The Ultimate Guide to Youth and Student Discounts on Rail Passes and Train Tickets in Europe
The Ultimate Guide to Youth and Student Discounts on Rail Passes and Train Tickets in Europe
Travelling Europe by train is still the best way for students and young people to experience the continent. But with so many different passes and ticket options, getting the right discounts can be baffling.
We’ve made things easy for you and have brought together all the ways to get cheap European train travel with student and youth rail passes.
Europe Student Rail Pass Promotions
Before I jump into country-specific cheap train tickets and rail passes for students, don’t miss out on these deals ending soon. Please, take note:
- Interrail is for European citizens and residents of Europe (you’ll need to show proof, like an official residency card)
- Eurail is for non-European citizens and non-European residents
50% OFF Interrail Global Pass FLASH SALE! Get 50% OFF Interrail 1-month, 2-month and 3-month Global Passes. Hurry ends 10 May! Please, share with your friends!
50% OFF Interrail Global Pass Flash Sale!
- 50% OFF selected Interrail Global Passes
- + 25% OFF students & young people (27 years & under)
- Buy now & travel up to 11 months later
- FREE instant mobile pass + FREE replacement
- Hurry offer ends: 10 May 2022
25% OFF Eurail Global Pass
- 25% OFF students & young people (27 years & under)
- Buy now & travel up to 11 months later
- FREE instant mobile pass + FREE replacement
- Hurry offer ends soon!
If you’re a student or young person planning to travel by train in the UK, look no further than the 16-25 Railcard or 26-30 Railcard, which give 1/3 OFF discounts on rail travel.
Student and Youth European Train Pass Discounts and Cheaper Rail Tickets – Quick Links
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– Interrail Italy, Eurail Italy, Green Card (Carta Verde) – Interrail Spain, Eurail Spain, +Renfe Joven 50 Card, Renfe Joven Card and European Youth Card – Interrail Benelux, Eurail Benelux, Benelux Youth Tickets s – Interrail France, France Rail Pass, Carte Avantage Jeune – Interrail Germany, German Rail Pass, BahnCard 25
Before you dive in a word of caution. You should carefully assess your own situation and travel plans to make sure you’re getting the best possible savings.
For example, Interrail and Eurail passes might not always give you the best deal. They’re great if you want the flexibility to travel where you want on your trip and are not taking trains with lots of supplements. But in many cases, it can work out cheaper to buy individual tickets.
Similarly, if you’re planning to stay in a European country longer-term annual passes can get you great discounts. You’ll need to weigh these options up against getting cheap advance tickets which may exclude youth discounts.
Italy: Youth & Student Train Passes & Rail Discounts
Young people and students in Italy people get discounts on Interrail and Eurail train passes and cheaper rail tickets with a Green Card (Carta Verde)
There are three options to get discounted youth train passes and travel in Italy. Interrail (for European citizens) and Eurail (non-European citizens) are best for shorter-term trips.
For young people staying in Italy for a longer time, the Green Card (Carta Verde) offers discounts on rail travel for one year.
Interrail Italy: SAVE 20% on Youth Passes
The Interrail Italy Youth Pass is for European citizens travelling in Italy by train for up to one month.
Interrail Italy Youth Pass essentials:
- youth travellers get 18% OFF second class and 20% OFF first class *
- you must be 25 or under to qualify for a youth pass
- available for 3, 4, 6 or 8 days travel within one month
- unlimited trains on travel days
- European citizens or residents only
- FREE delivery with Interrail
* Average saving of Interrail Italy Youth Pass compared to adult prices on the Interrail website
Eurail Italy: SAVE 20% on Youth Passes
The Eurail Italy Youth Pass is for non-European residents travelling in Italy by train for up to one month.
Eurail Italy Youth Pass essentials:
- youth travellers get 17% OFF standard class and 20% OFF first class *
- you must be 25 or under to qualify for a Youth Pass
- available for 3, 4, 5 or 8 days travel within one month
- unlimited trains on travel days
- non-European residents only
- FREE delivery with Eurail
* Average saving of Eurail Italy Youth Pass compared to adult prices on the Eurail website
Green Card (Carta Verde): 10% OFF trains in Italy
If you’re spending more time in Italy you should consider buying a ‘Carta Verde’ (Green Card) which gives discounted rail travel to students and young people.
