Youth travel · DiscoverEU
DiscoverEU: apply for a travel pass and plan Europe with friends
Your first big trip could start with a travel pass and a few friends. Here is how DiscoverEU works, what to prepare, and how to plan your adventure together.
By Railey · Published and information checked
DiscoverEU deadline
Applications close in
What is DiscoverEU?
DiscoverEU is part of Erasmus+. It offers selected 18-year-olds a funded travel pass to explore Europe, mainly by train, plus a discount card for services including accommodation and cultural activities. Applying is an opportunity to be selected, rather than a guaranteed free trip.
Read the official DiscoverEU overviewWho can apply in October 2026?
This round is for people born between 1 January and 31 December 2008 who meet the citizenship or residence requirements. Eligible places include EU countries, certain associated territories, Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, and Türkiye. You need an ID, passport, or residence permit number.
Check the complete official eligibility rules before applying.
Can you apply with friends?
Yes: a group can include up to five eligible people. The leader completes the quiz and tie-breaker question, then shares their application code. Each friend must register using that code and complete their own details before the deadline. Only the leader answers the quiz.
Choose your leader together and make sure everyone finishes their registration. Keep your confirmation email and application code. See the official application procedure.
What will you still need to pay for?
Budget for accommodation, food, basic insurance, travel supplements, and personal expenses. The pass does not cover everything. Check the funding rules and exceptions before booking.
Understand your Interrail trip costsFive tips for your first trip together
Agree on a budget first
Decide together what you can spend on beds, food, activities, and reservations. Leave room for unexpected costs so nobody feels pressured to overspend.
Choose fewer stops
Pick your must-see places, then leave time to enjoy them. A slower route gives you more room for rest days and changes of plan.
Count travel days, not cities
Sketch which days you will actually move between destinations. Check the pass rules before deciding how many stops fit your trip.
Check reservations early
Before committing to a route, check whether your chosen trains need reservations and what they cost. Confirm availability with the operator or official pass service.
Plan while you wait
Build a flexible shortlist after applying. Wait for selection and your confirmed pass details before making non-refundable bookings that depend on the award.
Applied with friends? Plan together in Railey.
Railey is a great fit for a DiscoverEU group: build one route, share the trip link, and let friends help edit the same itinerary. Keep stops, trains, stays, activities, notes, and booking links together so everyone can see the plan.
After applying, start with the places you each want to visit. Arrange your stops, decide how long to stay, and adjust the itinerary around your confirmed pass if selected. You can start planning for free without an account.
Railey is an independent planning tool. Applications and travel passes are handled through the official DiscoverEU programme. Confirm train times, reservations, and purchases with the relevant provider.