Train travel to 

   Europe: 

   general
   information

A beginner's guide to exploring Europe by train
using an InterRail pass . . .

   Home     Site map     Search site     Links     Railpasses     Buy train tickets     Buy ferry tickets    Book a hotel     What's new    About me    E-mail    Guestbook

Click the button above to buy an InterRail pass from www.raileurope.co.uk, the UK's biggest European rail agency, or click the button below to buy an InterRail pass from www.internationalrail.com, another good UK agency... After buying the InterRail pass, you can make train reservations to go it at www.raileurope.co.uk (click 'Rail Passes' then 'Reservations'). Advice on InterRail train reservations. What is an InterRail pass? A Global InterRail pass gives you unlimited train travel on almost all the scheduled train services run by the various national train operators across most of Europe.  A single-country InterRail pass gives unlimited train travel on the national train operator in just one country of your choice.  You can buy an InterRail pass if you live in Europe.  If you live outside Europe, you can't buy an InterRail pass, but can buy a Eurail pass instead.  The history of InterRail passes dates back to 1973, when the national railways of Europe clubbed together to offer a rail pass for young people which gave unlimited train travel right across the Continent.  Originally only for young people under 26, there are now child, youth, adult and senior InterRail passes for anyone who is a citizen of any European country or who has been resident in Europe for over 6 months (see full details of who qualifies here).  It's an ideal way to explore Europe at ground level, stress free, with someone else doing the driving.  The range of InterRail passes was revised in April 2007, and the current 2012 range is explained here. How to choose, buy & use an InterRail pass... This page explains how to choose, buy & use an InterRail pass to explore Europe by train, the stress-free and environmentally-friendly way to go. Who qualifies for an InterRail pass? Should you buy an InterRail pass or normal point-to-point tickets? InterRail Global Pass:  Pass types & prices InterRail single-country passes:  Pass types & prices How does an InterRail pass work? When do you need to make train reservations or pay supplements with an InterRail pass? Using sleepers & couchettes on overnight trains How to make reservations & pay supplements How to buy an InterRail pass How to find more information about InterRail Hotels, hostels & accommodation in Europe ...and last but not least, the country-by-country InterRail train, supplements & reservations guide: What trains are covered by InterRail passes in each country, what supplements are there, and when are reservations necessary? Sponsored links...

Who can buy an InterRail pass?

• Only European citizens, or anyone who can prove residence in Europe for more than 6 months qualify for an InterRail pass.

• Specifically, you can buy an InterRail pass if you are a citizen of any of the following European countries:  UK, Republic of Ireland, France, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Italy, Greece, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Slovenia, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey;

• You can also buy an InterRail pass if you can prove you have been resident in any of these countries for at least 6 months, or resident for 6 months or more in Iceland, Russia, Ukraine, the Baltic States, Malta, Morocco, Turkey, Algeria or Tunisia.

• You cannot buy an InterRail pass if you live outside these countries, for example in the USA, Canada, India or Australia.  If you're from outside Europe, you qualify for a Eurail pass instead.

• You can buy an InterRail pass a maximum of 3 months before its start date.

• To qualify for a 'Youth' InterRail pass you must be aged under 26 on the first day of its validity.

Should you buy an InterRail pass or normal point-to-point tickets?

InterRail passes are all about flexibility, spontaneity and freedom.  InterRails generally save money (indeed, they often save a lot of money) over longer-distance full-price train tickets bought on the day, especially if you qualify for the cheaper under-26 youth InterRails.  They give you a big advantage - total freedom to go where you want, when you want, at a very affordable price.  Just bear in mind that many western European train operators have adopted airline-style pricing, with 'budget train fares' if you book in advance on a 'no refunds, no changes to travel plans' basis.  For example Paris to Zurich starts at just £23 if you book in advance, the same journey costs £109 if you turn up at the station and buy a full-price ticket on the day.  An InterRail saves a lot of money compared to the £109 fully-flexible price, but doesn't necessarily save money over the cheapest £23 price, especially as in this case there's a £10 passholder reservation fee to pay (read more about InterRail reservations & supplements here).  So if you have a simple itinerary that you are willing to pre-book and fix in a tablet of stone on a 'no refunds, no changes to travel plans' basis, for example London to Paris, Paris to Zurich, Zurich to Venice, Venice back to Paris and Paris back to London, the absolute cheapest option is usually to buy cheap 'budget train fares' online in advance.  You'll find advice on which websites to use to book which European trains on the Buying European train tickets page.  And obviously, you wouldn't use an InterRail for just a few cheap local hops, such as Pisa to Florence which only costs 6 euros full-price, but that's obvious, isn't it?  However, if you plan to travel all over Europe, want flexibility, aren't sure how long you'll spend in each place and want to enjoy the freedom to go where you want, when you want, then an InterRail pass is ideal, even if it works out a bit more expensive than the cheapest pre-booked budget train fares option.

The Global InterRail pass...

The InterRail Global Pass is the international rail pass for European citizens who want to make a Grand Tour of Europe.  An InterRail Global Pass gives you unlimited stress-free train travel throughout Europe for as little as £12 per day if you're under 26, £18 a day if you're over 26, a bargain! (that's the 1 month pass price divided by 31, if you were wondering).  These are Rail Europe's prices, but I recommend also checking www.internationalrail.com as they can shave a few pounds off these prices, and they charge £8 rather than £10 for postage.

• Child = aged 4 but under 12.  Youth = anyone aged under 26.  Senior = anyone over 60.  Children under 4 go free.  Age on first day of pass validity is what counts.

• 'Continuous' means that you pick the date you want your InterRail pass to start, and it then gives 15 days, 22 days or 1 calendar month's continuous unlimited travel for the whole of that period.

• 'Flexi' means that the InterRail lasts for an overall period of either 22 or 10 days, starting on any date you specify, but you only get 5 or 10 days of unlimited travel within that period.  You 'spend' each day of unlimited travel by writing the date in one of the 5 or 10 boxes printed on your pass.  Overnight trains leaving after 19:00 count as the next day's train, so you normally only need to use up one day of unlimited travel for an overnight journey.

• What countries are covered?  The InterRail global pass gives you unlimited train travel throughout Europe, covering the national train operators in Portugal, Spain, France, Switzerland, Italy, Greece, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Slovenia, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, Republic of Ireland and (unless you're a UK citizen, see next paragraph) the UK.  For more info on what train operators are covered in each country, see here.

• InterRail global passes do not cover Russia, Ukraine, Albania, the Baltic States, Moldova or Belarus.  Since April 2007, Morocco isn't covered.

• Other things to budget for:  Remember to factor in the cost of (a) getting to mainland Europe by Eurostar or ferry to start using the InterRail pass, see here for the options and (b) surcharges and supplements which apply to many trains, especially if visiting Spain, Italy or France, see this section.

Single-country InterRail passes...

You can buy one or more InterRail passes covering just one country each.  These also come in 1st class adult, 2nd class adult, 1st class child (aged 4-11), 2nd class child (4-11), and 2nd class youth (aged 12-25 inclusive) versions.  Prices vary by country, and I recommend comparing prices at both Rail Europe and International Rail as one can be slightly cheaper than the other.

	InterRail user guide & map... InterRail passes come with a user guide and a simple European rail map.

How does an InterRail pass work?

• Train travel in your home country isn't covered:  First of all, your InterRail pass will not give you free travel in the country where you live.  So if you're a UK resident, a global InterRail will not give you free travel in the UK, only in the other countries the pass covers.  So remember that you'll need to buy a train ticket from wherever you live to London (to connect with Eurostar) or to a ferry port.  You can buy a special add-on ticket from almost any station in Britain to London International once you've bought a Eurostar ticket.

• Eurostar isn't covered:  Secondly, an InterRail pass does not give free travel on Eurostar.  The best and cheapest option is usually to forget your pass and buy a regular cheap Eurostar ticket well in advance at www.eurostar.com.  These start from just £39 one way or £69 return, no refunds and no changes to travel plans allowed, so make sure you are 100% certain of your travel date and time.  In theory, Eurostar offers a 'special' fare for InterRail passholders, £57 one way, £100 return, with changes to travel plans allowed, but as you can see, this is actually more expensive than the cheapest regular fare if you book a month or two in advance and commit to a specific date and train.  True, if you want to buy a Eurostar ticket only a week or two before you go, the £57 passholder fare may well be the best option (if it's still available) after all the cheapest regular tickets have sold out, but be warned, the number of passholder tickets is controlled by a quota and people have turned up at the station on a Sunday to be told there are no passholder places available on any Eurostar departure until Wednesday, and if they wanted to travel immediately they'd have to pay the full-price regular fare, a whopping £170 for immediate departure.  So don't rely on being able to buy a £57 passholder fare on the day of travel or even only a day or two before, I'd strongly suggest forgetting the passholder fare and simply pre-booking a cheap regular ticket well in advance and just building your plans around these specific dates.  For the record, if you do find a passholder fare available and it's cheaper than the cheapest-available regular fare, it can be used by anyone who has bought an InterRail pass, as long as the overall pass validity has started and not yet ended.  If you have an InterRail Flexi pass you don't need to use up one of your free travel days.

• Alternatively, take a ferry to mainland Europe:  If you prefer to travel by ferry rather than Eurostar, or if you find all the cheap Eurostar fares sold out, there are several cheap ferry options.  You can buy a 'Dutch Flyer' train+ferry ticket from London (or anywhere in East Anglia including Cambridge, Norwich and Peterborough) to Hoek van Holland, from £35 one way or £70 return with or without a railpass, see the Netherlands page and book online at www.dutchflyer.co.uk.  It's a wonderful way to reach the Continent!  Alternatively, there are discounts for InterRail pass holders on the following ferry routes:  UK to Denmark with DFDS Seaways (call 0871 522 9955) and Harwich-Hoek van Holland with Stena Line (call 08445 762 762).  There is no longer any discount for InterRail holders on the Dover-Calais ferry route.  Top tip:  South Eastern Trains offer a £33.90 day trip ticket from London to Calais covering both train and ferry, which is cheaper even for a one-way trip than a £34 train ticket to Dover and a £30 ferry ticket on to Calais, see here for more info.

