Travelers can use their InterRail passes to explore up to 30 European countries stretching from the Scandinavian nations all the way to Greece and Turkey, while also including the United Kingdom. The Global Pass applies to all participating InterRail countries, while a One Country Pass, which allows travelers to visit a single nation other than their own country of residence, applies to 27 of the countries. Even in a passenger's own country of residence, a Global Pass can still qualify the user for reduced fares.
People can purchase an InterRail pass up to three months before the pass actually becomes valid. Purchasers cannot transfer the pass to anyone else and cannot get a refund for a stolen or lost pass. InterRail only issues refunds in cases where the purchaser returns the pass before its validity goes into effect. Children 12 or younger get free or reduced passage, while travelers aged 12 to 25 can get a Youth Pass. Anyone older than 25 must purchase an Adult Pass.
The cost of an InterRail pass depends on whether the pass includes more than one country, the valid period of the pass, the age of the passenger and the choice of first-class or second-class accommodations. A three-day, second-class youth pass to Bulgaria, for instance, costs only a small fraction of the price of a month-long, first-class Global Train Pass. Passengers may have to pay extra for items such as summertime ferries between Greece and Italy, special seating arrangements or express trains, port taxes, meals or sleeping berths.
InterRail passes cover both train and ferry passage. Passengers may choose from many train lines, from scenic routes to express trains that travel at 300 kilometers per hour, such as the TGV and Thalys lines. Intercity trains make day trips convenient, while passengers willing to pay extra can reserve a night train and sleep and as they travel. Ferries or boat tours in 16 countries come either free or at a discount with an InterRail pass.
Passengers must bring their residence permit with them because InterRail employees must confirm that each passenger has maintained a minimum six months' residency in Europe. Passengers should also carry their passport and personal identification. Travelers who cannot claim European residency may opt for a Eurail Pass. Eurail offers passage through 21 countries, according to its website, and like InterRail, also offers single-country rates.
