Interrail

Interrail passes are available to citizens and residents of:{{Cite web|url=https://www.myinterrail.co.uk/interrail-passes/eligibility-conditions-of-use/|title=Interrail|website=www.myinterrail.co.uk|language=en-GB|access-date=2024-12-26}}

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• {{Flagcountry|European Union}}
• {{Flagcountry|Albania}}
• {{Flagcountry|Andorra}}
• {{Flagcountry|Belarus}}
• {{Flagcountry|Bosnia and Herzegovina}}
• {{Flagcountry|Faroe Islands}}
• {{Flagcountry|Gibraltar}}
• {{Flagcountry|Iceland}}
• {{Flagcountry|Kosovo}}
• {{Flagcountry|Liechtenstein}}
• {{Flagcountry|Moldova}}
• {{Flagcountry|Monaco}}
• {{Flagcountry|Montenegro}}
• {{Flagcountry|North Macedonia}}
• {{Flagcountry|Norway}}
• {{Flagcountry|Russian Federation}}
• {{Flagcountry|San Marino}}
• {{Flagcountry|Serbia}}
• {{Flagcountry|Switzerland}}
• {{Flagcountry|Turkey}}
• {{Flagcountry|Ukraine}}
• {{Flagcountry|United Kingdom}}
• {{Flagcountry|Vatican City}}

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Interrail Passes three age categories and the full fare (adult fare):{{cite web|url=https://www.seat61.com/InterRail-pass-guide.htm|title=How to use an InterRail pass|access-date=26 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190309095527/https://www.seat61.com/InterRail-pass-guide.htm|archive-date=9 March 2019|url-status=live}}

• Child Pass: For unaccompanied travelers who are younger than 12 years old. Children aged 4 to 11 years old can travel free with a full-fare adult, with a maximum of two children per Adult Pass.
• Youth Pass: For travelers who are 27 or under
• Adult Pass: No age limitation
• Senior Pass: For travelers over 60 years old

File:InterRail Global Pass countries.svg

The Interrail Global Pass is valid in the following European countries:{{cite web|url=https://www.interrail.eu/en/interrail-passes/global-pass|title=Interrail Global Pass for Europe|website=Interrail}}

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• {{flag icon|Austria}} Austria
• {{flag icon|Belgium}} Belgium
• {{flag icon|Bosnia and Herzegovina}} Bosnia and Herzegovina
• {{flag icon|Bulgaria}} Bulgaria
• {{flag icon|Croatia}} Croatia
• {{flag icon|Czech Republic}} Czech Republic
• {{flag icon|Denmark}} Denmark
• {{flag icon|Estonia}} Estonia
• {{flag icon|Finland}} Finland
• {{flag icon|France}} France
• {{flag icon|Germany}} Germany
• {{flag icon|United Kingdom}} Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales)
• {{flag icon|Greece}} Greece
• {{flag icon|Hungary}} Hungary
• {{flag icon|Ireland}} / {{flag icon|Northern Ireland}} Ireland
• {{flag icon|Italy}} Italy
• {{flag icon|Latvia}} Latvia
• {{flag icon|Lithuania}} Lithuania
• {{flag icon|Luxembourg}} Luxembourg
• {{flag icon|Montenegro}} Montenegro
• {{flag icon|Netherlands}} The Netherlands
• {{flag icon|North Macedonia}} North Macedonia
• {{flag icon|Norway}} Norway
• {{flag icon|Poland}} Poland
• {{flag icon|Portugal}} Portugal
• {{flag icon|Romania}} Romania
• {{flag icon|Serbia}} Serbia
• {{flag icon|Slovakia}} Slovakia
• {{flag icon|Slovenia}} Slovenia
• {{flag icon|Spain}} Spain
• {{flag icon|Switzerland}} Switzerland
• {{flag icon|Sweden}} Sweden
• {{flag icon|Turkey}} Turkey

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Interrail passes are not valid on railways in Albania and the countries of Belarus, Moldova, Russia, and Ukraine. There are no railways in Andorra, Cyprus, the Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Iceland, Malta, or San Marino. Andorre-L'Hospitalet station in France is the closest railway station for Andorra. Rimini station in Italy, is the closest station for San Marino.

