Introduction
This site aims to provide info and updates on the European Commission’s new plan to offer 15,000 free interrail passes to youths in 2018; allowing them to travel around Europe on trains and buses. Following this year’s pilot scheme, if it proves successful, the goal is for all 18 year olds within the member states of the European Union to receive a free Interrail pass on their 18th birthday. It is believed that this will help to promote union and cooperation within Europe and allow young people to experience the diversity within each of its countries.
Passes will allow youths to travel to up to 4 destinations in Europe, within 30 days. The number of passes available to win per country will be allocated in proportion to their population, and so, for the UK this works out around 1900 passes up for grabs! Visit our ‘apply‘ page to find out if you are eligible!
About
Free Interrail is an initiative, approved by the EU, to give away 15,000 free Interrail passes to 18 year olds in the Summer of 2018!
How To Apply
Apply via the European Youth Portal, between the 12th and 26th of June, if you meet the application requirements!
What is Interrail
Interrail is a unique way to travel Europe. It allows residents of European countries to explore Europe by train or bus.
About
The free Interrail initiative was the idea of two individuals, Vincent-Immanuel Herr and Martin Speer. After travelling Europe in 2014, and experiencing what it was to be European, the two came up with the plan for free Interrail. Their initial idea was for all 18 year olds in Europe to be given a free Interrail pass on their 18th birthday; this would be a one month pass and it would be valid for 6 years. The proposal gained political interest in 2016, with many MEP’s in support of the idea. In 2017 the pilot scheme was granted a budget of 12 million Euros, and in March 2018 the European Commission announced that the scheme would involve giving away 20,000-30,000 free Interrail passes to youths in Europe.
It has recently been announced that 15,000 free passes will be up for grabs. This will allow those who are 18 on the 1st of July 2018, to travel to up to 4 countries in Europe in the Summer of 2018. The free passes are divided between EU countries based on their populations. The passes only account for travel so accommodation and other expenses are not covered.
“Education is not only about what we learn in the classroom, but what we discover about the cultures and traditions of our fellow Europeans.”
Tibor NavracsicsHow To Apply
Are You Eligible?
- Will you be 18 on the 1st of July 2018
- Are you available to travel between July and September 2018
- Are you able to show motivation to visit at least one European Cultural Heritage Site – and take a quiz on EU Cultural Heritage, European parliament elections and youth.
- Would you be willing to be an ambassador of Discover EU – by posting pictures and experiences on social media.
- You will also be asked which countries you want to travel to.
Apply
You can apply for the free passes between the 12th and 26th of June 2018, via the European Youth Portal. You can register an interest as an individual or, alternatively, as a group of up to 5.
Plan
If you are lucky enough to win a free Interrail pass, the next step is to plan your trip! Even if you are not lucky enough to get a free pass, Interrailing Europe is an amazing experience and well worth the money! Pick when you want to go, where you want to go and set off on the journey of a lifetime!