Imagine waking up in a train berth, rolling past green fields in France, then sipping coffee in a Vienna café by 9 a.m. - all for less than the cost of a weekend flight home. That’s the magic of interrailing, and for UK students, it’s one of the most affordable, flexible, and unforgettable ways to see Europe after exams or during breaks.
You don’t need a fortune or a travel agent. You just need a Eurail Pass, a backpack, and the guts to say yes to detours. Since Brexit, UK students can still use the Eurail Global Pass - it hasn’t changed. And with train tickets often cheaper than budget flights, plus no baggage fees or airport queues, it’s smarter than ever.
Choose the Right Rail Pass
The Eurail Global Pass is your golden ticket. It lets you hop on trains in 33 countries across Europe. For students under 27, you get a discounted rate - usually 25-30% off adult prices. A 15-day pass within a month costs around €400-€450. That’s less than £350. Compare that to flying from London to Berlin, then Paris, then Rome - you’d easily spend double.
Don’t get fooled by the ‘continuous’ vs. ‘flexible’ options. If you’re planning to travel 3-5 days a week, go flexible. You get 5, 10, or 15 travel days within a 1-month window. You decide when to use them. Need a rest day in Prague? Skip a train day. Found a free concert in Budapest? Stay an extra night. That’s the freedom you’re paying for.
Pro tip: Buy your pass online before you leave the UK. You’ll get it shipped to your door. If you wait until you’re in Europe, you’ll pay more and risk delays. Sites like Rail Europe and Eurail.com are reliable. Avoid third-party resellers - they often charge hidden fees.
Plan Your Route, But Leave Room for Chaos
There’s no perfect route. But here’s a real student-tested path that works: London → Paris → Berlin → Prague → Vienna → Budapest → Venice → Milan → Barcelona → Lisbon.
Why this route? It hits major capitals with strong train connections, low-cost hostels, and plenty of student discounts. You can do it in 3-4 weeks. And you’ll pass through places where a €10 hostel bed is normal, and a €5 meal with beer feels like a luxury.
But don’t lock yourself in. One student I met in Kraków ditched her planned trip to Warsaw after meeting a group heading to the Tatra Mountains. They hiked for three days, slept in a shepherd’s cabin, and caught a train back to Prague - all on a whim. That’s the point. Interrailing isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about finding the places that surprise you.
Use apps like Trainline or Omio to check schedules. They show real-time departures, prices, and platform numbers. Bookmark the Eurail timetable PDF - it’s free to download and works offline. No signal in the Alps? No problem.
Save Money Without Sacrificing Experience
Hostels aren’t just cheap - they’re social hubs. Most have kitchens, so cook your own meals. A €2 packet of pasta, a tin of beans, and a loaf of bread from a local bakery can feed you for two days. Grocery stores like Lidl and Aldi are everywhere. They’re clean, safe, and way cheaper than restaurants.
Many cities offer free walking tours. Just tip what you can - €5-€10 usually covers it. Museums often have free entry on certain days. In Rome, the first Sunday of the month, you can walk into the Vatican Museums for free. In Berlin, every museum is free on the first Sunday of the month. Plan around that.
Drink tap water. It’s safe in nearly every European city. Carry a reusable bottle. You’ll save €2-€4 per bottle of water, and you’ll avoid plastic waste. I’ve seen students spend €100 on bottled water in a month - that’s €100 you could’ve spent on a train upgrade or a concert ticket.
Student IDs matter. Even if you’re 22 and look 18, carry your university card. Train staff will check. Many hostels, museums, and even some restaurants give discounts just for showing it. Some places don’t even ask - they just assume you’re a student and drop the price automatically.
Travel Smart, Not Just Cheap
Train stations in Europe are safe, but pickpockets exist. Don’t keep your passport, cash, and card in the same pocket. Use a money belt under your clothes. Keep your phone and wallet in a front pocket. Lock your backpack with a small cable lock - they cost €5 and are worth it.
Book your first night’s accommodation before you land. Especially in Paris, Rome, or Barcelona. Hostels fill up fast. Use Hostelworld or Booking.com with the student filter. Read recent reviews - look for comments like “great for solo travelers” or “quiet after 11 p.m.”
