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Who Should Buy the Interrail Pass? | Best Traveler Types

The Interrail Pass is Europe’s answer to seamless, flexible, and cost-effective train travel for residents of European countries. Whether you’re a student on a summer break, a family planning a cross-country adventure, or a retiree seeking scenic journeys, the Interrail Pass lets you explore up to 33 countries with one ticket. It’s designed for all ages and travel styles—backpackers, couples, and families alike—making it easy to hop between cities, discover hidden gems, and avoid the hassle of buying separate tickets. In this guide, you’ll find out exactly who should buy the Interrail Pass, how it fits different travel personas, and tips to get the most value from your journey.

Who is Interrail Pass best for?

Young adults and students

If you’re under 28 and eager to explore Europe on a budget, the Interrail Pass offers generous youth discounts and unmatched flexibility. You can plan spontaneous trips, meet fellow travelers, and save on long-distance routes, all while enjoying the freedom to change your plans on the go.

Families with children

Families benefit from the Interrail Pass thanks to the “Kids travel free” policy—up to two children under 12 travel free per adult. The pass simplifies logistics, avoids ticket queues, and lets you adjust your itinerary as you go, making it ideal for stress-free family adventures.

Seniors and retirees

For travelers over 60, the Interrail Pass offers senior discounts and the comfort of first-class options. It’s perfect for leisurely, scenic journeys, allowing you to travel at your own pace, enjoy panoramic routes, and avoid the hassle of airport security or driving.

Adventure seekers and nature lovers

If you crave off-the-beaten-path destinations, mountain excursions, or scenic railways, the Interrail Pass covers countless routes—like the Glacier Express or Norway’s fjord lines. It’s the go-to choice for those who want to combine city-hopping with outdoor adventures across Europe.

Different travel styles, one Interrail Pass

Families
Solo explorers
Couples and nature lovers
Adventure or sports enthusiasts

Who is it for? Families with children who want a hassle-free way to explore Europe together. 

Ideal pass recommendation: Interrail Global Pass (Family option) 

Validity options available: 4, 5, 7, 10, or 15 travel days in 1 or 2 months; continuous options up to 3 months 

Why choose this: 

  • Kids under 12 travel free (up to 2 per adult), making it budget-friendly for larger families. 
  • The pass covers high-speed, scenic, and regional trains, so you can mix city sightseeing with nature trips. 
  • Flexible travel days mean you can rest or explore at your own pace without wasting value. 

Smart strategy: 

  • Use travel days for long-distance legs and local tickets for short city trips. 
  • Plan scenic routes like Switzerland’s Bernina Express or Scotland’s West Highland Line for memorable family moments. 
  • Book family compartments on night trains for comfort and privacy. 

Must-experience train routes: 

  • Glacier Express (Switzerland) 
  • West Highland Line (Scotland) 

Sample 5-day itinerary: 

  • Day 1: St. Moritz (Full day): Start in St. Moritz with a relaxed family day. Ride the funicular to Muottas Muragl for gentle panoramic trails, grab hot chocolate at a mountain hut, and let the kids burn energy by the lakeside playgrounds. Early night = happy travelers.
  • Day 2: St. Moritz → Milan (Bernina Express, ~5h): Hop on the Bernina Express for a scenic train ride that feels like a moving postcard—glaciers, lakes, spirals, the works. In Milan, stretch your legs at Sempione Park, visit the castle playgrounds, and enjoy family-friendly pizza in the Brera district.
  • Day 3: Milan (Full day): A full family day in Milan. Check out the Duomo rooftop (kids love the open-air walkways), then head to Leonardo da Vinci’s Science & Technology Museum for interactive, hands-on fun. End with gelato tasting—make it a contest.
  • Day 4: Milan → Venice (Frecciarossa, ~2.5h): Arrive in Venice and keep it light: explore canals, hop across tiny bridges, and take a family gondola ride (kids usually love spotting the narrowest little waterways). Visit Rialto Market for snacks and feed the pigeons—carefully!—in St. Mark’s Square.
  • Day 5: Venice (Full day): Spend your last day island hopping. Take the Vaporetto to colorful Burano (perfect for photos), then head to Murano to watch glass-blowing demonstrations—always a hit with kids. Wind down with cicchetti for adults and gelato round two for the little ones.

Who is it for? Independent travelers, students, or digital nomads seeking flexibility and social connections. 

Ideal pass recommendation: Interrail Global Pass (Youth discount if under 28) 

Validity options available: 4, 5, 7, 10, or 15 travel days in 1 or 2 months; continuous options 

Why choose this: 

  • Youth discounts make the pass highly affordable for students and young adults. 
  • Spontaneous travel is easy—just hop on the next train and change plans as you wish. 
  • Access to a vast network means you can cover major cities and hidden gems without planning every detail. 

