Europe is one of the most popular travel destinations famed for its heritage and culture, and is visited by tourists from all over the world. This fascinating and unique continent offers history, adventure, culture, sport, architecture, cuisine and much more. Exploring what Europe has to offer as a destination has never been easier or more flexible than by train travel. Train travel is often more convenient and efficient than traveling by air, and with an outstanding cross-border high speed rail network, you will experience the breathtakingly iconic landscapes while you travel from country to country. Traveling by train is now even more cost-effective with an InterRail pass, giving you flexibility and value for money. The pass gives you the freedom to plan your European travels around your timetable and budget. It is an essential investment, particularly if you are planning to travel extensively across Europe.
How it Works
There are two main types of pass that you can choose from. If you are planning to travel in and between 30 participating countries then you can purchase the ‘global’ pass. If you’re looking to travel to one, two, three, four or five countries, then it is more cost effective to invest in the ‘multi-country combination’ pass, although these are only available to non-European residents. You can then decide on the type of flexibility you want. If you had a fixed idea of dates and destinations, you could choose consecutive days’ travel within a given period. If you were looking for more flexibility, you could choose a certain amount of travel days within a given period, which is known as the ‘flexi pass’.
The Best Scenic Rail Journeys Across Europe
Travel the Bergen line between Oslo and Norway and enjoy rolling through the craggy mountain landscapes. Once you’re in Norway, take in the exquisite views of high peaks and mountain slopes by traveling the Rauma line from Dombas to Andalsnes. For a taste of Italian decadence, travel the five cultural and rustic villages between Levanto and La Spezia in Italy. If you’re looking for a luxurious day out, travel across the Semmering railway in Austria, taking in the picturesque landscape, countless tunnels and arched bridges, and then finishing off your day relaxing your muscles in a sauna in Semmering. Experience the riches of Switzerland by traveling the Glacier Express between Zermatt and St Moritz, witnessing the western Swiss Alps, through the beautiful Alpine landscapes and two of Switzerland’s most reputable ski resorts.
The Benefits of Purchasing a Pass
The pass provides incredible value for money and unrivalled levels of flexibility and choice when exploring Europe. You can get on and off trains as you please and, should you decide to stay in one place longer than you anticipated, then you are able to do so. If you purchase a pass you will also receive discounts on certain ferries, hotels, hostels, museums and other local transportation, making your travel costs even more manageable.
Ana Aleksejeva writes about her European travel experiences for various travel blogs and guides. Having recently explored Europe by train, she has experienced the benefits of investing in an InterRail pass and is now able to share her travel experiences with other keen European travelers on a restricted budget.
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