Interrail Train Trip: Best Destinations in Europe & Route Ideas
Using an Interrail pass is a fantastic way to explore Europe by train. This post offers inspiration for destinations and route ideas. Interrail destinations range from popular cities to lesser-known places. We’ve used Interrail many times, travelling through Europe and visiting more places by train than we would without the pass.
These ideas are based on my experiences, and I have visited these places to recommend them. There are other options, so I recommend opening Google Maps and travel guides to see what’s around before committing to a route. The flexibility of Interrail means you can change your mind at short notice if you haven’t already paid for accommodation.
What is an Interrail Pass?
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An Interrail Pass is a rail pass that is available to European residents. Residents of countries outside Europe may buy the Eurail Pass instead. Interrail Passes include the Global Pass, the One Country Pass, and the Premium Pass. The pass allows unlimited rail travel within and between all 33 participating countries for a certain period.
High-speed trains and European night trains often require a paid seat reservation. They have a handy app that lets you plan a route through Europe, including times and additional information. The app also doubles as your ticket if you choose the digital pass. Their Rail Planner app also has a filter option that lets you avoid planning seat reservations.
Buying an Interrail Pass
You can buy Interrail paper passes at international ticket offices or the digital pass via the Interrail website. You can buy a pass for various durations to best suit your needs. The shortest is 4 travel days within a month, and the longest is three months in a row. Their website also offers many other options.
Best Interrail Destinations in Europe
These are my thoughts on the best destinations to visit while using an Interrail pass. One caveat is that these are places I’ve visited. There are many I haven’t, and they might be the best for you. This is a mix of popular cities and some lesser-known places throughout Europe.
Rome in Italy: A Fantastic City To Visit By Train
Rome is a fantastic destination to visit with or without an Interrail pass. It is well connected by train from many places, making it a straightforward choice. You may need to purchase reservations if you want to use the high-speed trains.
Rome has lots of things to do, including world-famous attractions. This includes Vatican City, the Colosseum and the Roman sites throughout. There are countless other things to see, from galleries to churches. One thing is for sure: you won’t get bored visiting the city.
Route Suggestions: Trains to or from Bologna, Pompeii or Venice.
Split in Croatia: For Fun By The Sea
Split is a beautiful city by the sea and the principal coastal city in Croatia, with a railway station. It is a historic city and has some fantastic Roman sites to visit. Split is by the sea and thus has beaches and nice seafood.
There are other places of interest, including Venetian architecture, Marjan Forest Park, and options for boat trips. It’s a great place to dine out at many restaurants with sea views. Overall, a great destination, especially for off-season travel when it’s quieter.
Route Suggestions: Split is an epic train trip across Croatia, leaving from the capital, Zagreb.
Sibiu in Romania
Sibiu is a beautiful place to visit at any time of year, with plenty to see. It’s pretty straightforward to reach by night trains from Hungary. Sibiu is also well connected by trains within Romania.
There are loads of pretty buildings to see in the city, including the town’s iconic squares. There are also some medieval fortifications to see when sightseeing in the city. A good time of year to visit is during the Sibiu Christmas market. I found Sibiu to be a good place for coffee shops, bars and restaurants.
Route Suggestions: A night train from Budapest or Vienna is a superb choice. Or an Interrail trip from other towns or cities in Romania.
Plovdiv in Bulgaria: A Budget Destination
Plovdiv is a fantastic city to visit in Bulgaria, despite being challenging to reach from abroad by rail. It’s quite a good-value place for a travel itinerary, with options for cheap accommodation and restaurants.
Plovdiv has many interesting Roman sites, numerous attractions, and a beautiful old town. The basilica is my favourite; the mosaics inside are wonderful. There are also plenty of museum options and plenty to keep you engaged for a few days. The city has 7 hills; thus, it is also a great place for a walk.
Route Suggestions: Plovdiv is quite awkward for international travel. However, Varna and Sofia are good options.
Prague: A Fantastic Interrail Destination
Prague is one of my favourite cities to visit and seems popular with other travellers. It is pretty easy to reach by train from various places and thus is popular with interrailers. The city has a lovely bar culture and a vibrant nightlife. There are lots of options for backpacking hostels in the city, too.
The city has plenty to see, including a medieval old town with many pretty buildings. Prague’s castle district is also fantastic and well preserved. There are lots of museums to visit, including some quirky options. Overall, Prague has it all to be a fantastic city break.
Route Suggestions: Direct Trains From Bratislava, Munich, Dresden, Brno and Budapest.
Braşov in Romania: A Great Place in The Mountains
Brasov is a medieval city in the mountains of Romania and is a great place to visit. It’s handy, as there are options to visit by night train from the west. The old town is beautiful with a colourful main square. Medieval city walls surround the old town with some interesting towers and a citadel.
As it’s in the mountains, Brasov has lots of hiking options, including Mount Tampa, which is accessible from the city centre. During the winter, the ski resort nearby is popular with skiers and snowboarders. Overall, a nice place to visit with plenty of things to see that won’t break the bank.