Smart strategy: 

  • Use night trains to save on accommodation and maximize sightseeing. 
  • Join Interrail communities or apps to meet fellow travelers for shared journeys. 
  • Take advantage of optional seat reservations for peace of mind on busy routes. 

Must-experience train routes: 

  • Berlin to Prague (Elbe Valley) 
  • Amsterdam to Paris (Thalys high-speed) 

Sample 5-day itinerary: 

  • Day 1: Amsterdam → Berlin (ICE, ~6h): Arrive in Berlin and ease into the city with an evening wander around Friedrichshain or Kreuzberg. Grab dinner at a casual street-food market and, if you’re up for it, catch a low-key nightlife spot—perfect for solo travelers who prefer friendly, mixed-crowd venues.
  • Day 2: Berlin (Full day): Spend the day exploring Berlin’s stories and neighbourhoods. Visit the East Side Gallery, check out Hackescher Markt’s courtyards, or join a free walking tour to meet other travelers. Wrap up with a relaxed drink by the Spree—safe, social, and very Berlin.
  • Day 3: Berlin → Prague (EuroCity, ~4.5h): Settle into Prague’s fairytale energy. Stroll across Charles Bridge, grab dinner in Malá Strana, and wander the cobblestone lanes at your own pace. Prague is incredibly solo-friendly, especially in its cozy cafés and casual jazz bars.
  • Day 4: Prague (Full day): Take your time exploring the Castle district, Letná Park, or the Old Town’s hidden passages. Join a food or brewery tour if you’d like some company. Sunset from Letná’s beer garden is an easy win for solo travelers—great views, great vibe.
  • Day 5: Prague → Vienna (Railjet, ~4h): Arrive in Vienna for a graceful finale. Visit a traditional coffeehouse for people-watching, explore the MuseumsQuartier, or enjoy a classical concert (solo visitors blend right in). It’s a calm, elegant end to a solo rail adventure.

Who is it for? Couples seeking romantic getaways and travelers who want to immerse themselves in Europe’s natural beauty. 

Ideal pass recommendation: Interrail Global Pass (1st class for extra comfort) 

Validity options available: 4, 5, 7, 10, or 15 travel days in 1 or 2 months; continuous options 

Why choose this: 

  • First-class options offer spacious seating and a quieter atmosphere, perfect for couples. 
  • Scenic routes like the GoldenPass Line or Bernina Express are included (with reservation). 
  • Flexibility to linger in charming towns or take spontaneous detours. 

Smart strategy: 

  • Book panoramic trains and reserve window seats for the best views. 
  • Combine train journeys with boat cruises or mountain excursions. 
  • Travel off-peak for more privacy and fewer crowds. 

Must-experience train routes: 

  • GoldenPass Line (Montreux to Zweisimmen) 
  • Flam Railway (Norway) 

Sample 5-day itinerary: 

  • Day 1: Geneva → Montreux (IC, ~1h): Arrive in Montreux and start with an easy lakeside walk. Visit Château de Chillon for castle-by-the-water romance, then end your day with a wine tasting in the Lavaux vineyards—sunset here is pure magic.
  • Day 2: Montreux (Full day): Enjoy a slow, scenic Montreux day. Ride the cogwheel train up to Rochers-de-Naye for sweeping lake views, cuddle up in a hilltop café, and take an evening stroll along the flower-lined promenade.
  • Day 3: Montreux → Lucerne (GoldenPass + Express Mix, ~3h): Travel the panoramic GoldenPass route to Lucerne—glaciers, forests, villages, the whole romantic postcard. Arrive and enjoy a gentle wander across Chapel Bridge and the cobbled Old Town.
  • Day 4: Lucerne (Full day): Make it a mountain day: take the boat-and-rail combo to Mt. Rigi or Pilatus for breathtaking views and quiet, easy walks together. Return to the city for a lakeside dinner and soft-lit evening strolls.
  • Day 5: Lucerne (Full day): Spend your final day soaking in Lucerne’s calm. Browse little boutiques, enjoy a scenic lake cruise, or relax in a spa with alpine views. End with chocolate, sunset, and a slow goodbye to Switzerland.

Who is it for? Travelers who want to combine city-hopping with outdoor activities—hiking, skiing, or cycling. 

Ideal pass recommendation: Interrail Global Pass (Flexi or Continuous, depending on trip length) 

Validity options available: 4, 5, 7, 10, or 15 travel days in 1 or 2 months; continuous options 

Why choose this: 

  • Access to remote regions and national parks, from the Norwegian fjords to the Swiss Alps. 
  • Many trains allow bikes (with supplement), ideal for cycling tours. 
  • The pass covers overnight trains, letting you reach adventure hubs efficiently. 

