Budgeting for an Interrail adventure in 2026 requires balancing the upfront cost of the Interrail Pass with daily operational expenses. First, account for the pass itself, which can range from €200 to over €700 depending on duration and age (Youth vs. Adult). A critical "hidden" cost is seat reservations; while many local trains are free with the pass, high-speed trains in France, Italy, and Spain (like the TGV or Frecciarossa) and overnight sleeper trains can cost between €10 and €100 per segment. For daily spending, a "shoestring" traveler should budget roughly €60–€80 per day, covering hostel beds, supermarket meals, and city transit, while a more comfortable "mid-range" budget is €120–€150 per day to include private rooms and sit-down dinners. Eastern Europe (Poland, Hungary, Romania) remains significantly cheaper than Western Europe (Switzerland, Norway, France), so your route choice will heavily influence your final bill. Additionally, always set aside a "buffer fund" of at least €300 for emergencies, missed connections, or that inevitable spontaneous night out in a city like Berlin or Prague that you didn't see coming.