Green Card (Carta Verde) essentials:
- youth travellers get 10% OFF base fares (Standard, Premium and Business class) on all national trains including sleeper and couchette services
- 25% OFF base fares for international trains and trains participating in RailPlus
- you must be aged between 12 and 25 years to qualify for a Green Card
- passport or valid ID needed for identification
- Green Card can be bought at a railway station or authorised agent in Italy
- costs €40 for a one-year Green Card
Green Card base fare discounts explained
The Green Card only gives discounts on the base fare (full fare without other discounts). This means it’s great for students and young people who travel at short notice. If you plan ahead and purchase tickets in advance you’re more likely to get bigger savings, however.
Discounts are only valid on national trains and do not include regional trains.
The Green Card wins over the Interrail or Eurail Passes if you’re a student or young person spending a year in Italy and intend to do some travelling both in Italy or neighbouring countries.
Spain: Youth & Student Train Passes & Rail Discounts
Young people and students in Spain get discounts on Interrail train passes and cheaper rail tickets with Renfe Youth Card ( which includes a Carné Joven, European Youth Card and IYTC) and +Renfe Joven 50 Card
In Spain, there are four options to get discounted youth train passes and travel. Interrail (for European citizens) on shorter trips. Then there’s Eurail (non-European citizens), but this does not offer specific discounts for young people.
There are a few options for younger people staying in Spain to get discounted train tickets for a longer time. Firstly there are European Youth Cards: the type you get depends on if you buy them when you’re in Spain or before you travel. Additionally, you can also use an International Youth Travel Card (IYTC) in Spain.
There is also the +Renfe Joven Card.
Interrail Spain: SAVE 20% on Youth Passes
The Interrail Spain Youth Pass is for European citizens travelling in Spain by train for up to one month.
Interrail Spain Youth Pass essentials:
- youth travellers get 13% OFF standard class and 20% OFF first class *
- you must be 25 or under to qualify for a youth pass
- available for 3, 4, 6 or 8 days travel within one month
- unlimited trains on travel days
- European citizens or residents only
- FREE delivery with Interrail
* Average saving of Interrail Spain Youth Pass compared to adult prices on the Interrail website
Eurail Spain: SAVE 20% on Youth Passes
The Eurail Spain Pass is for non-European residents travelling in Spain by train for up to one month.
Eurail Spain Pass essentials:
- youth travellers get 13% OFF standard class and 20% OFF first class *
- young people must buy an adult pass: there are no Eurail Spain student or youth passes
- available for 3, 4, 5 or 8 days travel within one month
- unlimited trains on travel days
- non-European residents only
- FREE delivery with Eurail
+Renfe Joven 50 Card: Up to 30% OFF trains in Spain
The +Renfe Joven 50 Card offers the best discounts of up to 30% OFF train travel in Spain. Anyone between the age of 14 and 25 years old can apply for a +Renfe Joven 50 Card. It’s an ideal option for young people or students who travel by train in Spain.
You’ll automatically be signed up for the Renfe loyalty programme, where you can exchange points for discounts on train tickets or hotels.
+Renfe Joven 50 Card essentials:
- youth travellers get 30% OFF base rate fares on AVE (high-speed) and long-distance trains in Spain
- 25% OFF Avant (mid-distance high-speed), mid-distance and regional trains
- you must be aged between 14 and 25 years to qualify for a +Renfe Joven Card
- +Renfe Joven 50 Card costs €50
Renfe Youth Card (Carné Joven) and European Youth Cards: 20% OFF trains in Spain
If you’re on a longer stay in Spain there are a few options available for discounted student and youth rail travel:
All of these card quality for these discounts:
- youth travellers get 20% OFF domestic mid-distance high-speed, mid-distance and regional trains
- 5% OFF domestic long-distance high-speed trains
- 25% OFF international high-speed trains between Spain and France
- you must be aged between 14 and 25 years old to qualify for Youth Card (Carné Joven) discounts
How to get a Renfe Youth Card ‘Carné Joven’?
The Renfe Youth Card (Carné Joven) gives a range of offers at regional, national and international levels.
To get hold of a Renfe Youth Card (Carné Joven) you must be a Spanish national or a foreigner who is doing some kind of business or employment in Spain. You can’t get hold of a Carné Joven until you have an NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) which is a Spanish tax identification number for foreigners (similar to a British National Insurance number).
So the Carné Joven will only be applicable if you’re a foreigner living and working in Spain.
How to get a European Youth Card?
It’s also possible to get a European Youth Card if you’re under the age of 30 (26 in some countries). You do not have to be a student or resident of any European country.
The European Youth Card differs in price from €5 to €19. Find out more on the EYCA website.
Regardless of the different types of European Youth Card, the important thing is that anyone under the age of 30 can get it and you get discounted youth train travel in Spain.
