Interrail in Europe: Passes, Prices, Reservations and More

Europe is blessed with an extensive rail network. It stretches from east to west and north to south across the continent, connecting more than 30 countries and more than 30,000 destinations.

Whether you live in Europe or are simply on a vacation there, Interrail can help you make the most of your travels.

Global Pass vs One Country Pass

Interrail offers two types of passes: Global and One Country.

The Global Pass allows you to take trains in the more than 30 countries that are part of the Interrail network.

• If you live in Europe, the Global Pass allows a maximum of only one outbound trip from and one inbound trip to your country of residence. Beyond that, you cannot use it to travel within your country of residence.
• If you live outside of Europe, the above rule does not apply to you.

The One Country Pass is exactly what it sounds like – it allows you to take trains only in one country of your choice. Note, however, that:

• If you live in Europe, you may not buy a One Country Pass for your own country of residence.
• If you live outside of Europe, One Country Passes for certain countries (such as Switzerland and Great Britain) are not available to you, as they are only available to European residents.

Duration of the Pass

The Global Pass and One Country Pass are available for different durations.

• One- Country Passes are usually available for 3-8 days in Flexi Pass format only.
• Global Passes are offered in Flexi Pass format or Continuous format.

Flexi Pass vs Continuous: What’s the difference?

The duration of a pass is configured in two different ways:

1. “Flexi Pass” is for a few days within a 1- or 2-month period. This means you will need to select your travel days within a given period, and they do not need to be consecutive. On your chosen travel days, you may take as many trains as you wish.
2. “Continuous” means you pick a start date, and then for the next 15 days to 3 months you can travel freely without needing to pre-determine your days of travel.

If you prefer maximum freedom and spontaneity, the continuous format is more suitable. If you are comfortable determining your travel days ahead of time, the Flexi Pass format may be enough. Pick whichever is better suited for your needs.

Purchasing a Pass

You should buy a pass on Interrail’s official website.

As you might guess, the Global continuous pass is more expensive than the One Country continuous pass (assuming the same pass duration).

Youth discount

If you are 12-27 years old, your pass will be 25% cheaper than a pass for travellers aged 28-59.

Beware of Seat Reservation Fees

It is important to know that the pass does not include seat reservation fees, which may be required for certain trains.

Typically, trains that require seat reservations are high-speed trains or night trains.

See which trains require seat reservations.

Popular trips where seat reservation is required

Popular trips where reservation is optional