Are you planning a rail adventure in Europe? An Interrail Pass is an affordable way to travel to dozens of countries by train. This updated guide breaks down all the costs – pass prices, reservation fees, meals, accommodation and more – so youcan plan a budget-friendly Interrail trip. We also include expert tips and frequently asked questions to help you save money and avoid surprises. The figures below are current (as of the end of 2025) and are supported by trusted sources.

1. Choose your passport: Global vs. single-country passport

Interrail offers two types of passes: the Global Pass (unlimited travel in 33 countries) and the One Country Pass (unlimited travel in one country). Prices vary according to pass type, duration and age (young travellers receive a 25% discount). From 2025, prices for Interrail Passes for young travellers (12-27 years) will start at around €119 for a 3-day One Country Pass and around €212 for a 4-day Global Pass. Passes for adults (28-59 years) start at €119 for a one-country pass and cost around €283 for a 4-day Global Pass. The longer your pass is (more days of travel), the cheaper the cost per day. Interrail also often has special offers, sometimes up to 25% cheaper.

• Youth discount: Travellers under the age of 28 automatically receive a discount of up to 25%. A 4-day Global Pass for young people (within one month) costs around €212 compared to €283 for an adult.

• Sales: Look out for special offers (e.g. Black Friday) where pass prices can be reduced by 10-25%.

• First vs. second class: There is usually a fixed fee per day to upgrade to first class (around €5 to €7 per day). If you don’t necessarily need more legroom, second class is fine.

Tip: Compare your itinerary – if you’re mainly staying in one country, a One Country Pass may be cheaper than a Global Pass. If you plan on travelling for many days, you can save money with an unlimited pass (e.g. 15 days unlimited in one month) compared to a Flexi Pass with only a few days.

2. Budgeting for seat reservations

For many high-speed and night trains, a seat reservation is required even with an Interrail Pass. These additional fees vary by train and country. According to Interrail’s official figures, you should expect to pay around €10 for a typical domestic high-speed train, around €15 for an international train and around €20 for a seat on a night train. (Some trains are cheaper, others more expensive – the Eurostar to London, for example, costs around €30, but on local routes it can be as little as a few euros)

• Avoiding charges: If you’re on a tight budget, focus on slower regional trains, which often don’t require reservations. For high-speed lines, you should compare trains: Sometimes a reservation is not required for a slightly slower train.

• Plan ahead: book early via the Interrail app or the train companies’ websites. Last-minute reservations may no longer be possible.

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3. Reduce accommodation costs

Sleeping cheaply is the key to keeping costs down. Youth hostels are the classic budget accommodation option and often have a kitchen (so you can cook and save). In Europe, beds in hostel dormitories can vary greatly: In Eastern Europe, a night costs just $15-$25 on average, while in Western Europe it’s $25-$40. Hostelz data shows that in places like Tirana (Albania), it’s just $3 per night (≈ €2.80!), while in major Western cities like Paris, it’s an average of $55 (€50) per night.

• Save money in the kitchen: Most youth hostels have fully equipped kitchens. Buying local groceries (Lidl, Aldi, etc.) and staples (pasta, rice, vegetables) can save you $15 to $25 per day on food.

• Book wisely: Use Hostelworld and similar websites. If you book a few days in advance, you can combine flexibility and good prices.

• Alternative accommodation options: Consider dormitories with free breakfast or bed and breakfasts in Eastern Europe. In the height of summer, a private room may only cost €10 to €20 more than a dormitory.

4. Food and drink on the cheap

Eating out can quickly blow your budget. Favour grocery shopping and street food. Local markets and delicatessens often offer cheap meals. Travellers on a budget spend around $8 to $15 per meal when eating on the street in Eastern Europe, while a mid-range restaurant can cost $15 to $25.

• Hostel kitchens: Cook simple meals (pasta, stir-fries, etc.) to keep food costs under €10 to €15 per day.

• Market finds: Pick up local snacks (fruit, cheese, bread) or lunch specials at markets and bakeries.

• Water: Take a reusable bottle with you to avoid buying drinks. Tap water is safe in most European countries, or you can fill it up at the hostel water stations.

5. Travelling off-peak and smart routing

Hundreds of euros can be saved by choosing when and where to travel. Summer (June-August) is expensive; low season (April-May, September-October) offers lower prices and milder weather. Consider night trains: they cost about the same as a day ticket (plus reservation), but you save on accommodation.

• Off-peak months: If you skip July and August, you’ll find cheaper hostels and fewer crowds.

• Alternative routes: If a long-distance train is too expensive or requires a reservation, look for scenic local routes. This way you can avoid fees and discover hidden gems.

• Cheap airlines and buses: For long journeys (e.g. from Spain to Scandinavia), cheap flights or buses (FlixBus tickets for €10 to €20) can sometimes beat the cost of trains. Simply compare in advance.

Need some inspiration? Best Interrailing destinations

Frequently asked questions

Q: How much money do I need per day?
For a thrifty traveller who uses hostels and cooks for themselves, €40-60 per day (excluding the passport) in Eastern Europe and around €60-100 in Western Europe is feasible. This covers dormitories, food, local transport and entrance fees. The Interrail Pass itself costs a separate amount (see above).

Q: Is Interrailing more expensive than point-to-point trains?
That depends. A Global Pass is often worthwhile for multiple journeys through different countries. (A continuous 15-day pass costs €400-500, which can be far cheaper than buying multiple high-speed tickets) If you are only planning 1-2 trips, single tickets or bus/flight may be cheaper. Use the Eurail/Interrail website or Omio to compare.

Q: Are there any hidden fees?
Apart from the seat reservation, you can expect to pay booking fees for some train bookings (~€1-€3). Also, some private railway companies (e.g. in Italy or France) may charge a small “Interrail fee” for online bookings. If possible, stick to the official booking channels.

Q: What if I run out of budget?
Take some extra cash or a spare credit card with you. In an emergency, you can switch to slower trains, go couchsurfing or find a lift via BlaBlaCar. And remember: travel insurance is worthwhile for emergencies.

Conclusion and next steps

By choosing the right pass and saving on accommodation and food costs, an epic rail journey across Europe can fit into even a modest budget. For example, a two-week trip with a 5-day youth ticket (around €250) plus €50/day living expenses (around €700) can be done for less than €1,000 in total.

Are you ready to plan your trip? Check out Hostelworld’s hostel deals and travel tips to save even more and get inspired. Book early, travel smart and enjoy the journey – Europe awaits you on a budget!

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