A Guide to the InterRail Global Train Pass
Beginners Information about the All Access Rail Travel in Europe
With an InterRail train pass it’s possible to traverse most of Europe quickly and with great flexibility. The pass allows free access on most regional intercity trains and is especially beneficial for those travelling on a longer term basis – for two weeks or more – saving travellers a lot of money on the high single-trip price of train travel in Europe.
Understanding InterRail Eligibility Rules
Citizens of the European Union with an EU passport are eligible for an InterRail Pass, along with those people who have been living in Europe for more than six months in the lead up to purchasing a pass. Those living outside of Europe can get a similar pass called a Eurail Pass, but the InterRail is generally preferable as it is slightly cheaper and covers more countries.
How to Negotiate the Eligibility Rules
For people from outside Europe considering moving to the continent to work and travel, it’s important to note the eligibility rule stating that people who’ve lived in Europe for six months or more are only eligible for InterRail. It may be a good idea to work in Europe before commencing European travel to gain eligibility for InterRail. Alternatively, for those preferring to purchase a Eurail Pass who’re non-EU citizens but have been living in Europe for more than six months; there is a loop hole. By taking a holiday outside Europe within the six months returns the traveller’s eligibility back to Eurail. Eurail, while being more expensive than InterRail, is actually cheaper on a long-term basis: a one month InterRail Pass is cheaper than a one month Eurail, while a two month Eurail Pass is cheaper than two months with InterRail. Lastly it’s important to note that the InterRail pass is not valid for use in the traveller’s country of residence.
Where to Buy InterRail Global Passes
Information on where to buy InterRail Passes can be hard to find on the Internet. The InterRail Website only offers the option of buying online from their site. This is a good option to take, but it’s important to note that the pass can be bought from certain train stations and travel agents as well. The stations that tend to sell the pass are usually major stations in the larger European cities – smaller stations generally don’t sell the passes. So to purchase the pass in England the best place is London, at a major station such as Kings Cross, or in Paris you might buy at pass at the Gare du Nord. Only a limited number of travel agents sell InterRail Passes so it’s best to call the agent first to check if they do.
Why Buying an InterRail Global Pass Online is the Best Option
Buying InterRail Passes Online is fairly easy; they’re usually delivered within a week (if ordered from within Europe), and require a signature upon delivery for security. The InterRail site is safe and easy to use for ticket purchases and this is the recommended method of purchase as the accuracy of the ticket you order is better guaranteed. Many other Internet sites sell the pass, but always at the same price as the main InterRail site, so there is no advantage to buying the passes elsewhere.
How to Use an InterRail Pass
When ordering an InterRail Pass, the first expected date of train travel needs to be set. From this date the pass can be used only by the person who has ordered it – a passport number will need to be provided when ordering. Once the pass is valid it’s as simple as going to the first station and getting on the right train. For the bulk of regional trains in Europe, the InterRail Pass allows travellers to board without a reservation. On nearly every trip a conductor will check tickets, so it’s important to make sure the ticket is valid and to have a passport handy as the conductor may ask to cross check. It’s as simple as that really – the only thing to note is that the InterRail Pass is generally not valid on local Metro and Underground train lines, only on intercity trains, although there are a few exceptions as laid out in the InterRail handbook.
When Booking is Necessary Despite an InterRail Global Pass
There will be situations, which aren't always clear, when booking is necessary despite the open validity of the InterRail pass. An information handbook is sent out with the InterRail pass detailing when bookings are necessary; most commonly on high speed trains and when an overnight sleeper bunk is required, but bookings and extra fees are often up to the discretion of each country’s rail provider. Therefore, it’s always good to check first at the station before boarding a train if a booking is necessary. Upon entering a new country it’s advisable to clarify at the first station about what their specific rules are regarding booking trains in advance – in some countries a specific rail company may be part of the InterRail programme, while another may require pre booking.
Consider Booking in Advance
It’s a good idea to consider making a booking in advance if a train is likely to be full; specifically during peak periods, on weekends or during festivals such as Oktoberfest. It’s almost always necessary to pre book tickets in France and a small extra fee is often required.
Finding Train Schedules and Further Information
There is a site on the Internet that allows users to search for train schedules. It’s fairly easy to use and reasonably accurate; of course as with any system train schedules are subject to change so asking directly at a station is usually the best. The site for searching train schedules is found here. For more details about any other specific queries such as where the InterRail Pass is valid, visit the main InterRail Website.
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