MoneyMagpie Editor and financial expert Vicky Parry explains how interrailing can be a cheap way to see Europe – if you know some savvy hacks
The European rail networks are brilliant, connecting countries and making it easy to get around the continent. If you’ve never thought about travelling by train for a holiday (probably put off by your experiences in the UK!) then think again.
Rail travel can be one of the most cost-effective ways to see a lot of Europe even in a short space of time. You just need to know a few tips to get started!
What is interrailing?
The rail networks in Europe offer a pass-type ticket that covers all trains, across all countries (check the website for limitations or restrictions). This means you can travel all around Europe on a single rail ticket, which is much, much cheaper than UK rail travel!
Many people go Interrailing because it is a fantastic way to see lots of countries in a short space of time. You can even upgrade for special trains, like the panoramic Glacier Express, to take in amazing landscapes.
You can buy tickets for a number of days or weeks. Choose from a continuous pass, which starts from the first date you use it, or a flexi pass, which counts only the dates you travel.
Travel off season
Travel in winter, spring, and autumn to avoid the highest prices overall. However, while tickets might be cheaper in these seasons, make sure you check accommodation too – some areas will have different peak seasons!
That is, the mountainous regions which offer brilliant skiing during colder months, will have a higher demand for accommodation. This pushes up prices – so make sure you do the maths well in advance to check if it will be cheaper for your planned trip.
Wait for an interrail sale
While Interrail tickets offer amazing value for money at full price, there are frequent deals and sales that can significantly reduce the price.
Planning your trip several months in advance will mean you can pick up a discounted ticket when one of these sales rolls around. Top tip: often, the sale means a first class ticket isn’t much more than a standard, but gives you access to much better cabins and seat options.
Book seat reservations off-peak
You don’t need a seat reservation for every train. You will need them for the high-speed trains and also if you’re on a nightsleeper or overnight train. Make sure you plan these particular trips and book in advance to take advantage of cheaper reservation fees.
Maximise night trains
When you’re travelling on a train overnight, that’s a night’s accommodation you’ve saved on! Not all trains offer night services, but they can be useful for the longer parts of your trip – especially if you’re not bothered about missing some of the scenery.
For example, you might have gone one way during the daytime and been able to see amazing landscapes, but then don’t want to see the same on the return leg to your next journey.
Check if your interrail ticket covers UK travel
This doesn’t apply to all trains, but some UK trains will be covered by the Interrail ticket. This can save you a lot of cash getting to and from your initial European destination – even if you are going by air to begin or return from your trip.
For example, one of the MoneyMagpie team recently took an Interrail trip and found that their LNER train to and from Kings Cross and York came under the Interrail ticket.
This saved them about £300 in UK rail travel – which was almost the entire cost of their first class, two-week Interrail ticket! Research the route well in advance to see if you can take advantage of these opportunities and save a lot of money getting to and from Europe to start and finish your trip.
Travel light
While there aren’t luggage restrictions on trains in the same way as flights, travelling light will save you money when it comes to getting taxis (you won’t need a large one), or being able to hop on a flight for your journey home without luggage fees.
Travelling light also means you won’t need to pay expensive luggage storage fees if you decide to hop off the train for a day’s wander around a new city or area. Having a large wheeled suitcase isn’t ideal for going around tourist areas, hiking trails, or monuments, so you’d need to store it at a luggage locker. Doing this several times across a couple of weeks quickly racks up the price.
Assume you’ll need to carry your bag everywhere, all the time. Include a small handbag or foldable backpack for day trips when you’ve got a couple of days in a hotel between rail trips, too.
Download TooGoodToGo
This brilliant food waste prevention app is available in so many places across Europe, and it’s a great way to pick up food from shops and restaurants that they can’t sell but is still good to eat.
Book accommodation with cooking facilities – many people opt for hostels, as they are cheapest – or take some basic equipment with you. A travel kettle, foldable bowl, and cutlery will ensure you can make a wide range of things on the go like noodles and porridge, or even instant meals like Huel or cup-a-pasta type sachets.
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