Best Interrail routes for a first trip to Europe

An Interrail pass opens up many of the great cities of Europe to you, but where do you even start? There are so many options that it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

Don’t worry. In this article, we’re going to go over some of the most popular Interrail routes, and also look at some hidden gems. Then, all you need to do is decide what kind of trip you want to have, and choose a route that works for you.

You can’t really go wrong, so let’s dive in.

Route One: The Classic Capitals

Best for: First time visitors

Suggested itinerary:

• Paris
• Brussels
• Amsterdam
• Berlin
• Prague
• Vienna

Sometimes, the classics are classics for a reason. Yes, those online influencers will tell you that you need to go to a village you’ve never heard of and eat at some grandmother’s kitchen to have a truly authentic experience, and that’s great if you get offered the chance. But it’s not for everyone.

Besides, are you really going to go to Europe and not see the Eiffel Tower, the canals of Amsterdam, or Prague’s Old Town? These places might be overrun with tourists, but that’s because they are undeniably beautiful.

This Interrail itinerary is a great one because it shows you so many different sides of Europe. Each of these cities is totally different from one another, and yet they are all just a few hours apart. This route will show you some of the most iconic locations in Europe, and lets you experience several different cultures for yourself.

Route 2: Italy by Rail

Best for: History, food, and culture

Suggested itinerary:

• Milan
• Venice
• Florence
• Rome
• Naples

Maybe I’m biased, because Italy is my favourite country in the world to visit. One of the top destinations in the world for food, art, history, scenery, and even weather, Italy has everything you need for an incredible holiday.

It also has a fantastic rail network. The major cities of Italy are connected by both regional and high-speed trains so that you can travel from one city to another in an hour or two. And yet, each city offers something completely different.

I recommend starting in the North, in Milan, the international capital of fashion and the economic engine of Italy. From there, it’s a short trip to the admittedly over-touristed but undeniably stunning lagoon city of Venice. Then, a short ride will bring you to Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance and home of some of the world’s greatest artistic masterpieces.

Next up is Rome, Italy’s capital and the capital of the Roman Empire, the best place to explore history that changed the world. Finally, head south to Naples, the loud, chaotic, and thrilling city on the edge of a beautiful bay and in the shadow of an active volcano.

An Interrail pass means you can stretch these trips out and see more of what each city has in its surrounding area. For example, the beautiful lakes in the north of Italy like Como and Maggiore can be reached by train from Munich, and the stunning Amalfi coast, along with the excavated Roman city of Pompeii, are easily reachable from Naples.

Route 3: Central Europe Highlights

Best for: Value for money

Suggested itinerary:

• Munich
• Salzburg
• Vienna
• Bratislava
• Budapest
• Kraków

It’s nice to see central Europe finally getting its flowers. For years, this region was overlooked in favour of the better-known Western cities like Paris, London, and Barcelona. But central Europe has a rich and fascinating history, and is home to some of the most beautiful locations anywhere on the continent.

Munich is a great place to start, and will give you a glimpse into the unique Bavarian culture of Germany. Then, the smaller but elegant city of Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart, is a fascinating stop.

The former imperial capital of Vienna is as beautiful as Paris, and if you’re a fan of history or classical music, this could easily be one of your favourite cities anywhere in Europe. Nearby Bratislava is easy to reach and small enough to explore in a day or two, but it’s also significantly cheaper than Vienna. Budapest is famous for its architecture and its nightlife, and Kraków is possibly the most beautiful city in Poland.

As you travel further east, you’ll find prices dropping more and more, making this a fantastic option for backpackers or people trying to make their travel budget stretch further.

An eSIM from ZenSim is another great way to save money. You can download a SIM card that will work on local networks in Europe in 40 different countries, enabling you to stay connected wherever you go without paying costly roaming charges.

Route 4: Alpine Adventure

Best for: Relaxing scenic journeys

Suggested itinerary:

• Zurich
• Lucerne
• Interlaken
• Milan

Sometimes, the journey is the destination. One of the best things about train travel is that it allows you to sit back, relax, and watch the world go by. And there are few better places to do that than in Switzerland.

This journey will take you from the gorgeous city of Zürich through some of Switzerland’s most iconic locations on your way to Milan. Along the way, you’ll see snowcapped mountains, crystal-clear lakes, charming alpine villages, and some of the grandest scenery anywhere in Europe.

Yes, Switzerland can be expensive. But one of the best things about this journey is that being on the train, looking at the scenery, is part of the fun.

Route 5: Mediterranean Explorer

Best for: Beaches and sunshine

Suggested itinerary:

• Barcelona
• Marseille
• Nice
• Genoa
• Florence
• Rome

The Mediterranean Sea has always been at the heart of European history and culture, and exploring it by train is a fantastic option. Southern Europe offers an excellent climate year-round and combines vibrant cities with spectacular coastline.

This route starts in Barcelona, the big and bustling Catalan city famous for its unique architecture. Then, you’ll travel through the south of France to Marseille, France’s second city with its historic port, unique cuisine, and stunning scenery.

Next up is Nice, with its high-end atmosphere and gorgeous coastline. Then, ride into Italy to explore the underrated city of Genoa along with two indisputable highlights of any Italian trip, Florence and Rome.

This journey takes you through three different countries, or four if you add Monaco along the way. It’s a great option for the summer or for the shoulder seasons, when the weather is still warm but the beaches are less crowded.

It offers the best of both worlds in a way, as you can spend lazy days lounging on the beach, then more active days exploring the hearts of vibrant cities.

Route 6: The Balkans

Best for: Adventurous people

Suggested itinerary:

• Ljubljana
• Zagreb
• Split
• Mostar
• Sarajevo

If you want to see somewhere away from the usual tourist crowds, the Balkans are a fantastic option. They offer incredible scenery, rich history, and smaller crowds than you’ll find elsewhere. And the prices here are a fraction of what you’ll pay in Western Europe.

The only caveat here is that train connections are not as robust as they are elsewhere in Europe. You may find yourself having to get on the bus from time to time to make a connection. If you can handle the challenge, though, this journey lets you see a beautiful part of Europe that many people never will.

Don’t Try to Do Too Much

Finally, a word of warning. The freedom an Interrail pass gives you can be intoxicating, tempting you to go everywhere and see everything all at once.

Resist that temptation. Rushing through cities is a great way to make sure you never really experience them. While you’ll cover a lot of ground, you might go home with the feeling that you never really saw anything.

Instead, pick a region you want to explore. Whether that’s the capital cities of Western Europe, the Balkans, or a single country like Italy, focus on somewhere that appeals to you. Then explore it more in-depth.

Choose Your Own Adventure

The diversity of European destinations means there’s an Interrail itinerary for every style of travel. Whether you’re trying to cut costs, want to see amazing cities, or would prefer to focus on one country at a time, this rail pass gives you access to the best destinations in Europe.

With a Europe eSIM from ZenSim, you can stay connected wherever you are. Keep an eye on train schedules, use maps to navigate, translate restaurant menus, and confirm hotel bookings, just like you would at home. An eSIM is the perfect companion for multicountry trips, so get yours and start planning today.