• Which trains are covered by InterRail, once you're in mainland Europe?  An InterRail pass gives unlimited free travel on all the train services run by the national train operator in each of the countries it covers.  These aren't special 'InterRail trains', these are all the normal, regular trains operating in that country.  You'll need to make a reservation and/or pay a supplement on some trains, more about that below.  InterRail passes also cover certain private operators, especially in Switzerland, see the country-by-country guide below.  An InterRail pass does not give free travel on underground trains or metros in big cities, or on some small private train operators such as FEVE narrow-gauge trains in Spain or the Circumvesuviana railway in Italy (Naples-Pompeii-Sorrento).  A leaflet comes with your pass and explains the details, or see the country-by-country information below.

• How do I find train times around Europe on which I can use my InterRail pass?  Use the excellent German Railways online timetable at http://bahn.hafas.de (English selector upper right).  It covers the whole of Europe.  As a general rule, any train shown in its database can be used with an InterRail pass, although supplements or special fares must be paid on some.  It will also show which trains have compulsory reservations.

• Flexi & Continuous InterRail passes:  'Continuous' passes are valid for as many journeys and as much train travel as you want to cram in for the whole of their period of validity.  With 'Flexi' type passes, when you want to 'spend' one of your 5 or 10 days free travel, you write the date in one of the 5 or 10 'day' and 'month' boxes printed on your InterRail.  An overnight train leaving after 19:00 counts as the following day (as long as the overall pass validity period has already started), so enter the following day's date, and of course you can take more trains that day after the sleeper train arrives, until midnight.

• Filling in the InterRail 'travel report':  There's no limit to how may trains you can take during the period for which your InterRail pass is valid.  But you need to jot down the date, time, starting point and destination each time you board a train on the InterRail train travel report that comes with your pass, see the photo below right.  This is used for market research purposes when you send it in after your trip.

  	What does an InterRail pass look like?
  	Example pass:  This is a global 5-days in 10 days 'Flexi' InterRail pass.  As you can see, the overall validity period is 10 days, from 17/11/2009 to 26/11/2009, and there are 5 spaces marked 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5.  Simply write the date in one of those spaces each time you want to 'spend' a pass day.  Each box gives free travel from midnight to midnight, subject to paying any reservation fees or surcharges of course.  Overnight trains leaving after 19:00 count as the following day, as long as the overall pass validity has started by the day the sleeper train leaves.  A 'Continuous' pass looks very similar, but without the 'flexi days' boxes.  Courtesy of Rail Europe
  	The InterRail pass 'travel report'...
  	The InterRail train travel report: You simply need to fill this out each time you board a train.  You send it back after your trip (free postage) and it's used for market research purposes.  If you forget to fill it in, most conductors will simply wait while you get your pen out (if they even bother asking to see it in the first place), but in theory there could be a 'fine' so remember to fill it in before (or as soon as) you board.  You can ask for more pages at any main station if you run out of space.

• What about ferries within Europe, for example to Greece?  An InterRail global pass also gives free travel on Superfast Ferries, Minoan Lines & Blue Star Ferries between Italy (Bari, Brindisi, Ancona or Venice) and Greece (Corfu, Igoumenitsa or Patras for the train to Athens).  A few euros for port taxes needs to be paid, and cabin berths are extra.  Superfast and some other ferry operators charge a small summer supplement (about 10 euros or so), you pay at the port.  An InterRail pass also gives a significant discount (usually in the region of 30%-50%) on normal fares for some other shipping operators - for example, Silja Line (Stockholm-Helsinki), Limadet Ferry (Malaga-Tangier), SNCM (France-Corsica).  As of 2006, there is no longer any InterRail discount on Trasmediterranea (Barcelona to Ibiza, Majorca & Minorca and Algeciras to Tangier).

When do you need to make a train reservation or pay a supplement?

• There's a specific country-by-country guide to which trains require a compulsory seat reservation & supplement below.  However,  here are the simple 'rules of thumb':

• On local, suburban or regional trains in almost all countries you just hop on, find any empty seat and show your InterRail pass when asked by the conductor.  On most of these trains you can't even make reservations if you want to.  Easy!

• The countries where InterRailing is easy:  Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Denmark, Great Britain & Ireland.  Domestic & international trains within and between these countries don't normally require any seat reservation or passholder surcharges, even for premier high-speed inter-city trains like Germany's superb ICE.  You can just hop on, find an empty seat and show your InterRail pass when asked.  Easy!  Railpasses therefore retain their traditional 'convenience factor' in these countries, as you can hop on & off trains spontaneously.  However, even though it's optional, making a seat reservation for a long journey can be a smart move as it guarantees you a seat, well worth the 3-5 euro seat reservation fee.  Key exceptions:  Thalys trains between Brussels & Amsterdam and Brussels & Cologne have compulsory reservation & an expensive special fare for InterRail passholders.  A few scenic tourist trains in Switzerland require a seat reservation & supplement, including the famous Glacier Express & Bernina Express.  And international journeys from these countries to or from France, Italy or Spain do require compulsory seat reservation and usually a supplement or special fare.

• The countries where InterRailing is not so easy:  France, Italy, Spain, Portugal & Sweden.  Domestic and international trains to, from & within these countries almost always require compulsory seat reservation & payment of a passholder surcharge of some sort, varying from 4 to 20 euros per trip, occasionally more.  In Italy & Spain for example, you'll be paying a 10 euro surcharge with your pass for virtually every long distance journey you make.  Remember to factor this into your budget.  Railpasses have therefore lost their 'convenience factor' in these countries as you can't just hop on a train spontaneously without a reservation.  You'll seldom find trains fully-booked except at key holiday periods, but be aware of the possible quota problem with reservation-compulsory trains in these countries, especially to, from or within France.

• In Eastern Europe the situation varies.  Some premier international and domestic trains require a seat reservation (3-5 euros fee), these will be shown in the timetable with an 'R' symbol.  A few require a small supplement, which includes the reservation fee.  See the country-by-country guide below.

• Overnight sleeper trains:  You always need to pay a supplement and make a reservation for a sleeper or couchette on overnight trains, in all countries.  See the couchette & sleeper page and the country-by-country guide below for information about overnight travel and costs.  With Eurail and InterRail flexi rail passes, an overnight train leaving after 19:00 counts as running on the following day (as long as the overall validity period of the pass has started), so it only uses up one day of your rail pass.

• Just so you're aware of it, see this warning about InterRail passholder quotas, especially on key TGV trains in France and on Thalys/Lyria/TGV/Alleo trains between Paris & Italy/Switzerland/Germany/Brussels/Amsterdam.

Sleepers & couchettes on overnight trains...

• Couchettes are basic bunks with rug & pillow, 4 or 6 per compartment, a sort of youth hostel on rails. 

• Sleepers are hotels on rails, with proper beds and washbasin, 1, 2, 3, or occasionally 4 beds per compartment. 

• Some overnight trains only have couchettes and sleepers, no ordinary seats, others also have seats, but ALWAYS budget for at least a couchette on overnight trains, for both comfort and security.  Travelling overnight slumped in a seat is not recommended, it's a false economy.  Couchettes & sleepers are explained in detail on the sleeper page.

• Supplements:  With an InterRail pass, you need to pay a couchette or sleeper supplement.  A couchette supplement is around 20-28 euros in western Europe, 10-15 euros in eastern Europe, per person per night in a 6-bunk compartment.  For a bed in a more comfortable sleeper, you'll pay 40-70 euros in western Europe, 20-35 euros in eastern Europe.

• The 'after 19:00' rule:  Although an Flexi pass day normally runs from midnight to midnight, direct overnight trains leaving after 19:00 count as running the following day, so this only uses up one day of your pass.  So for example, if you had a 5-day flexi InterRail pass and travelled on the 'Phoenix' sleeper train from Amsterdam to Prague, leaving Amsterdam at 19:01 on August 2nd arriving Prague 09:38 next morning, then travelled on to Cesky Krumlov later that day, this would only use up one day of free travel, and the date you'd write in the box on your pass would be August 3rd.  Important:  To use this sleeper train rule, your pass validity period must have started on or before the day the sleeper train leaves.  In other words, in this example the pass validity must have started on or before 2 August, even though the first day written into any of the five 'boxes' on the pass would be 3 August.  Obviously with continuous passes this isn't an issue, the rule only applies to 'Flexi' type InterRail passes.

How to make reservations or pay supplements with an InterRail pass...

Making train reservations at the station, as you go:

• You can make reservations and pay supplements at any station ticket office as you travel around on your InterRail pass. 

• In most of western Europe, train reservation systems are linked, so you can make reservations for trains departing from a different station from the one you're at.  For example, you can ask for a Paris-Barcelona sleeper reservation at the international booking office in Brussels, or a Milan-Zurich reservation at the ticket office in Berlin.

• Although you can make reservations as you travel around, it's a good idea to make some reservations for your outward journey in advance before you leave.  For example, if your plan is to start by heading down to Italy, you should at least buy the Eurostar ticket to Paris and make a couchette or sleeper reservation from Paris to (say) Venice or Rome.  You wouldn't want to set off without any outward reservations, only find when you get to Paris that all the trains to Italy are full, would you?

Making train reservations in advance, online:

• Most train ticket websites only sell complete tickets, and don't allow InterRail passholders to make 'reservation only' bookings online.  However, there are three notable exceptions:

• www.raileurope.co.uk:  If you're a UK resident, you can make reservations to go with your InterRail pass online at www.raileurope.co.uk.  First click 'Rail Passes' above the journey planner, then select the 'Reservations' button.  The Rail Europe system will make train reservations to go with an InterRail pass on many trains in western Europe, including all trains within France, international trains in either direction between France and neighbouring countries (Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg), and many other routes, for example from Switzerland to Milan and even principal trains within Italy.  But don't expect it to make reservations for trains in Eastern Europe or Scandinavia, or for domestic routes within Spain, for example, as it's based on the SNCF (French railways) reservation system.  Reservations can be collected at any main station in France, or for a small fee sent to any UK address.  Note about reserving 1 or 2 bed sleepers from Paris to Italy or Spain: On Elipsos trains, any passholder can pay the passholder fare for any type of sleeper, regardless of the class of their pass.  When making a reservation at raileurope.co.uk you must select 'first class' when prompted as that's how a 2-bed sleeper is classified, but you can safely ignore the warning that your class selection must match the class of your pass, as in this case that's not true!  The same applies to making reservations for booking standard 2-bed sleepers on routes where a 2nd class ticket is now sufficient, such as all City Night Line routes and routes such as Prague to Krakow.