Smart strategy: 

  • Use travel days for long-haul segments, then rent bikes or use local buses for last-mile access. 
  • Plan trips around major events (like ski season or hiking festivals). 
  • Take advantage of discounted mountain railways for high-altitude adventures. 

Must-experience train routes: 

  • Oslo to Bergen (Norway) 
  • Zurich to Chur (for Swiss Alps) 

Sample 5-day itinerary: 

  • Day 1: Oslo → Bergen (Bergensbanen, ~7h): One of Europe’s great railway journeys drops you straight into fjord country. Spend the afternoon hiking Mount Fløyen or take the tougher route up Mount Ulriken—both give wild views and plenty of space to roam.
  • Day 2: Bergen → Flåm (Flåm Railway, ~2h): Arrive in Flåm, the adventure hub of the fjords. Go kayaking on Aurlandsfjord, tackle the Rallarvegen cycling trail (one of Norway’s best), or hike to Brekkefossen for waterfalls and valley views. Evening by the fjord = perfection.
  • Day 3: Flåm (Full day): Give yourself a full day outdoors. Choose the long-distance Aurlandsdalen hike (legendary, challenging, insanely beautiful) or take a fjord safari for something faster-paced. Great mix of adrenaline + scenery.
  • Day 4: Flåm → Chur (overnight via Oslo/Hamburg): Travel to Switzerland and land in Chur, a quiet alpine base made for hikers. Stretch your legs on the Brambrüesch Plateau or take a gondola up for sunset ridge walks—easy ways to squeeze in movement after a long journey.
  • Day 5: Chur → St. Moritz (Albula Line, ~2h): Ride one of the most scenic alpine lines into St. Moritz and spend the day outside. Hit the Corviglia trails, mountain-bike the flowy Panorama route, or hike up to Lake Staz for peaceful views. Finish with a well-earned lakeside meal.

Tips to make the best of your Interrail Pass

  • Plan your route around long-distance or international journeys to maximize savings per travel day.
  • Use the Interrail app to check train schedules, reservation requirements, and real-time updates.
  • Reserve seats early for popular high-speed or scenic trains, especially in summer or during events.
  • Combine travel days with overnight trains to cover more ground and save on accommodation.
  • Take advantage of free or discounted ferry crossings included with the pass.
  • If traveling with kids, always request the free child pass when booking.
  • Consider first-class for extra comfort, especially on longer journeys or if traveling as a couple.
  • Use local tickets for short city trips or urban transport not covered by the pass.
  • Travel off-peak to avoid crowds and increase your chances of finding unreserved seats.
  •  Always carry your passport or ID, as conductors will check it against your pass.
























Book Interrail Train Passes

Interrail Global Flexible Pass: Choose Any 4 to 15 Days Within 30/60 Days
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
Extended validity
Flexible duration
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Interrail Global Continuous Pass: Choose 15 Days to 3 Months
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
Extended validity
Flexible duration
More details

Frequently asked questions about Interrail Pass

Who is eligible to buy the Interrail Pass?

The Interrail Pass is available to European residents, including citizens and those who have lived in Europe for at least six months. Non-European residents should choose the Eurail Pass instead.

Is the Interrail Pass good for families?

Yes, families benefit from free travel for up to two children under 12 per adult, making it a cost-effective and flexible option for multi-generational trips.

Do I need to reserve seats with the Interrail Pass?

Seat reservations are required for many high-speed, international, and night trains. Regional and local trains usually don’t require reservations, but booking is recommended during peak travel times.

Can seniors get a discount on the Interrail Pass?

Yes, travelers aged 60 and above receive a senior discount on the Interrail Pass, making it a great choice for retirees seeking comfort and value.

What’s the best Interrail Pass for solo travelers?

Solo travelers often choose the Flexi Global Pass for maximum flexibility, allowing them to pick travel days as they go and adapt their itinerary on the fly.

Is the Interrail Pass worth it for short trips?

The pass offers the most value for multi-country or long-distance journeys. For short, single-country trips, a One Country Pass or point-to-point tickets may be more economical.

Can I use the Interrail Pass for scenic trains?

Yes, the pass covers many scenic routes like the Glacier Express and Bernina Express, though seat reservations and supplements may apply.

Are night trains included in the Interrail Pass?

Night trains are included, but you’ll need to pay a reservation fee for a seat, couchette, or sleeper compartment. This can be a smart way to save on accommodation.

How do I activate my Interrail Pass?

You can activate your pass via the Interrail app before your first journey or at a European train station. For mobile passes, activation is quick and can be done on your device.

What happens if I lose my pass or phone?

If you lose a mobile pass, you can reinstall it on a new device using your Interrail account. For paper passes, unfortunately, they cannot be replaced, so keep them safe during your trip.