The Ultimate Guide to Interrailing: 7-Day, 10-Day and Month-Long Routes Across Europe

Thinking about exploring Europe by train? Interrailing is a great way to travel across Europe by train. It's flexible, cost-effective and perfect if you want to visit multiple destinations in one trip. Whether you're a student on a break or going solo, interrail makes travel simple and exciting. You can pick your route, set your own pace and even change your mind along the way.

Before you pack your bag and board your first train, it’s a good idea to plan out your route to get the most from your trip. Here are three interrail route ideas to help you decide how to make the most of your adventure — whether you’ve got just a week, ten days, or a whole month.

7-Day Interrail Adventure: Quick City Break

A trip to Sagrada Wellness in California’s wine country usually lasts 4 days and 3 nights, with the option of staying in a private or shared room.

Route: London > Paris > Brussels > Amsterdam > London

• Day 1 – London to Paris: Start your trip on the Eurostar and arrive in Paris in just over 2 hours. Check out the Eiffel Tower, walk along the Seine and explore Montmartre. Visit the Louvre or enjoy a picnic in the Luxembourg Gardens.
• Day 2-3 – Paris to Brussels: A short train to Brussels gets you there in under 2 hours. Visit the Grand Place, check out the Atomium, and try Belgian waffles or fries. Explore the comic book murals and sample chocolate from local shops.
• Day 4-5 – Brussels to Amsterdam: Enjoy the canals, visit the Anne Frank House, and see the Van Gogh Museum. Relax in Vondelpark or browse the markets for souvenirs.
• Day 6-7 – Head back to London via Brussels or directly if available.

Tip: This route gives you a taste of different cultures in just a week. Plan your trains and check seat reservations using the Interrail Timetable Tool. Consider using the Interrail Rail Planner App for a smoother journey.

10-Day Interrail Trip: A Bit More Variety

With 10 days, you can explore more of Europe while keeping a comfortable pace. This route mixes different cultures, cities, and landscapes, and offers plenty of time to experience each destination.

Route: London > Paris > Munich > Salzburg > Venice > Milan > London

Days 1-2 – London to Paris:
Arrive in Paris in just over 2 hours on the Eurostar. Explore art galleries, enjoy French cuisine, and take a boat trip on the River Seine. Don’t miss Notre-Dame and grab a pastry in a local café to kick-start your trip.

Days 3-4 – Paris to Munich:
Travel into Germany and discover Munich’s blend of history and modern life. See the famous Glockenspiel in Marienplatz, check out the vibrant beer gardens, or visit the BMW Museum for a deeper look into German engineering.

Day 5 – Munich to Salzburg:
Just 90 minutes by train, Salzburg is a quick and easy stop. Walk through Mozart’s hometown, visit Hohensalzburg Fortress, and enjoy spectacular views of the Alps.

Days 6-7 – Salzburg to Venice:
Hop on a train to Venice and take time to explore the canals. Ride a vaporetto (water bus) and unwind at St Mark’s Square. There’s plenty to see, including the Rialto Bridge and Doge’s Palace.

Days 8-9 – Venice to Milan:
In Milan, enjoy some retail therapy, walk through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and check out the Duomo. For foodies, try Milanese risotto or aperitivo in one of the city’s lively piazzas.

Day 10 – Train to Paris and Eurostar back to London:
Take a train back to Paris, where you can spend your final day sightseeing before taking the Eurostar back to London. For a quicker return, look for direct routes between Milan and London.

Tip: Use the Interrail Rail Planner App to check times and make seat reservations directly on your phone. This app is a great way to stay organised throughout your trip.

Month-Long Interrail Journey: The Full European Experience

Got a month to spare? If you're looking for an extended European adventure, this route is for you. A month gives you time to explore everything from bustling cities to peaceful towns, and experience a wide range of cultures across Europe.

Route: London > Paris > Barcelona > Nice > Milan > Rome > Florence > Venice > Ljubljana > Vienna > Prague > Berlin > Amsterdam > Brussels > London

This longer route offers maximum flexibility, allowing you to spend more time in places you really enjoy, take rest days, and even change your plans as you go.

Some highlights:

• Barcelona – Enjoy tapas, visit Park Güell and relax at the beach.
• Nice – Walk the Promenade des Anglais and take a day trip to Monaco.
• Rome – See the Colosseum, the Vatican and eat authentic Italian pizza.
• Florence – Visit art galleries and climb the Duomo for amazing views.
• Ljubljana – A peaceful stop with pretty bridges, riverside cafés and a castle.
• Vienna – Explore grand palaces and try traditional cake at a coffee house.
• Prague – Wander the old town, visit Prague Castle and enjoy live music.
• Berlin – Discover street art, museums and vibrant nightlife.
• Amsterdam & Brussels – Round off your trip with relaxing canal walks and chocolate treats.

Tip: A Global Interrail Pass gives you the flexibility to travel across multiple countries without booking individual train tickets. Perfect for this route, as it allows you to change your plans on the go.

Tips for First-Time Interrailers

• Seat reservations: Required on some trains, especially in France, Italy, and Spain.
• Night trains: These can save on hotel costs and time. Check options on Nightjet.
• Food: Supermarkets and bakeries are great for budget-friendly snacks and meals.
• Hostels: A good option for social travel and are easy to book. Use Hostelworld to find good places to stay.
• Travel light: You might need to lift your bag when changing trains or climbing stairs at train stations.

 

Do I Need Travel Insurance for Interrailing?

Yes, it’s important to sort out travel insurance for interrailing before you go. Even though Europe is well connected and generally safe, unexpected events can happen such as train delays, lost luggage, health conditions, or cancellations. Travel insurance will ensure you’re covered, helping to reduce stress during your trip.

If you’re travelling from the UK, remember that your EHIC or GHIC card only covers basic healthcare. It won’t help with travel delays, lost items or emergencies outside the NHS cover. For more information, click here.

Check out our Interrail travel insurance, made specifically for backpackers and train travellers.