• www.trenitalia.com:  The Italian railways website can make reservations to go with any sort of railpass on any train within Italy and on international trains departing from Italy to neighbouring countries (but not for international journeys towards Italy, as you can only collect the ticket at Italian stations).  Click the English button, then use the journey planner as if you were buying a ticket.  Select a train in the search results and click 'continue'.  On the next page, look for the drop-down box marked 'More fares' and select 'Global Pass'.  Select the class, or type of couchette or sleeper you want, and make the reservation.  Your reservation is collected from the self-service machines or staffed ticket counter at any Trenitalia station.

• www.bahn.de:  The German railways website can make reservations to go with a railpass on trains within Germany, on international trains to or from Germany such as Zurich-Munich or Berlin-Prague, and on the German City Night Line sleeper trains on routes such as Paris-Berlin, Paris-Munich, Amsterdam-Prague, Amsterdam-Zurich.  To make a 'reservation only' booking, first use the journey planner to find the train you want, click to check availability as if you were buying a normal ticket, then look for the easily-missed 'Book only extra charge' link at the bottom of the page.  On the next page select 'Pass offer (InterRail, Eurail...)'.  You can then pay the supplement and print out your own reservation.  This 'book only extra charge' facility doesn't seem to show up on every train, but it certainly appears on most of them.  In most cases, you print out your reservation on your own PC printer.

Making train reservations in advance by phone:

• UK residents can also make reservations by phone to go with an InterRail pass.  For trains within France and between France and neighbouring countries, call Rail Europe on 0844 848 5 848 (lines open 09:00-19:00 Mon-Fri, 09:00-18:00 Sat).  For trains in Germany, Austria, central & eastern Europe & Scandinavia, call German Railways UK office on 08718 80 80 66 (lines open 09:00-20:00 Mon-Fri, 09:00-13:00 Sat & Sun).

InterRail passes - a warning about 'quotas'...

• A problem can occasionally arise with InterRail train reservations, especially at busy times and especially (it seems) on French TGV services and on trains between Paris & Italy, Paris & Switzerland, Paris & Brussels, Paris & Amsterdam.  It usually involves France!  It's not clear how much of an issue it really is, as it only comes up in emails to me once or twice - perhaps many railpass holders are simply told the train is full, and go away thinking it really is full when if you're paying cash there's lots of seats left.

• Here's the issue:  In days gone by, if you had an InterRail pass you were treated as having a normal 2nd class ticket, on level playing field with other travellers.  So if there was one place left on the train and you were first in the queue, then you got it and the person behind you didn't.  But many trains in western Europe are now yield-managed, meaning that the number of tickets sold at each price is controlled by a quota held in the reservation system, including a separate quota for railpass holders.  At busy times this quota can be small or even zero.  So now, if there's one seat left on the train, a railpass holder might be told "Sorry, the train is full" (meaning that there are no passholder places left), and the seat is sold to the passenger behind you willing to pay cash.  Personally, I think this is sharp practice.  If you need to be on a specific train on a specific date, a normal point-to-point ticket for that train guarantees you a place, but simply having an InterRail pass and expecting to make a reservation at the station before departure may not, even if there are seats available!  Of course, you could buy any mission-critical reservations along with the pass from the same agency in the same phone call, so you only buy the pass if the reservations are OK.

How to buy an InterRail pass...

• The easiest way is to buy your InterRail pass online at either raileurope.co.uk or at International Rail.  I recommend comparing prices on both sites, as International Rail is often a few pounds cheaper.

• After buying a pass from Rail Europe, you can make advance reservations online at their website www.raileurope.co.uk (click 'Rail Passes' above the journey planner, then select the 'Reservations' button).  Alternatively, you can make reservations with them by phone on 0844 848 5 848.  Lines are open 09:00-19:00 Monday-Friday, 09:00-18:000 Saturday.  An £8 fee applies to phone bookings.

• After buying a pass from International Rail, you can make advance reservations by phone on 0871 231 0790.  Lines are open office hours Monday-Friday.  A booking fee applies.  Or use the www.raileurope.co.uk online reservation system as described above.

• You can buy a Eurostar ticket (without the pass reduction, which is actually cheaper) at www.eurostar.com.

How to find more information about InterRail...

• For more information about how to explore Europe with an InterRail pass, and what they do and don't cover, see www.interrailnet.com or visit the InterRail pages at www.raileurope.co.uk or www.internationalrail.com.

• Travel insurance:  Finally, always take out travel insurance.  Your InterRail pass can be refunded less an admin charge if returned before the first day of validity, but it cannot be refunded or replaced if you lose it!

The country-by-country guide to InterRail trains, reservations & supplements...

Which trains are covered by InterRail in each country?  

Which trains require a reservation or supplement?  How much are the InterRail supplements?

Here's a list of each country that participates in the InterRail pass scheme, explaining which train operators are covered in that country, what other train or ferry operators give discounts, and what supplements you may have to pay for trains to, in and from that country.  These supplements must all be paid before boarding the train, either at the ticket office or in advance from a ticketing agency.  You may be fined (or pay a higher supplement) if you board the train without first paying the supplement.  Unless otherwise shown, a supplement always includes the cost of the seat reservation.  This list of trains which carry supplements is not exhaustive, there may be other trains that carry a supplement, but it will give you a good idea.  It's equally important to know which trains don't have a supplement, so I mention those too.

Where a discount or reduction is offered, you must travel within the overall validity of the pass, but holders of a flexi InterRail pass don't need to use up a 'flexi day'.  So for example, if you bought a 10 days in 22-day InterRail pass, you could buy a DFDS Seaways ferry ticket from the UK to Denmark with the 25% reduction, the ferry must sail after the overall 22 day pass validity has started, but you don't need to use up any of your 10 flexi days, you can save these until you get on your first train after arriving in Denmark. 