How to get an International Youth Travel Card (IYTC)
The International Youth Travel Card (IYTC) will also get you the same discounts in Spain as if you had a Renfe Youth Card. You must be a student to qualify for an IYTC.
The International Youth Travel Card (IYTC) can be ordered locally, depending on where you live.
Students and young people get discounts on Interrail and Eurail train passes and cheaper rail tickets with Benelux Youth Tickets in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg – © The Train Hacker images/Chris P King
Benelux (Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg): Student and Youth Rail Passes and Discounts on Train Travel
In the Benelux countries, there are three options to get discounted youth train passes and travel. Interrail (for European citizens) and Eurail (non-European citizens) are best for shorter-term trips.
For young people staying in any of the Benelux countries for a longer time, Benelux Youth train tickets offer discounts all the time.
Interrail Benelux – SAVE 28% on Youth passes
The Interrail Benelux Youth Pass is for European citizens travelling in the Benelux countries (Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg) by train for up to one month.
Interrail Benelux Youth Pass essentials:
- youth travellers get 28% OFF standard class and 20% OFF first class *
- you must be 25 or under to qualify for a youth pass
- available for 3, 4, 6 or 8 days travel within one month
- unlimited trains on travel days
- European citizens or residents only
- FREE delivery with Interrail
* Average saving of Interrail Benelux Youth Pass compared to adult prices on the Interrail website
Eurail Benelux – SAVE 20% on Youth Passes
The Eurail Benelux Youth Pass is for non-European residents travelling in the Benelux countries (Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg) by train for up to one month.
Eurail Benelux Youth Pass essentials:
- youth travellers get 18% OFF standard class and 20% OFF first class *
- you must be 25 or under to qualify for a youth pass
- available for 3, 4, 5 or 8 days travel within one month
- unlimited trains on travel days
- non-European residents only
- FREE delivery with Eurail
* Average saving of Eurail Benelux Youth Pass compared to adult prices on the Eurail website
Benelux Youth Tickets – 35% OFF trains in Benelux countries
If you’re just travelling within the Benelux countries (Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg) you can get cheaper ‘Benelux Youth’ tickets for young people and students. Unlike other schemes in Europe you do not need a special card to purchase tickets.
Benelux Youth train tickets essentials:
- youth travellers get 35% OFF standard (second class) fares on journeys between stations in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg (see * exclusions below)
- you must be 25 years or younger to qualify for Benelux Youth tickets
- passport or valid ID required for proof of age while travelling
- advance, on the day, seat reservation and non-seat reservations travel available
- tickets valid for travel on the day and up to two months for return journeys
- Benelux Youth tickets can be purchased online and at ticket machines and train stations
Benelux Youth is a great deal, and with no card required an easy option to get cheaper train tickets.
How to buy Benelux Youth tickets online?
All Benelux Youth tickets can be bought online from the following rail organisations:
* Benelux Youth exclusions – tickets are not available on Dutch trains departing on weekdays before 9 am (except weekdays in July and August and most public holidays).
France – Student and Youth Rail Passes and Discounts on Train Travel
Students and young people get discounts on Interrail and France Rail Pass train passes and cheaper rail tickets with an SNCF Youth Card (Carte Jeune) in France – Image credit: ironypoisoning
In France, there are three options to get discounted youth train passes and travel. Interrail (for European citizens) and Eurail (non-European citizens) are best for shorter-term trips.
For young people staying in France for a longer time, the SNCF Youth Card (Carte Jeune) offers discounts for one year.
Interrail France – SAVE 26% on Youth Passes
The Interrail France Youth Pass is for European citizens travelling in France by train for up to one month.
Interrail France Youth Pass essentials:
- youth travellers get 26% OFF standard class and 20% OFF first class *
- you must be 25 or under to qualify for a youth pass
- available for 3, 4, 6 or 8 days travel within one month
- unlimited trains on travel days
- European citizens or residents only
- FREE delivery with Interrail
* Average saving of Interrail France youth pass compared to adult prices on the Interrail website
France Rail Pass – SAVE 28% on Youth passes
The France Rail Pass is for non-European residents travelling in France by train for up to one month.
- youth travellers get 28% OFF standard class and 20% OFF first class *
- you must be 25 or under to qualify for a youth pass
- available for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 15 days travel within one month
- unlimited trains on travel days
- non-European residents only (USA, Canada and Mexico order on a different website to other countries)
* Average saving of youth France Rail Pass compared to adult prices on the Rail Europe website.
Unfortunately, the France Rail Pass is longer available. I recommend an Interrail or Eurail One Country France pass as alternatives.
