{"slug":"europe-interrail-guide","title":"The Ultimate Europe Interrail Guide for 2026","excerpt":"Train travel through Europe is back. Here's how to plan the perfect multi-country rail journey — routes, passes, and hidden gems.","content":"Europe's rail network is the world's finest. A single Interrail or Eurail pass unlocks 40+ countries, 30,000+ destinations, and some of the world's most scenic train journeys. 2026 is the best year yet — night train routes have expanded dramatically.\n\n**Which Pass to Buy**\nGlobal Pass: Access to 33 countries. Best for travelers covering 4+ countries.\nOne Country Pass: Better value for deep exploration of a single country.\n2-Country Pass: Smart for popular combos (France + Italy, Germany + Austria).\n\n**Classic Routes**\n\n*The Grand Tour (3 weeks)*\nLondon → Paris → Amsterdam → Berlin → Prague → Vienna → Budapest → Ljubljana → Venice → Florence → Rome. Hits Europe's greatest cities in one sweep.\n\n*Mediterranean Coast (2 weeks)*\nBarcelona → Valencia → Marseille → Nice → Genoa → Cinque Terre → Rome. The most beautiful coastline in the world, entirely by train.\n\n*Scandinavia & Baltics (2 weeks)*\nCopenhagen → Stockholm → Oslo → Helsinki → Tallinn → Riga → Vilnius. Clean cities, dramatic nature, and the highest quality of life in the world.\n\n**Night Trains**\nThe Nightjet network now connects Vienna, Berlin, Brussels, Paris, Amsterdam, Rome, and Zürich. Book a couchette for ~€50 extra — you arrive rested and save a night's accommodation.\n\n**Practical Tips**\nBook seat reservations on high-speed trains (TGV, ICE, Eurostar) — they're mandatory and sell out. Download the Rail Planner app. Store luggage in station lockers between trains.\n\nTraviopad generates complete European rail itineraries with day-by-day plans, hotel stops, and local must-sees for every city along your route.","date":"2026-03-15","readTime":"7 min","tags":["Europe travel","Interrail","train travel","Eurail"]}