Austria	InterRail passes give unlimited travel on these trains: All trains run by ÖBB (Austrian federal railways) Reservations & supplements to pay for national trains: Using a railpass in Austria is easy, as reservation is only optional not mandatory on almost all Austrian domestic daytime trains, and there are no supplements to pay, even on Railjet trains.  So you can simply hop on any train, find an empty seat and show your pass when asked. Overnight train from Vienna to Bregenz (per person):  couchette in 6-bunk compartment 22 euros, couchette in 4-bunk compartment 30 euros, bed in 3-bed sleeper 50 euros, bed in 2-bed sleeper 65 to 79 euros. Reservations & supplements to pay for international trains: To Germany by IC, ICE, RailJet or regional train from Vienna, Salzburg or Innsbruck:  No supplement. To Zurich from Vienna, Salzburg or Innsbruck by RailJet train:  No supplement, reservation optional. To Budapest by InterCity, EuroCity or RailJet train from Vienna or Salzburg:  No supplement.  Reservation optional. To Prague by EuroCity train from Vienna:  Supplement 7 euros, reservation compulsory. To Florence or Rome by EuroCity from Innsbruck:  5 euros supplement, reservation compulsory. To Hamburg or Berlin by overnight train from Vienna:  Couchette in 6-bunk compartment 22 euros, couchette in 4-bunk compartment 30 euros, bed in 3-bed sleeper 50 euros, bed in 2-bed sleeper 65 to 79 euros. To Venice or Rome by EuroNight train from Vienna:  Couchette in 6-bunk compartment 22 euros, couchette in 4-bunk compartment 30 euros, bed in 3-bed sleeper 50 euros, bed in 2-bed sleeper 79 euros. To Cologne or Hamburg by EuroNight sleeper train from Vienna or Linz:  Seat 19 euros, couchette in 6-bunk compartment 34 euros, 4-bunk couchette 42 euros, berth in 3-berth deluxe sleeper with shower 95 euros, berth in 2-berth standard sleeper 95 euros, berth in single-berth standard sleeper 126 euros.  With 1st class pass, berth in 2-berth deluxe sleeper 105 euros, berth in single-berth deluxe sleeper 158 euros.  Book at www.bahn.de (do an enquiry on the journey planner, locate the direct sleeper train, click to check availability as if you were going to buy a normal ticket, then look for the 'Book only extra charge' link at the bottom and on the next page select 'Pass offer').
Belgium	InterRail passes give unlimited travel on these trains: All trains run by SNCB (Belgian National Railways) Reservations & supplements to pay for national trains: Using a railpass within Belgium is easy, as reservation is not necessary or even possible on Belgian domestic trains, and there are no supplements to pay, even on Belgian InterCity trains.  You can simply hop on any train, find an empty seat and show your pass when asked.  However, you should avoid making domestic Belgian journeys such as Brussels-Antwerp or Brussels-Liege on the irregular international high-speed Thalys trains, as a reservation is required and a hefty fee payable by passholders.  Use the alternative Belgian InterCity trains for free, instead! Reservations & supplements to pay for international trains: Brussels to Amsterdam:  No supplement or seat reservation required on the convenient hourly InterCity trains.  Travel on the high-speed Thalys trains requires a passholder fare with compulsory reservation costing a whopping 39 euros in 2nd class, a massive 62 euros in 1st class.  This is only 6 euros less than the cheap fare you can buy without a pass at www.thalys.com! Brussels to Cologne:  No supplement for travel on an ICE train, but high-speed Thalys trains requires a passholder fare with compulsory reservation costing a whopping 39 euros in 2nd class, a massive 62 euros in 1st class.  This is only 6 euros less than the cheap fare you can buy without a pass at www.thalys.com!  You can avoid Thalys by using the four daily ICE trains or by using much slower hourly local trains, changing trains at Aachen. Brussels to Paris:  Travel on the high-speed Thalys trains requires a passholder fare with compulsory reservation costing a whopping 39 euros in 2nd class, a massive 62 euros in 1st class.  This is only 6 euros less than the cheap fare you can buy without a pass at www.thalys.com!  You can avoid using Thalys by taking a local train Brussels to Mons, Mons to Lille and a TGV from Lille to Paris (3-5 euro seat reservation).
Bosnia-Herzegovina	InterRail passes give unlimited travel on these trains: All trains run by ZFBH/ZRS (Railways of Bosnia-Herzegovina)
Bulgaria	InterRail passes give unlimited travel on these trains: All trains run by BDZ (Bulgarian State Railways) Reservations & supplements to pay for national trains: Local trains, 'barz' & 'patnicheski' slow trains do not require reservations. Seat reservation is compulsory on all express trains ('Expresen'), this costs around 0.50 euros, and can only be done when you're in Bulgaria. Reservations & supplements to pay for international trains: Reservation is obligatory on all main international trains.
Croatia	InterRail passes give unlimited travel on these trains: All trains run by HZ (Croatian national railways) Reservations & supplements to pay for national trains: A 6 euros supplement is charged for the premier air-conditioned ICN daytime train from Zagreb to Split.  1 euro supplement for InterCity trains Zagreb to Rijeka.
Czech Republic	InterRail passes give unlimited travel on these trains: All trains run by CD (Czech national railways) Reservations & supplements to pay for national trains: A 7 euros supplement is charged for SuperCity trains.  No supplement on other trains. Reservations & supplements to pay for international trains: Prague to Vienna by EuroCity train:  7 euros supplement, reservation compulsory. Prague to Dresden & Berlin by EuroCity train:  No supplement, reservation optional. Prague to Budapest or Bratislava by EuroCity train:  No supplement, reservation optional. Prague to Amsterdam, Cologne, Zurich, Basel or Copenhagen by direct City Night Line sleeper train:  Seat 17.50 euros, couchette in 6-bunk compartment 27.50 euros, couchette in 4-bunk compartment 37.50 euros, berth in 3-bed sleeper 50 euros, berth in 2-berth sleeper 70 euros, berth in single-berth sleeper 110 euros (all bookable with a 2nd class pass).  With 1st class pass, berth in 2-berth sleeper with shower 70 euros, berth in single-bed sleeper with shower 110 euros.  Book at www.bahn.de (do an enquiry on the journey planner, locate the direct sleeper train, click to check availability as if you were going to buy a normal ticket, then look for the 'Book only extra charge' link at the bottom and on the next page select 'Pass offer'). Prague to Krakow or Warsaw by sleeper train: 10 euros per person in 6-bunk couchette, 14 euros in 4-bunk couchette, 18 euros sharing far more comfortable 3-bed sleeper (recommended), 26 euros sharing a 2-bed sleeper (also recommended), all bookable with a 2nd class pass, a 1st class pass is only required for single occupancy of a sleeper.  You can check Polish sleeper and couchette supplements online at www.wars.pl.   The sleeper supplement includes complimentary tea/coffee and croissant. Prague to Venice by sleeper train:  Similar to City Night Line supplements above.
Denmark	InterRail passes give unlimited travel on these trains: All trains run by DSB (Danish State Railways)   Other InterRail benefits: 25% discount on DFDS Seaways Copenhagen-Oslo overnight ferry, only bookable online at www.dfdsseaways.com/railpass (not Commodore Class). 30% discount on Stena Line ferries (including Frederikshavn-Gothenburg) 50% discount on Color Line ferries (including Frederikshavn-Oslo). Reservations & supplements to pay for ntional trains: No supplements to pay on any normal internal train, including Danish InterCity trains.  Reservations & supplements to pay for international trains: Copenhagen to Hamburg by EuroCity ICE train:  No supplement. Copenhagen to Stockholm by X2000 125mph train:  supplement 7 euros, reservation compulsory. Copenhagen to Cologne, Amsterdam or Basel by City Night Line sleeper train:  Seat 17.50 euros, couchette in 6-bunk compartment 27.50 euros, couchette in 4-bunk compartment 37.50 euros, berth in 3-bed sleeper 50 euros, berth in 2-berth sleeper 70 euros, berth in single-berth sleeper 110 euros (all bookable with a 2nd class pass).  With 1st class pass, berth in 2-berth sleeper with shower 70 euros, berth in single-bed sleeper with shower 110 euros.  Book at www.bahn.de (do an enquiry on the journey planner, locate the direct sleeper train, click to check availability as if you were going to buy a normal ticket, then look for the 'Book only extra charge' link at the bottom and on the next page select 'Pass offer').
Finland	InterRail passes give unlimited travel on these trains: All trains run by VR (Finnish state railways) InterRail passes give free travel Stockholm-Turku on Silja Line ferries (cabin berths extra) InterRail passes also give free travel on Veljekset Salmela bus service Kemi/Tornio-Haparanda (across the top from Sweden into Finland) Other InterRail benefits: 50% discount on Viking Line ferries Stockholm-Helsinki and Stockholm-Turku. Reservations & supplements to pay for national trains: A supplement is charged on InterCity trains:  between 2 and 6 euros depending on distance.  A supplement is charged on premier Pendolino tilting trains:  between 2 and 12 euros depending on distance.
France	InterRail passes give unlimited travel on these trains: All trains run by SNCF (French national railways) Other InterRail benefits: 50% discount on Nice-Digne private railway 50% discount on Corsican Railways 30% discount on Irish ferries (including direct Ireland-France ferries). Reservations & supplements to pay for national trains: In France, railpass holders must pay a fee and make a seat reservation to travel on almost all long-distance trains. TGV high-speed trains:  These run on most long distance routes, and seat reservation is compulsory.  A supplement is charged which includes the reservation fee, 6 euros 'off-peak', 18 euros 'peak'.  There's a quota for passholder places at the 6 euro rate, when it is sold out the 18 euros rate will apply. Téoz trains: These run on routes such as Paris-Limoges-Toulouse, Bordeaux-Toulouse-Marseille-Nice.  Seat reservation compulsory, 3 euros reservation fee. Lunéa overnight sleeper trains in France (per person):  Couchette in 6-bunk compartment about 20 euros, 1st class couchette in 4-berth compartment (with 1st class pass) 20 euros. However, there is no supplement to pay or reservation required on local or regional trains including 'TER' (Trains Express Regionaux), or 'InterCité' long distance trains which still operate on a few routes such as Boulogne-Paris. Reservations & supplements to pay for international trains: To the UK:  Eurostar Paris to London:  Passholder fare about 70 euros one-way, 140 euros return.  The cheapest regular fares are cheaper than the special passholder fare, if you can commit to a particular date & train in advance. To Belgium, Netherlands:  Thalys high-speed trains from Paris to Brussels & Amsterdam:  A special passholder fare applies, a whopping 39 euros in 2nd class, a massive 62 euros in 1st class.  Your pass must cover all the countries travelled through, a higher passholder fare applies for anyone with a pass that covers just one of the countries.  The 39 euro passholder fare is actually 4 euros more expensive than the 35 euro cheap fare you can buy in advance without a pass at www.thalys.com!  You can avoid Thalys by taking a TGV (3-5 euros seat reservation) from Paris to Lille, then local trains from Lille Flandres to Mons, Bruges & Brussels. To Germany:   TGV or ICE from Paris to Munich or Frankfurt:  5 euro in 2nd class, 20 euros in 1st class, reservation compulsory.  Thalys from Paris to Cologne:  A special passholder fare applies, a whopping 39 euros in 2nd class, a massive 62 euros in 1st class.  Your pass must cover all the countries travelled through, a higher passholder fare applies for anyone with a pass that covers just one of the countries.  The 39 euro passholder fare is only 6 euros less than the cheap fare you can buy without a pass at www.thalys.com! Paris to Munich, Hamburg or Berlin by City Night Line sleeper train:  Seat 17.50 euros, couchette in 6-bunk compartment 27.50 euros, couchette in 4-bunk compartment 37.50 euros, berth in 3-bed sleeper 50 euros, berth in 2-berth sleeper 70 euros, berth in single-berth sleeper 110 euros (all bookable with a 2nd class pass).  With 1st class pass, berth in 2-berth sleeper with shower 70 euros, berth in single-bed sleeper with shower 110 euros.  