Route Suggestions: A train from the capital, Bucharest, is an easy travel day, as is one from Sighisoara. You can also catch night trains from Vienna or Budapest.
Budapest in Hungary: A Popular Destination
Budapest is a popular destination for backpackers and tourists. It is a city famed for its stunning architecture; thus, it is great for sightseeing. Popular spots include Buda Castle, the Hungarian Parliament Building and the iconic thermal baths.
Budapest also has an abundance of backpacking hostels, many of which are near the railway stations. The city also has a great foodie scene with many good restaurants. I highly recommend trying the Hungarian cuisine when visiting, including the famous goulash.
Route Suggestions: A night train from various cities in Romania is a good option. It is also pretty straightforward from Bratislava, Vienna, Győr and Prague.
Ljubljana in Slovenia
The capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana, is a popular destination with backpackers and gets quite a few mentions in travel groups. Ljubljana is a beautiful city with lots of nice things to see. This includes a castle overlooking the city and some iconic churches.
It’s quite a fun place to visit with a vibrant bar scene in the city. You can also try out Slovenian cuisine in the city’s many restaurants. Because of Slovenia’s good bus network, many take day trips while based in the capital.
Route Suggestions: There are direct trains from other nearby capitals. This includes Zagreb, Budapest and Vienna.
Munich in Germany: An Interrail Crossroads
Munich is a beautiful city to visit in Germany and is popular with train travellers. The city has many options for direct international connections and is a bit of a crossroads on the rail network.
There are many places of interest in Munich, including beautiful architecture. Munich is also beer central and a great place to visit for those who enjoy excellent beers. This includes the famous Hofbräuhaus, an excellent place to visit. The city is also a great place to visit for Oktoberfest in the autumn.
Route Suggestions: From other German cities, it is pretty straightforward. Vienna and Prague are direct routes. However, we also got multiple trains from the Alsace region of France on an epic travel day.
Rouen in France
Rouen is a lovely city on the banks of the River Seine and is a short train journey from the capital, Paris. There are lots of things to see, including an iconic cathedral, a medieval old town and places relating to Joan of Arc. One highlight is the summer light show at Rouen Cathedral.
There are nice places to stay in the city, including budget options. Eating out in Rouen is fantastic, too, with lots of French restaurants to choose from. Overall, Rouen is a great city for those who love history, food and culture.
Route Suggestions: A train from the capital, Paris, is straightforward. Or if arriving by ferry from the UK, then a train from Dieppe is a great option.
Pecs in Hungary
One of my favourite places to visit is Pecs, a city in Hungary. Pecs is a beautiful place with lots to see, including a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cathedral, city walls and former Ottoman mosque are wonderful, too.
We found accommodation prices to be good in the city and thus stayed for a week, twice. Pecs has a lovely selection of restaurants to try some local cuisine and some vibrant cafe-bars. For those on a budget, the street food in the market hall is excellent. For beer lovers, Pecsi Sor, the local brew, is excellent. Overall, a great destination to visit.
Route Suggestions: A train from the Hungarian capital, multiple trains from Zagreb, or a shorter trip from Osijek in Croatia.
Bucharest in Romania
Bucharest is the capital of Romania and the last stop on many night train routes from Hungary and Austria. It’s a beautiful city which is gritty in places. Bucharest has some fascinating attractions in the old town, as well as a grand parliament building.
One of my favourite parts to visit was the open-air village museum, which is a great way to spend a sunny day. There is a vibrant bar and restaurant scene in Bucharest. If you are planning on getting trains to Bulgaria or onwards to Turkey, you will pass through the city.
Route Suggestions: A night train from Budapest or Vienna to cover some ground. Also from the beautiful cities of Transylvania or from Ruse in Bulgaria.
Bologna In Italy
For train travellers that love food, Bologna is a fantastic destination. The city has some fantastic restaurants, regional cuisine and food markets. Famous dishes include tagliatelle al ragu Bolognese. We enjoyed every meal out here without having to research which ones were good.
There are also lots of nice things to see, including epic churches, towers and porticos. There is a pilgrimage walk along the world’s longest portico to San Luca, a church on a hill overlooking Bologna. Overall, an excellent city to visit, dine out, and do some sightseeing.
Route Suggestions: High-speed trains from Rome or Venice, or a longer, multi-train travel day from Ljubljana or Trieste.
Colmar in France: A Fairytale Destination
If you like fairytale-like destinations, then Colmar in the Alsace region of France is a place to visit. The entire city is beautiful, with colourful timber-framed buildings. The best place is the Petite Venise area, with its canals and bright buildings. There are many museums and churches to pop into, too.
The local cafes and restaurants are nice too and a great place to enjoy the special views. While in Colmar, you can visit other places on the Alsace wine route, including Kaysersberg. Overall, Colmar is a great place if you enjoy beautiful towns, wine and delicious food.
