Usually big cities have a number of train stations, so you can often move locally with your Interrail pass. If you're going to be in a city for a few days, a travel card (for the bus, tram or metro) will often save you money on buying single tickets.

Yes, your Interrail (or Eurail) Pass is arguably at its most useful on local and regional trains across Europe. These trains—often labeled as R (Regional), RE (Regional Express), or S-Bahn—are the "workhorses" of the European rail network. One of the biggest advantages of using the pass on local trains is that they almost never require a seat reservation. This means you can simply hop on any local train at any time and sit in any available seat in your designated class (1st or 2nd) without paying any extra fees. This provides the ultimate flexibility for "slow travel," allowing you to explore small villages and off-the-beaten-path destinations that high-speed trains bypass. While local trains are slower than high-speed services like the ICE or TGV, they are often more scenic and run much more frequently. In 2026, the "Rail Planner" app makes it easy to filter for "no reservation" journeys, allowing pass holders to travel across entire countries like Germany, Switzerland, or Austria without spending a single euro beyond the cost of the pass itself. Note that a few specific "private" local lines may not be included, but the vast majority of national railway-operated local services are fully covered.