Beginner's Guide to European Rail Passes 2023

National passes are worth considering if you're only visiting one country in Europe.

Interrail provides "multi-country passes." Passengers on this ticket can plan 3, 4, 6, or 8 days of travel around their preferred country.

On the other hand, national rail companies have their own passes that can save you money on the expensive seat-reservation costs (up to €20) that train companies occasionally charge Interrail ticket users.

Unfortunately, there is no whole-country pass equivalent to the Interrail pass in France. However, some big European locations do, so keep reading for more information.

National rail passes | Italy

Dreaming about a glass of wine in the Mediterranean sun? 

The "Trenitalia pass" is offered by Italy's national train service to anybody outside Italy. It exclusively includes Trenitalia high-speed, Intercity, and sleeper trains, as opposed to Interrail. Regional trains are not included, although expensive seat reservation costs are waived.

Passengers purchase a fixed number of travels (3, 4, 7, or 10 excursions) during a specified time. Prices begin at €129.

Senior and kid passes are available, and up to two children under 12 can be added for free to an adult pass.

National rail passes | Germany

With a German rail pass, you can go from partying in Berlin to hiking in the Bavarian mountains. 

Non-German residents can purchase multiple consecutive or any-day passes that allow unrestricted travel on Deutsche Bahn trains for specified times throughout the month. Seat reservation fees are not required on most German trains.

Prices range from €182 to €470, with 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, and 15-day passes available.

National rail passes | Spain

The Renfe Spain pass is available to non-Spanish residents. Passengers can purchase 4, 6, 8, or 10 individual one-way train rides of any duration in a month. These journeys are valid on all long-distance and medium-distance Renfe trains. The pass price includes all booking costs.

Unlike the Interrail pass, it does not provide unlimited travel during the day; changing trains counts as two rides. If you arrange a day of travel on the interrail pass, you can ride as many trains as you like.

The cost of a Renfe pass ranges from €180 to €210.

What is a Swiss Travel pass?

Tourists visiting Switzerland can purchase a Swiss Travel pass. This allows unrestricted travel on the Swiss train network for a continuous period of 3 days, 4 days, 8 days, or 15 days.

A Swiss Flexi pass provides unrestricted travel over the Swiss rail system for 3, 4, 8, or 15 travel days over a month.

A second-class ticket costs between €232 and €439.

You might be interested: 

• The Most Popular High-Speed Train Routes in Europe
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• Spring Travel to Switzerland: where to go and what to do