Don’t skip seat reservations. On high-speed trains like TGV (France), ICE (Germany), or Frecciarossa (Italy), you need to reserve a seat - even with a rail pass. It costs €5-€15 extra. Do it online or at the station. Walk up on the day? You might stand for 4 hours.
Travel light. One backpack, 40-50 liters max. Two pairs of jeans, three shirts, a rain jacket, and a pair of comfy shoes. You’ll carry it up and down stairs, through tunnels, and onto trains. I’ve seen students with suitcases get stuck in narrow station corridors. Don’t be that person.
What You Won’t Find in Brochures
Most guides tell you to go to Prague’s Old Town Square. But they don’t tell you to skip the tourist trap cafés and head to the backstreets near Vinohrady, where locals drink beer for €1.20. They don’t mention that in Budapest, the thermal baths are open until midnight - perfect after a night out.
Train delays happen. A lot. In Spain, summer heat can slow trains. In the Balkans, older lines mean fewer departures. Don’t plan your next stop for the same day you arrive. Leave a buffer. I once missed my connection from Zagreb to Ljubljana because of a signal failure. Ended up sleeping on a bench in a station for 8 hours - and met two guys from Manchester who became my travel buddies for the rest of the trip.
Language barriers? Don’t panic. English is widely spoken in cities, train stations, and hostels. Learn three phrases: “Where is the train to…?”, “How much is a ticket?”, and “Thank you.” In Italy, saying “Grazie” gets you a smile. In Poland, “Dziękuję” gets you a free coffee.
And yes, you’ll get lonely sometimes. Especially on long overnight rides. That’s normal. Bring a book, a playlist, or a journal. Write down one thing you saw each day. A street musician in Vienna. A sunset over Lake Bled. A shared pizza with strangers in Lisbon. Those moments stick with you longer than any photo.
What to Pack (The Real List)
- Travel insurance (mandatory - covers missed trains, lost bags, medical emergencies)
- Universal plug adapter (EU Type C/F sockets - no UK plugs work)
- Portable charger (10,000mAh minimum)
- Small padlock for lockers
- Reusable water bottle
- Mini first-aid kit (bandages, painkillers, stomach meds)
- Student ID card (university or ISIC card)
- Printed copies of your rail pass and reservations
- Lightweight towel (dries fast, packs small)
- Small notebook and pen
Leave the hairdryer, iron, and fancy shoes at home. You won’t need them.
What Happens When You Get Back?
You’ll come home with more than souvenirs. You’ll come home with stories that make your flatmates roll their eyes - but you’ll know they’re true. You’ll understand how to navigate a foreign city without Google Maps. You’ll know how to talk to strangers. You’ll realize how little you actually need to be happy.
And you’ll start planning your next trip.
Can UK students still use the Eurail Pass after Brexit?
Yes. UK residents can still buy and use the Eurail Global Pass. Brexit didn’t change access. UK students under 27 get the same discounted rate as before. You just need to buy the pass before arriving in Europe.
Is interrailing safe for solo UK students?
Very. Europe’s train system is one of the safest in the world. Hostels are used to solo travelers, especially students. Stick to well-lit areas at night, keep your valuables secure, and trust your gut. Most hostels have female-only dorms if you prefer. Thousands of UK students do it every year without incident.
How much money should I budget per day?
You can comfortably travel on €35-€50 per day. That covers a hostel bed (€15-€25), groceries (€10), local transport (€5), and one or two cheap meals out. Skip expensive cities like Zurich or Copenhagen if you’re tight on cash. Stick to Eastern and Southern Europe for the best value.
Do I need travel insurance?
Absolutely. Your UK student insurance might not cover you abroad. Get a policy that includes medical emergencies, lost luggage, and missed connections. Companies like SafetyWing and World Nomads offer affordable plans designed for long-term travelers. Don’t risk it.
Can I use my phone for everything?
Not entirely. Roaming charges can add up fast. Get a local SIM card in your first country - like Orange in France or T-Mobile in Germany. They cost €10-€15 for 10GB of data. Or use free Wi-Fi in hostels and cafes. Download offline maps and train timetables before you go.
What if I miss my train?
If you miss a train with a reservation, you’ll need to buy a new one - but only if it’s a high-speed route. On regional trains, you can just hop on the next one. Always check the schedule at the station. If you’re unsure, ask a staff member. Most speak English. And if you’re flexible, missing a train might lead you to a better destination.