Book at www.bahn.de (do an enquiry on the journey planner, locate the direct sleeper train, click to check availability as if you were going to buy a normal ticket, then look for the 'Book only extra charge' link at the bottom and on the next page select 'Pass offer'). To Switzerland:  Lyria TGV high-speed trains from Paris to Lausanne, Geneva, Basel, Bern & Zurich:  If your pass covers both France and Switzerland, the fare is 10 euros.  If your pass only covers France, the fare is about 35-45 euros.  Reservation compulsory. To Italy:  Paris-Italy TGV trains Paris-Turin-Milan:  Reservation compulsory, the passholder fare is now a massive and ridiculous £51 (55 euros) in 2nd class, £69 (75 euros) in 1st class.  Passholder places are quota-controlled.  It will often cheaper to put your pass in the waste paper bin and buy a normal ticket, as these start at just 25 euros in 2nd class, 35 euros in 1st class including reservation if you pre-book at www.tgv-europe.com.  Thello sleeper trains from Paris to Milan, Verona or Venice:  Thello is currently not accepting railpasses at all, buy a normal cheap ticket in advance at www.thello.com, see the London to Italy page. To Spain:  A special passholder fare is charged for each type of sleeper on the Elipsos overnight trainhotel from Paris to Madrid & Paris to Barcelona, for anyone holding a pass covering either France or Spain or both:  The passholder fares are shown for each type of sleeper on the London to Spain page.  They are also quoted on www.elipsos.com.  It's about 70 euros for a bed in a 4-bed sleeper.  Note that there are regular advance-purchase fares without a pass for the same cost!  Note that on Elipsos sleeper trains, whether your railpass is 1st or 2nd class is irrelevant, you can choose any type of sleeper you like and pay the passholder fare, regardless of the class of your pass.  The two daily TGVs from Paris to Figueres charge just 4 euros supplement to passholders, although you'll need to pay another 6.50 euros for the connecting train to Barcelona.  The daily Talgo train from Montpellier, Narbonne & Perpignan to Barcelona also carries a supplement, 18 euros.  By all means take local trains and change at the frontier instead! To Portugal:  There's a small supplement to pay for the TGV from Paris to Irun on the Spanish border (maybe 4-10 euros), then a sleeper supplement for the overnight Sud Express from Irun to Lisbon:  7 euros in a seat, 30 euros for a berth in 4-bed Turista sleeper, 62 euros for a berth in a Preferente 2-bed sleeper, 112 euros for a single-bed sleeper, 91 euros in a 2-bed Gran Clase sleeper with shower, or 152 euros in a single-berth Gran Clase with shower.
Germany	InterRail passes give unlimited travel on these trains: All trains run by DB Deutsche Bahn (German Federal Railways) Other InterRail benefits: - Reservations & supplements to pay for national trains: Using an InterRail pass in Germany is easy, as reservation is optional not mandatory on almost all German domestic daytime trains and there are no supplements to pay, even on fast InterCity (IC) or high-speed InterCityExpress (ICE) trains.  So you can simply hop on any train, find an empty seat and show your pass when asked.  The only exceptions are a tiny handful of ICE business trains, marked in the timetable as 'reservation obligatory', on which a seat reservation is mandatory for about 6 euros. Reservation on German overnight trains is mandatory.  A seat costs 17.50 euros, a couchette in 6-bunk compartment about 15 euros, couchette in 4-bunk compartment about 20 euros, bed in 3-bed sleeper about 45 euros, bed in 2-bed sleeper about 60 euros.  If you have an InterRail pass you can make 'reservation only' bookings for overnight trains online at www.bahn.de/citynightline (English button top right) and print out your own reservation in .pdf format. Reservations & supplements to pay for international trains: To Paris by Thalys high-speed train from Cologne:  A special passholder fare applies, a whopping 39 euros in 2nd class, a massive 62 euros in 1st class.  Your pass must cover all the countries travelled through, a higher passholder fare applies for anyone with a pass that covers just one of the countries.  The 39 euro passholder fare is only 6 euros less than the cheap fare you can buy without a pass at www.thalys.com! To Paris by TGV or ICE from Frankfurt or Munich:  Supplement 5 euros in 2nd class, 20 euros in 1st class, reservation compulsory. To Paris by by City Night Line sleeper train from Berlin, Hamburg or Munich:  Seat 17.50 euros, couchette in 6-bunk compartment 27.50 euros, couchette in 4-bunk compartment 37.50 euros, berth in 3-bed sleeper 50 euros, berth in 2-berth sleeper 70 euros, berth in single-berth sleeper 110 euros (all bookable with a 2nd class pass).  With 1st class pass, berth in 2-berth sleeper with shower 70 euros, berth in single-bed sleeper with shower 110 euros.  Book at www.bahn.de (do an enquiry on the journey planner, locate the direct sleeper train, click to check availability as if you were going to buy a normal ticket, then look for the 'Book only extra charge' link at the bottom and on the next page select 'Pass offer'). To Amsterdam by IC, EC or ICE daytime train from various cities:  No supplement.  Reservation optional. To Amsterdam by City Night Line sleeper train from Munich:  Seat 17.50 euros, couchette in 6-bunk compartment 27.50 euros, couchette in 4-bunk compartment 37.50 euros, berth in 3-bed sleeper 50 euros, berth in 2-berth sleeper 70 euros, berth in single-berth sleeper 110 euros (all bookable with a 2nd class pass).  With 1st class pass, berth in 2-berth sleeper with shower 70 euros, berth in single-bed sleeper with shower 110 euros.  Book at www.bahn.de (do an enquiry on the journey planner, locate the direct sleeper train, click to check availability as if you were going to buy a normal ticket, then look for the 'Book only extra charge' link at the bottom and on the next page select 'Pass offer'). To Copenhagen by EuroCity ICE train from Hamburg:  No supplement.  Reservation optional. To Verona or Venice or Bologna by EuroCity from Munich:  5 euros supplement, reservation compulsory. To Rome or Venice by City Night Line sleeper train from Munich:  Seat 17.50 euros, couchette in 6-bunk compartment 27.50 euros, couchette in 4-bunk compartment 37.50 euros, berth in 3-bed sleeper 50 euros, berth in 2-berth sleeper 70 euros, berth in single-berth sleeper 110 euros (all bookable with a 2nd class pass).  With 1st class pass, berth in 2-berth sleeper with shower 70 euros, berth in single-bed sleeper with shower 110 euros.  Book at www.bahn.de (do an enquiry on the journey planner, locate the direct sleeper train, click to check availability as if you were going to buy a normal ticket, then look for the 'Book only extra charge' link at the bottom and on the next page select 'Pass offer'). To Vienna by IC or ICE or RailJet from various German cities:  No supplement.  Reservation optional. To Vienna by sleeper train from Hamburg or Berlin (per person):  Couchette in 6-bunk compartment 21.90 euros, couchette in 4-bunk compartment 30 euros, bed in 3-bed sleeper 50 euros, bed in 2-bed sleeper 65 to 79 euros. To Vienna by EuroNight sleeper train from Cologne or Hamburg (per person):  Seat 19 euros, couchette in 6-bunk compartment 34 euros, 4-bunk couchette 42 euros, berth in 3-berth deluxe sleeper with shower 95 euros, berth in 2-berth standard sleeper 95 euros, berth in single-berth standard sleeper 126 euros.  With 1st class pass, berth in 2-berth deluxe sleeper 105 euros, berth in single-berth deluxe sleeper 158 euros.  Book at www.bahn.de (do an enquiry on the journey planner, locate the direct sleeper train, click to check availability as if you were going to buy a normal ticket, then look for the 'Book only extra charge' link at the bottom and on the next page select 'Pass offer'). To Budapest from Berlin or Dresden by EuroCity:  No supplement.  Reservation optional. To Budapest from Munich by RailJet train:  No supplement.  Reservation optional. To Prague from Berlin or Dresden by EuroCity:  No supplement.  Reservation optional. To Prague by by City Night Line sleeper train from Cologne:  Seat 17.50 euros, couchette in 6-bunk compartment 27.50 euros, couchette in 4-bunk compartment 37.50 euros, berth in 3-bed sleeper 50 euros, berth in 2-berth sleeper 70 euros, berth in single-berth sleeper 110 euros (all bookable with a 2nd class pass).  With 1st class pass, berth in 2-berth sleeper with shower 70 euros, berth in single-bed sleeper with shower 110 euros.  Book at www.bahn.de (do an enquiry on the journey planner, locate the direct sleeper train, click to check availability as if you were going to buy a normal ticket, then look for the 'Book only extra charge' link at the bottom and on the next page select 'Pass offer'). To Warsaw by Berlin-Warszawa Express from Berlin:  From 4 euros, reservation compulsory. To Warsaw by EuroNight Jan Kiepura sleeper train from Cologne:  Seat 4 euros, couchette in 6-bunk compartment 20 euros, couchette in 4-bunk compartment 25 euros, berth in 3-bed sleeper 32 euros, berth in 2-berth sleeper 52 euros, berth in single-berth sleeper 112 euros (all bookable with a 2nd class pass).  With 1st class pass, berth in 2-berth sleeper with shower 65 euros, berth in single-bed sleeper with shower 125 euros.  Book at www.bahn.de (do an enquiry on the journey planner, locate the direct sleeper train, click to check availability as if you were going to buy a normal ticket, then look for the 'Book only extra charge' link at the bottom and on the next page select 'Pass offer'). To Krakow by EuroCity train from Berlin:  Small supplement (4 euros?), reservation compulsory.
Greece	InterRail passes give unlimited travel on these trains: All trains run by OSE (Greek national railways) Reservations & supplements to pay for national trains: InterCity trains (for example Athens -Thessaloniki):  supplement varies from 6 euros to 35 euros depending on distance.  Patras-Athens by InterCity train around 7 euros supplement. InterCity Express trains (e.g. Athens -Thessaloniki):  supplement 9 euros to 33 euros depending on distance. Greece-Italy ferries: InterRail passes give free travel on Blue Star & Superfast (Attica Group) Bari-Igoumenitsa-Corfu-Patras, Ancona-Igoumenitsa-Corfu-Patras, and on Minoan Lines Venice- or Ancona-Igoumenitsa-Corfu-Patras. InterRail passes provide 'deck class' travel which means a place on the ferry but with no specific seat or berth.  There is space under cover on deck to use a sleeping-bag if you have one, and many backpackers do this.  Or you can pay extra for a reclining seat or cabin berth.  Very helpfully, Minoan Lines give free travel to InterRail flexi pass holders without requiring them to use up a 'flexi day' of travel. Port taxes (a few euros) must be paid (there's no port tax on ferry routes to or from Venice). Supplement for reclining aircraft-style seat:  About 16 euros on Superfast Ferries, 12 euros on Blue Star Ferries. Supplement for cabin berths:  26 to 76 euros, depending on type of cabin. High season supplement:  Superfast and Blue Star charge InterRail holders a summer supplement, about 16-25 euros.
Hungary	InterRail passes give unlimited travel on these trains: All trains run by MAV (Hungarian State Railways) Reservations & supplements to pay for national trains: No supplement to pay for travel on local or regional trains. A supplement is charged for InterCity trains (2.50 euros) & InterPici trains (0.80 euros). Reservations & supplements to pay for international trains: Budapest to Vienna by EuroCity, InterCity or RailJet trains:  No supplement. No reservation necessary. Budapest to Berlin by EuroCity train:  No supplement. No reservation necessary. Budapest to Munich by RailJet train:  No supplement. No reservation necessary. Budapest to Munich, Berlin or Venice by sleeper train:  Couchette in 6-bunk compartment around 18 euros, 4-bunk couchette 25 euros, berth in 4-berth sleeper 35 euros, berth in 2-berth sleeper 45 euros (all approximate). Budapest to Krakow or Warsaw by sleeper train:  Couchette in 6-bunk compartment around 16 euros, 4-bunk couchette 23 euros, berth in 4-berth sleeper 32 euros, berth in 2-berth sleeper 40 euros (all approximate).