{{rint|ferry}} Interrail Global Passes include ferry crossings from Patras and Igoumenitsa (Greece) to Venice, Ancona, and Bari (Italy) operated by Superfast Ferries and Blue Star Ferries; fuel surcharges, port taxes, high-season supplements, and cabin accommodations are extra.

Until the end of 2015, Interrail passes were not valid in the traveller's country of residence, although a discount was granted on journeys to or from the border.{{cite web|url=https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=1266292|title=Interrailing/Eurailing Advice Superthread|access-date=26 March 2019}} On 1 January 2016, the pass became valid for two free journeys in the traveller's country of residence: one to and one from the border.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bahn.com/en/view/offers/passes/interrail-pass-conditions.shtml?dbkanal_007=L04_S02_D002_KIN0060_INTERRAIL-PASS-KONDITIONEN_LZ01|title=Interrail terms and conditions|last=eCommerce|first=Deutsche Bahn AG, Unternehmensbereich Personenverkehr, Marketing|website=www.bahn.com|language=en|access-date=2018-07-25|archive-date=2018-11-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129184327/https://www.bahn.com/en/view/offers/passes/interrail-pass-conditions.shtml?dbkanal_007=L04_S02_D002_KIN0060_INTERRAIL-PASS-KONDITIONEN_LZ01|url-status=dead}} The limit exists to prevent people from using Interrail for work commuting and business travel.{{cite web|url=http://www.interrail.eu/news/changes-to-Interrail-pass-2016|title=Interrail passes in 2016|access-date=26 March 2019|archive-date=22 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161022065340/http://www.interrail.eu/news/changes-to-interrail-pass-2016|url-status=dead}}

The Interrail Global Pass has the following validity options:{{cite web |title=Interrail Global Pass |url=https://www.interrail.eu/en/interrail-passes/global-pass |website=Interrail.eu |access-date=2020-01-07}}

• 4 days within one month
• 5 days within one month
• 7 days within one month
• 10 days within two months
• 15 days within two months
• 15 days
• 22 days
• 1 month
• 2 months
• 3 months

The One Country Pass allows unlimited travel on the rail network of one country, with unlimited journeys on each travel day. One-country passes are available for three, four, five, six, or eight travel days within one month for each of the following countries: Austria, Benelux, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Greek Islands, Hungary, Ireland (Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland), Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey.{{Cite news|url=https://www.interrail.eu/en/interrail-passes/one-country-pass|title=Interrail One Country Pass|date=2013-12-26|work=Interrail|access-date=2020-01-07|language=en}}

There are no separate passes for Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, but there is a Benelux pass. It is also available to residents of Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, but it is only valid in the two countries other than the country of residence.

File:Intérieur de voiture du Train à Grande Vitesse (TGV), design Christian Lacroix.JPG seating]]

With an Interrail pass, reservations are usually not required for local and regional trains; however, reservations are needed for most high-speed, international, and night trains.{{cite web|url=https://www.myinterrail.co.uk/plan-your-trip/train-reservations-supplements/|title=Train Reservations & Supplements|access-date=26 March 2019}} Surcharges are required in many countries to guarantee seat reservations and other benefits, such as meals, drinks, free Wi-Fi, and access to first-class lounges.{{cite web|url=https://eurailgroup.org/travellers-area/reservations/#dom_ir|title=Reservations|access-date=26 March 2019}} These reservations can usually be avoided by taking regional or local trains. Reservations can be made at the station, online on the carrier's website, on the Interrail (or Eurail) site online or via the Rail Planner App, by telephone, or at a travel agency.{{cite web|url=https://www.seat61.com/InterRail-pass-guide.htm#How%20to%20make%20reservations%20with%20an%20InterRail%20pass|title=How to make reservations with an InterRail pass|access-date=26 March 2019}}

