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The Ultimate Guide to European Train Travel With a Eurail Pass

Here’s how every type of traveler—not just backpackers—can benefit from this all-in-one train ticket..

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Eurail Passes can be used on scenic trains, too, like this one in Switzerland.

Photo by Shutterstock

If you’re planning a multi-city tour of the continent this summer and will rely on trains to get around, you may want to consider purchasing a Eurail Pass. Haven’t thought about buying a Eurail Pass since your backpacking days? You’re not alone. The last time I traveled with one was in 2007 as a college student. After forking over about $500 (from my part-time job as a barista) for the multi-use train ticket, I rode at least a dozen trains from Amsterdam to Paris and on to Madrid over the course of a month that summer. I saved not only money but also time waiting to buy tickets because I could walk on to most trains and have the conductor punch my pass on board.

For beginners to European train travel, the Eurail Pass is a single document that allows non-European citizens to travel by train multiple times across a network of 33 European countries. The travel must occur over a specified period of time, and the pass forgos the need to buy individual point-to-point tickets. The Eurail Pass, which is celebrating its 64th anniversary this year, can be used for riding local trains, high-speed trains, and even night trains. In addition to the flexibility and time-saving benefits it affords, traveling with one can also save you money, depending on your travel plans.

Here’s everything you need to know about Eurail Passes before you buy one.

How do Eurail Passes work?

You can choose from either a One Country Pass , which covers train travel in a single country, or a Eurail Global Pass , which offers unlimited train travel across 33 countries in Europe, using their national railroads. Within each pass type, there are even more options. There are ones for children (ages 4 to 11), youth (12 to 27), adults (28+), and seniors (60+). They come in first- and second-class options across all age categories.

The passes also cover different trip lengths for both One Country and Global Passes. The flexible, four-days-in-one-month pass is for you if you’re going on a shorter getaway and won’t be taking trains regularly. The pass with three months of unlimited travel is best used for fast-paced trips where you plan to cover a lot of ground over an extended time.

The validities for flexible passes include:

• Four travel days within one month
• Five travel days within one month
• Seven travel days within one month
• 10 travel days within two months
• 15 travel days within two months

There are also passes available for unlimited travel days during set periods of time. Those continuous train passes include durations of:

• Two travel months
• Three travel months

The pass is sold by the number of travel days you are planning on using it. Each travel day covers as many trains you’d like to take between the 24-hour time window from 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on the same calendar day. Keep in mind, there are exceptions to be made if you’re taking a night train. For example, if you book a train that leaves on Monday night and arrives on Tuesday morning, you will only need to use one travel day (the day of your departure) to cover that trip. However, if you choose to board another train on Tuesday, you’ll have to use another travel day on your pass.

To find the ideal pass for your particular trip, Eurail built an online tool that lets you fill in your travel plans, including which countries you plan to visit, how many days you intend to travel by train, and the length of your entire trip. At the end of the short survey, it recommends the pass that suits your needs best.

A TGV high-speed train at Gare du Nord in Paris

Photo by Hans Engbers / Shutterstock

Where can you buy a Eurail Pass?

You can buy any type of Eurail Pass online from Eurail.com , but several other sites sell them, too. RailPass and Rail Europe are both authorized vendors that sell Eurail Passes for around the same price as Eurail.com with slight variations to insurance and service fees.

Some offer free shipping and others offer special discounts and promo codes on tickets, so it’s best to check all your options before purchasing your pass to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

You can also purchase Eurail Passes at train stations in Europe, but that’s more expensive than ordering them online in advance.

How much does a Eurail Pass cost?

In 2023, the cost of a Eurail Global Pass purchased directly through Eurail starts at $276 for second-class fares and $351 for first-class seats for the four-days-in-one-month pass for adults. A 15-day unlimited pass for adults currently ranges from $498 to $631.

The most expensive pass is the three-month unlimited pass, which starts at $1,013 and goes up to $1,286 when bought directly through Eurail.

Considering that a two-month unlimited pass costs between $822 to $1,043, you’re only paying a few hundred more for an entire extra month of unlimited train travel.

One Country Passes are slightly more affordable and vary by each country. For example, adult passes for Italy bought directly from Eurail range from $142 to $270 for second class and $181 to $342 for first class.

Eurail also groups certain regions so you can get multiple countries for the price of one with its Benelux Pass (Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg) and Scandinavia Pass (Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden). Note that Eurail does not offer One Country Passes for certain countries that are included in the Global Pass, such as Switzerland, Montenegro, and Bosnia.

In 2020, Eurail launched its first-ever mobile version of the Eurail Pass via its Rail Planner App.

Courtesy of Eurail

Are Eurail Passes worth it?

It depends. If you know you’ll have four travel days over a one-month period, a second-class pass would cost most adults $276—or $69 per day. If the train you need to take costs more than $69, or if you’ll be taking multiple trains in one day that add up to more than that, it’s worth buying that pass. If you only need a less costly regional train to get between cities like Amsterdam and Brussels, however, then it’s probably not worth it.

For those who would argue that buying $50 RyanAir or EasyJet flights to jump from city to city is faster and cheaper, keep in mind that once you add on arriving early to the airport for security and all the bag fees you’d pay to check a bag, you might end up breaking even. Plus, train travel is more sustainable and more scenic.

Do you need reservations with a Eurail Pass?

In some instances, yes. For trains in popular countries like France, Spain, and Italy—especially in the summer—you will need to make an advance seat reservation at an additional cost (generally from around 3 to 10 euros), even if the fare is included with your Eurail Pass. In addition to those popular destinations, all night trains and most international high-speed trains throughout Europe require a supplemental reservation fee.

Some scenic trains, like the Bernina Express in Switzerland, also require one. To find out if you need to make a reservation, search for your desired route on the Eurail Timetable , and the results will show whether or not one is necessary.

Reservation fees vary between different countries and train services and must be paid directly to the railway carriers; payment can be made at the train station, online through the websites of the national railway companies, by phone, or through Eurail’s Rail Planner app. Eurail recommends making train reservations two months in advance during the summer and ahead of holidays to guarantee yourself a seat.

Alternatively, you can opt to ride on regional trains, which don’t require seat reservations. Even though they are slower, if you have the time to stop along the way, you’re likely to discover a few appealing villages you never would have happened upon by taking the high-speed route. To find trains that don’t require reservations, check the “no seat reservations required” box when searching on the Eurail Timetable page.

What European countries does the Eurail Pass cover?

There are currently 33 countries in Europe with rail carriers that accept Eurail Passes. Great Britain’s train operators nearly pulled out of the agreement in August 2019 . After negotiations with the Rail Delivery Group (RDG), which represents the U.K. train industry, travelers will continue to be able to use their Eurail passes within Great Britain.

Here’s the full list of the 33 countries currently serviced by Eurail: Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Turkey. Download the train route map .

Eurail covers train routes in 33 countries.

How far in advance do you need to buy a Eurail Pass?

You can buy a Eurail Pass up to 11 months in advance of your trip, as long as it is activated at a European train station within that 11-month period. You can also preactivate your pass for a specific date when you check out at Eurail.com to avoid waiting in line at the train station to do so.

In 2020, Eurail launched its first-ever mobile version of the Eurail Pass via its Rail Planner App . Now instead of waiting for the physical document to be delivered in the mail—or constantly worrying about losing it during your trip—you can download the app and load your mobile pass onto it as soon as your order confirmation email lands in your inbox.

Enjoy views like this from the Flam Railway in Norway.

Are Eurail Passes just for college students?

You may have been under the impression that only budget backpackers in their 20s can benefit from Eurail Passes, but the passes are actually available to all age groups. And while previously those 27 and under were the only age group eligible for discounts, in 2019, Eurail also introduced a 10 percent discount for people over the age of 60 , too.

Eurail passes are also great for families. While kids age 3 or younger don’t need a pass to travel, children ages 4 to 11 are eligible for a free Child Pass. Up to two children are allowed to travel for free with one adult. Find out more about family discounts here .

What are other benefits to having a Eurail Pass?

All Eurail Pass–holders are eligible for discounts on select museum tickets and boat tours throughout the entire 33-country network. But one of the major perks of having an unlimited train ticket that includes night trains is the hotel savings. By sleeping on a train, you’ll get from point A to point B and save money on hotels at the same time.

