Interrail: how it works and what it costs
The pass looks cheap until the compulsory reservations appear. Here are the real numbers and when it genuinely works out.
What it actually is
A rail pass letting you move across the rail networks of some thirty European countries on a single ticket, instead of buying each journey separately. European residents use Interrail; those living outside Europe buy the equivalent, called Eurail, which works the same way.
The two pass types
The Global Pass covers all participating countries, and it's what most people buy. The One Country Pass covers a single country and pays off if you'll explore, say, Italy or Germany thoroughly without leaving.
Flexi or continuous
This is the part that confuses most. A Flexi pass gives you a number of travel days within a period: for example, 7 days of rail travel spread across a month. The days needn't be consecutive, and you choose which ones you activate. A continuous pass is unlimited travel across consecutive days. For most routes Flexi works out better, because you'll normally spend two or three days in each city rather than taking a train daily.
The youth discount is significant
Under-28s pay roughly 25 percent less on any option. That's a difference of tens of euros, so if you're in that bracket, this is when it makes most sense.
What it does NOT cover: reservations
Here's the hidden cost and the source of most disappointment. The pass lets you board, but high-speed and night trains require a compulsory seat reservation paid separately, ranging from a few euros to considerably more per journey depending on the country. France, Spain and Italy are among the countries with the most compulsory reservations; Germany, Switzerland, Austria and much of central Europe have many trains without them.
When it pays off and when it doesn't
It pays off for four or more long journeys, if you're under 28, and if your route crosses countries without compulsory reservations. It doesn't pay off for two or three isolated trips: separate tickets booked in advance come out cheaper. Do the maths with your actual itinerary before buying.
The app
Everything runs through the official Rail Planner app: activating the pass, checking timetables and adding each journey to your travel diary. It works offline with downloaded timetables, which is essential when you're in a station without data.
Tips that save money
Favour regional trains over high-speed: slower but no reservation required. Use night trains for long journeys and save a night's accommodation, though the couchette reservation costs. And always check the final pass price on the official site before buying, as fares are revised annually and there are occasional promotions.
A realistic budget
With a youth pass, compulsory reservations, hostels and food, a month around Europe costs considerably more than the pass price: expect to multiply that figure by three or four. On a tight budget, a short Flexi pass plus a route through countries without supplements is the most efficient combination.
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