Many high-speed trains require reservation and, sometimes, an extra fee sold as a supplement or pass-holder fare:[http://www.Interrailnet.com/Interrail-special-trains Reservation costs for domestic trains]

• Eurostar (London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Brussels) services require a compulsory reservation. 2nd class pass holders can travel in Standard class only, 1st class pass holders can travel in either Standard or Standard Premier class. It isn't possible to travel in Business Premier with an Interrail pass.{{Cite web |title=Eurostar High-Speed Train |url=https://www.interrail.eu/en/plan-your-trip/trains-europe/high-speed-trains/eurostar |access-date=2022-03-02 |website=www.interrail.eu |language=en-GB}} Pass holder fares are quota controlled so it is possible for a train to sell out of pass holder fares before the service is actually fully booked.
• Thalys (Paris to Brussels, Amsterdam, and Cologne) services require a compulsory reservation. 2nd class pass holders can travel in Standard class only, 1st class pass holders can travel in either Comfort or Premium class, the latter, while at no extra cost, is on a first-come first-served basis.{{cite web|url=http://www.interrail.eu/trains-europe/high-speed-trains/thalys|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140126132402/http://www.interrail.eu/trains-europe/high-speed-trains/thalys|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 26, 2014|title=Thalys high-speed train|publisher=Interrail.eu|access-date=2016-06-23}}
• TGV (France): TGV inOui (French Domestic), TGV Lyria (France ↔ Switzerland), TGV France-Italie (France ↔ Italy), Elipsos (France ↔ Spain) and Alleo (France ↔ Luxembourg and Germany) services require a compulsory reservation. The price of the supplement varies from route to route and can also change depending on availability. Passes aren't valid on SNCF's budget Ouigo services.
• Trenitalia (Italy): Frecciabianca, Frecciargento, Frecciarossa, first or second class.{{cite web|url=https://www.interrail.eu/en/plan-your-trip/trains-europe/high-speed-trains/tgv|title=TGV High-Speed Train|website=Interrail}} Reservations are recommended for intercity trains in Italy.
• AVE (Spain) First and second class. Second-class reservation fees are charged on most other long-distance trains in Spain, such as Arco, Euromed, Alvia, Alaris, and Altaria.
• ICE train reservations are available.{{cite web|url=https://www.bahn.com/en/view/offers/other/seat-reservation.shtml|title=Seat reservation|first=Deutsche Bahn AG, Unternehmensbereich Personenverkehr, Marketing|last=eCommerce|website=www.bahn.com|access-date=2018-09-10|archive-date=2018-09-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180910131726/https://www.bahn.com/en/view/offers/other/seat-reservation.shtml|url-status=dead}}
• The SJ high-speed train (in Sweden, to Copenhagen) requires a reservation, and booking two months in advance is recommended.{{cite web|url=http://www.sj.se/sj/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=108&a=144429&l=en&intcmp=1144425 |title=Travel By Train - A Good Environmental Choice -Buy ticket |publisher=SJ.se |date=2010-05-26 |access-date=2012-06-13}}{{cite web|url=http://www.interrail.eu/trains-europe/high-speed-trains/sj-high-speed-train|title=SJ high-speed train|access-date=26 March 2019|archive-date=6 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161206031253/http://www.interrail.eu/trains-europe/high-speed-trains/sj-high-speed-train|url-status=dead}}
• Some scenic trains have a panoramic coach, which requires a reservation.{{cite web|url=https://eurailgroup.org/travellers-area/reservations/|title=Reservations}}

File:Nightjet deluxe compartment.jpg Nightjet deluxe sleeper compartment in a double-decker sleeping car]]

In addition to high-speed trains, many overnight trains (EuroNight, European Sleeper, Nightjet) require reservations (at extra cost) for sleeping accommodations such as couchettes or sleeping cars; some trains have only sleeper cars.{{cite web|url=https://www.seat61.com/InterRail-pass-guide.htm#How+to+make+reservations+with+an+InterRail+pass|title=InterRail pass guide 2018 - How InterRail passes work, reservations & supplements|website=www.seat61.com|access-date=26 March 2019}} With Interrail's Flexi Global Pass, a direct overnight train leaving before midnight only uses one travel day (the day of departure).

