There’s something special about exploring Europe by train. One morning, you might be enjoying breakfast in Paris; the next, traveling through the picturesque countryside of Belgium or watching the Swiss Alps unfold beyond your window.
Unlike flying, train travel often brings visitors directly into the heart of Europe’s most fascinating cities, eliminating many of the hassles associated with airports while offering a more intimate perspective on the landscapes and communities along the way.
For travelers planning an extended European adventure, the Interrail Global Pass provides a convenient way to connect destinations, discover lesser-known places, and experience the continent at a more relaxed pace.
And following a major change in September 2026, the pass has become easier to understand for international travelers.
Eurail Is Now Interrail: What’s Changed?
For decades, travelers exploring Europe by rail encountered two familiar names: Eurail and Interrail.
Although the two passes provided access to essentially the same railway network, they were marketed to different groups of travelers. Eurail was designed for people living outside Europe, while Interrail was available to European residents.
That distinction officially ended on September 10, 2026, when the two brands were unified under the Interrail name.
Today, the Interrail Global Pass is available to travelers worldwide, whether they live in North America, Australia, Asia, or Europe.
The name has changed, but the fundamental appeal remains the same: one pass provides access to participating railway networks across 33 European countries, giving travelers the freedom to create their own multi-destination itineraries.
Travelers who purchased an Eurail Pass before the September 2026 transition can continue using it according to its original validity and booking conditions.
The change also means that international visitors no longer need to determine whether Eurail or Interrail is the appropriate product for their trip.
For current pass information and booking options, visit Interrail or Rail Europe.
What Is the Interrail Global Pass?
The Interrail Global Pass is a travel pass that allows passengers to use eligible trains operated by participating railway companies across Europe.
Instead of purchasing a separate point-to-point ticket for every journey, travelers can choose a pass covering a set number of travel days or a continuous travel period.
The pass is particularly attractive for visitors planning to explore several countries or cities during one vacation.
For example, a traveler could begin in London, continue by train to Paris, visit Brussels and Amsterdam, and then explore Germany before heading farther into Central Europe.
Another itinerary might focus on the historic cities of Prague, Vienna, and Budapest, while a more leisurely journey could combine the lakes and mountains of Switzerland with the cultural treasures of northern Italy.
Many regional and conventional trains require no additional reservation, making it possible to adjust plans along the way. However, high-speed trains, sleeper services, and certain scenic routes may require separate paid reservations.
This balance of flexibility and advance planning is what makes the pass appealing to travelers who want independence without purchasing every rail ticket individually.
Explore 33 European Countries With One Pass
The Interrail Global Pass covers participating railway services in 33 European countries, from the Atlantic coast to Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean.
These countries include Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Türkiye.
The network opens up a remarkable range of travel experiences.
Visitors can explore the celebrated museums and architecture of European capitals, discover medieval towns, journey through Alpine valleys, or plan adventures along the Mediterranean coast.
However, having a country included in the Interrail network does not necessarily mean every railway, private train service, or international connection is covered. Some countries also have limited or suspended cross-border passenger services.
Travelers should confirm both pass validity and operating schedules for each planned journey.
Great Britain: From London to the Scottish Highlands
Great Britain’s inclusion in the former Eurail Global Pass in 2019 significantly expanded the possibilities for international rail travelers.
Today, the Interrail Global Pass continues to provide access to a wide range of participating rail services across England, Scotland, and Wales.
London is a natural starting point, with major railway stations connecting the capital to destinations throughout the country.
Travelers can visit the historic university city of Oxford, explore the Roman heritage of Bath, discover York’s medieval streets, or venture north to Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Scotland offers some particularly memorable railway experiences.
The West Highland Line, connecting Glasgow with destinations such as Fort William, Oban, and Mallaig, is celebrated for its dramatic mountain landscapes, tranquil lochs, and remote coastal scenery.
For travelers combining Britain with continental Europe, Eurostar provides high-speed passenger services connecting London with Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam.
Important: Interrail Global Pass holders must purchase a separate seat reservation to travel on Eurostar. Reservations can sell out, especially during busy travel periods, so advance booking is strongly recommended.
For additional inspiration, explore DRIFT Travel’s Seven Must-See Locations for a European Train Holiday.
Lithuania: Discover the Baltic Region by Rail
Lithuania was another important addition to the Eurail network in 2019, opening more opportunities for travelers interested in exploring the Baltic region.
Today, Lithuania’s railway network connects its capital, Vilnius, with destinations including Kaunas, Klaipėda, and Šiauliai.
Vilnius makes an excellent starting point. Its UNESCO-listed historic center is filled with Baroque architecture, picturesque courtyards, churches, cafes, and cultural attractions.
Kaunas offers a creative urban atmosphere, historic architecture, and a growing cultural scene, while Klaipėda provides access to Lithuania’s Baltic coastline and the Curonian Spit.
International rail connections have also improved.
