UK to Europe by Train: Eurostar + Interrail Pass Guide

Why start with an Interrail pass

Interrail is designed for multi-stop trips throughout Europe. You can choose either a flexi pass with a set number of travel days within one to two months, or a continuous pass that covers every day in a block. This is the only difficult choice you have to make when buying one. It keeps plans flexible, avoids juggling separate tickets across borders and works well if you want to adjust your route while travelling.

Getting across the Channel

Use an Eurostar supplement to reach the continent, then continue with your pass. Passholders need a Eurostar seat reservation, so book that early. If you later decide that a vehicle suits the trip better, see the LeShuttle car travel page and our overview of cheap Channel crossings with a car.

Choosing the right pass

• Flexi passes work best if you plan rest days between travel days or want to focus on a few longer legs.
• Continuous passes are suitable for longer roaming trips where you expect to move most days.
• Youth and Senior discounts are available and very attractive; up to two children can travel for free per adult with a child pass. Seat reservations for the Eurostar may still be required.

Check live pricing in GBP and buy securely via Trainline:
➤ Buy the best Interrail Pass.

Reservations in practice

Many trains in Benelux, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and much of Central and Eastern Europe can be boarded with these Interrail passes and without a paid seat reservation. In France, Italy, Spain and Portugal, reservations are common on intercity and high-speed trains. Night trains always need a berth or seat reservation. Eurostar always requires a reservation.

Night trains and the Interrail pass

For sleepers and couchettes, a supplement is charged for the accommodation in addition to your pass. With a flexi pass, an overnight journey uses one travel day, the date of departure, provided you do not change trains after midnight.

Pass vs point-to-point tickets

If you know exact dates months in advance and you only need a few long trips, advance point-to-point fares can be cheaper. If you prefer flexibility, plan several cross-border legs or expect to book late, an Interrail pass is often the safer choice.

ℹ️ You can also mix and match: use a smaller 4day Flexi Pass for the longer legs and buy local tickets for short hops.

Simple example itinerary

1. Buy an interrail global pass
2. London to Paris by Eurostar with a passholder reservation.
3. Continue 100% free to Strasbourg on intercity or regional services.
4. Move on to Munich by ICE, then Vienna by Railjet. (reserve these)
5. Head to Prague and return via Amsterdam before taking the Eurostar back to London.

Adjust the sequence as needed; the pass keeps options open!

How to buy and use a mobile pass

1. Buy the pass in GBP via Trainline Passes.
2. Load it into the Rail Planner app and create your trip.
3. Add each train to your pass on the day you travel. Keep any separate seat or berth reservations accessible on your phone.

Helpful internal sources

• Eurostar: Channel Tunnel train overview
• Cheap tickets and deals for Channel crossings
• Travel with a car via LeShuttle

Ready to plan and compare passes in one place?
Buy or price an Interrail Global Pass, then reserve your Eurostar seat and start building your route.