InterRailing

Fancy seeing LOADS of Europe in an affordable way? All aboard for a European escapade. We explain why InterRailing is just the ticket for those in search of a multi-country adventure.

All aboard...

What is InterRailing?

The InterRail pass combines low cost travel in Europe with maximum flexibility. The pass allows you up to one month of unlimited travel across 30 countries. Substantial discounts are also available on European ferries for InterRail pass holders. InterRail also offers single country passes for many countries in Europe.

Who can InterRail?

Although it’s available to everyone, the prices are substantially cheaper if you are under 26.

How much is InterRailing?

There are five options; depending on how long you want to go for, and how many days you want to travel. The shortest pass allows you to travel for five days out of ten and costs 184E; the longest is for one month and allows you to travel every day. It costs 442E.

Any InterRailing tips?

• Many trains require a supplement above the regular ticket price, and this is almost always the case with couchette and sleeper trains and many high-speed trains. Be particularly alert in Italy and Germany, where supplements seem to be charged at will.
• In Italy booking ahead is strongly advised, due to overcrowding and train repairs;
• You can’t use an InterRail pass in your own country; although you can get discounts on travel in the UK. You can’t use your InterRail on Eurostar, although again you can get a discount;
• Many European trains split into two parts half-way through the journey with the two halves ending up in different destinations.;
• Buy food and drink before you get on a train. Trains can often get delayed so may be longer than you had planned. Food prices on board are often quite pricey and local food and drink is often better.
• If you have a rail pass with a limited number of days travel on it make the most of it by only using it in the more expensive countries. Trains are most expensive in the Scandinavian countries, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland and Austria and the cheapest in Italy and Eastern Europe.

How to stay safe

• When travelling on trains, keep your valuables hidden and close – for instance, in a money-belt under your clothes.
• Use a cable-lock to secure your backpack to your seat or the luggage rack.
• What with all this criss-crossing of the continent, you may not know when you’re about to cross a border, and those armed border police piling into your carriage can come as a bit of a surprise. They’ll ask to see your passport, and they may check through the contents of your rucksack thoroughly, so don’t be carrying anything you shouldn’t.

What to pack

• If you’re passing through six countries, you don’t have to lug around six guidebooks for each one. Take a general Europe guidebook, such as Lonely Planet’s Europe on a Shoestring.
• Sun cream;
• Sunhat;
• Waterproofs (yes, it does rain outside the UK);
• Sleeping bag;
• Small bottle of clothes-washing liquid;
• Penknife (just remember not to take this on a plane if you’ve got any flights to catch);
• Gas-stove;
• Basic eating accessories, such as a saucepan, cutlery, and plastic crockery;
• Camping equipment if you’re planning to bed down in the great outdoors.

Where to sleep when you InterRail

There are usually three main options:

Camping

You can camp for a fraction of the price of a hostel bed and there’s less need to book ahead. As well as countryside and seaside campsites there are many in or around most major cities, and they often run free buses into the centre. Buy a map that shows campsites and you’ll never be stuck for somewhere to stay. Tourist information centres will be able to give you a list, too.

Hostel and hotels

Hostels are ideal for those looking to meet people on their travels. You can sleep in a shared dorm or bag yourself a group or double room. You’ll often find that a one- or two-star hotel works out just as cheap as a hostel, if not cheaper. It’s often a good idea to book your hotel or hostel in advance, but if not, at least try to arrive at a new destination in the morning to give yourself enough time to look for somewhere to stay.

Sleeping on the train

Before you get too comfy, make sure you won’t have to pay for the privilege. Actual sleeper cabins with bunks are generally not covered by your Inter-rail ticket. If you want to sleep in one of these, you’ll need to pay a supplement. Even so, most night trains will have seats that you can sleep on for free – some tip back or unfold to make a comfy-ish bed. For more tips, read our article on night trains.

Photo of interrailing by Shutterstock