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 Plan your Europe trip itinerary with Interrail

Europe’s rail network is legendary for its reach, speed, and scenery—making train travel the most immersive way to explore the continent. With an Interrail Pass, you can crisscross borders, hop between iconic cities, and experience everything from high-speed dashes to slow, scenic rides—all with a single ticket. Whether you’re plotting a whirlwind city tour or a slow journey through the Alps, this guide breaks down the top Interrail itineraries, must-ride routes, and practical tips to help you craft your perfect European adventure.

Top scenic and city-to-city routes in your Interrail Pass

Scenic Route: Glacier Express (Switzerland) – St. Moritz to Zermatt

The Glacier Express is famed as the “slowest express train in the world,” winding through the Swiss Alps over 291 bridges and 91 tunnels. Panoramic windows reveal the Rhine Gorge, soaring viaducts, and snow-capped peaks. Duration: ~8 hours. Reservation required.

Scenic Route: West Highland Line (Scotland) – Glasgow to Mallaig

This legendary Scottish route passes lochs, moors, and the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct (of Harry Potter fame). Expect wild landscapes, Ben Nevis views, and a dramatic finish at the North Sea. Duration: ~5.5 hours. No reservation needed on ScotRail.

City-to-City: Paris to Nice (France)

Travel from the French capital to the Riviera in under 6 hours on the TGV Méditerranée. Watch the scenery shift from Parisian suburbs to lavender fields and the sparkling Mediterranean. Reservation required for TGV.

City-to-City: Berlin to Prague (Germany–Czech Republic)

This EuroCity route hugs the Elbe River, passing castles, sandstone cliffs, and charming towns. It’s a favorite for both scenery and speed, connecting two cultural capitals in just over 4 hours. No reservation required.

City-to-City: Amsterdam to Berlin (Netherlands–Germany)

Hop on a direct Intercity or ICE train for a comfortable, fast journey between these two vibrant cities. Expect modern amenities, frequent departures, and a smooth ride through the heart of Europe.

Plan your route with Interrail

Single-country itineraries
Multi-country itineraries

Italy 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Rome to Florence (Frecciarossa, 1.5h). Explore Florence’s Renaissance treasures and riverside charm. 

Day 2: Florence to Milan (Frecciarossa, 2h). Visit the Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and Sforza Castle. 

Day 3: Milan to Venice (Frecciarossa, 2.5h). Glide into Venice’s canals, St. Mark’s Basilica, and Doge’s Palace. 

Day 4: Venice to La Spezia (4h, with transfer). Use regional trains to explore Cinque Terre’s cliffside villages. 

Day 5: La Spezia to Rome (4h). Return to Rome for a final day of ancient history and vibrant piazzas.

France 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Paris to Lyon (TGV, 2h). Discover Lyon’s old town and culinary scene. 

Day 2: Lyon to Avignon (TGV, 1h). Explore the Papal Palace and medieval bridges. 

Day 3: Avignon to Nice (TGV, 3h). Arrive on the Côte d’Azur for beachside relaxation. 

Day 4: Nice to Marseille (TER, 2.5h). Wander Marseille’s old port and vibrant markets. 

Day 5: Marseille to Paris (TGV, 3h). Return to Paris for a final evening by the Seine.

Germany 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Berlin to Hamburg (ICE, 1.5h). Explore Hamburg’s harbor and Speicherstadt. 

Day 2: Hamburg to Cologne (ICE, 4h). Visit the Cologne Cathedral and Rhine promenade. 

Day 3: Cologne to Munich (ICE, 4.5h). Enjoy Munich’s beer gardens and historic center. 

Day 4: Munich to Nuremberg (ICE, 1h). Discover Nuremberg’s castle and medieval streets. 

Day 5: Nuremberg to Berlin (ICE, 3h). Return to Berlin for museums and nightlife.

Classic Western Europe (10 Days)

Day 1: London to Paris (Eurostar, 2.5h). 

Day 2: Paris to Brussels (Thalys, 1.5h). 

Day 3: Brussels to Amsterdam (Thalys/IC, 2h). 

Day 4: Amsterdam to Berlin (ICE, 6h). 

Day 5: Berlin to Prague (EC, 4.5h). 

Day 6: Prague to Vienna (Railjet, 4h). 

Day 7: Vienna to Budapest (Railjet, 2.5h). 

Day 8: Budapest to Salzburg (Railjet, 5h). 

Day 9: Salzburg to Zurich (Railjet, 5.5h). 

Day 10: Zurich to Milan (EC, 3.5h).

Mediterranean Explorer (7 Days)

Day 1: Barcelona to Marseille (TGV, 4.5h). 

Day 2: Marseille to Nice (TER, 2.5h). 

Day 3: Nice to Genoa (Thello/IC, 3h). 

Day 4: Genoa to Florence (IC, 3h). 

Day 5: Florence to Rome (Frecciarossa, 1.5h). 

Day 6: Rome to Naples (Frecciarossa, 1h). 

Day 7: Naples to Bari (IC, 3.5h).

























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Frequently asked questions about Interrail itineraries

How many countries can I visit with an Interrail Pass?

With an Interrail Global Pass, you can travel across 33 European countries, from Portugal to Turkey and Norway to Greece, using a single ticket.

Do I need to reserve seats for every train?

No, seat reservations are only required for high-speed, night, and some international trains. Most regional and intercity trains let you hop on with your pass—no reservation needed.

Can I plan my itinerary as I go, or do I need to pre-book everything?

Interrail is designed for flexibility. You can plan in advance or decide on the fly, but it’s smart to reserve seats early for popular routes, especially in summer.

Are scenic trains like the Glacier Express included

Yes, the route is covered by your pass, but you’ll need to pay a separate reservation fee for panoramic trains like the Glacier Express or Bernina Express.

What’s the best way to plan an Interrail route

Start by listing your must-see cities and regions, then use the Interrail Rail Planner app or official timetable to map connections. Consider mixing city hops with scenic rides for the best experience.

Can I use my Interrail Pass for airport transfers

Some airport trains are included (like Amsterdam Schiphol to Centraal), but others (like Paris RER or London Heathrow Express) are not. Always check the coverage for your arrival city.

Is it better to travel with a continuous or flexi pass?

If you plan to travel almost every day, a continuous pass offers unlimited travel. For a slower pace with rest days, a flexi pass lets you choose specific travel days within a set period.

How far in advance should I book reservations?

For high-speed and night trains, book as soon as your dates are set—up to 2–3 months ahead in peak season. For regional trains, reservations are rarely needed.

Can I change my itinerary after starting my trip?

Absolutely. Interrail is built for spontaneous travel. Just make sure to adjust any reservations if you change plans, and keep your pass and travel days updated in the app.

Are there any routes or countries not covered by Interrail?

Most major national railways are included, but some private lines, scenic tourist trains, and urban metros are not. Always check the Interrail coverage map for details before you travel.