Eurail Passes aren’t only for use on trains either—they can be used on ferries and public transportation in some countries, too. See the full list of participating train, ferry, and public transport companies that accept Eurail Passes on board. In fact, the Greek Islands Pass now offers ferry service to 55 islands, making it a viable option for island-hopping.

T his article originally appeared online in 2019; it was updated most recently on March 29, 2023, to include current information.

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The Ultimate Guide to the Eurail Pass [Tickets, Reservations, Routes & More]

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Thinking of exploring Europe?

The Eurail pass allows you to travel between over 40,000 destinations, across 31 different countries, all on just 1 single ticket. It is a flexible and affordable way to take in the varying sights, climates, and cultures of Europe at your own pace.

Why Travel Europe by Train?

There are several benefits to traveling Europe by train over other forms of transport.

There are several high-speed rail networks that crisscross the continent, making it incredibly easy to navigate from place to place virtually anywhere in Europe. They link with almost every major town and city and are a super fast and reliable means of getting around, while also giving you the chance to take in the stunning scenery and mix with the locals.

Unlike sweaty subways or jam-packed bus rides, a long-distance train journey also gives you the opportunity to relax and unwind along the way. Eat, drink, and even sleep your way from 1 destination to another.

Trains travel all across Europe quickly and easily, and there are no 2-hour check-in times, no hanging around for hours on end in strange airports, and major stations tend to be close to other amenities like city centers . This all helps to cut down your travel time and reduce your travel costs.

You never have to worry about traffic as most cities suffer from constant traffic jams, a lack of parking spaces, and extortionate parking rates . This is especially true in Europe’s overcrowded city centers, and even the more extensive motorway networks can suffer from a heavy build of traffic that can severely delay your journey.

If you are hiring a car, you should also know that not all rental companies will allow you to drive from 1 country to another, meaning you will need to rejig your plans every time you cross a border.

The final reason why trains are the best way to travel in Europe is — let’s face it — buses are basic. Long-distance bus travel is considered the poor relation of the railways . They can be cramped and uncomfortable, you are at the mercy of traffic conditions, and you can’t eat, drink or wander around on a bus like you can on the train. A bus also has a higher environmental impact than a nice modern train does.

The Eurail pass allows you to visit thousands of destinations across Europe using a single ticket. You can travel on a network of high-speed trains that effortlessly cross borders and can deliver you directly to some of the most famous destinations in the world.

Anyone who lives outside of Europe is eligible for a Eurail pass — for example, residents of the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, or Africa. You must purchase your pass before you get there, and if you are already resident in Europe you’ll need an Interrail Pass instead.

The Different Types of Eurail Passes

The Eurail is not a one-size-fits-all solution for the modern traveler. In fact, there are 2 different Eurail passes you can buy to best suit your own individual travel plans:

This is the ultimate rail pass that gives you the freedom to explore a wealth of European destinations across 31 countries for as long as you want to.

You can choose to travel for as little as 3 days in 1 month to a whole 3 months’ worth of travel, taking in some of the most iconic sights and cities in the world as you go. The duration of your pass starts when you validate it at your first station.

Hot Tip: There are discounts available for travelers aged 28 and younger and those who are 60 or older.

If you are planning on visiting just 1 country, this ticket offers an affordable and flexible way to travel at your leisure. You can choose from 3 days travel in 1 month, right up to 8 days travel in 1 month, giving you plenty of time to really explore the towns and cities on your itinerary.

Not just young people and students chose to explore Europe by rail — there are tickets available to suit all ages.

Adult tickets are for those over 18 at the time of travel.

Senior tickets are for those who are over 60 years old from the first day that the pass is valid. Seniors save 10% on the price of an adult ticket.

Youth tickets are for anyone aged under 28 on the first day that the pass is valid and you could save as much as 35% on the full adult fare price.

Children’s tickets are for travelers under the age of 12. Children aged between 4 and 11 years get a free Eurail pass when traveling with an adult, but may still need to pay for any reservation fees where necessary.

Infant tickets are free for little people under 4 years old.

Things to be aware of:

• It is important to note that with both passes, you may still need to reserve and pay for your seats on many of the high-speed services and night trains.
• You can choose from a 1st class pass or 2nd class pass depending on your own preference, but prices will vary.
• You will need to activate your Eurail pass within 11 months of the issue date.
• Travel beyond trains as your ticket will also be valid for transit with ferry companies in some countries. See the terms and conditions of the Eurail pass for further details.
• Different countries have different age limits for free child travel — check before you leave.

The easiest way to purchase your Eurail ticket is directly from their website. There are options available to suit the age of the passenger and how many people are traveling, as well as options for the type of pass you wish to buy and the duration of travel.

You can find everything you need at eurail.com to see a range of tickets including both types of Eurail passes. Rail Europe also offers country-specific websites across a range of territories. Remember to also look out for any delivery costs, too.

Eurail Pass versus Point-to-Point Tickets

While Eurail passes do offer exceptional value for money, they are not the only way to travel around Europe by train, and in some cases may not be the cheapest.

There are no hard or fast rules on this, and every journey will be different, but there are some scenarios where simply booking a ticket to get from A to B may be the best way forward. For example, if you are only using the train for a couple of straightforward, short-distance train rides, point-to-point tickets may be cheaper.

The same can be said with some longer journeys where you may need to pay reservation fees before boarding. You may also find that you are able to source cheaper fares on expensive rail networks by booking in advance or traveling out of season.

The key to knowing exactly when to buy point-to-point is knowing how set in stone your travel plans are. If you need to be at a particular destination on a set date, and you know about it well enough in advance, it may be cheaper and more practical to simply book direct with the rail network or agent in advance.

Bottom Line: To put it in perspective, a 3-day Global Pass can cost you as much as $82 per day, with an additional reservation fee. The chances are that you will absolutely be able to find a single point-to-point ticket for a lower price if you book far enough in advance and know exactly where you are going.

The truth is, there are lots of instances where an all-in-one ticket option will offer you much more flexibility and better savings in the long run.

If you are planning on visiting lots of different European destinations, and you want to be able to travel as, and when you fancy, the Eurail pass offers unprecedented ease of use and value for money . It is also a much better way to commute if you are unable to buy flexible fares in advance, as purchasing tickets on the day of travel can be an extortionate amount of money.

The Eurail pass also works on your time frame, though you can’t just swan around when you feel like it. It is much more helpful when it comes to considerations that you can’t control . Canceled services, bad weather, or other disruptions could lose you the use of a point-to-point ticket, but your Eurail pass will still be valid when you need it.

There are also better discounts available for certain Eurail passengers that you wouldn’t find with normal point-to-point tickets.

For example, Youth Eurail tickets are designed to entice student travelers and those on a budget, often making them even cheaper than the very best advance fare booking. Children under the age of 11 also travel free on Eurail passes, so if you are adventuring as a family, that could definitely sway you.

Bottom Line: Of course, you can choose to use your Eurail for certain parts of your journey and point-to-point tickets at other times. While the pass on paper may not always be the cheapest option, it does afford you the flexibility that rigid point-to-point tickets simply cannot compete with. Your journey, your decision.

So, we know by now that Eurail passes offer a ton of flexibility to avid adventurers and can save you money on your train fares, but how exactly does this golden ticket to travel actually work?

First off, it is important to remember that you do not need to set specific dates to use your Eurail pass, but you must validate your pass within 11 months from the purchase date . You can easily validate it at any station before you jump on board.

Once you are up and running, the key to good Eurailing is marking off how many travel days you have left by simply ticking the boxes. Each pass will have empty boxes to represent the number of days of unlimited travel you have paid for; simply enter your travel dates as and when you complete them . You can take as many trains as you want from midnight to midnight on your chosen travel days.

Your pass also comes in a cover that has a handy travel diary printed onto it. You use this to record the date, departure station, and destination of each journey you take.

Hot Tip: These details are important, and if you fail to fill them in the conductor could issue a fine, so never forget to complete your travel diary on each journey.

Reservations

Some high-speed or overnight sleeper trains will require you to make a reservation before you travel. There may even be additional fees involved, so always do your research before you head on out to take the train.

Different countries and rail networks have different requirements, but as a rough guide to reservations, consider the following.

Some countries require reservations before you travel. In France, Italy, Sweden, Spain, and Portugal you must make a reservation and pay an additional fee for inter-city journeys which can range from between €10-25 ($11-28) depending on the route and service.