{{Unreferenced section|date=March 2019}}

Although Interrail passes are normally valid only on national railway systems,{{Citation needed|date=December 2024}} some private rail systems offer free or discounted service (usually 25 to 50 percent) to Interrail pass holders.

• Julian Trometer: Europe by Train: Backpacking for Beginners, Berlin 2020, ISBN 979-8695597981.
• Nicky Gardner: Europe By Rail: The Definitive Guide, Berlin 2022, ISBN 978-3945225035.
• Marco Polo: Interrail Map + Guide 1:21000000, Stuttgart 2019, ISBN 978-3829739542.

• Caty Ross & Johan Hausen: European Railway Atlas 2022: Designed for Interrail/Eurail Rail Pass, ISBN 978-1911165484.

{{anchor|History}}

File:Interrail1982.jpg

• Late 1800s: The Thomas Cook travel agency began offering "round tickets" to tourists looking to travel throughout Europe.
• Early 1900s: Several European rail operators began offering "Rundreise" tickets on their railroads in order to encourage tourism.
• 1912: The international Rundreise System included France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, the Balkan States, Turkey, Italy, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland. Tickets required a minimum of 600 km / 373 Miles for 60 days travel and up to 5,000 km over 120 days. Bradshaw's Continental Railway Guide and Gereral Handbook Illustrate with local and other Maps, Special Edition, 3/6, 1912
• 1959: The Eurail Pass was introduced to encourage tourism for passengers from outside of Europe.
• 1972: Interrail Pass began, limited to travellers age 21 or younger. It covered 21 countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, East Germany, Finland, France, West Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and Yugoslavia. The price in the United Kingdom was £27.50 for one month's travel.
• 1973: UK price increased to £33.00
• 1976: The age limit for the pass was raised to 23; it was raised again to 26 in 1979.
• 1979: Interrail Senior, for travellers over 65, was introduced.
• 1982: The six-month residency requirement was introduced.
• 1985: Some ferry services were included.

File:Boat train at Victoria station - geograph.org.uk - 1129401.jpg]]

• 1989: An adult offer was introduced in the Nordic countries, with 265 adult passengers in the first year.
• 1991: The end of the Soviet Union led to expansion of the Interrail zone, and an adult offer was introduced in the UK.
• 1994: Twenty-nine of the 33 present-day countries are included (all except Bosnia-Herzegovina); the IRC{{clarify|date=March 2019|reason=What does this acronym mean?}} has seven zones, with Zone D including Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania, and Yugoslavia.
• 1998: Interrail passes become available to all ages, with fares based on age. The eight-zone system is established, omitting Bosnia-Herzegovina.
• 2001: The Eurail Group is formed, taking over marketing and management of Interrail and Eurail.
• 2005: Bosnia-Herzegovina joins the IRC.
• 2007: On April 1, the Eurail Group takes over all Interrail Pass products; zone system replaced with Interrail Global Pass (30 participating countries) and One Country Pass range. Eurodomino discontinued.
• 2013: Launch of the Rail Planner app
• 2015: Eurail and Interrail align their logos; Greek Islands Pass introduced.
• 2017: Youth fare age limit raised to 27.
• 2018: Turkey and Serbia join Eurail One-country Pass. Czech Republic and Poland join Eurail two-country select pass.{{Cite web|url=https://eurailgroup.org/|title=Eurail Group G.I.E. Homepage|website=Eurail Group G.I.E.|language=en-US|access-date=2018-09-14}}
• 2019: 1st and 2nd class are available for all products (except Greek Islands domestic). Furthermore, Lithuanian Railways join Interrail. The New Greek Islands Pass is now also valid for 5 domestic trips and increases to 53 islands. It was announced that railway operators in the United Kingdom would cease participation in the scheme after a dispute, however this decision was promptly reversed. {{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-49281776|title=UK to stay in Interrail scheme after U-turn|date=2019-08-08|access-date=2019-08-08|language=en-GB}}
• 2020: Estonia and Latvia join Interrail.
• 2022: Interrail and Eurail introduce a new joint logo along with a brand identity refresh.