Ireland	InterRail passes give unlimited travel on these trains: All trains run by IE (Iarnrod Eireann, Irish republic railways) Other InterRail benefits: 30% discount on Stena Line Ireland-UK ferries (Dublin-Holyhead, Rosslare-Fishguard, Belfast-Stranraer) 30% discount on Irish Ferries Ireland-UK & Ireland-France ferries (Dublin-Holyhead, Rosslare to Cherbourg & Roscoff, Rosslare to Pembroke) Reservations & supplements to pay for national trains: No supplement to pay on any internal trains.  Seat reservation is never mandatory on any Irish train, you can just hop on and show your pass when asked. Reservations & supplements to pay for international trains: No supplement on the Enterprise Dublin-Belfast trains.
Italy	InterRail passes give unlimited travel on these trains: All trains run by FS/Trenitalia (Italian State Railways) InterRail is not valid on the local Circumvesuviana Railway Naples-Pompeii-Sorrento. Reservations & supplements to pay for national trains: There's no supplement to pay on local or Regional trains. However, in Italy railpass holders must pay a fee and make a seat reservation to travel on almost all high-speed long-distance trains. Eurostar Italia & Eurostar City trains:  There's a 10 euro compulsory seat reservation charge for passholders on all high-speed Frecciarossa, Frecciargento and Frecciabianca trains, linking Milan, Florence, Rome, Naples, Venice, Verona, Turin.  You can occasionally find an InterCity train as a cheaper alternative between these cities, but they are far slower and less frequent. InterCity trains:  Since 2010, railpass holders do not need to reserve a seat on InterCity trains, and there's now no supplement.  Seat reservation is optional, cost 3 euros. Reservations & supplements to pay for international trains: To Switzerland by EuroCity trains:  supplement 8 euros, reservation compulsory. To Paris by Italy-Paris TGV from Milan or Turin:  Reservation compulsory, the passholder fare is now a massive and ridiculous £51 (55 euros) in 2nd class, £69 (75 euros) in 1st class.  Passholder places are quota-controlled.  It will often cheaper to put your pass in the waste paper bin and buy a normal ticket, as these start at just 25 euros in 2nd class, 35 euros in 1st class including reservation if you pre-book at www.tgv-europe.com. To Paris by Thello sleeper trains from Milan, Verona or Venice:  Currently Thello is not accepting railpasses at all, buy a normal cheap ticket online in advance at www.thello.com, the London to Italy page. To Innsbruck or Munich by EuroCity train from Verona, Venice:  5 euros supplement, reservation compulsory. Rome or Venice to Munich by City Night Line sleeper train:  Seat 17.50 euros, couchette in 6-bunk compartment 27.50 euros, couchette in 4-bunk compartment 37.50 euros, berth in 3-bed sleeper 50 euros, berth in 2-berth sleeper 70 euros, berth in single-berth sleeper 110 euros (all bookable with a 2nd class pass).  With 1st class pass, berth in 2-berth sleeper with shower 70 euros, berth in single-bed sleeper with shower 110 euros.  Book at www.bahn.de (do an enquiry on the journey planner, locate the direct sleeper train, click to check availability as if you were going to buy a normal ticket, then look for the 'Book only extra charge' link at the bottom and on the next page select 'Pass offer'). Rome, Florence or Venice to Vienna by EuroNight sleeper train:   Seat 10 euros, couchette in 6-bunk compartment 20 euros, 4-bunk couchette 30 euros, berth in 4-berth sleeper 40 euros, berth in 2-berth sleeper 50 euros (all approximate). Venice to Prague or Budapest by sleeper train:  Couchette in 6-bunk compartment around 18 euros, 4-bunk couchette 25 euros, berth in 4-berth sleeper 35 euros, berth in 2-berth sleeper 45 euros (all approximate, a 2nd class pass is all that's necessary, even in a 2-bed sleeper). Italy-Greece ferries: InterRail passes give free travel on Blue Star & Superfast (Attica Group) Bari-Igoumenitsa-Corfu-Patras, Ancona-Igoumenitsa-Corfu-Patras, and on Minoan Lines Venice- or Ancona-Igoumenitsa-Corfu-Patras. InterRail passes provide 'deck class' travel which means a place on the ferry but with no specific seat or berth.  There is space under cover on deck to use a sleeping-bag if you have one, and many backpackers do this.  Or you can pay extra for a reclining seat or cabin berth.  Very helpfully, Minoan Lines give free travel to InterRail flexi pass holders without requiring them to use up a 'flexi day' of travel. Port taxes (a few euros) must be paid (no port tax on Venice routes). Supplement for reclining aircraft-style seat:  About 16 euros on Superfast Ferries, 12 euros on Blue Star Ferries. Supplement for cabin berths:  26 to 76 euros, depending on type of cabin. High season supplement:  Superfast and Blue Star charge InterRail holders a summer supplement, about 16-25 euros.
Luxembourg	InterRail passes give unlimited travel on these trains: All trains run by CFL (Luxembourg State Railways) Other InterRail benefits: An InterRail pass gives free travel on buses run by CFL Reservations & supplements to pay for national trains: No supplements to pay on any normal internal train, seat reservation on domestic trains is neither necessary nor possible. Reservations & supplements to pay for international trains: To Brussels or Amsterdam:  No supplement. Reservation not necessary or even possible. To Paris by TGV:  3 euro supplement, reservation compulsory. To Germany:  No supplement on local or even IC trains.
Macedonia	InterRail passes give unlimited travel on these trains: All trains run by CFARYM (Macedonian Railways) Reservations & supplements to pay for national trains: A small supplement must be paid on all domestic express trains including those to and from Belgrade, but not on purely local trains.
Montenegro	InterRail passes give unlimited travel on these trains: All trains run by ZCG (Railways of Montenegro) Reservations & supplements to pay for national trains: A small supplement must be paid on all domestic express trains including those to and from Belgrade, but not on purely local trains.
Netherlands	InterRail passes give unlimited travel on these trains: All trains run by NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen, Dutch national railways) An InterRail pass also gives free travel on these private local train operators who now run trains on lines that were originally part of the main NS network:  Veolia, Syntus, Noordnet, Arriva, DB Regio, Prignitzer Eisenbahn.   Other benefits: 30% reduction on Harwich-Hoek ferries with Stena Line. 25% reduction on Amsterdam-Newcastle overnight ferry, see www.dfdsseaways.com/railpass.  Only bookable online, no discount in Commodore Class. Reservations & supplements to pay for national trains: Using a railpass within the Netherlands is easy, as reservation is not necessary or even possible on Dutch domestic trains, and there are no supplements to pay, even on InterCity trains.  You can simply hop on any train, find an empty seat and show your pass when asked. However, you should avoid making domestic Dutch journeys such as Amsterdam to Rotterdam on the irregular international high-speed Thalys trains, as a reservation is required and a hefty fee payable by passholders.  Use the alternative Dutch InterCity trains for free, instead! Reservations & supplements to pay for international trains: Amsterdam to Brussels by hourly ordinary InterCity train:  No supplement to pay.  Seat reservation is unnecessary and not even possible on these trains, you turn up and hop on, show your InterRail when asked. Amsterdam to Brussels & Paris by Thalys high-speed train:  A special passholder fare applies, a whopping 39 euros in 2nd class, a massive 62 euros in 1st class.  Your pass must cover all the countries travelled through, a higher passholder fare applies for anyone with a pass that covers just one of the countries.  The 39 euro passholder fare is only 6 euros less than the cheap fare you can buy without a pass at www.thalys.com! Amsterdam to Germany (Berlin, Cologne, Frankfurt & so on) by IC or ICE train:  No supplement to pay, and a seat reservation is optional. Amsterdam to Zurich, Munich, Prague or Copenhagen by City Night Line sleeper train:  Seat 17.50 euros, couchette in 6-bunk compartment 27.50 euros, couchette in 4-bunk compartment 37.50 euros, berth in 3-bed sleeper 50 euros, berth in 2-berth sleeper 70 euros, berth in single-berth sleeper 110 euros (all bookable with a 2nd class pass).  With 1st class pass, berth in 2-berth sleeper with shower 70 euros, berth in single-bed sleeper with shower 110 euros.  Book at www.bahn.de (do an enquiry on the journey planner, locate the direct sleeper train, click to check availability as if you were going to buy a normal ticket, then look for the 'Book only extra charge' link at the bottom and on the next page select 'Pass offer'). Amsterdam to Warsaw by EuroNight Jan Kiepura sleeper train:  Seat 4 euros, couchette in 6-bunk compartment 20 euros, couchette in 4-bunk compartment 25 euros, berth in 3-bed sleeper 32 euros, berth in 2-berth sleeper 52 euros, berth in single-berth sleeper 112 euros (all bookable with a 2nd class pass).  With 1st class pass, berth in 2-berth sleeper with shower 65 euros, berth in single-bed sleeper with shower 125 euros.  Book at www.bahn.de (do an enquiry on the journey planner, locate the direct sleeper train, click to check availability as if you were going to buy a normal ticket, then look for the 'Book only extra charge' link at the bottom and on the next page select 'Pass offer').
Norway	InterRail passes give unlimited travel on these trains: All trains run by NSB (Norwegian State Railways)   Other InterRail benefits: 25% discount on UK-Norway ferries with DFDS Seaways. 25% reduction on Oslo-Copenhagen ferry, see www.dfdsseaways.com/railpass.  Only bookable online, no discount in Commodore Class. 50% discount on Color Line ferries (including Oslo-Frederikshavn in Denmark) 50% discount on many regional bus services 30% discount on the Flåm Railway. More information on InterRail ferry discounts Reservations & supplements to pay for national & international trains: No supplements to pay on any normal Norwegian internal train.  Seat reservations optional on long-distance trains, 6.30 euros per seat. Note:  The InterRail guide claims reservation is compulsory on Norwegian long-distance trains.  The Thomas Cook European Timetable only says that reservation is 'recommended'. Oslo to Stockholm by IC train:  3 euros supplement, reservation compulsory. Oslo-Stockholm by sleeper train:  Seat 3 euros, couchette in 6-bunk compartments 10 euros, bed in 3-bed sleeper 16 euros, bed in 2-bed sleeper 30 euros (all approximate).
Poland	InterRail passes give unlimited travel on these trains: All trains run by PKP (Polish State Railways) Reservations & supplements to pay for national trains: No supplement to pay for local or regional trains. InterCity trains:  Supplement 5.30 euros, reservation compulsory. 'Ex' (Express) trains:  Supplement 3 euros, reservation compulsory. Reservations & supplements to pay for international trains: Warsaw to Berlin by 'Berlin-Warszawa Express':  supplement from 4 euros if your pass covers both Germany and Poland.  Special reduced fare charged if your InterRail covers just Germany or just Poland. Krakow to Berlin by EuroCity:  Small supplement to be paid (4 euros?), reservation compulsory. Warsaw or Krakow to Vienna or Prague by EuroCity train:  Small supplement to be paid (4 euros?), reservation compulsory. Krakow-Prague, Krakow-Budapest, Warsaw-Budapest, Warsaw-Berlin by sleeper train:  10 euros for a couchette in a 6-bunk couchette, 15 euros for a couchette in a 4-bunk couchette, 18 euros for a bed in a much more comfortable 3-berth sleeper (recommended), 26 euros for a bed in a 2-bed sleeper (also recommended), all bookable with a 2nd class pass.  A 1st class pass is only needed for single occupancy.  You can check Polish sleeper and couchette supplements online at www.wars.pl.   The sleeper supplement includes complimentary tea/coffee and croissant. Warsaw to Amsterdam or Cologne by EuroNight Jan Kiepura sleeper train:  Seat 4 euros, couchette in 6-bunk compartment 20 euros, couchette in 4-bunk compartment 25 euros, berth in 3-bed sleeper 32 euros, berth in 2-berth sleeper 52 euros, berth in single-berth sleeper 112 euros (all bookable with a 2nd class pass).  With 1st class pass, berth in 2-berth sleeper with shower 65 euros, berth in single-bed sleeper with shower 125 euros.  Book at www.bahn.de (do an enquiry on the journey planner, locate the direct sleeper train, click to check availability as if you were going to buy a normal ticket, then look for the 'Book only extra charge' link at the bottom and on the next page select 'Pass offer').
