Interrail

How much did a family of five spend on a week-long Interrail journey? Tristan Rutherford and his family travelled from Hull, England to Rotterdam, Cologne, Aachen and Paris to find out if a week-long trip in Europe trip is feasible for under £1500.

This is the secret to an affordable family holiday Hostels aren’t just for backpackers — they can also be perfect for parents. So is a week-long sprint in Europe with a family of five for under £1500 really possible?

"Within an hour or so...my old friend Danny and I had hatched a simple plan: we would go on a long rail journey to Istanbul, following the classic route of the Orient Express," Tom Chesshyre wrote. From Soho to Istanbul, his Interrail trip was a slow journey covering France, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria, before reaching Türkiye. Read more about his Interrail adventure reminiscent of the Orient Express.

The best way to travel around Europe this summer – and how to do it for cheap Taking the slow route, from Soho to Istanbul

Gimme, gimme, gimme an Interrail trip to Sweden! When? Go in winter for snowy forests and northern lights, in (mid)summer for lakes and the midnight sun, or year-round for cozy cities filled with cafes. Where? Start in Stockholm's underground to gaze at subway art, then come back to the surface to explore the city's many islands, before hopping on more islands in the Gothenburg Archipelago. Visit Malmö to relive Eurovision, or go north to chase auroras in Abisko—the journey is never ending! 🇸🇪

At the link, add more adventure to your bucket list, including dog-sledding or alpaca-trekking! https://bit.ly/3ZHBdmQ

Fancy a journey? Here's an idea—discover Munich's bustling heart before hopping on a rail escapade through Hungary, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. You'll be rewarded with lush valley views, delicious cuisine and sunny weather, before ending in style in Mostar for a rendez-vous by the iconic bridge.

Munich to Mostar: A journey to Bosnia and Herzegovina Travellers who make the journey to Bosnia and Herzegovina are rewarded with lush valley views, delicious cuisine, and often-summery weather that extends well into the autumn.

Renowned for its azulejo tiles, yellow trams, and tasty pastries that will hit the spot, Portugal is truly an immersive experience. Porto to Pinhão, Coimbra to Lisbon, or Sintra to Faro are just a few of the train routes our travelers should take for a one-of-a-kind Portuguese adventure.

Portugal Itinerary Discover the beauty of Portugal by train. This Portugal itinerary takes you from Porto in the north to the sunny Algarve in the south.

"We took our teenage sons on quieter tracks – to Utrecht rather than Amsterdam, Baden-Baden not Berlin – and enjoyed a less frantic rail tour of Europe," Judy Yorke wrote. Her family's three-week Interrail trip using the 22-continuous Pass went off-the-beaten-path to discover the lesser-known parts of Europe and was a real success. Tap to discover their relaxing itinerary and what you can do there, from swimming in Lake Geneva to hiking in Germany's Black Forest, and more.

Paris can wait: how we dodged the summer crowds by Interrailing to Europe’s smaller towns We took our teenage sons on quieter tracks – to Utrecht rather than Amsterdam, Baden-Baden not Berlin – and enjoyed a less frantic rail tour of Europe

One thing is for certain—Europe knows how to do castles. Tap into royal realms by adding these magical castles to your Interrail itinerary, from eerie Mont Saint-Michel to legendary Bran and more.

The most beautiful castles in Europe Unleash your inner royalty on your next trip

Travel aficionados are gonna love this one. 🇪🇸 Get your heart racing with swimming, dancing and hiking around this sun-kissed paradise, before celebrating with tapas, paella or a fiesta—honestly, there's just so much to do in Spain. So, where do we begin? Let your curiosity take you to Costa Brava for cities adorned with art, culture and the ocean breeze, then step into the southern territories for the beaches, orange trees and lively plazas year-long. Dare to venture further? Get your fill of Agua de Valencia or wine from a bodega, and live your best flamenco nights in cities like Valencia, Cádiz or Toledo. No, we didn't forget about Barcelona, Granada, or Málaga, so make sure to check our link before we say ¡Adiós!: https://bit.ly/3ZHBdmQ

We're excited to announce our community-created map, where you can find our community's favourite local travel finds. From restaurants and hotels to outdoor markets and hiking trails, you'll find authentic recommendations from our travellers, and you can also submit your own! Tap the link to learn more.

Introducing our Community-Created Map | Community The best travel experiences happen when you venture off the beaten path. That's why we're excited to introduce our community-created map, where you can share your favourite local travel finds -- such as restaurants, outdoor markets, and hiking trails --...

With peak summer season around the corner, it's important to secure your seats on high-speed or international trains ahead of time to enjoy a smooth travel experience. To guide you along, we've put together an article on all you need to know about seat reservations.

All about seat reservations Travelling with an Interrail Pass? Seat reservations are important. Learn everything you need to know about them here.