In 2015, German activists Vincent-Immanuel Herr and Martin Speer approached European Commission vice-president Frans Timmermans with a proposal to provide all EU youth with a free one-month Interrail Global Pass

at age 18. Their effort was documented by Politico Europe's Brussels Playbook.{{Cite news|url=https://www.politico.eu/newsletter/brussels-playbook/politico-brussels-playbook-sarkozy-climbs-greece-rocks-the-vote-eurocrat-in-the-dragons-den/|title=POLITICO Brussels Playbook — Sarkozy climbs — Greece rocks the vote — Eurocrat in the Dragons' Den|date=2015-07-23|work=POLITICO|access-date=2018-04-03|language=en-US}} According to Herr and Speer, their idea would help to overcome stereotypes in Europe and problems with nationalism in several countries by enabling a whole generation (not just a small fraction of it) to explore Europe.{{Cite web|url=http://www.politico.eu/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Traveling-for-Europes-future-HERRSPEER.pdf|title=Traveling for Europe's Future|last=Herr; Speer|first=Vincent-Immanuel; Martin}} They subsequently wrote a number of articles{{Cite news|url=https://euobserver.com/opinion/135160|title=[Opinion] #FreeInterrail: saving Europe by travelling|access-date=2018-04-03|language=en}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/aussenansicht-generation-interrail-1.3188303|title=Generation Interrail|last=Herr|first=Vincent-Immanuel|date=2016|work=sueddeutsche.de|access-date=2018-04-03|language=de|issn=0174-4917}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.zeit.de/2015/34/interrail-europa-kennenlernen-kostenlos-jugend|title=Interrail: Lasst uns reisen|last=Herr|first=Vincent-Immanuel|date=2015-09-04|work=Die Zeit|access-date=2018-04-03|last2=Speer|first2=Martin|language=de-DE|issn=0044-2070}} about their idea, started a change.org petition, and approached more EU politicians.{{Cite news|url=http://www.freeinterrail.eu/about|title=About - #FreeInterrail|work=#FreeInterrail|access-date=2018-04-03|language=de-DE}}

The idea was picked up by a number of EU politicians in 2016, including Rebecca Harms, Karima Delli, Michael Cramer, István Ujhelyi,{{Cite web|url=http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=COMPARL&reference=PE-587.706&format=PDF&language=EN&secondRef=01|title=Budget Amendments, 2017 Budget|last=European Parliament, Committee on Transport and Tourism}} Manfred Weber,{{Cite news|url=http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20160909IPR41712/2016-state-of-the-union-debate|title=2016 State of the Union debate {{!}} News {{!}} European Parliament|access-date=2018-04-03|language=en}} and Alexander Graf Lambsdorff.{{Cite news|url=https://www.liberale.de/content/begeisterung-fuer-europa-mit-interrail-tickets-wecken|title=Begeisterung für Europa mit InterRail-Tickets wecken|work=portal liberal|access-date=2018-04-03|language=de}} A 2016 German survey found that 56 percent of respondents were in favor of such a proposal,{{Cite web|url=http://www.forschungsgruppe.de/Umfragen/Politbarometer/Archiv/Politbarometer_2016/September_2016/|title=Forschungsgruppe Wahlen > Umfragen > Politbarometer > Archiv > Politbarometer 2016 > September 2016|website=www.forschungsgruppe.de|language=de|access-date=2018-04-03}} and Herr promoted the idea at a 2017 TEDx event.{{Citation|last=TEDx Talks|title=#FreeInterrail - A Vision of a Europe for All {{!}} Vincent-Immanuel Herr {{!}} TEDxOTHRegensburg|date=2017-06-06|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POf0VzZYgD0|access-date=2018-04-03}}

