Veronika Pololáníková
•
17. 04. 2025
Want to see more places at once, save money and time at airports and don’t mind travelling by train? Then the Interrail Pass could be the perfect way to explore Europe by rail in a convenient and flexible way. The Interrail Pass is a train pass that allows unlimited train travel in a number of European countries for a set period of time. It is intended for European citizens, while travellers from outside Europe can use a similar Eurail Pass.
Types of Interrail Passes: travel across Europe or just one country
There are several types of passports, depending on how many countries they are valid in and for how long. The Interrail Global Pass allows you to travel in more than 30 European countries and is ideal for those who want to visit different places across the continent in one trip. This type offers options with a fixed number of travel days within a certain period, for example seven days in one month, or the option to travel every day for several weeks or months.
If you’re only going to explore one country in depth, the Interrail One Country Pass, which – as the name suggests – is only valid in one specific country, may be more suitable for you. It’s a great option for those who plan to travel around Italy, Spain or France, for example, and want as much flexibility as possible when moving around.
Travel days and breaks: how to make the most of your passport
The advantage of the Interrail Pass is that you can tailor your journey to suit your needs and preferences. Whether you’re going on a weekend trip or a three-month adventure, it’s easy to find an option that suits you.
One of the biggest advantages of the Interrail Pass is its flexibility – if you want to stay longer and get to know a city really well during your trip, it’s no problem. For example, if you choose the 7 travel days in 1 month option, it means you have seven arbitrary days to travel by train, with no limit on the number of connections on any given day. The remaining days in between can be spent relaxing or exploring the places you’re currently in. So you can go to Amsterdam on one day, spend a few nights there before moving on – the next travel day only counts when you get on the train again. This gives you the perfect way to plan your journey to suit your preferences, whether you want to travel through Europe at a leisurely pace or indulge in multi-day stops.
Rail Planner: the app that makes travelling easier
You can also plan your journey in advance with the free Rail Planner App, which is a great tool for travelling with an Interrail Pass. The app works offline and provides all the important information about train connections, helps you plan your itinerary, search for connections, see if you need to make a reservation, and keep track of current departure and arrival times. Simply enter the cities you want to visit, specify how many nights you plan to spend in each, and the app will automatically create a complete overview of your entire journey, including train connections, approximate times and prices. So you can travel around Europe without stress and with everything under control.
If you are planning to travel with an Interrail Pass, remember that some trains, especially high-speed trains such as TGV, Eurostar or AVE, and all night trains, require a compulsory seat reservation. Reservations will get you a specific seat or berth and must be made in advance, either online, by phone or at the station. Booking fees vary depending on the type of train and class selected.
Reservations, night trains and other practical tips
Before you set off, be aware that reservations are required for some services – especially high-speed trains such as TGV, Eurostar and AVE, and all night trains. You can book your seat online, by phone or directly at the station, and the price depends on the type of train and class you choose. Night trains are a great option if you want to save time and accommodation costs – choose between reclining seats, beds or private cabins with en-suite bathrooms. If you have a flexible Interrail Pass, such a journey counts as one travel day (as long as the train leaves before midnight and you don’t change trains). In countries like France, Italy or Spain, the number of seats for Interrail travellers is limited, especially in summer – so book early. Make sure you have all the important documents with you: a valid passport or ID, Interrail Pass (in-app or printed), reservations and travel insurance. Keep them in a safe place and always close at hand – so you can travel stress-free.