Worldwide Pride Month is halfway done, but Europe’s Pride Season continues all summer long. 🏳️‍🌈 At the link, download our new Pride Map to keep the LGBTQ+ celebrations going, finding a pride event near you or your Interrail plans. Our July itinerary takes you through the middle of Europe this summer—from the fairytale-esque towns of Luxembourg to the weekend-long parties in Germany.

Pride by Rail Join in on celebrating pride around Europe

You can't spell Slovenia without "love"—that's why we love it so much and here's why you'll love it too! Nestled between Croatia, Italy, Hungary and Austria, this tiny nation is nothing short of awe-inspiring views of lakes, mountains, and even sea! Go one stop further from the iconic Lake Bled to discover the lesser-known parts—from the lush vineyards of Maribor to the stunning Triglav National Park and beyond. At the link, add more bucket list destinations to your trip, including hilltop castles, caves, and the place considered to be Slovenia's Tuscany: https://bit.ly/3ZHBdmQ

Lakes, lakes and... more lakes. At first glance, Finland captivates travellers looking to swap the mundane with the majestic, especially when it comes to nature spots that one can escape to. From berry picking in the forest to renting a cottage by the lake, discover Finland by rail for awe-inspiring views year-long.

A Glimpse Of Finland by Rail The perfect rail itinerary to discover Finland

A wide continent full of untouched nature, cosy small towns, and secret spots you've never heard of. The path less travelled will often surprise you with how much it has to offer, making it an obvious choice—it's about time to ditch the crowds in Europe's hotspots and experience the authentic local life. From ancient Delphi to picturesque Provence, discover our top 5 destinations to escape the crowds.

Top 5 destinations to escape the crowds Europe is a continent full of untouched nature, cosy cities and secret spots. Get ready to escape the crowds by travelling by train to some of Europe's best nature and small cities.

Do you have an Interrail adventure planned in the next few weeks? We're inviting you to join us on a mission to make our app even better and score yourself a chance to win 2x Interrail Global Passes. Tap the link for more info.

Join us for another round of Beta Testing We're back with another round of Beta Testing!

Not a big-city person? Here's an excuse to ditch the crowds and find Europe's best kept secrets in these 10 small cities, from quaint Schaffhausen in Switzerland to ancient Vicenza in Italy.

10 Of Europe's Best Small Cities To See This Year Searching for Europe's best small cities? Head to these alternative towns by train to escape the crowds for a more authentic experience.

Are you planning to pass through Austria on your next Interrail trip? Check out some of the most beautiful train rides in Europe, offering panoramic views of the soaring Alps, glimmering mountain lakes, and green valleys.

Austria's Most Enchanting Train Rides Where The Locals Go In Vienna Want to know the best things to do in Vienna to feel like a local? Here's a list of less predictable activities for a more authentic experience in Austria's capital. The slow train through Europe Ready to encounter Europe's...

Are you still counting the thousands of castles in Europe? Time to unleash your inner royalty in the heart of Europe—Slovakia adds even more to the table! Swap your everyday scenery for Bratislava's hilltop fortress, head to the mountains for hiking trails that leave you breathless, or relax in a cosy old town. At the link, add more to your ultimate bucket list— the best kept secrets of Europe remain to be discovered during your next visit to Slovakia 🇸🇰 : https://bit.ly/3ZHBdmQ

There is something so alluring yet comforting about strolling through vast green forests, being observed by nature. If you love nature as much as we do, consider these 7 majestic forests in Europe—from the fairytale-esque Black Forest in Germany to the untouched wilderness of Finland's Wild Taiga, and beyond. Tap the link for our ultimate woodland adventure and how you can get there by train. 🌲

7 Incredible Forests In Europe You Can Reach By Train Top 5 unique outdoor activities in Europe Craving adventure? Take the train to Finland to sleigh ride through the snow, climb an active volcano in Italy, or head to Switzerland to paraglide over the Swiss Alps. 7 Scenic Train Routes In Europe That You W...

If you want to avoid overcrowded trains to Europe's hotspots this summer, such as Rome, Paris, or London, check out our 5 reservations-free ideas for off-the-beaten-path alternatives.

How to avoid Europe's hotspots this summer Many train journeys that require a Pass holder reservation, such as Paris to London or Rome to Milan, are in high demand this summer. Here's how to avoid Europe's hotspots and popular trains.

Excited to see where the summer will take you? We've compiled a list of our new favourite routes to guide you along—from the rolling vineyards of Hungary to the Giant Mountains of Czech Republic, and even new cross-border connections through the Baltics. Get inspired at the link—summer adventure awaits!

The best train routes to take in Europe this summer Summer is a magical time to explore Europe's hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path destinations. Not sure where to begin? We compiled a list of our favourite train routes to take during the warmer months.

