What is the difference between InterRail and Eurail?

Eurail and InterRail are both rail passes, and while they are similar there is one critical difference - who can buy them. Eurail Passes are only for non-European citizens or residents. InterRail Passes are only for European citizens or residents.



The fundamental difference between Interrail and Eurail is the residency of the traveler, as the two passes are otherwise identical in terms of the trains and countries they cover. An Interrail Pass is exclusively for citizens or legal residents of European countries (including the United Kingdom, Turkey, and the Russian Federation). If you live in Europe, you must buy an Interrail pass. Conversely, a Eurail Pass is for travelers who live outside of Europe, such as residents of the United States, Canada, Australia, or Asia. This distinction is strictly enforced; when you travel with the pass, you must carry a passport or residency document that matches the pass type you purchased. In 2026, the two brands have almost completely converged in terms of pricing and functionality. Both offer "Global" passes for travel across 33 countries and "One Country" passes for more focused trips. They both operate through the "Rail Planner" mobile app and require the same seat reservation fees for high-speed and overnight trains. Essentially, they are the same product marketed to different parts of the world based on where the traveler calls home, ensuring that both Europeans and overseas visitors can enjoy the same unlimited access to the continent's massive rail network.

People Also Ask

A Eurail Pass is an all-in-one train ticket giving you flexible access to most trains across Europe. Unlike traditional train tickets, with Eurail, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want. Some trains do ask you to make a reservation, but most trains can be boarded as easily as using one of your travel days.

MORE DETAILS

Only non-European residents can travel with a Eurail Pass. If you're a European resident you can travel with an Interrail Pass. 1st class Passes are valid in both 1st and 2nd class coaches. 2nd class Passes are only valid in 2nd class coaches.

MORE DETAILS

Not sure if this is a wind-up, but anyway: interrail is for people resident in Europe, eg EU, Ukraine, Russia, Turkey, UK, Switzerland. Eurail for those resident outside Europe. INterRail for ALL who live in countries that have railways accepting this pass-thats also Turkey.

MORE DETAILS

Eurail passes do not cover local transport like trams or metros, only intercity trains. Rail Europe is another company that offers similar European train passes.

MORE DETAILS

Eurail passes do not cover local transport like trams or metros, only intercity trains. Rail Europe is another company that offers similar European train passes. But Eurail is the most popular and for the sake of this article, we'll just be focusing on Eurail Passes.

MORE DETAILS

Many trains offer you a choice of seat types. For day trains, your choice of seating depends on the extra facilities and amount of legroom. For night trains, your choice ranges from a reclining airline-type seat to a private cabin with a comfy bed.

MORE DETAILS

You can hop on and off most trains as you please with your Eurail Pass, but some trains ask you to buy an additional seat reservation before you can jump aboard.

MORE DETAILS

First class also has wider seats and aisles, and is more likely to have amenities such as air-conditioning and power outlets (though outlets are still rare on Europe's trains, in any class). While first class is less conducive to conversation, it's more conducive to napping.

MORE DETAILS

Because some trains are more expensive than others, or historically have received less income from Eurail/Interrail to cover the large amount of passholders making use of those trains (Spain and France mainly). Reservations are usually a fraction of the cost of regular 1st class tickets, with some exceptions.

MORE DETAILS

A 1st class Eurail Pass is more expensive than a 2nd class Eurail Pass, but it also gives you access to seats with more space and extras that can even include food and beverages. Check out our complete overview of differences between 1st and 2nd class to find out everything you need to know.

MORE DETAILS

On all trains covered by Interrail/Eurail: No, just as long as you can carry it. Be aware stowing away large suitcases on busy trains can be a bit difficult, but there often are luggage racks. There are some exceptions on “low-cost” trains, that I know: Ouigo (France & Spain) and Avlo (Spain).

MORE DETAILS

Travel from London to Paris and discover up to 33 European countries. The Eurail Global Pass is our most popular rail pass, and the perfect way to see more of Europe. Gives you access to this train route and countless more!

MORE DETAILS

Passengers with an adult ticket can take a maximum of two bags (up to 85cm long) including rucksacks, suitcases or ski equipment and one small item of hand luggage. Child passengers (4-11 year olds) can travel with a maximum of one bag (up to 85cm long) and one piece of hand luggage.

MORE DETAILS

Youth Pass - Travelers aged 12 to 27 can order a Youth Pass, saving 23% off standard Adult Pass prices.
  1. Family Pass - Up to two children (aged 0 to 11) can travel for free with a single adult.
  2. Senior Pass - Adults 60 and older get 10% off standard Adult Pass prices.


MORE DETAILS

With a Eurail Pass and comfortable Italian trains, the entire country is within your reach!

MORE DETAILS

Yes! If you have a Interrail Global Pass, you can travel on the Eurostar high-speed train connecting London with France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

MORE DETAILS