Certain lines including the popular Paris-Brussels-Amsterdam route on the Thalys service, as well as the Paris-Turin-Milan TGVs and Paris-Barcelona TGVs only offer a limited number of pass holder seats which can sell out during busy times of the year.

Other countries, like Ireland , The Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Denmark, and most of the central and eastern European countries do not require you to reserve your seat to travel, but you can still do so if you want to.

There are no limits to the number of pass holder seats available and a journey on Germany’s famous ICE or Austria’s railjet trains is definitely worth a go if you really appreciate high-speed railways.

Hot Tip: There are some exceptions to the rules, however, and Thalys high-speed trains between Brussels and Amsterdam and between Brussels and Cologne have compulsory reservations and additional fees for rail pass holders. The Glacier Express and The Bernina Express also require reservations for a small fee.

Overnight Sleeper Trains

Traveling through the night is an excellent way to save money on hotel or hostels, and buys you back more daytime sightseeing hours. You will always need to make a reservation for a sleeper or couchette, across all countries and all services.

Most operators will charge around €35 (~$39) for a couchette in a shared compartment, and you could be looking at as much as €95 (~$105) for a more private 2-bed sleeper. These rates may be slightly cheaper across some of the Eastern European countries, but you will still need to pay to sleep.

Hot Tip: Some of the most popular routes like the Paris-Milan/Venice Thello sleeper train, for example, do not accept Eurail passes so you will need to buy a stand-alone ticket or explore other ways to complete this leg of your journey.

There are various ways to make reservations, depending on where you are going and your own personal preference.

At the Station

If you want to practice the local lingo, you can speak to a member of staff at most major rail station ticket offices to reserve your seat. This can usually be done in advance or on the day of departure, in some cases right up until the time the train leaves the station. Some countries also offer self-service ticket machines for less human-based interaction.

On the Internet

If you would rather make your pass holder reservations online, there are plenty of websites available to help you do so. There is no “one-site-fits-all” solution, though, and you will need to Google which operators cover your journey and ensure that they will actually cover pass holder reservations and not just regular ticket options.

Not sure where to start looking? The Eurail reservations page lists major trains services in each country and will tell you how to book online if you can.

Using The Railplanner App

This timetable app covers the whole of Europe and works offline so you can check your train times while on the move. You can make pass holder reservations for Eurostar, Thalys, and Trenitalia high-speed trains and have your tickets delivered straight to your phone.

Sleepers and Couchettes on Overnight Trains

If you are planning on traveling overnight, is that a 1-day ticket or 2? This is an important question, especially if you have limited travel days left. Overnight travel is a great way to get from 1 destination to another without wasting any of your all-important exploration time.

You will no doubt be delighted to know then, that as of 2019, you only need to use 1 day on a Flexi pass to travel on an overnight service. The rule is simple: if you board a train before midnight, but do not change trains after midnight, you are technically on the same day service . This means no matter what time you arrive on day 2, you only need to make a note of your departure date in your travel pass diary.

Sleepers, Couchettes, and Cozy Overnights

There is a real sense of romance and nostalgia about taking a night train through Europe. As you whiz through silent towns and peaceful countryside, the motion of the train will gently rock you to sleep, to wake up refreshed and ready to explore your next destination.

There are different ways to hit the hay on the train, all available at differing prices.

If you like your privacy, you can book a 2, 3, or even 4-berth cabin that offers bunk-style accommodation and usually has its own sink and carpeted floor and comes with freshly laundered linens and super comfortable mattresses. If you want to upgrade even further, some operators offer deluxe compartments with private showers and toilets, towels, toiletries, and other luxury touches.

If you are traveling on your own, you can still share a birth with strangers, usually grouped by gender. Sleepers also offer decent-sized luggage racks with enough room to accommodate the number of guests sharing, as well as lockable doors and even room service.

Power sockets are also often available, and you will have stewards on board who will check your passes and tickets, and that will come to convert the seating area in your compartment into beds at a pre-determined time.

Bottom Line: Sleepers come with a premium price tag, but if you can stretch to it, a night in a sleeper is a wonderful way to travel. A single sleeper could cost you as much as €115 (~$127) on some lines, but a 3 person sleeper can be booked for a more affordable €50 (~$55).

If you don’t mind sharing, these dorm-style rooms are compact but affordable. By day they offer ordinary seating, and at night they are converted to padded ledges with a folded sheet pillow and blanket for you and your fellow travelers to bed down with.

Couchette compartments are usually mixed-sex, but you can ask for a ladies-only compartment if you would feel more comfortable. Couchettes have luggage space both below the beds and in the overhead compartments, and there are usually attendants on hand to keep watch over your compartment as you sleep.

Bottom Line: Prices vary depending on the route and number of people sharing a couchette, but you may find you only pay a small premium for a 4-person couchette vs. a 6-person alternative, giving you more space to spread out for a just a few euros more.

Sample Eurail Itineraries

The possibilities are endless when it comes to planning the route for your next European adventure, but to get you started, here are 4 of the very best:

• Amsterdam, The Netherlands
• Berlin, Germany
• Prague, Czechia
• Vienna, Austria
• Budapest, Hungary
• Zagreb, Croatia
• Lake Bled, Bled, Radovljica, Slovenia

If you want to take in the stunning architecture of some of the oldest cities in the world and learn more about the rich history and culture that made them the most sought after tourist spots in Europe, this is the perfect itinerary for you.

Starting in the “Venice of the North,” in Amsterdam, you can take in the canals, cafes and crazy nightlife of this vibrant city before heading off to Berlin to experience the modern city with a dark past.

The next stop on your journey would be the beautiful city of Prague with its stunning gothic architecture before taking in the famous opera and quaint market squares in Vienna and the classical music of Budapest.

Finally, your journey will take you to the ancient, Adriatic jewel of Zagreb, before ending this leg of your journey at the breathtaking Lake Bled.

• Faro, Portugal
• Lisbon, Portugal
• San Sebastian, Spain
• Milan, Italy
• Rome, Italy
• Naples, Italy
• Athens, Greece

This 8-stop trip is perfect for sun worshippers looking to surf, swim, and soak up the sun at some of the best coastal resorts Europe has to offer.

Starting off in Faro, you can explore the beautiful beaches of the Algarve and the cobbled streets and Moorish architecture of the ancient city. From here you can take a short 4-hour train journey to spend time in the coastal capital of Lisbon, with its Atlantic beaches, ornate architecture, and rich colonialist history.

Cross the border into Spain and take in the coastal resort of San Sabastian, with its picturesque beaches and tranquil waters, before hitting the high life in Monaco. This micro-state on the French border offers beautiful beaches, upscale living, and some of the best nightclubs in the world.

Carry on living the dream in the fashion capital of Milan where you’ll eat, drink and dress like an Italian before chilling out on the beaches on Lake Como. From fashion to the Forum and the Colosseum as you explore the ancient history of Rome , before taking in the Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii on the way to Naples in the South.

Your final stop on this tour is Athens, where you can explore more ancient history including the Acropolis and the Parthenon, before enjoying the beaches of Attica on the Athenian Riviera.

• Madrid, Spain
• Barcelona, Spain
• Lyon, France
• Paris, France
• Bruges, Belgium
• Amsterdam, Netherlands

Starting in the Portuguese coastal capital of Lisbon, you can explore the famous São Jorge Castle, the photogenic pastel-colored buildings, and the amazing suspension bridges that connect the city to the municipality of Almada.

From here you can head to Madrid to take in the fabulous tapas bars, beautiful Baroque architecture, and repositories of modern European art and museums .

Continue to the beachside city of Barcelona with its famous Gothic alleyways, pedestrian walkways, modernist artwork, and electric nightlife, before crossing the border into France. Lyon is famous for its great food, great wine, and Roman-era architecture.

From mid-France head north to the cosmopolitan hub that is Paris. See the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Champs-Elysées and a host of other iconic sights and landmarks in this global center for art, food, fashion, and culture.

After living the high-life in Paris, pop on over to beautiful Bruges to find a more genteel way of life that is nestled away in the canals, cobbled streets, and medieval buildings of the city. Enjoy some of the best chocolate in the world before heading on over to Amsterdam to explore the city’s historic waterways and artistic heritage, then finishing off your adventure at some of the best cafes, bars, and nightclubs in the world.

