How to Plan Your First Eurail or Interrail Trip: A Step-by-Step Guide
So, you’ve got your Eurail or Interrail pass, and you’re ready to explore Europe by train. But where do you even begin? Planning your first rail trip across the continent can feel overwhelming — with dozens of countries, cities, and routes to choose from.
This guide breaks it all down into clear, easy steps to help you create a fun, flexible, and unforgettable rail journey across Europe.
🧭 Step 1: Choose Your Travel Style
Ask yourself:
- Do you want to visit many countries or just explore one region deeply?
- Prefer big cities (like Paris, Berlin, Rome) or off-the-beaten-path towns?
- Are you into nature, culture, nightlife, or all of the above?
Once you know your preferences, it’s easier to design a route that matches your interests.
🚄 Step 2: Pick the Right Rail Pass
You probably already have your Eurail (non-Europeans) or Interrail (Europeans) pass, but make sure it’s the right one:
- Global Pass: For multi-country trips
- One Country Pass: Ideal if you’ll stay within a single country (like Italy or Germany)
- Flexible Days: Choose a pass that gives you travel days over a period (e.g., 7 days in 1 month)
💡 Pro tip: Don’t overbuy. Most people travel every 2–3 days, not every single day.
🗺 Step 3: Map Out a Route (Sample Ideas)
Here are 3 beginner-friendly sample itineraries:
🏛 Central Europe Classic (10–14 days)
Vienna → Prague → Berlin → Amsterdam → Paris
🌊 Mediterranean Explorer (10–14 days)
Rome → Florence → Nice → Barcelona → Madrid
🌲 Northern Discovery (7–10 days)
Copenhagen → Hamburg → Oslo → Bergen
Use tools like Rail Planner App or Rome2Rio to estimate travel times and routes.
🏨 Step 4: Book Accommodation Early
Train travel gives you flexibility, but accommodations can fill up fast in peak seasons.
Options include:
- Hostels (budget + social)
- Hotels (mid-range comfort)
- Airbnb (local living)
- Night trains (travel + save on a hotel)
💡 Tip: Book at least the first 2–3 nights in advance, then adjust as you go.
📲 Step 5: Use Apps & Tools
Make your trip smoother with these essential apps:
- 🚆 Rail Planner – offline timetable for Interrail/Eurail
- 🗺 Google Maps – navigation and public transport
- 📍 Maps.me – offline maps
- 🛌 Booking.com / Hostelworld – find places to stay
- 💬 Google Translate – quick communication help
💡 Bonus Tips
- 🚉 Train Reservations: Some high-speed or scenic trains require reservations (check in advance!)
- 🧳 Pack Light: Trains have limited space; a backpack is easier than a suitcase
- ⏰ Be Early: Especially for international trains — platforms may change last minute
- 📶 Sim Card or eSIM: Stay connected for maps, apps, and updates
- 📸 Travel Journal: Capture your experience — it goes fast!
🌍 Final Thoughts
Planning a Eurail or Interrail trip isn’t just about train rides — it’s about building your own European adventure. From cobbled streets in Prague to sunsets in Barcelona, you’re creating memories at every stop.
So take your time, stay flexible, and enjoy the journey. Europe is waiting — one train at a time.