Interrail – an introduction

Some tips and tricks to start you off

I’ve always loved interrail. I think my first proper long trip was in 1998. I was young. It was cheap. I was staying at hostels or sleeping on trains.

Things have changed a bit. I’m no longer young.

Seriously though, interrail is such a fun, easy and reasonably cheap way to travel around Europe. And, you don’t have to be young and/or stay at hostels to do this. I will tell you about that youth hostel inside the train station in Lillehammer some other time. That one’s a must.

The Passes

Now, depending on where you live those rail passes might also be called Eurorail. Same difference. I even compared the prices. There might be some small differences in the terms of conditions – you know, as there often are between Europe and the US for instance.

There are passes that give you access to the European Rail Network for entire months or just a few days. It all depends on what you need. Let’s say you want to travel for two months but not every day and you’re planning on staying somewhere for longer. Then you might want to consider this pass:

You have 15 travel days within two months. This is the regular price, traveling in 2^nd class. If you’re under 28 or over 60, it gets cheaper. You can also just book 4 days or 7 days within a month. There’s a pass for every possible trip. Just go have a look.

€553 for 15 days – that’s a good deal. Also, there is no need to worry about buying tickets. You just add the journey to your pass in the app and that’s it. If you’re traveling across country borders this can be a bit of a headache otherwise. Last summer I traveled through 6 countries – no issues whatsoever. Except for a 3h delay that was to be expected.

I will be referring to the Interrail App, but you can also get a physical pass, you need to allow for it to be delivered. I booked mine too close to the travel dates so electronic was my only option.

What’s included?

Some things to be aware of. Not all trains are included in your pass. Some of the high-speed trains might have an extra charge or even not allow you to travel on them on your pass. Others have restrictions as to how many travelers with Interrail rail passes are allowed. It’s usually trains where you need a seat reservation (e.g. the Eurostar from Rotterdam to Paris) and it will tell you that there are no seats available in that category. With others like Deutsche Bahn on the ICE will have a limited number of “seat reservation only” seats available. You can still book the same journey for €300 but not JUST the seat. Now there’s ways around that.

In your app you can choose to only travel on trains without seat reservations. Or you can limit it to local trains or trains without surcharge. There’s a lot you can do. Also in the German ICE, you can usually see if the route you’re traveling is a busy one and adapt your plans accordingly. You don’t have to book a seat. If you’re happy to sit on the floor for six hours. Go for it. A seat reservation is only €5 though.

This is not true in other countries. On some trains you’re only allowed on with a valid ticket and seat reservation. The TGV from Basel to Paris was like that when I travelled on it. They reminded people before boarding that they had to have a reserved seat. Make sure you know the rules. You don’t want to argue with the French.

Now, what you can also do on the ICE is hope that somebody with a reservation does not show up. The display next to a seat will tell you from where to where it is booked, but if nobody has shown up 15 minutes after departure. The seat is up for grabs.

The App

As I said, you just add your journey to your app and then just show the QR code when they check tickets. They can ask you for your ID, but that’s never happened to me.

Word of caution regarding the app. It’s a good idea to double-check departure times. And also check if there are faster or more convenient routes if you’re unhappy with what they suggest. Granted, I’m a pro, but you can do it too. Sometimes the connections or transfer times make no sense. I mean why would I risk a 3-minute transfer time at a huge train station I don’t know, if I can have 20 minutes, no stress, at a smaller station I know and end up on the same train. Things like that.

You don’t have to add an entire journey, you can add as you go along. Like when you’re traveling on Deutsche Bahn and there is no delay, you’re gonna make an earlier connection. Based on real-life experience.

The pass not only displays options that are included, it will also show you faster options that are not. It clearly tells you, so that’s not something you need to worry about. Go for it and pay extra if you like. Or pick another connection.

Finding your way

If you get stuck, you can always ask the locals. They will know all the tricks and be happy to help. Even in France – you’re gonna have to ask nicely and maybe add some French to your question though.

Signs are really international. They are usually symbols. Symbols for bus, train, metro, boat, lockers, restrooms, food, restaurants, elevators/escalators etc. It might take some getting used to, but you’ll figure it out easily.

The good thing is that train stations are usually pretty close to the city center. If you’re like me, you’re gonna book a hotel within easy walking distance. They also have shops and food.

Depending on where you travel, screens will also tell you where first and second class cars are or if/where there is a restaurant car. Things like that. If you have a seat reservation, it’s really handy to know where the car you’re sitting in will stop. That’s also something to look out for and be aware of.

In Switzerland we have different sectors on each platform and the screens tell you which direction the train travels and sometimes also where the screen you’re looking at is located. This is not done at smaller stations, obviously.

Let’s go!

Once you have your pass and the app, you can start planning. It’s super easy but does take some getting used to for us digital non-natives. Totally doable though. And it makes traveling across country borders so much easier than trying to get individual tickets or dealing with different rail providers.

And then you just enjoy! More to come obviously, but this is a start.

I’m adding a picture of the clock at the train station in Bern Wankdorf because it always makes me chuckle. Happy Friday everyone.