The Backpacker’s Secret Weapon: How Interrail (or Eurail pass) Works
For decades, Interrail has been the go-to ticket for young (and young-at-heart) Europeans who want to zig-zag across the continent by train without selling a kidney. Here’s the lowdown:
What is Interrail?
- One magical pass: Instead of buying individual train tickets, you buy an Interrail Pass that lets you hop on and off trains across 33 countries in Europe.
- Think of it like an “all-you-can-eat buffet,” but for trains.
Types of Passes
- Global Pass
- The classic: valid in almost every participating country.
- Perfect if you want to see Paris one day, Prague the next, and maybe miss your stop in Budapest.
- Valid for anything from 4 travel days in a month to 3 months continuous travel.
- One Country Pass
- For when you really want to deep dive into one place (say, just Italy for pasta & chaos).
- Covers all domestic trains in that country.
Who Can Use It?
- Europeans: Interrail is for European residents.
- Non-Europeans: You want the Eurail Pass — same system, different name.
- Age perks:
- Under 27 = youth discount (because everyone knows backpackers can’t afford full price).
- Over 60 = senior discount (because your knees deserve it).
How It Actually Works
- You pick your pass, pay online, and get a digital or paper ticket.
- Before each journey, you log your train in the Interrail app (or write it down in the paper pass, old-school style).
- Then you just… hop on. In many cases it’s that easy.
BUT:
- High-speed and night trains often require seat reservations (extra €).
- Local/regional trains? Usually no reservations — just board and go.
Pro Tips for Interrailers
- Plan… a little: You can be spontaneous, but trains book out in summer. Having a rough route saves stress.
- Pack light: Remember, you’ll be sprinting across platforms. Cobblestones don’t love wheeled suitcases.
- Night trains are gold: Save money on hostels and wake up in a new city. Just don’t expect luxury — think more “budget bunk bed on wheels.”
- Download the Interrail Rail Planner app: shows schedules, connections, and which trains need reservations.
- Food strategy: Picnic on trains like a pro (cheese + bread + cheap wine beats overpriced dining car sandwiches).
Why It’s Still Popular
- It’s often cheaper than buying separate tickets — especially if you’re covering a lot of countries.
- No need to stress about last-minute prices or complex ticket systems.
- The vibe: you’ll meet fellow travelers, swap stories, and maybe even form a spontaneous travel gang.
The Bottom Line
Interrail = freedom on rails. Buy one pass, and the continent is yours: beaches in Spain, castles in Germany, gelato in Italy, and probably a few missed trains along the way. It’s part transportation, part rite of passage, and 100% adventure.
How to Interrail: Step-by-Step Guide
1️⃣ Choose Your Pass
- Global Pass = train buffet across 33 countries.
- One Country Pass = deep dive into one destination (Italy = pizza + chaos, Switzerland = trains that are never late).
- Pick your length: from 4 days to 3 months.
2️⃣ Buy the Pass
- Get it online (Interrail.eu).
- Choose mobile pass (lives in the Rail Planner app) or old-school paper pass (comes with a pen).
3️⃣ Prep Before You Go
- Download the Rail Planner app.
- Check if the trains you want need reservations (high-speed, international, and night trains often do).
- Pack light. You’ll thank yourself when sprinting for a connection in Milan.
4️⃣ On Travel Day
- Log your train in the app (or write it in your pass if paper).
- Hop on the train. Sometimes the conductor just smiles and waves, sometimes they check like it’s the SATs — be ready.
- If you have a reservation, bring it too (digital or paper).
5️⃣ Smart Hacks
- Night trains: double as transportation + hotel. Bring snacks and earplugs.
- Regional trains: no reservations, just get on and go.
- Food: skip the overpriced dining car — picnic with supermarket goodies.
- Flex days: Don’t plan every minute. Some of the best Interrail memories are last-minute detours.
6️⃣ End of the Trip
- Take a photo of your battered pass for bragging rights.
- Swap stories with new travel friends.
- Start planning your next Interrail (because one is never enough).
In short: Buy pass → Log trains → Hop on → Repeat → Adventure unlocked.
| Option | Best For | Pros | Cons | Example Traveler |
| Interrail Global Pass | Adventurers, first-timers, or those who want to “see it all” | – Travel across 33 countries with one pass – Ultimate freedom, flexible days – Night trains = save on hotels – Great for spontaneous detours | – High-speed + night trains often need (paid) reservations – Can be pricey if you only travel a little – Some long journeys are sloooow compared to budget flights | Anna, 20, wants to visit Paris, Rome, and Prague in 2 weeks |
| Interrail One Country Pass | Slow travelers, culture diggers | – Cheap way to explore one country deeply – No need to stress about borders – Flexible travel days | – Cross-border trips not included – Not worth it for short stays or if you’ll just hang in one city | Luca, 24, spends a month exploring every corner of Italy (plus lots of gelato) |
| Regular Tickets | Short trips, planners, budget hunters | – Can be cheaper with advance booking (esp. high-speed) – No pass rules, just buy and ride – Sometimes faster/cheaper to fly short distances | – Zero flexibility (miss the train, kiss your money goodbye) – Expensive if booked last-minute – Not as “romantic” as the Interrail dream | Sarah, 27, booked a Paris–Lyon TGV for €25 three months ahead |
| Budget Airlines ✈️ | Time-crunched or flight-happy travelers | – Often cheaper and faster than trains – Huge network across Europe – Great for long distances (e.g., Spain → Poland) | – Airports far from city centers – Fees for everything (bags, seats, breathing) – Way less eco-friendly | Tom, 22, wants Barcelona to Berlin in 3 hours, not 30 |