• Kraków, Poland
• Bratislava, Slovakia
• Bucharest, Romania
• Sofia, Bulgaria
• Belgrade, Serbia
• Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Dubrovnik, Croatia

If you want to make your travel money stretch as far as possible, Eastern Europe offers some of the most affordable cities, packed full of ancient history and fascinating culture.

Starting off in Kraków, you can explore the famous medieval architecture and the Jewish quarter, while enjoying hearty Polish fare and awesome beer. From here you can take a 12-hour train journey to Bratislava to discover an 18th-century old town that is famous for its lively bars and cafes.

From Slovakia, you can cross into Hungary and to the capital city of Budapest with its 13th-century churches, world-famous Opera Hall, and the ancient baths. From Budapest it is on to Bucharest — similar-sounding cities but both with a very different story to tell. The Romanian city is packed full of communist-era heritage and as well as some beautiful 15th-century architecture. It is also known for its thriving nightlife scene.

If you need a break after the nightclubs of Bucharest, the Balkan city of Sofia has a 2,000-year-old history with deep roots in its Greek, Roman, Ottoman, and Soviet occupation, and offer easy access to some of the best Black Sea beaches. From Sofia head on to Serbia to discover Belgrade, a fort city that has been of great importance to the Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, Serbian, and Austrian empires.

Finally, take the train to Sarajevo to explore this thriving city that offers great food, craft beer, and lots of nightlife. Finish off this tour with a stop in Dubrovnik with its distinctive old town, before relaxing on the beautiful Adriatic coastline and islands beyond.

The 10 Best Scenic Train Routes in Europe

There is a multitude of different routes and train lines you can take to capture the real essence of Europe, but when it comes to the scenery, some journeys are just hands down much better than others. Here are 10 of the very best.

With picture-perfect mountains views, pristine vineyards, tranquil lakes, and pretty little villages, there is nowhere more beautifully recognizable than Switzerland for a real taste of Europe. The Golden Pass starts in Lucerne and ends in Montreux, and you can take a regular train or choose the Golden Pass Classic or Golden Pass Panoramic train services.

The Golden Pass is not serviced by a direct train. You will need to switch trains in Interlaken and Zweisimmen, where you can breathe in the fresh mountain air and enjoy the magical era of the mountain railway.

Both Golden Pass services are covered by the Eurail pass, and you will need to make a reservation to ride.

This is a short but incredibly dramatic ride is so gorgeous that it has earned UNESCO World Heritage Site status. As the trains speeds across stone bridges, through long dark tunnels, and over dramatic-looking viaducts you will take in mile upon mile of spectacular mountain landscapes.

Considered to be one of the greatest feats of civil engineering and railway building ever known, The Semmering Line is part of the Südbahn railway that runs between Vienna and Graz before continuing on to Trieste.

Eurail pass holders do not need to make reservations on this line and there are no additional fees.

Running from St. Pölten through to the pilgrimage destination of Mariazell, Austria’s longest narrow-gauge railway passes through 21 tunnels and crosses 19 viaducts, taking in breathtaking scenery along the way.

The first-class panoramic carriages are available on a seasonal basis and offer panoramic windows and onboard catering service — a must-see if you are visiting the region.

You can use your Eurail passes to travel on the Mariazell Railway and you only need to make a reservation if you wish to upgrade to the first-class carriages.

Take the train from Belgrade to Bar to witness some of the most spectacular scenery Europe has to offer. Traveling over 435 bridges and through 254 tunnels, this route is also a feat of engineering and a testament to the golden age of the railway.

As you head down towards the Adriatic, you can remain on the train or take a break for an overnight stop in the capital city of Podgorica with its historic old town and captivating modern architecture.

This route is covered by the Eurail pass, but you will need to make a reservation before you travel.

If you are heading north, the Rauma Line that runs from Åndalsnes to Dombås, taking in 78 miles (114 km) of world-class Scandinavian scenery is a must-do. Running through the Romsdalen Valley, the train quietly passes by some of the most spectacular mountain formations in Norway as well as the tallest vertical rock face in Europe, the Trollveggen wall.

From the train, you can also see the Kylling Bridge and take in the natural wilderness of the Reinheimen National Park.

The Rauma Line is fully included in your Eurail pass, and you do not need to make a reservation to ride.

This gentle railway route takes a scenic meander along the Rhine for 115 miles (185 km) starting in Cologne and traveling via Bonn, Koblenz, and Bingen to end in the town of Mainz. Running through the heart of the German wine country, you can enjoy mile upon mile of riverside vineyards, castles, and picturesque villages from the comfort of your carriage.

A Eurail Pass that is valid for Germany can also be used for travel on the Rhine Valley lines. Reservations are not necessary. Your Eurail Pass also offers a discount on boats operated by Köln-Düsseldorfer Rheinschiffahrt AG (KD Rhine line). Keep this in mind when traveling to and from the Rhine Valley railway.

Combine the best of both worlds with this train and boat journey across the Swiss Alps. The 5-hour trip offers a diverse range of scenery and the famous Gotthard line is a testament to some of the most impressive pieces of railway engineering, loops, bridges, and tunnels in the world.

Travel from Lucerne in central Switzerland to Lugano in the south, watching the scenery change from snow-capped mountains to palm trees and lakeside beaches.

A journey on the Gotthard Panorama Express is not included in your Eurail pass, and you will need to pay a surcharge to travel on this train. You will, however, get a 50% discount on the fare for your boat trip across Lake Lucerne.

Travel up as far as the Arctic Circle on this amazing railway route that takes you through magnificent forests and past towering peaks. Running from Kristinehamn in central Sweden to the depths of Swedish Lapland at Gällivare, this slow ride across the Land of the Midnight Sun takes in snow-capped peaks, tranquil lakes, herds of reindeer, and perpetual daylight in one of Europe’s most original, untouched landscapes.

Unlike some of the other scenic routes, the Inlandsbanan train is a simple, local affair that stops for breaks along the away to allow passengers to experience traditional Swedish food and meet the locals.

The Inlandsbanan is fully included in your Eurail pass, but you should book your seats in advance to avoid disappointment.

Running between Locarno, Switzerland and Domodossola, Italy, the Centovalli line takes you through the ‘Hundred Valleys,” affording first-class views of some of the most beautiful mountain ranges in Europe.

The train ride is only 2 hours long, making it easily accessible for all, and during its 32 mile (52 km) duration it climbs the slopes to Trontano at about 1640 feet (500 meters), and further up to Santa Maria Maggiore before slowly descending past the beautiful scenery of the Valle Vigezzo and on to Locarno on the shores of Lake Maggiore.

A journey on The Centovalli Railway is fully included in your Eurail pass.

As perhaps one of the most famous railway lines in the world, the Glacier Express runs some 186 miles (300 km) across the Swiss Alps, taking in the stunning scenery between Zermatt and St. Moritz.

This railway line offers a relaxing service with the 8-hour journey being taken on the world’s slowest express train. It offers a comfortable way to see 3 cantons of Valais, Uri, and Graubünden, as well as breathtaking views of the Matterhorn and The Rhine Gorge, the “Grand Canyon” of Switzerland.

This panoramic journey through the heartland of Switzerland is a truly memorable way to see this part of Europe.

The Glacier Express is fully included in your Eurail Pass, but you should reserve your seats in advance to avoid disappointment.

Eurail and Europe Travel Tips

Traveling around Europe by train is easy to do, but there are some tricks that can make your adventure even more successful.

U.S. passport holders will need an ETIAS. ETIAS stands for the European Travel Information and Authorization System and you will be required to complete an online form and receive authorization prior to travel. The fee will be €7 which is just under $8.

Make your plans, but be prepared to be flexible when necessary. There are literally millions of amazing places to visit across the continent, and you will never find the time to see them all.

So, put a rough plan in place by all means. Jot down the places you really want to see how you intend to get there, and how long you want to stay, then go right ahead and go with the flow . Your Eurail pass will give the flexibility to jump on most trains as and when you want to, meaning that poor weather in 1 city or a delay in another won’t derail your plans completely.

Europe is, for the most part, an affordable place to visit due to the sheer number of cheap transport options and budget-friendly accommodations. That said, big cities and major tourist areas will be just as pricey as anywhere in the U.S. or the rest of the world. Knowing how to make your money go further is vital for a successful trip.

Backpackers, youth hostels, Airbnb, and basic budget B&Bs can be found all over the place, so skip the brochures and find an affordable place to stay.