Carte Avantage Jeune – up to 30% OFF rail travel in France
If you’re spending a long time in France you should consider buying a Carte Avantage Jeune (an SNCF rail discount card). It is exceptional value for discounted youth and student rail travel.
Compared to other youth rail travel schemes in Europe, the Carte Avantage Jeune is an excellent deal.
Carte Avantage Jeune essentials:
- youth travellers get 30% OFF on first and second class tickets on travel on TGV Inoui and Intercites trains.
- 25% OFF TER (local trains) and up to 50% OFF
- 30% OFF on some TGV international services
- get the discounts for you and up to three children
- benefit from last-minute deals reserved for Carte Avantage Jeune SNCF discount cardholders
- up to 15% OFF the train bar and Avis rental car
- costs €49 for one year
- you must be aged between 12 and 27 to qualify for a Youth Card
How to buy a Carte Avantage Jeune?
Germany – Student and Youth Rail Passes and Discounts on Train Travel
Students and young people get discounts on Interrail and German Rail Pass train passes and cheaper rail tickets with a BahnCard 25 in Germany
There are three options to get discounted youth train passes and travel in Germany. Interrail (for European citizens) and Eurail (non-European citizens) are best for shorter-term trips.
For young people staying in Germany for a longer time, a BahnCard 25 offers discounts for one year.
Interrail Germany – SAVE 26% on Youth Passes
The Interrail Germany Youth Pass is for European citizens travelling in Germany by train for up to one month.
Interrail Germany Youth Pass essentials:
- youth travellers get 26% OFF standard class and 20% OFF first class *
- you must be 25 or under to qualify for a youth pass
- available for 3, 4, 6 or 8 days travel within one month
- unlimited trains on travel days
- European citizens or residents only
- FREE delivery with Interrail
* Average saving of Interrail Germany Youth Pass compared to adult prices on the Interrail website
German Rail Pass – SAVE 20% on Youth Passes
The German Rail Pass is for non-European residents travelling in Germany by train for up to one month.
- youth travellers get 20% OFF standard class and 20% OFF first class *
- you must be 25 or under to qualify for a youth pass
- available for 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 12, 15 or 19 days travel within one month
- unlimited trains on travel days
- non-European residents only (USA, Canada and Mexico order on a different website to other countries
BahnCard 25 – 25% OFF train travel in Germany
If you’re spending more time in Germany you should consider buying a BahnCard 25 (from Deutsche Bahn) which gives students and young people discounted travel. The BahnCard 25 is aimed at occasional travellers and families and isn’t just for young people.
BahnCard 25 essentials:
- youth travellers get 25% OFF normal train fares (Normalpreise) and Saver Fares (Sparpreis)
- 25% OFF normal train fares (Normalpreise) and Saver Fares (Europa Spezial) on international trains departing Germany
- second class and first class BahnCard 25 options available
- includes ICE high-speed train services
- there is no age limit to qualify for a BahnCard 25
- the BahnCard 25 can be bought online or at train stations in Germany
- costs €62 (second class) or €125 (first class) for a one-year card
BahnCard 25 discounts explained
The BahnCard 25 offers 25% OFF discounts on domestic and international full fares, and advanced purchase Saver Fares (Sparpreis). Plus you can use your BahnCard 25 on ICE high-speed train journeys.
You can soon rack up some big savings if you’re purchasing advance Saver Fares (Sparpreis) and using BahnCard 25.
How to buy a BahnCard 25?
You can buy a BahnCard 25 online and get it delivered to a UK address. You’ll need some proof of your age during the booking process. While you’re waiting for the BahnCard 25 to arrive you’ll get a temporary online card that you can use straight away.
Jugend BahnCard 25
Travellers between the age of 6 and 18 can get a Jugend BahnCard 25 which gives the same discounts as the BahnCard 25. A parent or guardian must provide their signature to order a Jugent BahnCard.
Discounted European Train Passes for Youth and Students
As you’ve seen, there are plenty of ways to save on train fares in Europe for students and young people. It’s important to make sure you’re getting the right pass or tickets for your situation.
Start saving today and enjoy cheaper rail tickets and youth train passes in Europe.
And if you’re a student or young person travelling to the UK, check out discount code reductions with a 16-25 Railcard. The card gives young people 1/3 OFF train travel in Britain and is a must if you’re visiting the country for a few months or more and are planning to do some travelling by train.
Ways to SAVE on Train Travel and Rail Passes in Europe
Travelling Europe by train is easy due to the comprehensive and up to date rail network. SAVE money on train travel and rail passes with these discount codes and deals.