Subscribe to receive top tips, train news and travel inspiration straight to your inbox
Eurail Global Pass (now the Interrail Global Pass)
Eurail is now Interrail
Eurail and Interrail were two versions of the same pass, and which one you could buy depended on where you lived. That split has gone. There is now one name, Interrail, and it is available wherever you live. Your pass, bookings and account stay the same.
Eurail Global Pass (now the Interrail Global Pass)
The pass has been helping travellers see Europe by train for decades. Covering 33 countries and including exclusive offers for passholders, the pass is a must for anyone looking to see more destinations with less stress.
Imagine starting your day with a gorgeous train ride through the Spanish countryside and ending your evening strolling along France's picture-perfect coastline. With the Interrail Global Pass, you can do that and more. It's all about being able to create your next adventure on your terms.
In this guide, we'll explore everything the Interrail Pass has to offer, along with must-know tips and tricks for getting the most out of every trip.
Why choose a Eurail Global Pass (Now the Interrail Global Pass)?
The Interrail Global Pass, formerly sold as the Eurail Global Pass, gives travellers the freedom to visit top destinations with one convenient pass. You can select either a Continuous Pass or a Flexible Pass, which allows you to choose to use your travel days one after another or to split them up based on your itinerary and needs. Instead of juggling multiple tickets, you can easily access all of your connections with your Interrail Global Pass and enjoy stress-free boarding and travel.
In other words, this versatile pass is the best option if you plan on visiting multiple countries during one trip.
Currently, the Interrail Global Pass includes 33 countries across Europe, including:
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Estonia
Latvia
Lithuania
Montenegro
How to buy an Interrail Pass (formerly the Eurail Pass)
When you're ready to start planning your trip, buying an Interrail Pass is fast and easy. Here's how to find the best passes for your needs:
Where to buy
You can conveniently buy an Interrail Pass, formerly called a Eurail Pass, online from Rail Europe. Our safe, secure checkout process gives you access to both the Interrail Global Pass and Interrail One Country Passes in seconds, wherever you live.
Getting your pass
Once you've completed your purchase, you can conveniently access your digital pass directly from your smartphone.
Pass activation
You have up to 11 months from buying your pass to activate it, and your pass can be activated on the first day of your travels. This kicks off the beginning of your travel days for either continuous, unlimited travel or flexible travel days, depending on your pass. Once a pass is activated it cannot be refunded, so activate it when you are ready to travel.
Pass options
Currently, the Interrail Global Pass offers the following pass options:
Continuous Pass: Unlimited travel 15 days, 22 days, one month, two months or three months.
Flexible Pass: Travel broken up between four, five or seven days in one month or 10 or 15 days in two months.
To use your pass, either hop on a train or make a reservation in advance if required to ensure you get the best seats for your journey.
Cost, classes and pass types
An Interrail Pass is one of the most affordable ways to travel across Europe. However, that doesn't mean you have to compromise on comfort. Interrail covers top operators and routes, giving you an experience worth the journey.
Types of Interrail Passes
Depending on your travel needs, there are two passes to choose from: the Interrail Global Pass and the Interrail One Country Pass. With a Global Pass, you can explore all 33 countries included on the Interrail Pass. An Interrail One Country Pass gives you access to unlimited travel in just one country, which is a great way to sightsee during your travels.
Either way, both passes can be booked in either class.
Second Class
Second Class gives guests access to today’s most comfortable train accommodations, with many trains featuring must-have amenities like:
Comfortable seating
Free Wi-Fi
Spacious luggage compartments
First Class
In First Class, some trains may offer even more luxurious experiences with features that include things like:
Extended seating
More legroom
Free Wi-Fi
Chef-prepared meals
Extra luggage space
Private lounge areas
…and more.
Interrail Pass cost
Keep in mind that Interrail Pass prices can vary depending on your travel needs. In fact, one of the best things about choosing an Interrail pass is that it gives you access to discounted fares based on the ages of people in your party.
For example, the Interrail Pass for seniors includes discounted fares for travellers aged 60 and over, saving up to 10% on travel costs. You can also save money for travellers aged 12 to 27 by purchasing an Interrail youth pass.
Up to two children aged 4 to 11 can travel free with each adult pass holder aged 18 or over. This makes the Interrail Global Pass and Interrail One Country Pass the best way to travel for families with young explorers onboard.
Booking with Rail Europe
Thanks to Rail Europe, the Interrail Pass is remarkably simple and you'll only need to follow a few quick steps to complete your booking and set off on your next adventure.
Step 1: Choose your country or region
First, click the "Passes" section of the Rail Europe booking widget right on this page. Then, for the Interrail Global Pass, set your country as "Europe."
When you do this, you'll also see "Valid From" dates. However, this does not mean you need to use your pass on that specific date. Instead, it gives you the freedom to activate your pass 11 months from the time of the purchase, which means you do not need to have a trip to Europe planned to get your pass. The pass can be the reason you book your travels.
