Traveling around Europe by train continues to be a popular choice amongst visitors, as Europe’s rail network is fast, safe, clean, efficient, and extremely well connected.

InterRail Passes are comparable to Eurail Passes, as they both offer value to travelers interested in flexible access to selected European national rail services, however InterRail Passes are for European residents and Eurail Passes are for international visitors traveling to Europe.

An InterRail Pass can be purchased in two varieties; one is the InterRail Global Pass and the other is the InterRail One Country Pass.

InterRail Global Pass Countries: An InterRail Global Pass is valid for travel throughout these 30 countries: Austria, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, FYR Macedonia, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey.

InterRail Global Pass Validities: Select your InterRail Global Pass for travel during a consecutive period or with 'flexi' travel days. 15 days, 22 days, or 1 month of consecutive travel is ideal if you plan on being on the move during this period, whereas, 5 flexi days within 10 days or 10 flexi days within 22 days is suited for travelers who plan on staying a bit longer at each destination.

InterRail One Country Passes: An InterRail One Country Pass is valid for travel throughout one of these 26 European countries: Austria, Benelux, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Greece Plus, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Macedonia FYR, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey.

InterRail One Country Pass Validities: All InterRail One Country Passes are available for 3, 4, 6 or 8 travel days within one month. This is considered a Flexi Pass as you can pick your travel days within this period.

After reviewing the InterRail Pass, here are your top 4 questions, answered!

Am I eligible to travel with an InterRail Pass?

  • You are eligible to travel with an InterRail Pass if you have been a resident in a European country for at least 6 months. An InterRail Pass may only be used by residents of Europe, the Russian Federation or Turkey. However you may not travel in your own country of residence with an InterRail Pass.

    • What is a Flexi Pass and travel day?

  • When traveling with an InterRail Global Pass or InterRail One Country Pass, 'Flexi' days allow you to fill in the date in the travel calendar on your pass before boarding the train. Each travel day lasts anytime from midnight of one day to midnight the next day.

    • How do I benefit from the InterRail youth discount?

  • Youth passes are available for travelers 12- 26 years of age (inclusive). You can save on second class fares, on select InterRail Passes, including InterRail Global Passes and the following InterRail One Country Passes: Austria, Benelux, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Macedonia FYR, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey. Youth are also able to travel in first class if they prefer but would then need to purchase a first class adult pass. Please also note that children, aged 4-11 years of age (inclusive), are entitled to a 50% reduction on the adult price in first or second class, and children under the age of 4 travel for free.

    • On which trains is a seat reservation required?

  • When reservations aren't necessary, you can just hop on the train with your InterRail Pass! Otherwise, it will be indicated when you check timetables if a train is subject to compulsory reservation. When a seat reservation or supplement is required, the cost is not included in the InterRail Pass and varies depending on the country, type of train and date of purchase/travel. Here is the general rule: most international long-distance trains require a reservation, as well as various domestic high-speed trains. Night trains always require a supplement for sleeping accommodation. Seat reservations are not usually necessary for local or regional trains. Please note that on some trains (such
    as Thalys, TGV and Alaris), the number of seats for InterRail Pass holders are limited. Therefore, you should reserve these trains in advance, especially in high-season. It is also recommended that you make reservations during peak travel periods and if you must reach your destination at a specific time.

To read more about InterRail Passes or to book your pass today visit: www.ACPRail.com.

(If you are not a European resident, please check Eurail Passes).

Author's Bio: 

Angela Guezen is a travel professional who has explored the likes of Australia, Japan, and Europe. With a love for beautiful landscapes she has great appreciation for train travel and shares this passion with fellow travelers by writing for www.ACPRail.com and wwwBritRail.com.