Why You Should Go Interrailing in 2026: Because We Know You Want Too…
If you’ve ever dreamt of hopping from Paris to Prague, Milan to Vienna, all in one long, beautiful adventure, then Interrailing across Europe might be exactly what you need. It’s travel in its purest form; no airport chaos, no rigid schedules, just trains, spontaneity, and a front-row seat to some of the most stunning landscapes on the continent.
People often describe Interrailing as “budget travel,” but honestly, how affordable or expensive it feels really depends on how you do it.
From my own experience, interrail is the ultimate European train adventure, perfect if you’re planning your first European trip, but just as special if you’ve travelled before and crave something with more freedom, culture, and a touch of unpredictability.
So, pour yourself a glass of wine, and let’s talk about what makes Interrailing through Europe such an unforgettable experience.
TL;DR / Summary
Thinking about Interrailing but not sure if it’s for you? Here’s the short version: it’s so worth it.
- Interrailing gives you total freedom to explore Europe at your own pace – no airports, no rigid plans, just adventure.
- It’s affordable, flexible, and full of moments you’ll never forget (hello, Swiss Alps views).
- You’ll see Europe in a way flying never allows – through rolling countryside, tiny towns, and bustling train stations.
- It’s beginner-friendly, great for first-time travellers, and the best way to dip your toes into multi-country travel (or one country travel if you buy the one-country pass).
- You’ll uncover hidden gems like Ljubljana, Hallstatt, Split, and Bern – cities that feel straight out of a dream but are often overlooked.
- Most importantly, in my experience – Interrailing builds confidence. From planning and budgeting to navigating unknown cities and transport, every small win proves how capable you really are.
- It’s not always easy, overnight trains, language barriers, emotional moments, but you come home stronger, happier, and proud of yourself for doing it.
- In short: Interrailing isn’t just a trip, it’s an experience that teaches you how brave, adaptable, and capable you already are.
- What Is Interrailing & The Interrail Pass
- My Ultimate Interrailling Route: 15 Destinations, 11 Countries, 5 Weeks Across Europe
- What to Take Interrailing
- Best Interrail Backpack 2026: The Bag That Got Me Through 5 Weeks Of Backpacking
1. Total Freedom to Explore
Interrailing isn’t just about getting from A to B, it’s about enjoying the journey (and looking at those incredible Swiss Alps on the way). You can hop on and off trains, linger in charming towns, or extend your stay in a city that steals your heart. I must admit, this isn’t the way I did it – I was quite ridged when interrailing, I always knew how long I had in a city and when I was moving on. But Interrailing is designed so you don’t have to do that.
If you are someone who is looking for a wild summer, and doesn’t know where they want to go or where they want to end up – interrailing is perfect for you. You can just hop on and off the train whenever you like. Just remember, if you are interrailing and unsure where you want to go and for how long – you need to be able to sleep over somewhere, so make sure its feasible or else you might just find yourself sleeping in the train station!
2. Budget-Friendly Travel
Interrail passes are surprisingly affordable, especially for youth travellers under 28. Pair them with:
- Night trains: Save on accommodation and wake up in a new city.
- City passes: Cover attractions and public transport. E.g. If you are visiting Dubrovnik make sure you get the Dubrovnik pass – it’s 100% worth it.
- Budget-friendly stays: Hostels, guesthouses, or Airbnb.
From experience, combining passes with night trains can be a really valuable way to keep budget down – but remember if you are taking a night train, your sleep might not be as good as it could be if you were in a nice warm hotel (take it from experience).
3. See Europe in a Way You Can’t Fly
Flying is fast, but trains show you the heart of Europe. Rolling hills, vineyards, tiny villages, and scenic coastlines pass right outside your window. It’s immersive, relaxing, and often Instagram-ready and creates memories that will last a life time.
You will often find other backpackers along your route, so taking the train is not just more aesthetically pleasing but it also gives you that opportunity to make some friends along the way – which is what interrail is all about for a lot of people.
4. Make The Most Of Your Time
Train travel puts you in the heart of cities and towns. You’ll pass cafés, street performers, local markets, and hidden museums on the way from or to the train station, places you’d likely miss by flying. That additional time needed at the airport for checkin and boarding is also not needed at the train station – so you have even more time to explore.
5. Perfect for First-Timers & Adventure-Seekers
Interrailing is beginner-friendly but exciting. Tickets are easy to book, routes are mapped, and trains are comfortable (for the most part, but don’t expect first class). For adventurers, the flexibility to explore multiple countries without committing to flights or schedules is unbeatable. For first time travellers, it allows you to have the flexibility of exploring a destination in more depth, and allows you to really see Europe in the way you want too. Taking the train is also often easier than using other transportation like coaches (I always find it harder to find the coach station than the train station) or airplanes, where you have to wait around for a while.
Charlie’s Experience
Although trains can be super helpful for most of your journey – you might sometimes need to use other transport. Like a ferry, taxi, coach or plane. We used Flixbus a couple of times on our trip and although it was never as easy as a train – it wasn’t really hard and it meant we could reach destinations we wouldn’t have been able too with train.
I have used Flixbus many times over the years and they have never let me down yet!
6. Hidden Gems Await
While iconic cities like Paris, Rome, and Berlin are a must, Interrailing allows you to explore lesser-known treasures:
- Ljubljana, Slovenia: A storybook capital with leafy riverbanks, a castle on the hill, and pastel architecture that feels straight out of a fairytale.
