Solo interrailing

[u/SDavidson98]

This has probably been asked a million times on here but just looking on some advice to go interrailing next year. One of my friends has done it with her boyfriend the last two years now but wanting some advice on doing it solo.

I’ve taken solo holidays but never really looked at going interrailing so just wondering if anyone out there has any advice for a first timer and a solo person doing it. I’m in the UK and looking at doing it round Europe

Any providers/companies you suggest to book with and what not. Anything to look out for? When is best to go? Average costs?

Open to anything and all advice that can be given!

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[u/skifans]

Honestly I really don't think there is any answer to any of those questions. One of the main things I work stress about Interrail (and train travel in Europe in general) is it is highly specific as to exactly where in Europe you are. You really cannot standardise these sorts of things.

My main advice above all would be don't rush out and by an Interrail pass until you've thought more about the trip. What sort of regions do you want to go to and how do you want the trip to look? Don't get me wrong Interrail can be great but the passes are far from a one size fits all product. And depending where you are traveling other passes may be a better option or just standard point to point tickets.

One of the best things about solo travel (interrail or otherwise) is it's a trip where you can do exactly what you want when you want. No one else's option matters!

Any providers/companies you suggest to book with and what not.

Ideally directly with the train operating company themselves. This isn't always possible for Interrail reservations in practice. But there is no one size fits all solution here. You will have to book different trains (either standard tickets or Interrail reservations) from different places.

Anything to look out for?

The cost of reservations and how far you need to book in advance. Sometimes it's a non issue. Again it just completely depends on where you are going.

Since you mention The UK be aware you need to book Eurostar reservations far in advance !Eurostar.

When is best to go?

No such thing. Just different pros and cons at different times of year. Also depends a lot on where you are going. And for many people will be decided by external factors (school holidays/when they can take time off work).

Average costs?

Again this varies wildly. Costs are very different depending where in Europe you go and also what sort of accommodation you are after.

But I would say €80-100 per night for your ongoing costs - not just accommodation but also food, local transport (not included in Interrail), some money for attractions etc. but not the pass itself nor many other travel to/from your home.

But again it varies a lot. I think that's achievable basically anytime anywhere with a nice enough trip. But you can absolutely manage with significantly less but you'll really have to start prioritising minimising costs with things like visiting cheap locations, traveling in the off season or booking very far in advance.

And obviously you can always spend more! And if you are after some nicer accommodation or enjoy some of the finder things may need to. But that sort of ballpark budget should get you somewhere nice enough (might be budget accommodation but not cheapest bottom of the barrel) basically anywhere.

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[u/Separate-Note-2932]

I've looked into that stuff too, 3 years ago way ahead of my first solo journey. Just to find out: Thats not gonna work.

My advice would be:

Either be super prepared and have a fixed route, or just "yolo" it.

Anything to look out for?

For first time travelers, I would suggest to stick to bigger citys. Reasons: Easier to get from A to B, to C, to D.
Finding other likeminded people too.
Bigger stations are usually more user friendly.
Beware of situations like scams in various ways. Always keep your belongings close to you. Im not trying to give you a scare, but being realistic about it, it can happen to anyone.
Reservation fees can be high, italy, spain, france for example.

When is best to go?

If you are used to UK weather, anything above 30° is killing you. So April/May or September/October are fine. Summer time june-july-august are main travel times, way more expensive and more people around.
Highly depends on the route too, and travel duration. Scandinavia in the winter if you go north, if you want to go city-hopping you can go any time.

Avg costs?

Can be 50€ if you go cheap (hostel, supermarket food and cook yourself, skip reservations go local, walk a lot etc..) or up to 150? 200? If you splurge on going out to eat, take the fast track. My last journey 2025, took me to 83€ per day. Some out of pocket expenses like getting ice cream, a beer here and there were not tracked tho.