English
English
Contents
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 – Interrail Family Pass
Solo explorers
Couples and nature lovers
Adventure or sports enthusiasts
Persona type: 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: Paris to Geneva (TGV, ~3h) – Explore Geneva’s lakeside parks.
Day 2: Geneva to Zermatt (Swiss IC, ~3h) – Ride the Glacier Express to St. Moritz.
Day 3: St. Moritz to Milan (Bernina Express, ~5h) – Marvel at alpine scenery.
Day 4: Milan to Venice (Frecciarossa, ~2.5h) – Gondola rides and gelato.
Day 5: Venice to Munich (Nightjet, overnight) – Wake up in Germany, ready for Bavarian castles.
Persona type: 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 to Berlin (ICE, ~6h) – Explore Berlin’s nightlife.
Day 2: Berlin to Prague (EuroCity, ~4.5h) – Walk the Charles Bridge at sunset.
Day 3: Prague to Vienna (Railjet, ~4h) – Coffeehouse culture and museums.
Day 4: Vienna to Budapest (Railjet, ~2.5h) – Thermal baths and ruin pubs.
Day 5: Budapest to Zagreb (EuroCity, ~6h) – Discover Croatia’s capital.
Persona type: 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 to Montreux (IC, ~1h) – Lakeside strolls and wine tasting.
Day 2: Montreux to Zweisimmen (GoldenPass, ~2h) – Panoramic views.
Day 3: Zweisimmen to Interlaken (GoldenPass, ~1.5h) – Alpine hikes.
Day 4: Interlaken to Lucerne (Luzern-Interlaken Express, ~2h) – Chapel Bridge and old town.
Day 5: Lucerne to Zurich (IC, ~1h) – Urban culture and lake cruises.
Persona type: 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 to Bergen (Bergensbanen, ~7h) – Fjord hiking.
Day 2: Bergen to Flam (Flam Railway, ~2h) – Kayaking and cycling.
Day 3: Flam to Zurich (overnight via Oslo and Hamburg) – Alpine adventure.
Day 4: Zurich to Chur (IC, ~1.5h) – Gateway to hiking trails.
Day 5: Chur to St. Moritz (Albula line, ~2h) – Mountain sports and lakes.
Book Interrail Train Passes
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.