Regional trains
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Regional trains truly capture what European train travel is all about. They can take you everywhere - from the smallest villages to the continent's bustling capital cities. Travelling on a budget? Most regional trains don’t require any reservations, so you can travel on them for free with your Interrail Pass.
Why regional trains?
Regional trains are a great way to get around Europe – and more often than not, they’re free with your Interrail pass. While they aren't as fast or luxurious as high-speed trains, they’re still a comfortable way of travelling. You’ll find toilet facilities on board and there’s sometimes the chance to buy snacks and drinks, with some lines also offering Wi-Fi!
Here are some benefits to travelling with regional trains on your Interrail trip:
Discover the smaller off-the-beaten-track destinations that can only be reached by regional train.
Avoid having to make and pay for a reservation. Most regional trains don't require them.
Missed your train? Hop on the next one! Regional trains allow you to be flexible as frequent services usually operate.
Meet the locals and get a glimpse into the culture of the country you’re in.
Where can I go with regional trains?
Reservations for regional trains
One of the best things about regional trains is that you don’t usually need to worry about reserving a seat. Feel free to hop on and off whenever you like!
There are exceptions of regional trains that do need to be reserved in advance, such as airport services and some InterCity and EuroCity trains. These are fast regional trains that make fewer stops and operate between the bigger cities. They appear in the Interrail timetable as "IC" and "EC" and you can usually make your reservations for them at the train station.
Do you want to avoid reservations while planning your trip? In the Interrail timetable, simply check the box that states ‘avoid trains that require reservations'.