Even in 2023, in the age of budget flights to the continent that clock in cheaper than getting from London to Manchester, there’s something rather romantic about the idea of traversing Europe by train.
No longer the preserve of the gap year student, interrailing across mainland Europe is seeing a surge in popularity across all age groups, with 2022 seeing record highs in terms of ticket sales.
This years looks set to be even more popular, and if you’re thinking about boarding the bandwagon, then have we got an itinerary for you; here’s our IDEAL three-week interrailing adventure from London through Europe.
Week 1: London to Paris to Amsterdam
Your journey begins in London. Once you’ve soaked up the city’s iconic sights – or, you know, just had a really good lunch close to London St Pancras – then it’s time to hop aboard the Eurostar, which will whisk you away to the City of Lights – Paris. The direct train journey covers approximately 343 km and takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes.
In Paris, take time to explore its diverse arrondissements and timeless charm, devouring croissants by the Seine and marvelling at the masterpieces in the Louvre. After two days, continue your adventure on a Thalys train to Amsterdam. The distance is roughly 430 km, and the journey takes around 3 hours and 20 minutes.
Amsterdam is a city that defies expectations, where historic canals rub shoulders with innovative design and a vibrant nightlife scene. Don’t miss the Anne Frank House or the Van Gogh Museum.
Week 2: Amsterdam to Berlin to Prague
From Amsterdam, catch a direct ICE train to Berlin, a journey of approximately 638 km that lasts about 6 hours and 20 minutes. Berlin’s unique blend of history, culture, and contemporary cool makes it a must-visit destination. Explore the poignant remnants of the Berlin Wall, take a stroll around the Brandenburg Gate, and savour a currywurst or two!
After absorbing all that Berlin has to offer, hop on a EuroCity train to Prague. Covering a distance of roughly 350 km in about 4 hours and 30 minutes, this journey takes you into the heart of the Czech Republic. Prague’s fairy-tale charm is irresistible, with its cobbled lanes, hidden courtyards, and the stunning Prague Castle.
Read: The perfect birthday weekend in Prague
Week 3: Prague to Vienna to Budapest
As your third week begins, board a Railjet train to Vienna. This 330 km journey takes about 4 hours. Vienna, Austria’s capital, offers a unique blend of imperial traditions and stunning modern architecture. Visit the Schönbrunn Palace, stroll around the historic city centre, and indulge in a slice of Sachertorte.
Your final stop is Budapest, accessible via a direct Railjet train from Vienna. The journey covers approximately 216 km and takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes. Budapest, Hungary’s capital, is split by the River Danube, with Buda and Pest offering contrasting experiences. Explore the Castle Hill on the Buda side or unwind at one of the thermal baths in Pest.
What Are The Different Tickets & Passes Available?
Though you could, of course, buy your tickets as you go at each European station along your route, that would be inconvenient and costly. Instead, the best options are the Eurail Pass and the Interrail Pass, for non-European residents and Europeans, respectively.
The Eurail Pass
Visitors from outside Europe, Turkey and Russia can explore Europe seamlessly with Eurail Passes at Rail.Online, helping them travel across multiple European countries with ease. If you’re a permanent resident in these regions, you can book an Interrail Pass to enjoy the same benefits.
The Eurail Pass is a comprehensive train ticket that provides unlimited travel across participating European rail networks for a predetermined number of travel days, ranging from 4 days to 3 months. It’s an economical travel solution for non-European citizens or residents, allowing them to explore single or multiple European countries.
The pass offers a unique opportunity to enjoy Europe’s stunning landscapes and sceneries, from the breathtaking Centovalli in Italy and Switzerland to the enchanting pine forests of Germany’s Black Forest. The Eurail Pass comes in two types: the Global Pass, which covers 33 European countries, and the One-Country Pass, which is specific to one country. Both passes offer additional benefits such as discounts on Eurostar, free local public transport in some countries, and free entry to local museums.
The Interrail Pass
An Interrail Pass, also known as an Interrail ticket, is a rail pass available to European residents that allows unlimited travel across the vast railway network of 33 participating countries in Europe. It’s a fantastic way to explore the continent at your own pace, offering flexibility and freedom to travel as much or as little as you like within a certain time period.
The Interrail Pass works on a simple principle. Once you’ve purchased your pass, you can hop on and off most trains in the participating countries without needing to buy individual tickets. Some high-speed or overnight trains may require a reservation, but the Interrail Pass will still cover a significant portion of the fare.
The pass comes in various types to suit different travel needs. There are Global Passes for those who want to travel across multiple countries, and One Country Passes for those who want to explore a single country in depth. The passes also come in different durations, from a few days to a month, and there are options for continuous travel or a certain number of travel days within a longer period.
As for who can use an Interrail Pass, it’s available to both European citizens and non-Europeans who are official legal residents of European countries. It’s a fantastic option for anyone wanting to see more of Europe, regardless of whether you’re a solo traveller or travelling in a group, prefer a planned itinerary or spontaneous journeys, and no matter your age. There’s always an Interrail Pass that can cater to your travel preferences and needs.
The Bottom Line
This three-week interrailing route from London through Central Europe is designed to show you the breadth and depth of what this incredible part of the continent has to offer. It’s an ideal itinerary for those who want to see the most countries while enjoying direct train journeys wherever possible. Remember, the joy of interrailing lies not just in the destinations but also in the journey itself. So sit back, relax, and watch Europe unfold before your eyes.