Step 2: Set your travel days
Finally, you can set your own travel days. Each travel day allows unlimited train journeys within a 24-hour period, allowing you to get the most out of every moment of your trip.
Step 3: Choose your class
The Interrail Pass (formerly Eurail Pass) offers First Class and Second Class options for both Continuous Passes and Flexible Passes, so you can find the experience that meets your needs and budget.
Step 4: Personalise your details
You'll be asked to enter basic details for every traveller using an Interrail Pass, which only takes a few minutes to complete.
Step 5: Book your seats if needed
Depending on your operator or the type of train, you might need to reserve your seats in advance. Reservations are not included in your pass, so make sure you check ahead of time to ensure you have a seat.
Use Rail Europe to reserve seats on SNCF (both domestic and international trains), Eurostar and Trenitalia trains. Follow these instructions for getting your seat on board. To reserve your seat with other operators, you can do so in the Interrail Rail Planner app.
Pro-tip: Travel during non-peak seasons
If you want to spend more time exploring and less time in a crowded train station, book your travel days during non-peak seasons to find better seat options and more flexible train schedules. We also love scenic routes that are often less utilised by daily travellers and provide breathtaking views of the entire region.
Pass benefits
Benefits of the Interrail Global Pass
As you can see, there are countless reasons why travellers have been choosing this pass for decades. Still, some of the most raved-about benefits include:
Unlimited travel: The Interrail Pass gives you the freedom to journey across borders without worrying about individual tickets for every step on your itinerary.
Affordable adventures: With discounts for seniors and youth, Interrail is one of the most affordable ways to check off every stop on your travel wish list.
Free travel for children: For families, up to two children aged 4 to 11 travel free with each adult pass holder aged 18 or over. Make sure you specify ages at checkout to ensure you get your complimentary pass.
Scenic routes: The Interrail Pass map includes scenic routes to places like France, Belgium, Spain and beyond. Some of these trains do require reservations.
Flexibility: Besides taking the hassle out of managing multiple train tickets, an Interrail Pass allows you to hop on and off trains and change your travel plans on a whim.
Other discounts: Pass holders can also get discounts on local transport, tours, museums, attractions and hotels.
One Country Passes
Take advantage of an Interrail One Country Pass
So, what if you're interested in saving money with an Interrail Pass but only have one country on your wish list?
That's where the Interrail One Country Pass comes in.
Like the Interrail Global Pass, the One Country Pass gives travellers the freedom to hop on and off as many trains as they choose during their travel days, but it covers just one country. This is great for visitors who want to do as much sightseeing as possible during their trip without the cost and stress of juggling multiple train tickets.
One Country Passes are not sold to residents of the country the pass covers, so if you live in Italy you cannot buy a One Country Pass Italy. The passes for Switzerland and Great Britain are sold to European residents only, and travellers based outside Europe should look at the Swiss Travel Pass or BritRail instead. We'll tell you at checkout if a pass is not available where you live.
The Interrail One Country Pass covers many of Europe's most iconic destinations, all of which feature plenty of cities and sights to keep travellers in awe at every train stop. Here are the top destinations chosen by our travellers:
France Interrail One Country Pass
The Interrail France Pass, formerly the Eurail France Pass, is an excellent option for exploring the country. From exploring the charming streets of Paris to strolling Nice's beaches, taking a train is the fastest, most scenic way to explore a country known for its art, architecture and cooking.
Italy Interrail One Country Pass
The Interrail Italy Pass, formerly the Eurail Italy Pass, makes it easier than ever to get your fill of authentic Italian cuisine, artfully crafted wines and countless museums and historical destinations across the country. In just a few hours, you can hop on a Trenitalia train from Rome to Florence and everywhere in between.
Spain Interrail One Country Pass
Spain is home to booming cities like Barcelona and lush, scenic destinations like Granada. With the Interrail Spain Pass, formerly the Eurail Spain Pass, you can visit all of the country's unique destinations, from the city streets to the countryside and more.
Eurail vs. Interrail
Interrail vs. Eurail: what's the difference?
There used to be a difference. Eurail Passes were sold to travellers living outside Europe and Interrail Passes to travellers living in Europe, and the two were otherwise the same product. Eurail and Interrail are now one pass, called Interrail, sold to travellers everywhere. Both names describe the same unlimited train travel across 33 countries and the same access to passholder deals on local transport.
If you bought a Eurail Pass before the change, it stays valid for its full period and nothing you have booked needs changing.
How the Interrail Global Pass works
The Interrail Global Pass lets you choose between Continuous Passes and Flexible Passes, and either can be activated within 11 months of purchase.
Benefits of the Interrail Pass
The Interrail Pass is the most convenient, affordable way to explore Europe by train, including discounted fares for youth and seniors and free travel for up to two children aged 4 to 11 with each adult pass holder aged 18 or over.
