Traveling around Europe by Interrail is an exciting and convenient experience, especially for you as a student.
Interrail is a train pass that allows you unlimited travel on trains throughout Europe for a fixed time.
If you are between 18 and 27 years old you can access the Youth Bonus, which gives you the opportunity for a great discount on its prices and there are a variety of passes depending on your needs.
What is an Interrail Pass?
The Interrail Pass is a train ticket with which you can travel on almost all trains in Europe. It gives you access to 35 railway and ferry companies in 33 countries.
You can get on most trains simply by showing the staff the Interrail Pass on your phone. In some train companies it is necessary to purchase an additional seat reservation.
What countries are included?
The Interrail is a train pass that allows travel throughout much of Europe, and generally includes the following European countries:
- Germany
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bosnia Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Denmark
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Greece
- Britain
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Netherlands (Holland)
- Poland
- Portugal
- Czech Republic
- Romania
- Serbia
- Sweden
- Swiss
- Turkey
Some countries, such as Switzerland and Norway, are partially included in the Interrail network, meaning that some trains are covered by the pass, but others require an additional supplement or reservation.
Remember that exact coverage may vary depending on the type of Interrail pass you choose and the specific conditions of your pass. Additionally, Interrail policies and coverage may change over time, so it is important to check the most up-to-date information on the official Interrail website before planning your trip. It is also possible that some countries are not included in the Interrail network or require additional train passes for use.
7 p.m. rule
The “7 p.m. rule” is a rule that applies in the context of Interrail and refers to the way travel days are counted on your Interrail pass. Here’s how it works:
When you travel with an Interrail pass, you can take trains at any time during the day. However, the 7 p.m. rule states that if you take a train that leaves after 7 p.m. (7:00 p.m.) and arrive at your destination after midnight (12:00 a.m. the next day), you only need to use one travel day on your Interrail pass for that day. In other words, only the day of arrival is counted, not the day of departure.
For example, let’s say you have a 10-day Interrail pass, and you decide to take a night train that leaves at 8 p.m. and arrive at your destination at 6 a.m. of the next day. Under the 7pm rule, you will only use one day of your Interrail pass for that trip, even though you traveled for two calendar days.
This rule is beneficial for travelers who want to get the most out of their Interrail pass and have more flexibility in planning their itinerary. Please note that exact policies and rules may vary, so it is important to check the specific conditions of your Interrail pass and train times before your trip to ensure you understand how the 7pm rule will apply in your case.
Here is a guide on how to plan your Interrail trip as a student:
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Eligibility for the Student Rate:
Check if you are eligible for the student rate. In general, young people under 27 years of age who are citizens of a European country or legally resident in Europe can access student rates. There are also discounts available for those over 60 years of age.
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Itinerary Planning:
Decide which countries and cities you want to visit on your Interrail trip. Europe is very diverse and offers a wide range of interesting destinations.
Establish an approximate itinerary and duration for your trip. Interrail passes are available for different durations, such as 5, 7, 10 or 15 days in a period of 1, 2 or 3 months.
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Purchase of the Interrail Pass:
Buy your Interrail pass online or at a train station participating in the program. You must choose the type of pass (for example, a continuous pass or a flexible pass) and the class (first or second class).
Be sure to select the “student rate” option if you are eligible. To get this rate, you generally must provide proof that you are a student, such as a valid student card.
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Research on Train Reservations:
Some high-speed trains and international routes may require additional reservations, which may incur an additional cost. Research these trains and plan your reservations in advance if necessary.
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Preparation for the Trip:
Pack efficiently and keep laundry stations and services in mind during your trip. Bring a valid student card, your Interrail pass and a passport or ID card.
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During the Trip:
Enjoy the flexibility of your Interrail pass and adapt your itinerary according to your preferences. You can take trains based on your schedule and change plans at any time.
Take advantage of additional discounts offered to Interrail pass holders by some museums, attractions, and accommodations.
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Safety and Health:
Keep your passport, Interrail pass and other important documents in a safe place during your trip.
Make sure you have adequate travel insurance to cover potential medical emergencies and trip cancellations.
When you come to Madrid to study and stay at Vitium Residences you can plan your trip through Europe on Interrail, which is an experience that anyone should live at some point in their life. A unique opportunity to learn about the culture, history and people who have shaped the most important nations in the world. But this trip can also be the dream of any university student, since the price is quite affordable, and you can get special discounts for young people.