The European Commission has allocated funds to offer free Interrail passes to many young Europeans who turn 18 this summer. This special ticket gives them the opportunity to travel across Europe using almost any train.
The EU’s executive branch has set aside €12 million to provide these passes, enabling 18-year-olds to explore Europe by train. The Interrail pass, well-known for its borderless travel convenience, allows multi-destination travel across the continent with a single ticket. Since its creation in 1972 specifically for young travelers, the Interrail Pass has become popular among over 250,000 European travelers of all ages each year. It allows them to experience Europe’s diverse geography, culture, and history. This program is a result of the cooperation between more than 35 European railway and ferry companies.
The online application for this opportunity will be open from June 12 to June 26, 2018. The selection process begins on June 27, 2018, and winners will be notified via email in early July. To be eligible, applicants must be 18 years old as of July 1, 2018 (born between July 2, 1999, and July 1, 2000), and must be nationals of one of the 28 EU Member States. Individuals can apply alone or as part of a group of up to five people.
Travel must start in one of the 28 EU Member States between July 9 and September 30, 2018. The journey can last from 1 to 30 days and must include visits to at least one and up to four cross-border destinations. Applicants should also be willing to become a DiscoverEU Ambassador.
For more information, please visit the DiscoverEU website.