Lithuanian railway operator LTG Link offers services connecting Vilnius with Warsaw and Kraków in Poland, as well as connections to Riga in Latvia.
These routes create opportunities to combine Lithuania with neighboring countries as part of a longer European rail itinerary.
Some international journeys involve changes of train, and seat reservations may be required even when traveling with a valid Interrail Pass.
Visitors can check schedules and passholder reservation requirements through LTG Link.
North Macedonia: Exploring the Balkans
North Macedonia, previously referred to simply as Macedonia in older Eurail announcements, is another country included in the Interrail Global Pass network.
Its capital, Skopje, offers an intriguing blend of Ottoman-era heritage, lively markets, monuments, and contemporary architecture.
Beyond the capital, the country is known for its mountainous landscapes, traditional villages, and Lake Ohrid, one of the Balkans’ most celebrated natural and cultural destinations.
Rail services within North Macedonia are operated by the national railway company, with routes connecting Skopje to selected regional destinations.
However, travelers should be aware of an important limitation.
As of November 2026, international passenger trains connecting North Macedonia with Serbia and Greece are suspended.
Although North Macedonia remains part of the Interrail network, visitors cannot currently rely on direct international train connections to enter or leave the country.
Travelers planning a wider Balkan itinerary may need to combine rail travel with buses or other transportation.
Before making plans, consult Interrail’s North Macedonia rail information for current services and updates.
Choosing the Right Interrail Pass
One of the biggest advantages of the Interrail system is the ability to select a pass that matches your travel style.
Travelers can choose between two main types of Global Pass.
Flexible Passes
A Flexi Pass provides a specific number of travel days within a longer validity period.
For example, a five-day pass within one month allows travelers to select five separate days for rail travel during that month.
This can be particularly useful when planning to spend several nights in each destination.
A traveler might spend four nights in Paris, three nights in Amsterdam, and another four nights in Berlin while using travel days only when moving between cities.
Continuous Passes
Continuous passes allow eligible train travel throughout the entire validity period.
Options include passes covering 15 or 22 consecutive days, or one, two, or three months.
These passes can be ideal for longer journeys involving frequent travel, spontaneous day trips, or an itinerary that changes as the adventure unfolds.
Both first-class and second-class options are available, with different pricing depending on the pass type, validity, and traveler category.
For travelers concentrating on a single country, Interrail also offers One Country Passes for eligible destinations. Availability and residency restrictions vary, so check the conditions before purchasing.
Youth, Senior, and Family Travel Benefits
Interrail offers different fare categories designed to make European rail travel accessible to a wider range of travelers.
Young travelers ages 12 to 27 can qualify for discounted Youth Passes, while travelers ages 60 and older can purchase reduced-fare Senior Passes.
Families may also benefit from the Child Pass program.
Under current rules, up to two children ages 4 to 11 can receive a free Child Pass when traveling with each qualifying adult pass holder, although separate seat reservations may still be necessary.
Children under four generally do not require a pass when traveling without occupying a separate seat, subject to individual railway rules.
Discounts and eligibility conditions can change, so travelers should review the latest offers when booking.
Understanding Seat Reservations and Additional Costs
One of the most important things to understand about the Interrail Global Pass is that it does not automatically cover every expense associated with train travel.
While many regional and conventional services allow passengers to travel simply by presenting their activated pass, other trains require a separate reservation.
These can include high-speed services such as Eurostar, France’s TGV, Spain’s AVE, and selected Italian high-speed trains.
Overnight sleeper trains also typically require additional reservations for sleeping accommodations.
Some panoramic trains in Switzerland charge separate reservation fees, even when the underlying railway journey is covered by the pass.
Travelers should consider these potential costs when comparing a rail pass with individual tickets.
Fortunately, the official Rail Planner app makes it possible to search for services that do not require reservations.
Choosing regional trains can sometimes reduce travel costs while offering a more leisurely journey through the countryside.
For popular high-speed routes, however, it is advisable to reserve well before departure.
How the Interrail Mobile Pass Works
The digital Interrail Mobile Pass has simplified the experience of traveling across multiple European countries.
Rather than relying on paper tickets, travelers can store their pass directly on their smartphone through the official Rail Planner app.
The app allows passengers to search train schedules, save itineraries, manage travel days, and display their rail ticket when boarding or during inspection.
After purchasing a mobile pass, travelers receive information for adding it to the app.
The pass must be activated before the first journey, and each train journey must be added to generate a valid ticket.
Most standard mobile passes can be activated within 11 months of purchase, although promotional products may have different conditions.
Travelers should also ensure their phone is charged, their identification is available, and any required seat reservations have been booked separately.
The Rail Planner app is available through the official Interrail website.
Three European Train Itineraries Worth Considering
For travelers looking for inspiration, these three itinerary ideas demonstrate how an Interrail Pass can connect different destinations and travel experiences.
