Let’s face it: summer goes fast. But Eurail is here to remind travelers that summer isn’t just a season—it’s a mindset. With warm weather lingering well into September and fewer crowds across Europe’s beaches, mountains, and iconic cities, there’s no better time to keep your summer spirit alive. By traveling with Eurail during the off-season, adventurers can enjoy more space, more savings, and yes… more gelato.
Here are some recent Eurail developments and itineraries that will help travelers to get in the summer mindset in the upcoming months:
Stretch Your Summer
The delights of summer in Europe extend long into the off-season. This means there is plenty of time to plan a carefree holiday in September, October or beyond – often with shorter lines at attractions and lower prices for accommodations than travelers typically find during the middle of summer. From the Adriatic Sea to Baltic forests, check out some of the best off-season routes.
Chase The Sun In Slovenia and Croatia
With lively cities, picturesque natural areas, and inspiring train routes, Slovenia and Croatia have everything you need for a refreshing, summer-stretching Eurail trip. Follow your curiosity and explore a 24,000-meter-long cave — and then travel along the unforgettable Adriatic coastline. Follow this itinerary to discover Slovenia and Croatia by rail.
Island Hopping In the Cyclades — Without Crowds
Learn how to use the 4-day Greek Islands Pass to explore the Cyclades for yourself. The islands hold endless gems to experience, especially when you venture off the beaten path. It’s also helpful to travel outside of cruise season, which runs from May to October.
Baltic Breakthrough: One-Day Travel from Tallinn to Vilnius
Beginning in early 2025, Pass holders can enjoy a streamlined train connection linking Vilnius (Lithuania), Riga (Latvia) and Tallinn (Estonia). Thanks to better-aligned timetables, it’s now possible to travel the entire route from Vilnius to Tallinn in a single day, making the Baltic region more accessible than ever.
New High-Speed Day Trains Across Europe
- Berlin–Paris (Day Service): A new daytime ICE train has joined the popular night option, connecting two major capitals in just over eight hours, with stops in Frankfurt and Strasbourg.
- Amsterdam–Munich: A brand-new daytime route links these vibrant cities in under seven hours, with scenic stops in Cologne, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt and Stuttgart.
- Amsterdam–Brussels: New Eurocity and Eurocity Direct services streamline travel between the Dutch and Belgian capitals, offering more frequency and flexibility.
- Serbia: Novi Sad–Subotica: A completely revamped line now slashes travel time from four hours to just 40 minutes. With connections via Szeged, Subotica also links directly to Budapest, unlocking easier access to the Balkans.
Poland Rolls Out Koleje Małopolskie
Eurail welcomes Koleje Małopolskie to the network, giving travelers a new way to explore southern Poland. Key routes include Kraków to Tarnów and the resort town of Zakopane, which is ideal for culture seekers and nature lovers alike.
New VY Route: Oslo–Malmö–Copenhagen Made Easy
Norwegian operator VY will launch a new summer service between Oslo and Malmö, running July 14 to August 11. Trains will operate twice daily as extensions of the current Oslo–Gothenburg route — no reservations required. Travel time between Oslo S and Malmö will be around 6 hours and 10 minutes, with an easy 20-minute transfer in Malmö for a total Oslo–Copenhagen journey of approximately seven hours.
A New Look For The Tripplanner
Eurail’s updated web-based Tripplanner makes it easier for travelers to plan their next rail adventure, including mapping out train routes, selecting the perfect Pass and share plans with companions.