- Hallstatt, Austria: One of the most picturesque lakeside villages in Europe. The best way to describe it is that it is Frozen’s Arendelle in real life.
- Split, Croatia: A sun-drenched coastal city where ancient Roman ruins meet turquoise seas, beach clubs, and vibrant Mediterranean life (and very yummy food).
- Bern, Switzerland: Understated, elegant, and beautiful, with UNESCO-listed Old Town streets and river views that feel like a postcard. It’s such a peaceful city, and one that shocks you with pure beauty.
And of course, these aren’t the only hidden gems in Europe. Europe is absolutely full of stunning hidden gems that await your visit.
Wondering what interrail route to take? Steal my route! (Its a good one)
7.The Confidence You Gain Along the Way
Last but not least and arguably actually the most important point here, is that interrail allows you to grow so much self confidence, self-efficacy and belief in yourself. It’s not easy to go away from home and travel in unpredictable environments so taking the step to even go on an interrail travel shows a lot about you.
From navigating foreign train stations to chatting with strangers in another language, every small win builds your self-efficacy, that inner voice that says “I can do this.” Each new city, every moment of uncertainty, becomes a lesson in adaptability and trust.
Whether you’re travelling solo or with friends, Interrailing gives you proof of your own capability. You return home with more than just photos and stories, you come back mentally stronger, more self-assured, and brimming with belief in what you can achieve.
Charlie’s Experience
There have been two things in my life that have made me believe I can truly do anything I put my mind to:
No.1 – getting my degree, and No.2 – Interrailing.
Interrailing taught me more about resilience, patience, and self-belief than I ever expected. It takes planning, budgeting, researching, time, and a lot of determination, and that’s before you even step onto your first train. Once you’re out there, it can be both mentally and physically exhausting – at least in my experience.
Those overnight trains? They’re no joke. And when I went, I was travelling with my ex – which, although it was an incredible experience, and one I would never wish to change, definitely added an emotional layer of complexity.
Interrailing will test you in beautiful and challenging ways. My advice? Take breaks, breathe, and don’t burn yourself out trying to see everything.
But here’s the truth: once you’ve done it, you’ll look back and realise you handled it all – the planning, the budgeting, the long days, and the unexpected emotions. You’ll come home knowing you’re capable of more than you thought. Now there is a strong fire in me that knows I am capable of whatever I put my mind too.
I genuinely believe our route struck the perfect balance between buzz and relaxation – adventure and recovery. Want to follow our route? You can steal it here
Why I’ll Always Be Grateful for Interrailing
Interrailing isn’t just a trip, it’s an experience that changes you. The amount of positive novel stimuli you take in whilst interrailing is incredible.
And although it’s not always easy with it’s early trains, late nights, sweaty backpacks, and moments of “what on earth am I doing?” – it’s also provides you with sunsets from moving carriages, sexy jazz bars, cultural enlightenment and the quiet confidence that builds each day.
For me, Interrailing was more than ticking off cities; it was proof that I could pursue what I had always dreamed of and that I could do something brave and make it work. Whether you’re planning your first adventure or your tenth, Interrailing teaches you life lessons that you simple won’t find staying at home – at least in my opinion.
So, if you’re still wondering whether to grab that Interrail pass… consider this your official sign. My answer to “should I go interrailing?” is an enthusiastic, unapologetic yes. Just promise me one thing: plan a little, stay safe, explore with curiosity but care, and soak up the differences in culture with no judgement. The trains are waiting, and so is the version of you who’s brave enough to get on them (if I can do it, so can you!).
Why You Should Go Interrailing in 2026 FAQs
People Interrail for the freedom to explore Europe on their own terms. For many it’s often about more than just getting from city to city, it’s the rolling hills, hidden villages, budget spend, and spontaneous friendships you make along the way. Interrailing is perfect for travellers craving adventure, culture, and flexibility without airport stress.
Check out my full Ultimate Interrailing Route guide for inspiration on where to go first!
Most people travel to enrich their lives. Some reasons someone may want to travel are:
1. Cultural discovery – tasting new foods, learning customs, exploring art and history.
2. Relaxation and escape – breaking routine and enjoying slow moments.
3. Adventure – hiking, city exploration, and stepping out of your comfort zone.
4. Connection – with friends, family, or fellow travellers.
5. Personal growth – building confidence, resilience, and adaptability.
Interrailing ticks all these boxes because ultimately interrail is what you make it. Want an adventure? Interrail. Want to escape reality? Interrail (& therapy ;)).
Night trains are great for money saving but prepare with earplugs, an eye mask, and snacks. And be warned even then you might sleep awfully! For the route I followed and all my insider tips, see my Ultimate Interrailing Route.
Train travel gives you a front-row seat to Europe’s landscapes while connecting cities efficiently. You often arrive in the heart of towns, avoiding airport transfers, and overnight trains can double as accommodation. It’s relaxing, Instagram-ready, social, and far more sustainable than flying. From rolling vineyards to snow-capped Alps, trains let you experience Europe the way flying never can.
In my opinion, yes! Of course all routes are different so you should do the math and figure out if interrail is worth it for you but in terms of experience an interrail pass is your ticket to adventure, flexibility, and budget-friendly travel.
Youth passes, night trains, and city passes can save you money, while giving you freedom to hop on and off across multiple countries. From my 5-week journey, the pass paid for itself in convenience, memories, and the sheer joy of exploration.