Route Suggestions: A high-speed train from Paris via Strasbourg.
Bratislava in Slovakia
Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is one of the smallest capitals in Europe. It’s a popular destination for backpackers and those exploring Europe by train. It’s also a vibrant city with a fantastic nightlife.
There’s lots to see and do in Bratislava, including visiting two castles. Bratislava Castle in the city centre is fantastic. The old town is also beautiful with lots to see and museums to visit. Overall, a fantastic capital city to visit by train.
Route Suggestions: A short trip from Vienna and direct trains from Prague, Budapest and Brno.
Český Krumlov in Czech Republic
Cesky Krumlov is a small town in the Czech Republic that’s well worth visiting. It’s pretty straightforward to reach from the capital with one change in Ceske Budejovice. The historic centre and Cesky Krumlov Castle are both stunning and are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
There are options for backpacking hostels in the town, some of which are good value, especially outside of the summer holidays. There are many pubs and restaurants that serve Czech cuisine. Overall, a beautiful place to visit with many historical features.
Route Suggestions: Trains from Prague, Brno or Vienna.
Nuremberg in Germany A Great Christmas Destination
Nuremberg is a fantastic city to visit in Germany, with most of the sights in the old town area. There are lots of beautiful things to see here, including a castle, many churches and historic timber-framed buildings.
A fantastic time to visit is during the city’s annual Christmas markets, which the city is famous for. Nuremberg is a great place for beer and food, including the local Nuremberg sausages. Overall, a great place to visit that’s straightforward to reach by train.
Route Suggestions: A train from Vienna, Munich, The Hague or Frankfurt.
Sighişoara in Romania
Sighisoara is a fantastic place to visit in the Transylvania region of Romania. The main part of the town is within a citadel listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, there are lots of preserved Saxon buildings, including some really nice towers. The streets are also lined with colourful buildings, making it even more photogenic.
There are other attractions, including those related to Vlad Tepes and Dracula. Sighisoara also has some pleasant restaurants serving Romanian cuisine. Overall, a great place to learn some Romanian history in beautiful surroundings.
Route Suggestions: A night train from Budapest or Vienna is a superb choice. Or a trip from other places in Romania.
Sofia in Bulgaria
Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is a nice place to visit by rail. It is a popular stop for people taking the London-to-Istanbul Interrail trip. There are lots of things to do in Sofia, including some lovely churches and engaging museums. We found it a great place to dine out and enjoy the bar scene. It is much cheaper than many other European capitals.
We enjoyed a few weeks here, but you could see the key places of interest in a few days by skimming the surface. The city is simple to get around by public transport, including to Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Route Suggestions: A train from Bucharest via Ruse, from Istanbul in Turkey, or other places in Bulgaria, including Varna and the wonderful city of Plovdiv.
Interrail Routes Taken & Other Train Travel Information
Some of my itineraries for my completed Interrail adventures in Europe. These have all been travelling with our dog, Henry.
- 5-Day Pass in Italy – A month of travelling in Italy using the pass, including to some iconic places. This included Rome, the capital, and the famous Roman ruins in Pompeii.
- UK Train Destinations – Suggestions for places to visit by train in the UK
- UK To Romania and Back – A circular route through Europe from the UK to Romania and back a different way.
- 2 Months Across Europe – 2 months of train travel from the UK to Romania via several stunning destinations.
- Train Travel in Bulgaria – All about train travel in Bulgaria, including to Varna, Veliko Tarnovo, Plovdiv & Sofia.
- Croatian Railways – A guide to using the trains in Croatia, including to the capital, Zagreb, and Split by the Adriatic Sea.
Interrail Travel Tips
Some advice to make the most out of your railway adventure.
Finding Accommodation When Travelling in Europe
There are many options for finding accommodation when travelling with a rail pass. First, some nights you can book one of the many European sleeper trains. This can sometimes be a good-value place to stay and also means you can cover ground while you sleep.
Booking.com is my preferred place to search for accommodation when travelling in Europe. They have lots of handy filters to help you find the perfect accommodation. I use the dog-friendly search feature the most when travelling.
Can You Travel With A Pet?
You certainly can travel with a pet; however, that adds another layer of organisation. Each train company has their own rules for travelling with pets. You usually have to purchase pet tickets or, if small, have to be in a carrier. In some countries, muzzles are mandatory, and everywhere requires dogs on leashes.
Where To Seek Advice?
There is lots of information on the Interrail website, which is best to peruse before embarking on your adventure. There are a few Facebook groups that offer great advice.
Other useful sites about rail travel in Europe include The Man at Seat 61, a fantastic resource.
Is Interrail Worth It?
The answer is it depends on the route you are taking. Some countries are cheaper when purchasing individual tickets. One of the major benefits of the Interrail pass is its flexibility; it works well for travelling on trains that don’t require reservations.
If you have a route in mind for specific dates, you can price things up and compare with the cost of the pass.