Another great way to make sure you always spend your money wisely is to educate yourself on the exchange rates . While the currency of many European countries is the euro, there are still those outside of the eurozone that use their own currency. These are:

• Bulgaria: Bulgarian lev (BGN)
• Croatia: Croatian kuna (HRK)
• Czech Republic: Czech koruna (CZK)
• Denmark: Danish kroner (DKK)
• Hungary: Hungarian forint (HUF)
• Macedonia: Macedonian denar (MKD)
• Norway: Norwegian krone (NOK)
• Poland: Polish zloty (PLN)
• Romania: Romania leu (RON)
• Serbia: Serbian dinar (RSD)
• Sweden: Swedish krona (SEK)
• Switzerland: Swiss franc (CHF)
• Turkey: Turkish lira (TRL)
• United Kingdom: The Great Britain pound (GBP)

Hot Tip: In general, Eastern European countries offer the very best value for money, while Scandinavian countries can be some of the most expensive places to visit if you don’t dig deep for money-saving opportunities.

Europeans love a good festival, and with so many countries to choose from you are never far from a fun-filled celebration. Whether you choose to run with the bulls or throw squishy tomatoes in Spain, watch yacht races in Croatia or drink beer at Oktoberfest, there are always plenty of unusual occasions to join in with.

Do your research before you depart, as many of these festivals attract visitors from all over the world, meaning you should book tickets and accommodation well in advance.

Knowing what’s going on at your chosen destination works well in reverse, too. If you are looking for a quiet, romantic break, for example, you would be better to avoid some of the bigger, rowdier festivals as they may not be quite what you are looking for.

Whatever kind of accommodation you are looking for, you can be sure to find it in Europe. From cabins in the woods to tents in a field, 5-star hotels to youth hostels, luxury house rentals to flat-shares in the city — Europe has no shortage of excellent accommodation to suit every budget.

You can use hotel booking sites , websites for backpackers and budget-wary travelers, travel agents, internet forums, and even social media sites like Facebook to find accommodation all over Europe.

There are always ways to save money on your stay, even if you can’t bag accommodation as cheaply as you would like to. For example, European cities can be very expensive, and sometimes staying a few miles outside of the center can save you valuable euros.

Hot Tip: Your Eurail pass can also save you money on overnight stays. If you are traveling a long distance, why not book a couchette on the sleeper train — a cheap, fun, and excellent experience on your European adventure.

One of the very best reasons to travel the world is to get to know, understand, and appreciate other customs and cultures different from your own . In Europe, it is the norm to greet each other with a single kiss on the cheek in some countries, and a kiss on both cheeks in others.

Some countries operate on different timescales to others, often dependent on the climate and location. In Spain and Italy, for example, it is not unusual for shops and businesses to close during the heat of the afternoon, only to open again later into the evening. In France, it is normal to enjoy your evening meal quite late into the evening, and these family affairs often include children joining the adults to eat, too.

Bottom Line: While it is fun and interesting to see how customs and cultures change from 1 country to another, be sure that you know when shops are open, if you are expected to tip, or even local holidays, so as not to impact your travel plans in any way.

There are 24 different official languages spoken across Europe, with even more regional variations thrown into the mix still. You would have to be super clever to be conversationally fluent in all of them, but you could still get to know some of the key phrases for the individual countries you intend to visit before you leave.

Knowing how to say “please,” “thank you,” “how much,” and “can I have” are all incredibly helpful anywhere in the world. Not only will you gradually start to learn the local lingo as you listen to replies, but you will also be showing respect for your host nation by trying to speak to them in their own language.

Bottom Line: Whether you read a book, download an app or even go to night school, there are plenty of ways to learn any European language available to you before you set off, or even while you are traveling.

Europe is mostly a very safe place to visit, but as with everywhere in the world, some neighborhoods in large towns or cities can be risky for tourists after dark. Here are a few basic tips to remember:

• Keep your wits about you and watch out for pickpockets in big cities.
• Keep belongings close by at all times.
• Don’t flaunt cash or expensive equipment.
• Be aware of the good old distraction technique when exploring on your own.

There is no reason to feel unsafe, even if you are traveling alone — just use your street smarts and read up on no-go areas or general safety tips for each destination you are planning to visit.

Traveling in Europe is an exciting adventure. With so much to see and do, places to visit, and people to meet, a Eurail pass will allow you to move quickly and easily from 1 city or country to another, in the most stress-free and enjoyable way possible.

Take in the sights, meet new people, and make time to make new memories that will last you a lifetime.

Eurail Pass Alternatives

If the Eurail doesn’t feel right for you, or if indeed you aren’t planning on traveling extensively through Europe but rather staying in 1 single country, there are lots of other travel passes that can also save you money and offer you more flexibility than regular point-to-point tickets. Here are a few that are worth knowing about:

Switzerland is a great country to explore by train, and unlike some other European countries, there are virtually no extra supplements or reservation fees to worry about. You can hop-on and hop-off as often as you like, and take in some of the most beautiful mountain scenery right outside your window.

You can choose between a Swiss Travel Pass that offers continuous free travel, or a Swiss Travel Pass Flex that offers a fixed number of days travel in any 1 month period. Passes start from €220 (~$243), with discounts available for travelers between 16 and 26 years of age. Children under 16 travel free with a paying adult.

You can use the Swiss Travel Pass on a variety of trains, buses, and boats throughout the country.

The Paris Visite Card offers unlimited travel on the Paris Metro, tramway, bus, RER, and SNCF Transilien networks. You can use the pass between zones 1-3 which covers all of central Paris and 84% of all Paris attractions are included free in the Paris Pass.

If you want to travel further out to zone 4 and 5 (to visit the Palace of Versailles for example or travel to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport) there are small supplements you will need to pay.

Your Eurail card will cover you for wider use of the SNCF network, but if you are planning on spending time in Paris, these passes start from as little as €12 (~$13) depending on the zones covered and the number of days you intend to use it for.

Covering The Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg, this pass offers you the freedom to take multiple train journeys on a daily basis and offers discounted rates for travelers under 28 years of age and over 60. You can also choose between a first or second class pass for the duration of your stay. Full price adult passes start from €179 (~$198) for a 3 day travel period over 1 month using a Benelux Saver Pass.

Discover the beaches of the Algarve and the medieval cities of Lisbon and Faro using this handy travel pass, designed to offer reduced fare train travel throughout the country. This pass offers you unlimited travel for 3 or 7 days in a month, and prices start from just €73 (~$81) for an adult 3-day ticket.

You can use your pass on Alfa Pendular, Intercidades, Regional/InterRegional, and Urban trains including the Lisbon Urban Line’s very own Viva Viagem service.

The German railway network is one of the most efficient and advanced in the world, and the German Travel Pass gives you access to lots of different services without having to pay supplements or reservation fees.

There are lots of different options available, including discounts for younger and older travelers, and you can choose from flexible or consecutive travel days depending on your preference.

With typical German efficiency, your pass will offer you unlimited travel throughout Germany, even on the high-speed ICE trains, and you can even travel on selected routes outside of Germany, too.

Renfe offers its very own Spain Pass that includes a discounted set number of journeys on 1 ticket. It does not, however, offer unlimited travel. You can pay for between 4 and 12 journeys in any 1 month period, and there are no hidden reservation fees to worry about. The pass is valid on all AVE Long Distance and Medium Distance trains, but you will need to reserve your seat before your travel.

While this pass does offer unlimited first class travel on the national rail networks of Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Montenegro, Republic of Macedonia, Serbia, The Serbian Entity of Bosnia Herzegovina, and Turkey, rail travel in the Balkans is already pretty cheap, to begin with.

If you aren’t planning on taking a ton of train trips during your visit, it would probably be cheaper just to book each journey direct. If you do want to go ahead and purchase a pass, you can also travel on certain Attica group ferries, but you will need to reserve your seat in advance.

Prices start from as little as €91 (~$101) for a 3-day pass within a 2 month period.

Travelers to the U.K. can hop on and off trains without reservations or extra fees, either with or without a dedicated rail pass. The public transport system in the U.K. is incredibly easy to use, and while inter-city train tickets can be expensive if purchased on the day of, there are lots of deals to be had if you book in advance.

The BritRail Pass offers travel throughout England, Scotland, and Wales. If you are planning on staying exclusively in London for a longer period of time, you can purchase a visitor travel card for discounted travel across zones 1-6 of the London Underground.