Your country of residence still matters in a few places. If you live in one of the countries covered by the Global Pass network, travel inside your own country is limited to one journey in and one journey out, using travel days like any other journey. One Country Passes are not sold to residents of the country the pass covers. We'll tell you at checkout if a pass is not available where you live.
Planning your travel
Book your next escape with Rail Europe
With more than two dozen European countries to choose from, picking the right destination can seem overwhelming. Thankfully, Rail Europe is here to take the stress out of planning your trip with comprehensive guides to some of Interrail's most popular train routes.
Paris to Rome
From the Eiffel Tower to the Colosseum, Interrail Passes allow you to choose the more direct route or the longer, more scenic route through the Swiss Alps. The pass allows you to build your itinerary where and how you want.
Barcelona to Nice
Journey from the bustling city streets of Barcelona to the stunning French coastline on a route that takes you from Spain to France in just hours. This route takes guests along the Mediterranean to the French Riviera, with stunning views guaranteed to take your breath away.
Berlin to Budapest
Featuring stops in cities like Prague and Vienna, the journey from Berlin to Budapest immerses travellers in Central European culture and gives you endless opportunities to broaden your horizons and explore the region’s incredible architecture.
Explore Interrail Passes today
At Rail Europe, we've helped travellers find the best deals on high-speed train travel and plan their dream vacations for more than 90 years. We provide our customers access to the Interrail Global Pass and Interrail One Country Passes, formerly sold as Eurail Passes, all in one convenient place.
At a glance
|
|
|
1. Personalise your pass | 2. Plan your journey | 3. Enjoy with perks along the way! |
|
|
|
Frequently asked questions
The Interrail Pass, formerly sold as the Eurail Pass, gives travellers access to 33 European countries in one convenient digital pass. It is available wherever you live.
Eurail and Interrail were two versions of the same pass, and which one you could buy depended on where you lived. That split has gone. Since 10 September 2026 there is one name, Interrail, so the Eurail Global Pass is now the Interrail Global Pass. The pass works like it did before: the same network and operators, the same continuous and flexible options, and the same first and second class choices. If you bought a Eurail Pass before 10 September 2026, it stays valid for its full period and nothing you have booked needs changing.
Yes. The Interrail Global Pass is sold to travellers wherever they live. The old split, where Eurail was for travellers outside Europe and Interrail for travellers in Europe, has gone.
Yes, within limits. If you live in one of the countries covered by the Global Pass network, travel inside your own country is limited to one journey in and one journey out. Both use travel days like any other journey.
The Interrail Pass (formerly Eurail Pass) allows guests to choose between Continuous Passes or Flexible Passes, giving you the ability to travel non-stop or split your travels up between multiple days. You can activate your pass within 11 months of purchase.
Along with unlimited access to Europe’s top train providers, the Interrail Pass offers exclusive deals on ferries, buses, affordable fares for seniors and youth and free travel for children under 11.
First, consider which cities you hope to visit and how long you plan to be in Europe.
The Interrail Global Pass offers guests the ability to select travel days ranging from four days to three months. Keep in mind that these travel days can be used consecutively or non-consecutively depending on the pass and validity you choose, giving you the freedom to stop and spend more time in any of the countries along your journey.
Once you've decided how many days you'll be travelling, you can book your Interrail Pass in advance. You'll have 11 months to activate your pass once purchased, so plan your trip accordingly.
Simply put, consecutive passes allow you to use all your travel days in order, while flexible passes can be broken up over several months.
Currently, the Continuous Pass policies allow for unlimited travel on any day with validity periods of 15 days, 22 days, one month, two months or three months.
For Flexible passes, you can choose to travel on specific travel days: four, five, or seven days in one month or 10 or 15 days in two months. These travel days may be used at any point during the validity period.
Maybe, depending on the train you choose. Seat reservation policies vary depending on the train provider for your route. While some high-speed trains allow guests to hop on and off-board, others require seat reservations, especially for First-Class guests.
Use Rail Europe to reserve seats on SNCF, Eurostar and Trenitalia trains. Follow these instructions for getting your seat on board. To reserve your seat with other train providers, you can do so using the Interrail Rail Planner App.
If you want to get the most out of your trip to Europe, the Interrail Global Pass is a great investment. It will save you time and money while you travel from one country to the next. Besides taking the hassle out of managing multiple train tickets, an Interrail Pass (formerly the Eurail Pass) allows you to hop on and off trains, change your travel plans on a whim and access discounts on other local transportation options and activities such as museum visits and amusement parks.
Comparison
Rail Passes vs. Train Tickets
Rail Passes | Train Tickets | |
|---|---|---|
Best for discovering more than 3 cities | ✔ | ❌ |
Children usually travel free | ✔ | ❌ |
Often includes travel bonuses | ✔ | ❌ |
Seat reservations included for most trains | ❌ | ✔ |