Portugal	InterRail passes give unlimited travel on these trains: All trains run by CP (Portuguese national railways) Reservations & supplements to pay for national trains: No supplement to pay on local or InterRegional trains. InterCity trains (for example Lisbon - Faro):  supplement 4 euros, including compulsory seat reservation. Alfa Pendular fast tilting trains Lisbon - Porto:  supplement 8 euros, including compulsory seat reservation. Reservations & supplements to pay for international trains: Lisbon-Madrid:  Special InterRail fares apply for the 'Lusitania' trainhotel Lisbon-Madrid:  Reclining seat 30 euros, bed in 4-berth sleeper 55 euros, bed in 2-berth sleeper 75 euros, 1-berth sleeper 119 euros. Lisbon-Paris:  Supplement for the Sud Express from Lisbon to Hendaye (for TGV to Paris):  7 euros in a seat, 30 euros for a berth in 4-bed Turista sleeper, 62 euros for a berth in a Preferente 2-bed sleeper, 112 euros for a single-bed sleeper, 91 euros in a 2-bed Gran Clase sleeper with shower, or 152 euros in a single-berth Gran Clase with shower.  A small supplement is also payable for the TGV from Hendaye to Paris, either 6 or 18 euros.
Romania	InterRail passes give unlimited travel on these trains: All trains run by CFR (Romanian National Railways) Reservations & supplements to pay for national trains: InterCity trains require a supplement, between 3 to 18 euros depending on distance, and seat reservation is compulsory on all long distance trains. Reservations & supplements to pay for international trains: Reservation is compulsory on all international trains from Romania.  Couchette supplement Bucharest-Budapest about 10 euros, Bucharest-Istanbul about 6 euros.  Sleeper supplement for bed in 3-bed sleeper Bucharest-Budapest about 18 euros, Bucharest-Istanbul about 12 euros.
Serbia	InterRail passes give unlimited travel on these trains: All trains run by ZS Serbian Railways Reservations & supplements to pay for national trains: A small supplement must be paid on all domestic express trains, but not on purely local trains.
Slovakia	InterRail passes give unlimited travel on these trains: All trains run by ZSR (Slovak Republic Railways) Reservations & supplements to pay for national & international trains: Seat reservation is compulsory on all InterCity and EuroCity trains, supplement 3 euros.  SuperCity tilting trains 7 euros supplement.
Slovenia	InterRail passes give unlimited travel on these trains: All trains run by SZ (Slovenian railways) Reservations & supplements to pay for national trains: Seat reservation is compulsory on all ICs trains, 3 euros in advance or 4.50 euros on board the train. Reservations & supplements to pay for international trains: Ljubljana to Innsbruck or Munich by EuroCity:  Supplement to pay, about 5 euros.
Spain	InterRail passes give unlimited travel on these trains: All trains run by RENFE (Spanish National Railways) InterRail passes are not valid on regional train operators www.euskotren.es and www.feve.es. There is no longer any InterRail discount on Trasmediterranea ferries to Ibiza or Majorca, or to Morocco.  However, normal fare tickets for these ferries can be booked at the Seat61 Ferry Shop. Reservations & supplements to pay for national trains: Rail fares in Spain are very cheap, but if you have an InterRail pass,  every Spanish long-distance train requires you to make a reservation and pay a supplement, and even most shorter distance regional trains require a seat reservation.  It's safest to assume that the only trains in Spain which don't require at least a seat reservation are suburban trains ('cercanias') around the big cities. AVE high speed trains (Madrid to Seville, Cordoba, Cadiz, Malaga, Barcelona):  Supplement 10 euros in 2nd class or 24 euros in 1st class (includes meal in 1st class). EuroMed (Barcelona-Valencia-Alicante), Alvia (Madrid-Cadiz), Alaris (Madrid-Valencia), Altaria (e.g. Madrid-Algeciras) trains: 6.50 euros supplement in 2nd class or 24 euros in 1st class (includes meal in 1st class). Most other long distance trains (Talgo, Arco) charge a supplement, about 6.50 euros in 2nd class or 10 euros in 1st class.  Unusually, even many shorter-distance regional trains in Spain such as those classified 'TRD' (Regional Diesel Train) require a seat reservation, 3 or 4 euros seat reservation fee payable. Trenhotel overnight trains:  reclining seat 3 euros, 4-berth sleeper 24 euros, 2-berth sleeper 43 euros, 1-berth sleeper 83 euros. Reservations & supplements to pay for international trains: Elipsos overnight hotel trains from Madrid to Paris, Barcelona to Paris, Barcelona to Zurich, Barcelona to Milan:  Special passholder fares are charged to anyone holding a pass covering at least one of the countries travelled through:  See the fares shown on the London to Spain page or see www.elipsos.com.  Note that on Elipsos sleeper trains, whether your railpass is 1st or 2nd class is irrelevant, you can choose any type of sleeper you like and pay the passholder fare, regardless of the class of your pass. The two daily direct TGVs from Figueres to Paris charge just 4 euros supplement to passholders, although you'll need to pay another 6.50 euros for the connecting train from Barcelona to Figueres. A supplement is charged for the daily Talgo train from Barcelona to Perpignan, Narbonne & Montpellier:  18 euros. 'Lusitania' trainhotel Madrid to Lisbon with an InterRail pass:  Seat 30 euros, 4-berth sleeper 55 euros, 2-berth sleeper 75 euros, 1-berth sleeper 119 euros.
Sweden	InterRail passes give unlimited travel on the following trains: All trains run by SJ (Swedish national railways) which runs most Swedish mainline trains. All trains run by Connex (part of Veolia Group, it operates the sleeper trains from Stockholm & Gothenburg up to the north of Sweden) Free travel on Arlanda Express airport rail link. Free travel on the Inlandsbanen private local railway. Free travel on Silja Line ferries Stockholm-Turku (for train to Helsinki). Cabin berths extra. Free travel on Veljekset Salmela bus service Kemi/Tornio-haparanda (across the top from Sweden into Finland) Other InterRail benefits: 50% discount on Viking Line ferries Stockholm-Helsinki and Stockholm-Turku. 30% discount on Stena Line ferries (including Gothenburg-Frederikshavn in Denmark) Reservations & supplements to pay for national trains: A supplement is charged for travel on 125mph X2000 tilting trains (for example, Stockholm to Gothenburg or Malmö):  about 7 euros in 2nd class or 17 euros in 1st class with 1st class pass (includes a light meal in 1st class). Night train supplements within Sweden (per person):  Seat 3 euros, couchette in 6-bunk compartments 10 euros, bed in 3-bed sleeper 16 euros, bed in 2-bed sleeper 30 euros. Reservations & supplements to pay for international trains: Stockholm to Copenhagen by X2000:  Supplement 7 euros in 2nd class, 17 euros in 1st class. Stockholm to Oslo by IC train:  3 euros supplement, reservation compulsory.
Switzerland	InterRail passes give unlimited travel on these trains: All trains run by SBB Swiss Federal Railways (which runs most inter-city main lines) InterRail passes also give free travel on these private railways: BLS Bern-Lötschberg-Simplon (which runs the main Bern-Interlaken-Brig line) FART Ferrovie Autolinee Regionall Ticinesi MOB Montreux Oberland Bernois RhB Rhätische Bahn (Disentis-Chur-Davos/St Moritz) SOB Sudostbahn SOB-bt Bodensee Toggenburg Bahn SSIF Societa Subalpina di Imprese Ferroviarie THURBO Mittelthrugau Bahn ZB Centralbahn InterRail holders get 50% discount on these other private train & bus services: AB Appenzeller Bahnen ASM Aare Seeland Mobil BB Kehrsiten - Bürgenstock CJ Chemins de fer du Jura FB Forchbahn GGB Gornergratbahn LAF Adliswil - Felsenegg LEB Lausanne - Echallens - Bercher MBC Bière - Apples - Morges MGB Matterhorn - Gotthard Bahn (Zermatt-Brig-Disentis), only with a youth InterRail, not adult or child) MVR Transports Montreux - Vevey - Riviera NStCM Chemin de Fer Nyon - St-Cergue - Morez PB Pilatusbahn (Alpnachstad-Pilatus Kulm/Kriens-Fräkmüntegg-Pil. Kulm) RA RegionAlps Martigny - Orsières / Le Chàble RB Rigi-Bahn RBS Regionalverkehr Bern Solothurn SMF-lsm Stöckalp - Melchsee - Frutt SMtS St-Imier - Mont-Soleil SthB Stanserhornbahn SZU Sihltal - Zürich - Uetliberg TMR Martigny - Châtelard TPC Transports publics du Chablais TPF Transports publics Fribourgeois TRAVYS SA TRN Transports régionaux Neuchâtelois WB Waldenburgerbahn WSB Wynental & Suhrentalbahn There's no discount at all for passholders on the Jungfraubahn.  Reservations & supplements to pay for national trains: Using an InterRail pass in Switzerland is easy, as there are no supplements to pay and a seat reservation is not required for any journey wholly within Switzerland.  This includes travelling on international TGV-Lyria and ICE trains on the Swiss part of their journey, where they normally form part of the regular-interval Swiss domestic train service.  You just hop on any train, find an empty seat and show your pass when asked.  The only exception to this is that a seat reservation is required and a supplement (CHF 10-20) is payable on one or two narrow-gauge tourist-orientated panoramic trains, such as the famous Glacier Express from Zermatt to St Moritz, the Bernina Express from Chur & St Moritz to Tirano or Golden Pass Panoramic trains from Montreux to Zweisimmen. Note that an InterRail only gives free travel on the RhB section of the Glacier Express route (Disentis-Chur-St Moritz), you'll need to buy a ticket for the MGB (Zermatt-Brig-Disentis) section.  Youth passholders get 50% discount on MGB, but adult & child passholders must pay full fare.  Both ticket and Glacier Express supplement can be bought before boarding the train, at any Swiss station. Reservations & supplements to pay for international trains: To Milan by daytime EuroCity trains from Zurich, Bern, Basel, Luzern, Lugano, Geneva:  Supplement 8 euros. To Innsbruck, Salzburg & Vienna from Zurich by RailJet train:  No supplement or reservation necessary. To Germany by IC & ICE trains:  No supplement or reservation necessary. To Paris by Lyria TGV high-speed trains from Zurich, Basel, Lausanne, Bern & Geneva:  Special passholder fares charged, about 10 euros. City Night Line sleeper trains from Zurich or Basel to Amsterdam, Prague, Berlin or Hamburg (per person):  Seat 17.50 euros, couchette in 6-bunk compartment 27.50 euros, couchette in 4-bunk compartment 37.50 euros, berth in 3-bed sleeper 50 euros, berth in 2-berth sleeper 70 euros, berth in single-berth sleeper 110 euros (all bookable with a 2nd class pass).  With 1st class pass, berth in 2-berth sleeper with shower 70 euros, berth in single-bed sleeper with shower 110 euros.  Book at www.bahn.de (do an enquiry on the journey planner, locate the direct sleeper train, click to check availability as if you were going to buy a normal ticket, then look for the 'Book only extra charge' link at the bottom and on the next page select 'Pass offer').
Turkey	InterRail passes give unlimited travel on these trains: All trains run by TCDD (Turkish State Railways), see the Train Travel in Turkey page for routes, train times & information. Reservations & supplements to pay for national trains: Supplement and reservation required for all pullman seats (1 or 2 euros), couchettes (maybe 5 euros) or sleepers (maybe 10 euros for a bed in a 2-bed room) on most long distance trains in Asian Turkey. Reservations & supplements to pay for international trains: Reservation obligatory on international trains from Istanbul to Sofia, Belgrade, Bucharest, Thessaloniki.  Couchette supplement about 9 euros, sleeper supplement about 15 euros for bed in 3-bed room, 25 euros for bed in 2-bed room.
United Kingdom	InterRail passes give unlimited travel on these trains: All the 20+ privatised train operators who together make up 'National Rail'.  Also valid on Northern Ireland railways.  They are not valid on London Underground. Remember that your InterRail passes don't cover trains in your home country, so if you're British you don't get any free travel in Britain or Northern Ireland. Reservations & supplements to pay for national trains: No surcharges to pay.  Seat reservation is never compulsory.  A supplement is payable to travel in a sleeper from London to Scotland or Cornwall.  See the Caledonian Sleeper page or the Cornwall sleeper page. Reservations & supplements to pay for international trains: Eurostar isn't covered.  Well, there's a £57 each way passholder fare, but regular fares start at £39 one-way, and are usually cheaper than the passholder fare if you're booking in advance.

