Eurail empowers travelers to explore Europe more deeply.Getty ImagesOnce described as the "largest peace movement in Europe," Eurail and its European counterpart, Interrail fundamentally broke down geographic, political and cultural barriers across the continent. Launched in 1972 by the International Union of Railways (UIC), the Interrail pass allowed young people to travel across borders cheaply, promoting informal diplomacy and deep cultural immersion. By offering affordable, borderless rail travel, these passes empowered generations of citizens to personally connect, fostering a unified European identity that replaced historical nationalism with a grassroots cultural exchange. The passes allowed young people to leave their countries, to get to know new people and other languages and cultures.Carlo Boselli, Chief Executive Officer, Interrail.Ron BeenenCarlo Boselli, Chief Executive Officer, Interrail, explains, “When Europe was two decades out of the most destructive war in human history, the Interrail Pass was founded on the belief that if young people crossed each other’s borders by train, sat in the same carriages and shared the same journeys, the understanding between European nations would grow deep enough to make conflict unthinkable. It was more than a railway ticket, it was an idea that travel could dissolve prejudice and bring people closer together, also enabling connections between Interrailers and Eurailers.”For US residents traveling on a Eurail Pass in 2026, the top five destinations are Italy, Germany, Switzerland, France and Austria. Boselli says, “The beauty of traveling with a Eurail Pass is that no two itineraries are exactly the same, and every journey has the means to spark personal transformation through meaningful travel experiences.”Here are highlights and characteristics of a Eurail adventure:ItalyA Eurail experience in Italy offers an incredible blend of high-speed efficiency and scenic, slow travel. You will zip between major cities like Rome and Florence in under 1.5 hours, relax in modern, comfortable cars, and enjoy the flexibility to explore authentic villages through the extensive regional network.Vineyards and forest along the Mosel River in Germany.InterrailGermanyHigh-Speed ICE Trains: The backbone of German rail is the InterCity Express (ICE). These trains are modern, quiet, and reach speeds up to 186 mph. They feature spacious seating, power outlets, and a Bordbistro (restaurant car) serving fresh meals and local beers. Regional Trains: For smaller towns, you will use regional trains (like the RE or RB). These are slower, highly frequent, and are generally fully covered by your pass without any extra fees Train in Swiss Alps, Tirano. to St. Moritz, Switzerland.Getty ImagesSwitzerlandPremium Panoramic Routes: Switzerland’s famous premium scenic trains are fully accessible with a Eurail pass, though some require a mandatory seat reservation and small supplement fee. The Bernina Express: Connects Chur to Tirano, Italy, climbing massive glaciers and descending into palm-lined Italian valleys. It features floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows for unobstructed 360-degree views. The Glacier Express: Known as the "slowest express train in the world," it links alpine resorts like Zermatt and St. Moritz in a relaxing 8-hour journey across 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels.Crossing a dark dramatic landscape in the Pyrenees, France.Getty ImagesFranceBoarding a TGV in cities like Paris is efficient and exciting. You will zoom across the country at speeds up to 198 mph, watching hillside vineyards and rolling landscapes blur by.A classic commuter train in the Tyrol region, Austria.InterrailAustriaTraveling with a Eurail Austria Pass on the national ÖBB network offers unlimited, hop-on, hop-off travel to glide seamlessly from Mozart's streets in Salzburg to the grand palaces of Vienna in just 2.5 hours.Riding a train throughout Europe is a special experience. InterrailThe trains included within the Eurail Pass network have varying offerings, whether it’s a modern, high-speed train between countries or a slower regional train through the countryside. However, according to Boselli, the multisensory, unhurried experience of travelling with a Eurail Pass is the magic behind every trip. He says, “The steady rock of the train’s movement, the low rumbling of the tracks, the cozy chatter with fellow travelers in the carriage, the cool feeling of the window against your hand, the magnificent landscapes that are passing by. All of these small moments create an ambiance that encourages a presence in the moment that is unlike any other mode of transportation. Eurailing is about enjoying every second of the journey itself, not just the destination, and welcoming the unexpected detours, endless possibilities, and new connections that are gained on the train.” Eurail has three types of Passes: Global Passes for unlimited travel in 33 countries, One Country Passes for unlimited travel within a single country and the Greek Islands Passes for travel within the Greek islands. They vary in price depending on the pass and length of time. With more than 60 years of history, Eurail has long been the connector that empowers travelers to explore Europe more deeply. At the heart of Eurail has always been the journey itself. While much of modern travel has become focused on getting from one place to the next as efficiently as possible, a Eurail journey embodies a different pace, one where the time between destinations becomes part of the trip. It’s a perspective that feels increasingly relevant as travelers seek more meaningful ways to approach travel and cultural discovery. Boselli says, “Today, our passes still encourage the same kind of connection and meaningful travel by offering travelers the opportunity and access needed to experience Europe beyond the ordinary.”