Interrail or Eurail: What’s the Difference & Which One Should You Choose?
Traveling across Europe by train is one of the most scenic, flexible, and rewarding ways to experience the continent. But if you’re planning your first rail adventure, you’ll likely come across two options: Interrail and Eurail. At first glance, they seem identical — so which one should you get?
Let’s break down the difference, help you choose the right pass, and share a few tips to get the most value from your trip.
🧳 Interrail Pass — For European Residents
The Interrail Pass is designed for citizens or residents of Europe. If you hold a European passport or reside in a European country (even temporarily), this is the pass you’re eligible for.
Highlights:
Access to train travel in 33 European countries
Two main options: Global Pass (multiple countries) and One Country Pass
Only allows one outbound and one return trip in your home country
Popular among students, digital nomads, and young travelers in Europe
🌎 Eurail Pass — For Non-European Travelers
The Eurail Pass is the counterpart of Interrail, but it’s for non-European residents. If you’re visiting Europe from abroad — from the US, Australia, Canada, Asia, or elsewhere — this is the pass for you.
Highlights:
Access to the same network of trains and countries as Interrail
Offers flexible travel: pick continuous days or travel days within a longer period
Easy to buy, activate, and use with the Eurail mobile app
Ideal for tourists exploring multiple countries in one trip
🔍 Key Differences at a Glance
Feature Interrail Eurail
Who can buy it? European citizens/residents Non-European residents
Can I use it in my country? Limited to 2 trips (in/out) Full use across countries
Number of countries 33 33
Price Nearly identical pricing Similar pricing structure
Mobile app ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
💡 How to Decide
✅ You live in Europe? ➝ Choose Interrail
🌍 You’re visiting Europe from another continent? ➝ Choose Eurail
🧭 Want to explore multiple countries flexibly? ➝ Both are great!
💰 Want to save money? ➝ Use slower trains to skip reservation fees
✈️ Final Thoughts
Whether you choose Interrail or Eurail, one thing is certain: a European rail adventure will stay with you forever. With your pass in hand, you can wake up in Paris and fall asleep in Rome — all while enjoying the landscapes in between.
So pack your bags, charge your phone, and get ready to discover Europe — one train at a time.