One ticket, 33 countries and the entire European rail network awaits – everything you need to know before buying a rail pass

Somewhere in Europe, a person is sitting on a train right now. Looking out the window, drinking coffee carefree, doing work or listening to music. They are not nervous at the security check line, they are not looking for a parking space, they are not sitting in traffic. That person could be you. Although Rail Baltica will not come until 2030 and we can't wait, with Interrail you can get that feeling today. That person on the train could be you today.

The good news is that Estonia's Elron, Latvia's Vivi and Lithuania's LTG Link coordinated their timetables in February 2025 – and all three are in the Interrail system. This means you can board a train in Tallinn, change in Riga – and take the train to Vilnius, from there to Warsaw, from there to Berlin and from there to wherever you want. Just like other Europeans have done for decades: from home to the train station, there to the train, then to vacation, work, school.

But what is Interrail anyway?

Interrail is a rail pass that has been around since 1972. It's a rail pass that gives European residents the right to travel freely by train through 33 countries for one flat price, without having to buy a separate ticket each time. It's one of the best ways to explore Europe, and an experience that will probably make you a slightly better person. So you buy one pass, get on the train in Tallinn, and the pass is valid all the way to Lisbon.

Train travel is a better quality of life

For many Europeans, travelling by train to work or on holiday has long been a normal part of life, not a special undertaking. People go to another country for the weekend, whether for work, a major conference or a family holiday. The train is comfortable and stress-free: instead of arriving at your destination exhausted, you arrive there refreshed.

Rail Baltica brings this convenience to Estonia. But in fact, Europe is already accessible by train today, you just need to buy a digital pass from the Interrail website and download the Rail Planner app. You can just hop on most local and regional trains and no advance booking is required. On high-speed trains (e.g. France's TGV, Italy's Frecciarossa), popular routes and night trains, you have to book a separate seat. This usually costs 5–35 euros and you have to do it early, as there are a limited number of seats for pass holders. Yes, such a journey takes longer today than in the future, but the current connection comes with something that cannot be postponed until Rail Baltica is completed: experiences and thrills.

Is an Interrail pass worth it?

It depends on how much you travel. If you plan to travel through several countries and use the passport actively, it is usually worth it — especially with a youth ticket (for those under 28), the price is significantly cheaper. A good test: add up the prices of regular tickets on your planned route and compare it with the price of the passport. If the route is long and varied, the passport usually wins.

However, if you're planning a leisurely trip with just one or two destinations and know the exact dates in advance, it's also worth considering buying a regular ticket. Sometimes they're cheaper, especially if you book well in advance.

For your first trip, it makes sense to purchase a Flexi-pass, for example, valid for two weeks, which provides sufficient flexibility.

Who is it suitable for?

Train travel in Europe is not just for young backpackers.

For the vacationer and adventurer: The flexible Flexi-pass means you don't have to plan your entire trip in advance. Stay in the city if you like.

For families: There is space on the train. The child can move, play, eat whenever the mood strikes. The journey on the train is already part of the holiday. Children under 12 travel very cheaply on many European railways.

For seniors: The train is comfortable. There are no long security lines, no luggage weight limits, no cramped seats where you can't stretch out if you need to. The night train takes you to your destination while you sleep - if you went to bed in Warsaw, you'll wake up in Vienna.

For business travelers: The time on the train is usefully arranged. Laptop open, connection available, calm environment. The train provides the necessary extra hours and usually takes you from city center to city center.

For culture lovers: Europe's best museums, opera houses and old towns aren't just in big cities. You can reach Salzburg, Bruges, Heidelberg or Ceský Krumlov in a day by train - places where there are no or infrequent direct flights, but which is exactly the Europe that people travel to in the first place.

Are you turning 18 soon? Train travel in Europe could be free for you!

Once in a lifetime, an Interrail pass is not just cheap, it can be completely free. DiscoverEU is an Erasmus+ program that gives 18-year-olds the opportunity to discover Europe by train. The competition, which takes place twice a year, awards free travel passes that allow you to visit almost 30 European countries in up to one month. You can travel alone or with a group of up to four friends. In addition, young people receive discounts on accommodation, transport, cultural events and more.

Every summer, Rail Baltic Estonia provides five young Estonians with a travel grant of 500 euros, which helps cover food, accommodation and other travel expenses.

The article was first published on June 2, 2026 as a content marketing story in Õhtuleht.

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