Interrail: 10 tips to know before you start!

Dreaming of the freedom to explore Europe by train? The Interrail Pass, which allows you to discover no less than 33 European countries, could be perfect for you! However, if it's your first Interrail trip - and with so much information to consider - organizing your journey might seem overwhelming.

To help you plan your European adventure, here are 10 things to know about how to successfully organize your Interrail trip, and make the most of train travel without breaking the bank. All these tips are inspired by the experiences of HomeExchange members and our team who have tested and approved the Interrail Pass.

Tip #1: Plan your itinerary well

Even though the main appeal of the Interrail Pass lies in the freedom of movement it offers, we still recommend planning your itinerary to some extent. This will help you figure out which Pass to buy and allow you to book your seats in advance when necessary (see below).

To plan your route effectively, Interrail provides a very useful trip planning tool. Starting from your departure station, you can add all the destinations you plan to explore, specifying how many nights you intend to stay. The tool then calculates the most suitable Pass for your trip.

For a more detailed itinerary, you can also use the Interrail Planner. This tool allows you to visualize all your journeys on an interactive map of Europe. You can add your destinations, specify the number of nights, and even directly access available hostels and hotels on HostelWorld, activities on GetYourGuide, and more.

Tip #2: It is often necessary to reserve your journeys

The Interrail Pass allows you to freely explore 33 European countries and travel on most trains simply by presenting the Pass. However, for certain routes, particularly on high-speed trains, overnight trains, or the most popular itineraries, seat reservations are necessary.

How to Reserve Your Seat on Trains: You have several options available to you, depending on the country:

• Reserve online directly through Interrail (a booking fee may apply).
• Reserve online on the train companies' websites when possible.
• Reserve directly at the station (this is often the preferred option, especially in Eastern Europe, where online booking may not always be available).

For the most popular routes, even booking in advance can be tricky. In such cases, consider "alternative routes":

"For Eurostar tickets, even when planning well in advance, it’s hard to get tickets for London-Paris (it's one of the most requested routes and can be extremely expensive, especially in summer!) However, the route London-Lille has no problems. So don’t worry if you’ve purchased an Interrail ticket and can’t find a ticket for London-Paris — try Lille, Brussels, etc." - Meleesa

Tip #3: Use the "No Reservation" filter

Be aware that the additional fees mentioned above can be avoided by opting for alternative routes. By using the "No Reservation" search filter on the Interrail website or app, you'll receive all the travel options that do not require mandatory reservations.

This way, you'll have a list of free alternatives (when available) to organize your journey. However, keep in mind that these routes are often longer and may require a train change. But this is a useful tip to keep in mind if you're not in a hurry and have a budget to stick to.

Tip #4: Download the Rail Planner app

One of the first things to do after purchasing your Pass is to download the mobile app “Rail Planner”. This app, offered by Interrail, is free and user-friendly.

It allows you to check train schedules (even when you’re offline), plan your trips, make seat reservations, and board trains more easily with the mobile Pass. You can also visualize your journey on the app's map.

Tip #5: Avoid short connections

As much as possible, avoid short connections between trains. If your first train is delayed, you risk missing the next one. This advice is especially important for connections between different networks, such as switching from a Deutsche Bahn train to an SNCF train. If your connection is within the same network and your first train is delayed, the train company usually assists you in finding a new route.

Nonetheless, it’s always advisable to allow ample time for connections. This will hopefully save you from some hassles and even give you the opportunity to take time to explore the city where you have a layover!

"What we would have liked to know is that German trains are often delayed, so we should plan for longer connections or even better, stop along the way. But now there’s a direct train from Berlin to Paris, I believe." – Federica, HomeExchange member

Tip #6: Plan which overnight trains you’ll be using

The Interrail Pass also works with overnight trains. However, don’t forget that reservations are mandatory for all overnight trains to guarantee you a seat or a bed. Several types of sleeping arrangements are available on different trains, ranging from reclining seats to private cabins with en-suite bathrooms. Naturally, reservation fees vary depending on the type of accommodation booked.

European sleeper trains are generally reserved in advance, so we recommend that you plan your overnight journeys ahead of time. Overnight train trips are perfect for optimizing your itinerary and saving time for exploring your destinations. When you wake up, you'll be right in the heart of a new European city, ready to start exploring!

