexi Pass for occasional travel days or a Continuous Pass for those who plan to ride the rails every single day.
- First and second class options: Travelers can opt for budget-friendly second-class seats or upgrade to first-class for enhanced comfort and luxury. First-class pass holders enjoy more spacious seating, quieter environments, and exclusive access to premium station lounges in countries like Austria and Spain, while second-class remains the classic, social choice for most backpackers and explorers.
Why is Interrail better than buying point-to-point tickets?
You get ultimate flexibility for spontaneous travel
Change your plans on a whim—hop off in a charming town or take a detour—without penalty or the need to buy new tickets.
You can save big on multi-country adventures
If you’re crossing borders or riding high-speed trains, the pass can save you hundreds compared to buying each ticket separately.
You get unlimited long travel days
With a continuous pass, you can ride as many trains as you want each day—perfect for ambitious itineraries or last-minute day trips.
You get to travel without hassles
Manage your journeys in a single app, avoid language barriers at ticket counters, and skip the stress of figuring out local fare systems.
When do Point-to-Point tickets make sense?
You're on a very short trip
If you’re only visiting one country or taking just a few train rides, buying individual tickets—especially booked in advance—can be cheaper.
You have a fixed itinerary, booked months ahead
Travelers with a set schedule who book tickets early can snag deep discounts on point-to-point fares, sometimes undercutting the pass.
You are mostly traveling on regional trains
Regional trains are often inexpensive and don’t require reservations, so a pass may not offer significant savings for slow-paced, local travel.
You have low-cost bus or flight alternatives
On some routes, buses or budget airlines can be cheaper than both the pass and regular train tickets, especially for long distances with little sightseeing en route.
Types of Interrail Passes