Is an Interrail pass worth it?

Interrailing around Europe is one of the most incredible experiences imaginable. With 33 different countries to choose from, your wanderlust can take the reins from the moment you board the first train or ferry.

If you’re thinking of booking an Interrailing trip in the near future, one of the first things that you’ll think about is the cost of the Interrail pass itself. An important aspect to consider, you’ll want to ensure that it’s 100% affordable for you ahead of time. Which leads onto the question – is it worth purchasing an Interrail pass? And does it really save you money?

How much does an Interrail pass cost?

Public transport can be pricey – especially when you’re planning on travelling around a variety of locations. However, when it comes to the Interrail pass, you can benefit from fantastic deals that are too tempting to miss. Children up to 11 can also travel free with Interrail – a great benefit that families will undoubtedly love.

With prices starting at €184, and special offers available when you sign up for their newsletter, for many it could be an affordable option that fits perfectly into their budget along with their accommodation and other travel costs.

This all-in-one option saves you the effort of buying individual tickets each time you board a train. Instead, you’ll just need to show the inspector your Interrail pass and you’ll be good to go!

How flexible is an Interrail pass?

Now comes the next question, how flexible is an Interrail pass? Many people want flexibility when it comes to travel and they don’t want to be restricted by the train that they have to get. Well (and this might be music to your ears), an Interrail pass is one of the most flexible ways to travel across Europe.

There is a wide selection of options available to you on the Interrail website, whether you want to travel for 7 days within a month, 15 days or for 3 months – the choice is yours. You’re even able to hop on a variety of trains spontaneously and sit where you like. Keep in mind, however, that some do require a reservation – that you must book ahead of your journey.

Another great benefit of the Interrail Global Pass, is that you can buy it whenever you want, and travel up to 11 months later. And if you’re not sure when you want to travel straight away, you don’t have to choose the start date until a time that suits you.

But what if you’re a non-European resident?

One important thing to keep in mind is that if you’re a non-European resident instead of an Interrail pass, you’ll have to purchase a Eurail ticket. But don’t worry, the Eurail Pass still allows you to travel across the same 33 countries that an Interrail Pass does! An all-in-one train ticket, you can choose your own route at any time that suits you. We’ve even created a Eurail Planner for those looking at this option!

Overall… is an Interrail pass worth it?

So is an Interrail pass worth the money? Does it really save you time? There’s no denying that the pass offers flexibility, in terms of both the trains/ferries you’re able to get and the duration that you can get it for. As aforementioned, there are some trains you’ll have to book a reservation for, but due to the fact that you don’t have to make a reservation for every single service, you’re able to plan your trip more freely overall.

Money-wise, it’s an affordable option for many due to the number of trips that you can take with it. Of course, everyone should budget and plan their trip carefully beforehand, but after looking at the various passes and routes that are available, purchasing an Interrail pass might be the best choice for you.