With summer festivals around the corner, it's about time we hit the rails to Serbia—a one-of-a-kind journey through underrated gems, rich history, and bustling Balkan parties. From the art nouveau architecture of Subotica to the medieval fortresses and Roman remains on the Danube River, there is so much history waiting to be unearthed. Treat yourself to local delicacies in a cosy taverna and retreat to nature to feel renewed, rejuvenated and ready for your next train ride. Explore more bucket list activities at the link: https://bit.ly/3ZHBdmQ

"People seemed surprised when I told them I was travelling overland to Albania" Rachel Mills writes. Her 4-day rail and ferry Interrail trip from the UK to Albania* packed scenic views of the French countryside adorned with vineyards and golden sunsets, followed by Italian gelato. From pastel-coloured Chambéry to tranquil Bari, find out how her trip turned out to be a real adventure.

*Albania is not included in our pass network yet. You can use your Interrail Pass to travel to Bari. From there, you can go one stop further by ferry to Durrës, Albania, which is not included in the Pass.

My four-day rail and ferry adventure from the UK to Albania From London to Tirana, via Chambéry’s medieval streets, bustling Bari and Albania’s dynamic capital, this trip across Europe has treats at every turn

Worldwide Pride Month is coming in June. 🏳️‍🌈 But in Europe it’s more like Pride Season, with parades, parties and community events from May through September, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community all across Europe—a great excuse for a Interrail trip! 😉

Take your pride on tour with our fabulous new printable Pride Map! Ride from pride to pride by train, for one week or all summer long—from the French and Italian Riviera, to the sizzling beach retreats of Spain. Download the map here: https://bit.ly/4a46GEf

Craving a refreshing Interrail trip this summer? From the picturesque lakes and green cities of Slovenia, to the breezy towns on Croatia's Adriatic coast, this route will cool off your mind and spirit during sizzling summer days. Check out our full itinerary for more off-the-beaten-path gems and how you can get to each of them. There is now a new regional train connecting Italy, Croatia and Slovenia—the perfect sign to go one stop further!

Slovenia and Croatia in Summer Take the tracks less travelled and head towards two European gems.

Ma-ya-hi, ma-ya-hoo, or whatever they said in "Dragostea din Tei" finally brings us here. Castles home to vampire-inspired legends, a merry cemetery celebrating life, and the place where mountains, rivers and hills shake hands with the sea—spooky or not, Romania's charm will be haunting you till you return. Hop on the train to discover rich traditions in quaint medieval villages, or roam the lively streets of its cities—if the rooftop eyes winked at you, consider it a sign to visit Sibiu! 🇷🇴

At the link, we've gathered some special places for your ultimate Interrail bucket list trip, including the hip beaches of Vama Veche, the fairytale castles of Transylvania and more: https://bit.ly/3ZHBdmQ

If you love trains, cheese and chocolate as much as we do, this route is for you! Make your way through beautiful medieval villages, mountain lakes and stunning views on the train to arrive to the place that inspired the name of Gruyère cheese.

Rail route of the month: cheese, chocolate and a magical ride to the Swiss town of Gruyères The scenery – and delicacies – get better and better for our slow travel expert as she takes a local train through Canton Fribourg to a beautiful medieval village

Looking forward to longer summer days, sun-kissed forests and breathtaking lakes? Get your dose of midnight sun in our Scandinavian summer itinerary, from the cosy beaches of Copenhagen to the scenic train rides of Norway.

Scandinavia in Summer Scandinavia in summer is something special. Add these destinations to your rail itinerary during the warmer months!

Over the years, Wiebe Wakker has developed a career as a sustainable adventurer, travelling the world to discuss the power of connection, collaboration and perseverance across the industry.

“I try to make all my trips sustainable,” said Wiebe. “Within Europe, I don't fly.” He regularly relies on the train to make his adventures possible, recently travelling from Amsterdam to southern Spain using an Interrail Pass.

This Earth Day, discover how Wiebe fell in love with train travel and learn his tips for embarking on your Interrail trip.

How this sustainable adventurer fell in love with train travel "I was not, from the beginning, like a super big fan of trains or anything,” said Wiebe Wakker. “But, when I started to looked at how I can could travel in a sustainable way, trains were the most logical option.”

Want to experience the myriad tulip fields bursting with colour in spring? Slow travel is not only recommended, but strongly encouraged if you want a front row seat to Holland's flower fields during your Interrail trip. Take the regional train from Leiden to Hillegom and beyond to Den Helder to witness vast patchworks of colour across lush countryside–no reservations required! Tap the link to discover our ultimate flower-powered itinerary.

See tulip fields by train: A slow travel route through the Netherlands Travelling by regional rail offers travellers a front row seat to Holland's flower fields. It's a relaxing and authentic way to enjoy the blooms as locals do – from the seat of a train.