Let’s face it, most people have been craving a getaway recently. If you’re one of these people, then you might be thinking whether you should jet off to a far off place or perhaps hop on the train for that travel fix.
One of the biggest things to consider when planning your trip, however, is your budget. Whether you’re already an established world traveller or a novice to holidaying abroad, it’s vital that you think about what you’re going to spend on the endeavour.
Interrailing is a popular choice for those of all ages, from teens to the older generation due to the vast variety of locations you can explore. But is interrailing a more affordable option than flying? And is the process of booking an interrail ticket more hassle than hopping online and booking a flight? Let’s compare the two.
Interrailing
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One of the first things you might be wondering is, is an interrail pass worth it? Although it’s often considered to be a wallet-friendly option for many travellers, some still believe that travelling on public transport will eat a lot of their budget. Generally, yes, public transport can soon rack up in cost. However, when it comes to the Interrail Pass, there are plenty of fantastic deals to take advantage of – not to mention the fact that children up to 11 travel free!
Saving you the hassle of buying individual tickets, the flexibility of an interrail pass makes it a viable option for any type of traveller. So, what types of interrail passes are available? Well firstly, there’s the Global Pass.
Global Pass
This nifty all-in-one pass allows you to travel across 33 different countries, from Italy to Norway. There’s an option for youth travellers (12-27), adults (28+), children (4-11) and seniors (60+), meaning you can easily find a ticket regardless of your age. When you’ve selected how many tickets you require, along with the appropriate age, you’ll be met with a wide selection of options, from a 4 day ticket to a 3 month one.
Varying in price from €167 for unlimited train travel for 4 days to €812 for up to 3 months, the prices are arguably cheaper than that of flying. Of course, that depends where you’re flying to, but it’s hard to imagine multiple flights across Europe, or longer-haul flights being that reasonable – especially if you consider the flexibility that comes with interrailing.
One Country Pass
Alternatively, if you’re thinking about only travelling around one country, the One Country Pass might be more suitable. This popular option gives you the opportunity to explore the beautiful cobbled streets of Italy, the picturesque snow-capped mountains of Switzerland, the sandy beaches of Greece and more. With prices starting from €105, all tickets offer up to 8 days of rail travel, with unlimited trains each day (excluding the Greek island passes, which are up to 6 days). Offering a validity of 1 month, you can plan a whole bunch of activities to enjoy across your chosen country!
Eurail Pass
If you’re thinking that interrailing is the way to go and you’re not from Europe, instead of an Interrail Pass, you’ll have to purchase a Eurail ticket. But don’t worry – with this option you’re not missing out as the Eurail Pass still allows you to travel across 33 different European countries! Similarly to the Interrail Pass, the Eurail ticket is an all-in-one option giving you the option of where to travel and when. At Interrail Planner, we’ve also created a handy Eurail Planner for you to use!
Flying
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If you love to travel, then it’s likely that you’ve hopped on a plane in the past. However, flying isn’t always the best option – in terms of price and flexibility. Depending on where you want to visit, flying can be quite difficult – especially if you’re looking to travel during school holidays or to somewhere a little more remote. For the latter, you’ll also want to think about booking onward travel, such as a rental car or taxi, which will quickly increase the cost.
For those wanting to get away during peak season (i.e July or August), some flights can put you out of pocket upwards of £300 for a return. Of course, that’s for more long-haul flights, such as to Turkey, but for many, that is a large amount to pay if you’re wanting to go travelling around a country. Not only is the price usually higher than that of an Interrail Pass, but there are also other things to consider when flying – from baggage restrictions to having to book far in advance.
However, flying does also have its advantages. For example, there tends to regularly be sales on flights, and there are a variety of different airlines to choose from – giving you the chance to compare different prices and find the best bang for your buck. Another upside is that you are usually able to get to your destination quite quickly. Of course, you’ll have to factor in the time it takes to check-in, go through security, immigration, etc. but when you’re at your destination, you can get into your accommodation and be in holiday mode in a reasonable time.
Should you use Interrail or fly?
So, should you interrail or fly? At the end of the day, the choice is yours. But if you’re trying to keep a budget, but want the flexibility, then an Interrail Pass is the better option. With no baggage limitations to worry about, the ability to get to a destination(s) in a hassle-free way and train stations being usually central, interrailing is a fantastic option. An Interrail pass also comes with a handful of extra benefits, from discounted tours to transport and hostels.
It’s a good idea, however, to map out your route ahead of time and compare the different options available to you before making your final option. This way, you’ll be able to decide whether interrailing or flying is the cheaper and better choice for you!
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