Tip #7: The Interrail Pass sometimes includes boats

In addition to trains, the Interrail Pass also includes certain ferry crossings for free, or at discounted rates. For example, you can take advantage of these in Greece, Norway, Italy, Croatia, Sweden and more.

Visit the Interrail website to check which ferry companies partner with Interrail and offer free or discounted services. Some ferries, especially those to explore the Greek islands, are in high demand, so it’s highly recommended to book your seats in advance.

Tip #8: The Interrail Pass isn’t always the most cost-effective option

Depending on your itinerary and the ages of anyone you’re traveling with, the Interrail Pass might not always be the best deal. For example, if you’re only planning a few train trips, it can sometimes be more affordable to purchase individual tickets in advance, especially in countries where train travel is relatively inexpensive.

This is particularly true if you’re paying full price for the Pass. Interrail does offer attractive discounts for travelers under 27 and seniors, but if you fall into the adult age bracket, are planning just two or three trips, and know your travel dates, don’t hesitate to compare the cost with individual tickets.

However, if you’re looking for the freedom to explore Europe extensively and spontaneously, no matter your age, the Interrail Pass is perfect for you!

Tip #9: Sign up for the Interrail newsletter to take advantage of great deals

Interrail offers all kinds of discounts in partnership with other brands, especially on accommodation and activities with HostelWorld and GetYourGuide. You can check the "Deals" section on the Rail Planner app and the website, or sign up for the Interrail newsletter to stay informed.

With Interrail's deals, you can benefit from discounts on hostels, ferries, City Cards, and even public transport. Subscribing to the newsletter gives you early access to exclusive and limited-time promotions, as well as travel tips, advice, Interrail news, and inspiring travel content.

Tip #10: Prepare for long journeys

At HomeExchange, we believe in the benefits of slow travel and, particularly, the joys of train travel. Indeed, traveling by train allows you to appreciate the landscapes passing by, as well as enjoy time for yourself to read, watch a movie, listen to a podcast, play cards, or even work.

Europe is a magical continent with a wide variety of landscapes, but it also spans a large part of the globe, which inevitably involves relatively long journeys. So, plan to have things to keep you occupied, as well as some accessories such as a portable charger (not all trains are equipped with power outlets to recharge your devices), a neck pillow and an eye mask, healthy snacks, and water if the train doesn’t have a dining car. This way, you can ensure a comfortable and pleasant journey.

Bonus: Yes, it’s possible to travel on a small budget in Europe!

Many travelers dream of exploring Europe by train, but they can sometimes feel discouraged by the costs associated with such a trip. It’s true that some destinations, like major capitals or popular cities, can quickly drive up the budget. However, there are several ways to travel in Europe without breaking the bank.

Apart from transport, the biggest expense while on vacation is accommodation. To find budget-friendly lodging, avoid hotels and rentals, and opt for home exchanges. For just €160, you can exchange your home** as often as you want for 12 months, anywhere in Europe**, and bring along your family or friends if you’re traveling in a group.

Other tips for traveling on a budget include eating local, choosing free or low-cost activities, considering cheap European destinations, and of course, taking advantage of the Interrail promotions mentioned above.

Testimonials from HomeExchangers Who Have Used Interrail

"Last summer, I traveled to Sweden by train with my son using the Interrail Pass, and I did two home exchanges through HomeExchange—one in Stockholm and the other in Gothenburg. I started from Haute-Savoie, walking from my home, and then took several trains, including a night train. For me, the journey is part of the vacation; it’s already an adventure and discovery. The most challenging part of the Interrail Pass is figuring out how the app works, but once you get the hang of it, it's smooth sailing." – Sylvie

"In January 2024, we traveled by train with the seniors' discount card. Departure from Avignon:
Stage 1: Brussels, 5 nights with HomeExchange;
Stage 2: Ghent, 4 nights with HomeExchange;
Stage 3: Antwerp, 2 nights in a hotel (we could have found a HomeExchange, but the options were too far out);
Stage 4: Rotterdam, 3 nights with HomeExchange;
Stage 5: Amsterdam, 6 nights with HomeExchange.
We loved this way of traveling. Living for almost three weeks without a car was a real joy for us, as we live in the countryside. The accommodations allowed us to be at the heart of the cities and feel more connected to their spirit. Plus, we love meeting the locals, shopping at neighborhood stores... It was such a pleasure." – Corinne