Why the Eurail Pass is the Best Way for Students to Travel Europe While Studying Abroad

Studying abroad is one of the most exciting opportunities a college student can have. Between classes, cultural experiences, and making new friends, many students also want to use their weekends to explore Europe. The easiest and most affordable way to do this? With the Eurail Pass.

Travel Europe Every Weekend

When our middle son spent a semester abroad, he used his free time to visit a different country almost every weekend during his internship. With a Eurail Pass, he was able to jump on high-speed trains and go from Paris to Amsterdam one weekend, then from Florence to Venice the next, without the hassle of booking individual plane tickets or spending money on extra baggage fees. The pass gave him the flexibility to explore new cities and cultures while staying on budget.

Why the Eurail Pass is Perfect for Students

For students, the Eurail Pass offers both flexibility and affordability—two things that matter most when you’re living on a student budget. Here’s why it works so well:

• Affordable Options: Students under 27 often qualify for discounted Eurail Passes, making it one of the cheapest ways to cover long distances.

• Unlimited Travel Days: Passes are available for anywhere from a few travel days per month to unlimited use within a set period.

• Ease of Use: Instead of buying separate tickets in each country, one pass works across more than 30 European countries.

• Central Stations: Trains arrive in the heart of cities, saving money and time compared to flying.

Popular Student-Friendly Routes

With a Eurail Pass, students can easily plan quick weekend getaways without breaking the bank. Some of the most popular student routes include:

• Paris to Amsterdam (3.5 hours): Perfect for a weekend of museums, canals, and nightlife.

• Barcelona to Madrid (2.5 hours): Enjoy Spain’s two most exciting cities back-to-back.

• Munich to Prague (4.5 hours): Explore Germany’s beer gardens and the Gothic charm of Prague.

• Florence to Venice (2 hours): Spend the weekend soaking up art and gondola rides.

• Vienna to Budapest (2.5 hours): Experience two capitals rich in history and student-friendly culture.

With dozens of routes like these, students can maximize their time abroad and check multiple destinations off their bucket list.

Business Class vs. Regular Class for Students

Most students travel in Regular (Second) Class, which is affordable, comfortable, and filled with other young travelers. For longer journeys or exam-week stress relief, upgrading to First (Business) Class can offer perks like extra legroom, quieter cars, and complimentary snacks. But for students on a budget, Regular Class has everything they need.

Where to Get More Information

If you or your student is studying abroad, start planning now. The official Eurail website (www.eurail.com) has all the details on passes, prices, and discounts for youth under 27. It’s the go-to place to compare options and decide which pass best fits your travel style.

Travel Tip for Students Abroad: Encourage your student to register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) through the U.S. Department of State. This free service sends important safety updates and travel alerts directly to their phone or email while abroad. For example, when my son was studying in Italy, he received advance notice of a planned train strike and was able to adjust his travel schedule accordingly. It’s a simple step that can make navigating Europe much smoother and safer.