European rail travel has just become significantly more affordable, as Interrail launches its most substantial promotion for 2025. The iconic train pass provider is offering a substantial 25% discount on its range of 'all-you-can-travel' global passes, opening up 32 nations across the continent to budget-conscious explorers.
The Details of the 2025 Interrail Sale
The sale, which represents Interrail's biggest offer for the coming year, is now live and will run until 9am GMT on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. Travellers who purchase a pass during this period can begin their rail adventure at any point in the following 11 months. An entry-level pass, covering four days of travel within a single month, is priced from €212 (approximately £186) for second-class travel. Adding an extra travel day increases the cost by around £24, bringing a five-day pass to an average of just £42 per day.
While the unlimited travel benefit does not extend across the UK network, British travellers can still benefit. The pass allows journey commencement from any British station and includes a discounted seat on Eurostar services from London St Pancras International to Paris, Amsterdam, and Brussels. These reserved seats cost €32 (£28) for second class or €40 (£35) for first class.
The most remarkable value is arguably for backpackers and those on extended trips. A continuous three-month first-class pass is available for €971 (about £845), working out to less than £10 per day for premium rail travel across Europe.
A Rail Renaissance and Extra Savings
This sale arrives amidst a sustained 'rail renaissance', with holidaymakers increasingly choosing trains over planes. A recent Booking.com report highlighted that sustainable travel is now a priority for a significant 83% of travellers. This shift is reflected in sales figures: around 600,000 Interrail passes were sold in 2022, nearly double the 2019 number, and sales climbed to approximately 746,000 in 2024.
On top of the site-wide 25% reduction, Interrail continues to offer demographic discounts. Travellers under 28 years old are entitled to a further 25% off, while those aged 60 and over save 10%. The availability of these passes to UK travellers was secured following a public outcry in 2019, after the Rail Delivery Group initially announced British train companies would stop accepting them.
Choosing Your Pass: Flexi vs. Continuous
Prospective interrailers typically choose between two main pass types. Flexi passes allow a selected number of travel days within a one or two-month period, offering flexibility for stopovers. Continuous passes provide unlimited travel for a fixed, unbroken duration, ideal for a non-stop grand tour.
Looking Ahead: New UK Rail Routes for 2026
The momentum for rail shows no sign of slowing, with several new UK routes announced for 2026. Budget operator Lumo will launch a direct service to Glasgow Queen Street, with tickets potentially from £50, and a new route from London Euston to Stirling. The Caledonian Sleeper's Highlander service will add a stop at Birmingham International. In Wales, a transformative £1 billion project proposes a 170-kilometre tram-style network to connect Cardiff with the South Wales valleys.
For those planning an interrail itinerary for 2026, travel writer Adam Miller recommends including the underrated Italian city of Bologna. Accessible via Italy's efficient and affordable rail network, he praises its historic charm, cosmopolitan spirit, and world-renowned cuisine, noting that similar meals would cost twice as much in London.