In March 2018, a €12 million pilot project to purchase 20,000-30,000 Global Passes for EU youth was confirmed by the European Commission.{{Cite web|url=http://www.dw.com/en/eu-to-give-free-interrail-train-passes-to-30000-teens/a-42793625|title=EU to give free Interrail train passes to 30,000 teens {{!}} DW {{!}} 02.03.2018|last=(www.dw.com)|first=Deutsche Welle|website=DW.COM|language=en|access-date=2018-04-03}} A press release announcing the decision elaborated on its goal of the scheme: "The action will seek to offer young people, regardless of social or educational background and including people with reduced mobility, a chance to travel abroad."{{Cite news|url=https://travelupdate.boardingarea.com/free-interrail-pass-europeans-turning-18/|title=Free Interrail pass for Europeans turning 18 - TravelUpdate|date=2018-03-22|work=TravelUpdate|access-date=2018-04-03|language=en-US}} On 1 March 2018, the European Commission announced initial steps to implement the European Parliament's proposal for a "Free Interrail pass for Europeans turning 18" by adopting a financing decision:

"With a budget of EUR 12 million in 2018, this action is expected to give an estimated 20,000-30,000 young people a travel experience that would help foster a European identity, reinforce common European values and promote the discovery of European sites and cultures. This proposal fits well with the EU's ambitions to promote learning mobility, active citizenship, social inclusion and solidarity of all young people."{{Cite web|url=http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEX-18-1443_en.htm|title=European Commission - PRESS RELEASES - Press release - Daily News 01 / 03 / 2018|website=europa.eu|language=en|access-date=2018-07-20}}

On 3 May 2018, Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Tibor Navracsics and Manfred Weber MEP announced that the initiative would be called DiscoverEU{{cite web|url=https://europa.eu/youth/discovereu_en|title=DiscoverEU|website=europa.eu}} and outlined the first details on the application process. The initiative aims to give 15,000 young people the opportunity to travel around Europe during the summer to discover the continent's rich cultural heritage, get in touch with other people, learn from other cultures, and discover what unites Europe. Participants can travel up to 30 days and visit one to four foreign destinations. In an application round to select the first 15,000 travelers, those interested needed to apply during a two-week period in June 2018 through the European Youth Portal.{{Cite web|url=http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEX-18-3666_en.htm|title=European Commission - PRESS RELEASES - Press release - Daily News 03 / 05 / 2018|website=europa.eu|language=en|access-date=2018-07-20}}

{{portal|Transport}}

• Rail transport in Europe
• Transport in Europe
• The Man in Seat Sixty-One

{{Reflist|2}}

{{Wikivoyage|European rail passes}}

• [http://www.Interrail.eu Interrail.eu], The official Interrail website for all Europeans in English, Dutch, Spanish, German, Italian and French.
• [https://www.interrailpass.org InterrailPass.org] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117184614/http://interrailpass.org/ |date=2018-01-17 }}, website application for planning Interrail routes and booking accommodation.
• [https://www.seat61.com Seat61], extensive guides to Interrail and European train travel in general.
• [http://www.interrailpass.co.uk/ Interrail Pass], Interrail Advice and Interrail Routes.
• [https://railtripping.com/ Railtripping.com], Interrail & train travel in Europe

{{commons category|InterRail}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Interrail}}

Category:Rail transport in Europe

Category:Rail passes