1. The Classic Western Europe Journey
London – Paris – Brussels – Amsterdam
This itinerary combines four distinctive European capitals, offering a mix of museums, historic architecture, shopping, culinary experiences, and vibrant neighborhoods.
Begin in London, travel through the Channel Tunnel to Paris, and continue through Belgium to the Netherlands.
High-speed services make these connections convenient, although mandatory seat reservations on Eurostar and certain other services should be arranged in advance.
2. Central Europe’s Cultural Capitals
Berlin – Prague – Vienna – Budapest
This journey brings together some of Central Europe’s most fascinating cities.
Explore Berlin’s contemporary culture and historic landmarks, wander Prague’s medieval streets, discover Vienna’s imperial architecture and musical heritage, and finish beside the Danube in Budapest.
The region’s established rail connections make it particularly attractive for travelers who want to combine several destinations without flying between them.
3. A Baltic Discovery
Warsaw – Vilnius – Riga
For something less conventional, consider an itinerary linking Poland with Lithuania and Latvia.
Begin in Warsaw before continuing north to Vilnius, where historic architecture and a thriving cultural scene await.
From there, travel toward Riga, known for its remarkable Art Nouveau architecture, lively markets, and beautiful historic center.
Check current international schedules carefully, as connections, train changes, and seat-reservation requirements vary.
Is the Interrail Global Pass Worth It?
The answer depends on how you plan to travel.
For visitors exploring several countries, taking frequent trains, or wanting the freedom to adjust their itinerary, an Interrail Global Pass can offer excellent convenience and potentially good value.
However, travelers who intend to remain in one destination for most of their vacation or take only two or three short journeys may find that individual tickets are more economical.
Advance-purchase fares on certain routes can be especially competitive, while mandatory seat reservations can increase the overall cost of pass travel.
Before purchasing, compare the price of an Interrail Pass, including any reservation fees, with the cost of individual train tickets for your planned itinerary.
The real advantage is not always finding the lowest possible fare. For many travelers, it’s the freedom to explore several destinations without planning every detail months in advance.
Where to Stay Along Your European Rail Journey
Choosing accommodation near major railway stations can make a multi-city train vacation considerably easier, especially when traveling with luggage.
The Megaro Hotel — London
Located opposite King’s Cross and St. Pancras International, The Megaro is a colorful boutique hotel offering convenient access to Eurostar services and domestic railway connections.
View The Megaro Hotel on Booking.com
Hotel AMANO Grand Central — Berlin
Situated just a short walk from Berlin Hauptbahnhof, Hotel AMANO Grand Central offers modern accommodations, contemporary design, and convenient connections for travelers continuing through Germany and Central Europe.
View Hotel AMANO Grand Central on Booking.com
Travelers can also look for accommodations close to major railway hubs in Paris, Vienna, Amsterdam, and other popular destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Interrail Global Pass
Is Eurail the same as Interrail now?
Yes. In September 2026, Eurail and Interrail were unified under the Interrail name. The Interrail Global Pass is now available to travelers worldwide, replacing the separate Eurail branding previously used for people living outside Europe.
How many countries are included in the Interrail Global Pass?
The Interrail Global Pass covers participating railway networks in 33 European countries. However, not every train or railway operator is included, and some international routes may not operate.
Can travelers from the United States and Canada buy an Interrail Pass?
Yes. The Interrail Global Pass is available to travelers worldwide, including residents of the United States, Canada, Australia, and other countries outside Europe.
Can I travel on Eurostar with an Interrail Global Pass?
Yes. The Global Pass covers eligible Eurostar services, but passengers must purchase a separate seat reservation. Popular departures can sell out, so advance booking is recommended.
Are all European trains included?
No. The pass covers participating railway operators and eligible services. Certain private trains, local transit systems, ferries, and special tourist services may not be included or may offer only discounts.
Do I need to reserve seats with an Interrail Pass?
Not always. Many regional trains do not require reservations, but high-speed trains, sleeper services, and some scenic rail journeys require additional bookings.
Is an Interrail Pass cheaper than buying train tickets separately?
Not necessarily. The best value depends on the length of your trip, destinations, number of travel days, and reservation costs. Comparing individual fares with the total cost of a pass is the best way to determine which option is more economical.
Discover Europe at Your Own Pace
From the historic streets of London and Paris to the picturesque landscapes of Switzerland, the cultural capitals of Central Europe, and the less-explored destinations of the Baltics, traveling Europe by train offers endless opportunities for discovery.
The transition from Eurail to Interrail marks another chapter in the evolution of European rail travel, bringing passengers from around the world under one recognizable pass system.
For visitors seeking a vacation that combines multiple destinations with scenic journeys and the freedom to explore, the Interrail Global Pass remains one of the most appealing ways to experience Europe.
And sometimes, the journey between destinations becomes just as memorable as the places themselves.
For current pass options, railway coverage, reservation requirements, and travel planning information, visit Interrailor Rail Europe. Railway schedules, services, and pass conditions are subject to change.