This pass covers Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. It is even valid on all direct trains through Germany between Kufstein and Salzburg if the passenger does not change or leave the train. This pass has some neat little discounts attached to it, too, including money off Danube River trips and lots of deals on entrance tickets to well-known tourist attractions.

You won’t have to pay any supplements, but reserving your seats in advance is recommended for long-distance journeys. Prices start from €190 (~$210) for 5 days travel in 1 month.

Heading out to explore Europe has been a right of passage for generations of students, backpackers, and budget travelers since the 1950s. The extensive rail networks that crisscross the continent make it super easy to move around freely, taking in some of the most iconic cities, breathtaking scenery, and historical points of interest in the world.

If you are considering heading over to Europe in the near future, a Eurail pass offers you maximum flexibility for an affordable price, meaning you can make plans, change plans, and go ahead and enjoy Europe by rail as much as you want to.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are 2 types of Eurail passes: a 1 Country Pass or the Eurail Global Pass that allows travel in 31 countries. You can choose to travel for as little as 3 days in 1 month to a whole 3 months worth of travel.

Is a Eurail Pass worth it?

Eurail passes are worth purchasing if you want the flexibility of changing your destination and days of travel. If you have fixed dates and destinations, and can book in advance, this may well be cheaper. It is also worth noting that Eurail passes have discounts for those under the age of 28 or over 60.

Can you use a Eurail Pass on Eurostar?

You can use a Eurail pass on Eurostar provided you book in advance and pay a seat reservation fee. You must also have either a Eurail Global Pass or a Eurail pass that is valid in the destination you are traveling to on Eurostar (i.e. France, Belgium or The Netherlands).

What countries are included in a Eurail Pass?

There are 31 countries that are included with an Eurail Global Pass. You can view a full list of countries here .

How much is a Eurail Pass?

For a Eurail Global Pass, a standard second class adult pass for 3 days in 1 month is $247 (€224) rising to $1023 (€926) for a full 3 months of travel.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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#DiscoverEU

Last updated on Friday, 19/04/2024

Thousands of 18 year olds will have the chance to travel through Europe for free with #DiscoverEU. Be prepared for the next round of applications!

Have you ever wanted to travel through Europe? Thanks to the European Union’s #DiscoverEU initiative you could have the chance. With so much to do and see throughout the EU, it is sure to be a life-changing experience.

What is #DiscoverEU and how does it work?

The European Union is offering travel passes for you to explore its cultural diversity, to connect with other Europeans, and for you to enjoy the advantages of the freedom of movement! If you are 18 years old, you are eligible to travel for minimum 1 day and up to 30 days. The next application round will be open on the European Youth Portal, keep an eye here .

DiscoverEU will give participants passes to travel by rail, but please remember that accommodation and living expenses are not included should you win! Read on to see how you can plan an amazing experience!  

 Learn how to apply to DiscoverEU

Plan Your Trip

For your trip to run as smoothly as possible, planning in advance is the way to go! To help budget, be sure to know the cost of living , and price of travelling to your chosen destinations. Note that certain trains may require reservation . In these cases, you have to make the train reservations yourself. When travelling by night, check the possibility of booking a bed on that particular train. See the overview of reservation cost per country to avoid unwanted surprises!

Apps can also be very helpful, with this trip planner ,   Lonely Planet’s guide app and Citymapper , you can plan the perfect trip. Do you need to know more? On  Lonely Planet Country Forums  you can ask questions about a specific country or city. You can also find great information on  VisitEurope . Reducing accommodation costs can also lead to big savings! For details on hostels, camping and flat renting, you can find information  here . Be aware that you are advised not to book until you know if you are selected, and on what dates you will be travelling!

Events and ideas

European cities are a hotbed of great events, so no matter what your interest area, there’s something for you! In many European cities, it is possible to do a free guided tour through the centre. This is a nice and cheap way to learn about the history of the city; and the guide usually also gives you some useful “insider” information. For ideas on where to visit, European Best Destinations covers an array of categories, mainly dealing with cultural sites throughout Europe. Street festivals also offer a chance to get involved with a destination country’s culture, enjoying festivities alongside locals. Expatexplore will also recommend events that you can enjoy throughout your travels, with sporting and art events covered thoroughly. For music enthusiasts, festivals around Europe offer a huge variety of performers. From a family atmosphere at Electric Picnic in Ireland, to dancing non-stop at Tomorrowland in Belgium, every genre and demographic is covered!

You can still ring 112 in the event of an emergency . Remember that roaming charges no longer apply in the EU, and that you can search through reviews of hostels or Google areas in which you’re travelling.

In case of loss or theft, you need to report back to the local police. You will need to enclose the police report when making your insurance or compensation claim. Cancel any lost or stolen debit or credit cards immediately. If your passport has been stolen, report it to your country’s consulate or embassy as well as to the police. Always keep a scan of your ID or Passport (for example, in your email), this can help in an emergency.

Written by Eurodesk Brussels Link

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Commission offers 35,500 DiscoverEU free travel passes to young people

Starting this summer, thousands of young people will once again travel around Europe by train for free thanks to the latest call of the DiscoverEU programme. Today at 12:00 CET during the  European Youth Week  buzzing with  activities , the Commission launched the latest DiscoverEU application round. It will end on Tuesday 30 April at 12:00 CET.

In total, 35,500 travel passes are available. To get one, young people born between 1 July 2005 and 30 June 2006 can do a quiz with five questions about the EU and one additional question on the  European Youth Portal . Successful applicants will get a free rail pass to travel in Europe for up to 30 days between 1 July 2024 and 30 September 2025.

The call is open to applicants from the European Union and countries associated to the  Erasmus+ programme  including Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia and Türkiye. Ticket holders can plan their own routes or be inspired by existing ones. For example, they can discover a  route  launched last year, which focuses on cities and places making the European Union ‘beautiful, sustainable and inclusive' in line with the principles of the  New European Bauhaus .

Participants can also benefit from the  DiscoverEU Culture Route  an initiative of the 2022 European Year of Youth that combines various cultural destinations including architecture, music, fine art, theatre, fashion and design. Participants can visit the  European Capitals of Culture  which are on the  UNESCO World Heritage List ,   European Heritage Label  sites, or  Access City Award  label locations, which are cities that have gone above and beyond to become more accessible to everyone.

DiscoverEU is much more than just a ticket. Participants will also receive a  discount card  with over 40,000 discount possibilities on public transport, culture, accommodation, food, sports and other services in eligible countries. Additionally,  Erasmus+ National Agencies  organise pre-departure information meetings, and national agencies across all Erasmus+ countries prepare  DiscoverEU Meet-ups , learning programmes lasting from one to three days.

Social inclusion is a top priority of the Erasmus+ programme, so participants with disabilities or health issues receive support on their journeys. Since October 2022, the Erasmus+ National Agencies have implemented the  DiscoverEU Inclusion Action , allowing organisations working with young people with fewer opportunities to apply for a grant. This action provides extra support to participants, such as extra funding and the possibility to travel with accompanying persons. More than 250 projects have been awarded by the Erasmus+ National Agencies since the first call in October 2022, and two calls of the Inclusion Action are taking place in this year.

While DiscoverEU encourages sustainable travel by rail,  special arrangements  are available for young people from outermost regions, Overseas Counties and Territories, remote areas and islands.

The Commission launched  DiscoverEU  in June 2018 following a preparatory action from the European Parliament. It is integrated into the  Erasmus+ programme 2021-2027 .

Since 2018, more than 1 million candidates have applied for 284,000 available travel passes. According to the latest post-travel survey, 72% of candidates declared it to be the first time travelling out of their country of residence by train. For many, it was also the first time they travelled without parents or accompanying adults, and the majority indicated an increased sense of independence. Over two-thirds said that they would not have been able to finance their travel pass without DiscoverEU.

The DiscoverEU experience has given young people a better understanding of other cultures as well as European history and improved their foreign language skills. Participants are invited to become DiscoverEU Ambassadors to champion the initiative. The  # DiscoverEU Official group  has more than 96,000 members where young travellers can contact each other to share experiences and tips.

To apply, eligible candidates need to complete a multiple-choice quiz on general knowledge about the European Union and other EU initiatives targeting young people. The Commission will rank applicants on the basis of their responses. The Commission will offer travel passes to applicants following their ranking up to the limit of available tickets.

