Provider

Description

Interrail: your train buddy to explore Europe

Interrail offers flexible train passes that allow unlimited travel across 33 European countries, with the ability to journey across 250,000km of railways. This pass system is designed to cater to different travel needs and preferences, with several options available:

• Global Pass: Unlimited travel across all participating countries. Options range from 4 days of travel within a month to continuous travel for up to 3 months.
• One Country Pass: Explore a single country in depth. Passes are available for different durations, allowing you to immerse yourself in one nation's culture and landscapes.
• Premium Pass: Offers additional benefits like seat reservations, flexible travel options, and extra travel days.
• Youth Pass: Discounted rates for travellers aged 12-27, making it an affordable option for young adventurers.
• Senior Pass: Special rates for travellers aged 60 and above, encouraging senior travellers to explore Europe by rail.
• Family Pass: Free travel for up to two children aged 4-11 per adult, making it an economical choice for families.
• Pass for Erasmus+: A specific pass for participants in the Erasmus+ program in collaboration with the Erasmus Student Network.

Interrail supports the slow travel movement, encouraging you to immerse yourself in each destination at a relaxed pace. It provides a seamless way to experience Europe’s diverse landscapes, cultures, and landmarks. The passes are designed to be flexible, allowing for spontaneous travel decisions and the freedom to explore at your own pace. The digital version of the Interrail pass and the accompanying app make it easy to navigate the European rail system and book trains directly.

Where / Served area: Europe

Website: www.interrail.eu

Why on TravaPowa: Interrail has a long-standing tradition of empowering young Europeans to travel across the continent. Initially launched as a one-summer initiative to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the International Union of Railways in 1972, the high demand from young travellers led to the reintroduction of Interrail passes the following year. This program has been ongoing ever since. However, the concept of Interrail was not entirely new; a similar Eurail pass had been available to non-Europeans since 1959. Eurail, which offered first-class travel at prices affordable to students from around the world, became extremely popular, until its success led to complaints from regular first-class passengers who disliked sharing space with international backpackers, resulting in Eurail being downgraded to second-class in 1971. This change made it hard to justify excluding Europeans from affordable rail travel, paving the way for the creation of Interrail.

Today, Interrail is experiencing a revival, thanks in part to its fully digital version and an app that helps travellers navigate the European rail system and book trains directly. This modern adaptation aligns perfectly with the growing European movement in favour of green and slow travel. Moreover, travelling by train requires a shift away from the hit-and-run mindset of air travel, making the journey itself a part of the adventure and a moment to meet new people.

Indeed, tourism accounts for 8% of global CO2 emissions, with transportation contributing 75% of this portion. In an era where flights are among the most polluting forms of travel, contributing significantly to tourism's carbon footprint, Interrail offers a greener alternative. Air travel not only emits large amounts of CO2 but also promotes a fast-paced tourism mindset that often leads to overtourism and its associated problems. Interrail, on the other hand, embodies the principles of slow travel, allowing travellers to truly experience and appreciate their free time.

Train travel is one of the most sustainable ways to explore, with significantly lower carbon emissions compared to flying. Interrail’s flexible and affordable passes make sustainable travel accessible and enjoyable, encouraging a deeper connection with Europe’s diverse cultures and environments. By choosing train travel, people contribute to reducing their carbon footprint and promoting a more sustainable form of tourism. To learn more about how to estimate CO2 emissions, read here.

The TravaPowa community values travel experiences that are both enjoyable and sustainable. We believe that Interrail exemplifies this ideal by providing a travel option that is eco-friendly, flexible, and immersive.

For anyone looking to make the most of their travel experiences, Interrail offers a unique opportunity to combine exploration, adventure, and sustainability. It’s not just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about enjoying the ride, meeting new people, and discovering the hidden gems of Europe. Whether you are a student, a family, a senior traveller, or someone simply looking for a new way to see the world, Interrail has something to offer you.

Join TravaPowa in embracing the principles of slow travel with Interrail. Together, we can promote a more sustainable and meaningful way to explore the beautiful continent of Europe.

Take action:  By signing up for our newsletter and follow our social media, you will be notified when one or more Interrail passes become available for free in your region through TravaPowa Action Trips!

Want to enable impactful youth mobility and boost your CSR/ESG commitment? Get in touch with the TravaPowa team.