The Thomas Cook European timetable has train, bus & ferry times for every country in Europe (eastern and western) plus currency and climate information.  It is definitely worth buying if you're planning an extensive tour with an InterRail pass - having your own comprehensive timetable puts you in control of your own trip, and saves you hours in queues for station information desks or struggling with station timetables which show only the most basic information.  It costs around £13.99 from the bureau de change section of any UK branch of Thomas Cook, or you can buy online at www.thomascooktimetables.com (with worldwide delivery).  Alternatively, you can buy the twice-yearly  Independent Traveller's edition at Amazon.co.uk.

The Thomas Cook Rail Map of Europe is easily the best and most comprehensive map of train routes all over Europe.  High speed and scenic routes are highlighted - well worth buying to go with your InterRail..!  Buy online at Amazon (with worldwide delivery).

Online timetables:  You can check train times for ANY European train journey online at http://bahn.hafas.de.  This is an extremely useful resource for trip planning, provided by the German Railways.

Recommended guidebooks:

If you're planning a grand tour, I strongly recommend investing in a Thomas Cook European Timetable for in-depth train information, and the relevant Lonely Planet Guide for in-depth country information on the sights to see, places to stay, places to eat.  Alternatively, the Europe by Rail guide combines basic train info with country information.

Click the images to buy online at Amazon.co.uk...

Or buy Lonely Planet guides direct from the Lonely Planet website, with shipping worldwide.

Budget backpacker hostels...

• www.hostelbookers.com:  If you're InterRailing on a tight budget, don't forget about the hostels.  Hostelbookers allows online booking of dorm beds or ultra-cheap private rooms in backpacker hostels in most European cities at budget prices.

Hotels & guesthouses...

It's easy to book hotels online to go with your InterRail pass, but there are almost too many hotel booking websites to choose from!  I recommend these three sites to find a hotel in most European countries:

• Hotels Combined.  This isn't a hotel booking site, but a free search tool that checks all the other sites, saving you hours on the internet going round in circles.  Highly recommended as the place to start when looking for a hotel anywhere worldwide!

Search by hotel name  Powered by Hotelscombined.com

◄◄◄◄◄ Search all the major hotel booking websites at once... www.hotelscombined.com is probably the best hotel search system I've seen, a free search tool which checks all the main hotel booking sites (Opodo, Expedia, Booking.com, Hotels.com, AsiaRooms, Travelocity, LateRooms and others) to find the cheapest hotel rates.  Set up in 2005, it's probably the best place to start for booking any hotel online in any country, worldwide.

• www.tripadvisor.com is a huge resource, and a good place to browse independent travellers' reviews of the main hotels.

• www.booking.com is my own preferred hotel booking system (Hotels Combined being a booking site comparison system).  It has a simple interface, a good selection in most countries worldwide, useful online customer reviews of each hotel, and decent prices, usually shown inclusive of unavoidable extras such as taxes (a pet hate of mine is systems that show one price, then charge you another!).

• www.venere.com has an especially good range for hotels and guesthouses in Italy, as they are an Italian-based company.  On this site, the price you see is the price you pay, no hidden extras, and you simply pay the hotel when you get there.  After you've booked, you can change or cancel your reservation in line with the hotel's own change and cancellation policy.

Get travel insurance, it's essential...

Never travel without insurance from a reliable travel insurer, with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover.  It should also cover loss of cash (up to a limit) and belongings, and cancellation. An annual multi-trip policy is usually cheaper than several single-trip policies even for just 2 or 3 trips a year (I have an annual policy myself).  Don't expect travel insurance to bail you out of every missed connection, but European international rail conditions of carriage (known as the 'CIV') contain consumer protection provisions that entitle you to travel forward by the next available train if you miss a connection because of a delay to the first train, irrespective of who operates which train, and even if your ticket is in theory train-specific and non-changeable.  Feedback from using insurance for rail & ferry travel is always welcome.  Here are some suggested insurers.  Seat61 gets a small commission if you buy through these links.

In the UK, try Columbus Direct or Go Travel Insurance, or use Confused.com to get a price comparison on a range of travel insurance providers, seeing policy features at a glance.

        If you live in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland or the EU, try Columbus Direct's other websites.

   If you live in the USA or Canada, try Travel Guard USA.

Get an EU health card, it's free...

If you're a UK citizen travelling in Europe, you should apply for a free European Health Insurance Card, which entitles you to free or reduced rate health care if you become ill or get injured in many European countries, under a reciprocal arrangement with the NHS.  This replaced the old E111 forms as from January 2006.  The EHIC card is available from www.ehic.org.uk.  It doesn't remove the need for travel insurance, though.

Get a spare credit card, one designed for foreign travel with no currency exchange loading & low or no ATM fees...

It costs nothing to take out an extra credit card.  If you keep it in a different part of your luggage so you're not left stranded if your wallet gets stolen, this is a form of extra travel insurance in itself.  In addition, some credit cards are significantly better for overseas travel than others.  Martin Lewis's www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-travel-money explains which UK credit cards have the lowest currency exchange commission loadings when you buy something overseas, and the lowest cash withdrawal fees when you use an ATM abroad.  Taking this advice can save you quite a lot on each trip compared to using your normal high-street bank credit card!  You can save money on ATM charges and exchange rates using a Caxton FX euro currency Visa Card, or indeed the multi-currency 'Global Traveller' Visa Card, find out about these cards & sign up here.

Get an international SIM card to save on mobile data and phone calls...

Mobile phones can cost a fortune to use abroad, and if you're not careful you can return home to find some huge bills waiting for you.  I've known people run up over £1,000 in data charges just by leaving their iPhone connected during a simple trip to Europe.  However, if you buy a global SIM card for your mobile phone from a company such as www.Go-Sim.com you can slash the cost by up to 85% and limit any damage to the amount you have pre-paid.  Go-Sim cuts call costs in 175 countries worldwide, and you can receive incoming calls and texts for free in 75 countries.  It's pay-as-you-go, so no nasty bills when you get home.  It also allows cheap data access for laptops & PDAs.  A Go-Sim account and any credit on it doesn't expire if it's not used between trips, unlike some others, so a Go-Sim phone number becomes your 'global phone number' for life.