In an age where travel has become more accessible but often more expensive, would-be tourists are always hunting for ways to maximise their travelling experience. One option comes to the fore for allowing tourists to see a large portion of Europe with greater freedom and without the environmental impact or monetary cost of dozens of flights. Passes allow travel either on every day within a given timeframe or on a flexible basis, for example on any 10 days within a given two-month period.
Passes can be used by anyone who lives in Europe, with UK residents included. Passes are valid on all national railways, and some private railways, in participating countries. Seat reservations are an important aspect of the pass, as your pass alone is not valid for travel on some trains β you must also have a seat reservation.
Reservations are often required in France , Spain and Germany , and are necessary on all-night trains and most high-speed trains. Take in everything from French cafe culture to centuries-old Bulgarian folk traditions on the ultimate Interrail journey. Move on first to Brussels and then Amsterdam, the charming Dutch capital. Berlin awaits you after a six-hour journey, before a series of shorter hops between Prague , Vienna and Budapest.
The last two legs are the longest of the trip, with just over seven hours separating Budapest and Belgrade and eight between Sofia and the Serbian capital. Read more: The six Paris districts you should know, from classically French cobbled streets to edgy underground clubs. Fly to Naples for the beginning of this journey, stopping to enjoy a proper pizza before making your way to Rome.
Read more: This ivy-clad Rome neighbourhood is where the locals come to eat. A Scandinavian Interrail trip is a drawn-out one, with larger distances between the cities but more time to pack in everything you want to see. Explore the Tivoli Gardens for a theme park-esque enchanting green area, or head to Nyhavn in between a stroll of the canal and its colourful houses.