For More Information

European Youth Portal

DiscoverEU is a fantastic opportunity for young people who want to explore Europe, discover places and meet new people. I am happy to launch this spring application round during the exciting European Youth Week. I wish the best of luck to all applicants!

Iliana Ivanova, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth

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The Best Rail Passes in Europe

Make the most of terrific train travel on The Continent

Rail passes can be a great bargain. Back in the 1970s, they were always a good deal. But in the 21st century, you have to plan your trip well to make use of the many types of European rail passes available.

Here's the problem. Think of the rail pass (any of the Eurail offerings) as a big, all-you-can-eat buffet. You can have anything you want, all spread out in front of you. You don't have to know its name in English, you just dig in. Now, if you're hungry and want to get the most for your money, you'll take big, heaping helpings of all the expensive foods that have high value. You'll pass on the salad greens and dig into heaping helpings of c oq au vin  and pappardelle with wild mushrooms.

In rail pass terms, if you spend your time taking long train rides in expensive places like Scandinavia, you'll save a heap of money over buying point-to-point tickets.

On the other hand, if you take short jaunts, one a day, between places that are relatively close, you'll pay dearly. Your pass will have actually cost you more money than buying individual tickets.

It's like you'd bellied up to the buffet for a couple of lettuce leaves and a piece of white bread. You didn't get your money's worth. The owner smiles and pats his wallet. That's how he makes his money.

Rail Pass Benefits

While rail passes aren't as comprehensive as they once were, you'll still derive benefits from having one. Yes, you'll still have to head to the ticket counter to pay supplements for the high-speed trains you might want to take or for seat reservations, but getting on a regular train without going through the hassle of standing in line to buy tickets is a plus. And many passes are useful for other means of transportation as well as trains, so check carefully when you order.

Rail travel is a blast. You'll meet people. You'll get to watch the rugged mountain scenery pass without worrying that you might crash into it. And trains in Europe, for the most part, are fast (or very fast), clean, modern, and, yes, romantic. 

Tthe Best Rail Pass for Your Trip

One thing you can say for sure, most rail passes are best suited for folks who plan their vacations very carefully unless you have enough time and cash to buy the original Eurail pass, which is still being sold and is the first stop on our rail pass tour.

Remember that you can't buy rail passes in Europe; you must purchase them within six months of your vacation and get them validated on your first day of travel.

The  Eurail  Global Pass offers consecutive-day first-class travel in Europe (including Austria,  Belgium , Croatia,  Czech Republic , Denmark, Finland , France,  Germany , Greece, the Netherlands, Hungary , Italy,  Luxembourg , Norway, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland) for 5 days or up to 3 months, depending upon the duration you choose. Prices per day decrease with increasing pass duration. You'll still have to pay supplements on high-speed trains, and you'll have to pay for seat reservations if you want them, although first class tends to have more unreserved seats then second in most markets.

The Eurail Select Pass offers unlimited train travel of two, three or four bordering countries connected by train or ship. There is a choice of five to 10-day passes.

(Note that Britain is not included in Eurail passes. Check BritRail for information for rail pass information and prices.)

Multiple Country Rail Passes

If you've narrowed things down to a couple of big countries, your best bet is a multiple country pass from  RailEurope . You have lots of country combos to choose from.

Single Country Rail Passes

A variety of passes for a single country  are available for travelers who have really narrowed down their vacation destination. Prices vary because the rail system in each country has a different fare structure. Plan longer trips to get the best value from your rail pass. (There is no need to get an expensive Eurail pass in Belgium . The national rail network in Belgium has its own cheap pass that allows any number of travelers to share one 10-journey ticket, making each journey cost very little.) 

Discounts for Youths and Seniors

Eurail also offers Youth Passes, with discounts on second-class rail travel for travelers between the ages of 16 and 25. If you're over 60, discounted rates are available for some passes and specific trains. Be sure to check the appropriate box when you check out.

Is a Rail Pass Worth It?

Skeptical that you'll be able to save on your transportation with a rail pass over point to point tickets? Here's a comparison of prices (examples only). Let's use a pass that hasn't been discussed, the Eurail Scandinavian Pass, a Scandinavian rail pass covering four  Scandinavian countries .

In this example, the cheapest Scanrail pass will cost you $291 for five days of first-class travel in two months. A second-class fare for an Oslo-to-Bergen trip will run you between $119 and $140, depending on time and date. The fare between Malmo and Stockholm is $141. In this price example, you'll spend almost the price of your pass in two of your five days, giving you almost three days of free travel with the pass. Not a bad return. And youth passes and  senior passes  are available, allowing that group to save even more.

The bottom line: Price your options (point-to-point tickets or rail passes) after you've planned out your trip based on how many cities and countries you want to travel to over how many days.

Other Rail Pass Pluses

Not all value is monetary. If you don't speak the languages of the countries you're visiting and feel uncomfortable trying to make yourself understood, a rail pass can free you from many of the transactions that you'd have to go through if you decide to buy point-to-point rail tickets. So you don't need to feel guilty if you lose a few dollars on your pass in exchange for relieving yourself of communication responsibility.

The other advantage of a rail pass is that you won't need to carry as much money with you to pay for the various point-to-point tickets you might buy. Remember also that the money you get out of foreign ATMs loses value automatically with the currency exchange . Many credit cards also adjust the price based on the currency exchange, so if you plan to charge your tickets you still could get hit with a higher price than you thought you were paying.

And finally, don't let that rail pass push you around. It's silly to travel long distances to places you probably won't enjoy much just to get more for your money. Vacation is socially sanctioned to give you permission be selfish. Plan on it.

Youth Discounts on the Eurail Pass

Traveling by Train in Europe: Where, Why, and How

About Single Europe Train Tickets

German Rail Map and Transportation Guide

Can I Get a Senior Discount on Rail Passes?

France Railways Map and French Train Travel Information

5 Ways to Find the Cheapest Train Travel

Can a Eurail Pass Save You Money in Eastern Europe?

Train Travel in Morocco

How Eurail Passes Work

Comparing Costs of Rail Travel in Europe

Step-By-Step Budget Tips for a First European Vacation

Planning Your Trip by Rail in Europe

10 Budget Travel Tips for Visiting Venice

How to Travel From Florence to Paris by Train, Bus, Plane, and Car

When Should I Buy My Train Tickets for Italy?

European travel pass FAQ: who should apply, cost, wait times, and more

The new authorization will be implemented next year

• 18:46, 10 AUG 2023
• Updated 16:19, 15 AUG 2023

US citizens will need a new travel pass to visit 30 countries in Europe next year. A new travel authorization known as the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), will come into effect in 2024.

The system is similar to the US's ESTA requirement for short-term stays for foreign visitors from visa-exempt countries. Once implemented, ETIAS will be required from visitors from visa-exempt, non-EU countries such as the US, UK, and Australia.

Apart from those who have dual citizenship with EU countries, US citizens will be required to apply for the pass prior to vacations and other short-term stays. Here's the rundown on all you need to know about the pass.

Read more: US citizens will need travel authorization for Europe in 2024

Read more: Where are the most Irish neighborhoods in New York City?

What does ETIAS cover?

The pass is for short-term stays, entitling those who have it to stay in the European countries requiring it for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. ETIAS covers you for short-term stays in the following 30 countries:

• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland

How long does ETIAS last?

The pass lasts for either three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

Who needs ETIAS?

Citizens from the following countries need to apply for ETIAS prior to their visit:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• El Salvador
• Marshall Islands
• New Zealand
• North Macedonia
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent
• Solomon Islands
• South Korea
• Timor Leste
• Trinidad and Tobago
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States of America

Irish passport holders will not need ETIAS, provided you present this passport to European authorities while traveling.

How much does ETIAS cost?

ETIAS comes with an application fee of €7. At the time of writing, that's around $7.79 in USD.

How to apply for ETIAS

Applications are not yet open, but you'll be able to apply online once the system is implemented next year. You can also nominate someone to apply on your behalf. Read our full guide on what to expect from the application process for more.

How long does ETIAS take?

Once you have an in-date passport on hand, the application itself should only take a few minutes to fill out. Most applications will be processed within minutes to 96 hours.

Some applicants may be required to provide additional information or documentation. In rare cases, applicants may be called to participate in an interview with national authorities, which can extend the process by an additional 30 days.

When to apply for ETIAS

Though most applications will be processed quickly, it's highly recommended that you apply prior to booking flights or accommodation just in case. The pass will be linked to your passport and expires along with it, so if your passport is near expiry, it's best to wait until you have a new one before applying for ETIAS.

