Train travel is a thing of the past, right? Killed off by budget airlines and the Channel Tunnel, nobody travels by train any more, do they? Not quite. The student and gap year favourite of interrailing has never been so popular, with thousands heading off on a European adventure each year. The range of different interrail tickets available means it’s not just for under 21s either.

The Basics

The interrail system covers 30 countries across Europe. It’s not an EU or EEA scheme, so countries like Turkey are also included, as are Eastern European nations like Serbia or Macedonia. Most popular is the Global Pass, which gives you complete freedom to explore any of the 30 participating countries. Cheaper prices are available for young people under the age of 27, and the overall cost will depend on how many travelling days you have planned. For example, travel on 10 days within a period of a month will cost 301 euros for under 27s, or 378 euros for adults. You have to buy your interrail pass before leaving the UK, but you can use it to travel on UK trains once on your outward journey and once on the way home.

Extras

There are a few things to be aware of when using interrail passes. Firstly, planning is important as you have limited days on which you can travel using your pass. Remember too that although the pass might be called interrail, it’s not just trains which are included; Irish sea ferries, ferries between the Greek islands and Italy, and ferries between the Scandinavian countries are included too. High speed and overnight trains are included on the pass but you might be charged for making a reservation, which is likely to be less than 20 euros, and less than you’d pay for accommodation rather than spending the night on the train. Making a reservation for a night train doesn’t guarantee a comfortable bed though – always check that you make sure you know what you’re getting.

Interrail Planning

Part of the appeal of interrailing is the flexibility, and no two journeys will be the same. One good option is to plan a budget flight to Greece or Italy, and work your way home. Interrail offers a planner app for smartphones and tablets which helps plan journeys and shows departure and arrival information for all trains in participating interrail countries. There are also many forums for dedicated interrailers, offering advice, support and travelling companions. Spending a month in one person’s company can test even the strongest of friendships, so choose your travelling companions carefully.

Insurance and Safety

Travelling alone is never advised, especially on overnight trains. Hanging around a city centre station in the early hours of the morning isn’t the best idea either. Make sure your travel insurance covers you for this type of backpacking adventure, and take out EHIC cover. It won’t cover you for every medical expense in every country where interrail tickets are valid, but will come into its own during a medical emergency.