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad

Travelling to the EU and Schengen area

You do not need a visa for short trips to the EU or countries in the Schengen area if both of the following apply:

• you’re staying for 90 days or less in a 180-day period
• you’re visiting as a tourist or for certain other reasons

Other reasons include:

• studying a short course
• getting medical treatment
• travelling for business for your UK employer, for example to attend a business meeting or conference
• journalism or other media activities

Check the entry requirements of the country you’re visiting to find out what you can and cannot do during your stay.

These rules do not apply to travelling and working in Ireland .

Travelling to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period

You can travel to more than one country in a 180-day period. How long you can stay in each country depends on whether or not it’s in the Schengen area.

The countries in the Schengen area are:

Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Your total stay in the Schengen area must be no more than 90 days in every 180 days. It does not matter how many countries you visit. The 180-day period keeps ‘rolling’.

To work out if your stay is within the 90 day limit, use the following steps.

Check the date you plan to leave the Schengen area on your next trip.

Count back 180 days from that date to get the start of the 180-day period.

Add up the number of days you have already spent in the Schengen area in that 180-day period (you can use the dates stamped in your passport showing when you entered and left a country).

Work out how many days you will spend in the Schengen area on your next trip. Add this number to the number of days you worked out in step 3.

Check that the total number of days is not more than 90.

Travelling to EU countries that are not in the Schengen area

Bulgaria, Cyprus and Romania are not in the Schengen area. You can stay up to 90 days in a 180-day period in each of these countries without a visa.

Any time you spend in the Schengen area does not affect the number of days you can spend in these countries.

When you may need a visa

​​You may need a visa or permit if you want to either:

• stay for more than 90 days

If you’re travelling for work, check the rules for the country you’re visiting .

If you’re travelling for another reason or staying longer than 90 days, check the entry requirements for the country you’re visiting .

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New requirements for Americans traveling to Europe postponed until 2025

Visitors who now travel visa-free will need to get approval prior to departure.

Americans eyed upcoming travel to European destinations slightly differently due to news of a requirement that was set to start in 2024 for U.S. passport holders. But now, EU officials have postponed the European Travel Information and Authorisation System ( ETIAS ) launch until spring of 2025.

SchengenVisaInfo.com, a website dedicated to the world's largest visa-free zone where 27 European countries abolished their internal borders known as the Schengen Area, first reported that an EU official confirmed ETIAS won't go live until May 2025, "due to continued delays with the introduction of the related Entry-Exit System (EES), which needs to be operational before ETIAS can be implemented."

An official for the European Union did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment.

What to know about ETIAS for US travelers

If you previously traveled to Europe without a visa, you will now need to apply for authorization through the ETIAS , before visiting.

Today, American travelers have visa-free access to 184 global destinations, according to the Henley Passport Index . And while the U.S. passport is currently ranked eighth-most powerful passport to own, that could be set to shift when the European Union adds its new documentation requirements for U.S. visitors.

The application form, which will be available on the official ETIAS website as well as a mobile application, has a fee of 7 euros or $7.79 U.S. dollars. All communication is done by email.

Once you are approved for travel, the authorization entitles visitors to stay in European countries that require ETIAS for up to 90 days within any 180-day period and travelers must be in possession of a valid ETIAS during their entire stay.

MORE: New warning issued for rebooking air travel after delays, cancellations

According to ETIAS, most applications should be processed within minutes, but in case an application takes longer, decisions will be sent within four days or up to 14 days if the applicant is asked to provide additional documentation.

The European Union encourages travelers to apply for an ETIAS authorization "well in advance of your planned journey."

Confirmation of application submission will be sent on email with a unique number that is needed for future reference.

Upon receiving ETIAS travel authorization, travelers are to ensure that their name, passport number and other information is correct because any mistake will prevent them from crossing the border.

If an application is refused, the email will include the reasons for the decision along with information about how to appeal.

ETIAS travel authorization is valid for three years, according to the EU, or until the travel document you used in your application expires, whichever comes first.

MORE: European heat wave breaking records with little relief in sight

The ETIAS authorization is linked to a person's travel document -- such as a U.S. passport -- and both documents will be needed to board a flight, bus or ship to enter any of the European countries that require ETIAS.

Similar to international border requirements with a passport, the ETIAS authorization doesn't guarantee automatic right of entry. "Border guards will verify that you meet the entry conditions" and anyone who does not meet the conditions "will be refused entry," according to the EU.

Click here to learn more about the process from the European Union.

An earlier version of this story was originally published on July 21, 2023.

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How to Travel Through Europe by Train Like a Pro

Last Updated on June 8, 2023

Traveling through Europe by train is a wonderful experience that offers a unique and authentic way to explore the continent. It is a cost-effective and sustainable way to travel that gives you a chance to see the breathtaking scenery of Europe. 

However, train travel can also be overwhelming for first-timers. That’s why we’ve put together this guide on traveling through Europe by train like a pro.

Make an Itinerary

The first step to traveling through Europe by train like a pro is to plan ahead. Research your destinations and create a rough itinerary of the places you want to visit, as well as the duration of your stay. You can use websites such as Rail Europe or Eurail to plan your train journeys and book tickets in advance. This can save you money, time, and heartache on your adventure!

Buy a Rail Pass

If you plan to take multiple train journeys during your trip, buying a rail pass is worth considering. A rail pass allows you to travel on most trains in Europe without purchasing individual tickets for each journey. Different types of rail passes are available, depending on the length of your trip and the countries you want to visit.

Utilize Nearby Luggage Storage

When traveling through Europe by train, you may find yourself in a situation where you need to store your luggage temporarily. This can happen if you arrive at your destination before your hotel check-in time or want to explore a city without carrying heavy bags.

Fortunately, many train stations in Europe offer luggage storage facilities. For example, if you’re spending the day in St. Pancras, simply look for luggage storage in St. Pancras . Now, you can explore the city with peace of mind — and no heavy bags weighing you down.

Choose Your Train

When traveling through Europe by train , you can take high-speed trains, regional trains, or overnight trains. High-speed trains, such as the Eurostar or TGV, are faster and more expensive than regional trains. However, they are a smart option for longer journeys or days you want to travel between two distant cities in a short amount of time.

Regional trains, on the other hand, are slower but cheaper. They are an option if you want to explore smaller towns and villages along your route. Overnight trains, such as the Nightjet, allow you to save time and money by combining transportation and accommodation.

One of the advantages of traveling through Europe by train is the ability to easily move from one place to another. However, this can be difficult if you are carrying a heavy suitcase. Therefore, it is important to pack light and only bring the essentials. A backpack or a small suitcase is ideal for train travel.

Arrive Early

You should arrive at the train station at least 30 minutes before your train departure time. This allows you to find your platform, check the train timetable, and board the train stress-free. After all, when a train says it leaves at 10:00, you best believe it’ll be on the move promptly at 10:00.

Additionally, arriving early can give you time to grab a coffee or a snack from one of the many cafes at the train station.

Validate Your Ticket

If you have purchased individual train tickets, don’t forget to validate them before boarding the train. You can do this at the yellow validation machines located at the train station. Failure to validate your ticket can result in a fine if you are caught by a ticket inspector on the train.

Keep Your Ticket Handy

Once you have boarded the train, it is important to keep your ticket handy. Ticket inspectors may ask to see your ticket any time during the journey, so it is best to have it easily accessible. Additionally, some trains have a designated area for luggage storage, so be sure to keep your bags in the appropriate area.

Bring Your Own Food

While some trains have dining cars or food carts, it is always a good idea to bring your own food and snacks for the journey. This can save you money and ensure that you have something to eat if the train has no food options or limited options.

Enjoy the Scenery

Last but not least, one of the most important things to remember when traveling through Europe by train is to take the time to enjoy the scenery. Europe is home to some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes and architecture, and traveling by train allows you to see it all from a unique perspective.

Happy Travels!

Traveling through Europe by train is a fantastic experience that offers a unique and authentic way to explore the continent. With these tips, you can travel like a pro and make the most of your journey. Remember to plan ahead, pack light, and most importantly, enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.

Related posts:

• Why you should travel by train in Europe (and how to book tickets)
• Exploring France by train: Our top five train rides in France
• How to Travel around Europe on the Cheap
• Things to Know Before You Board a Train from Vienna to Prague

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