Rail travel is becoming increasingly popular, offering a more modern, faster, and more comfortable way to get around. It is also one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transport, with a carbon footprint more than three times smaller than road travel and over eight times smaller than air travel.

The European Union is helping to make the dream of long-distance rail journeys a reality. Through DiscoverEU, part of the Erasmus+ programme, young people can explore the diverse cultures across the EU and connect with others from different countries.

DiscoverEU offers 35,500 free train tickets to eligible applicants. To apply, you must have been born between 1 January and 31 December 2006 and be a citizen of an EU member state or an Erasmus+ associated country. Applications are submitted via the European Youth Portal, where you must complete a quiz about the EU. Your answers will determine your ranking and whether you are selected as a winner.

Successful applicants will receive a free train ticket to travel across Europe. Whether you dream of exploring Switzerland, France, Italy, or Croatia, this programme has something for you. In addition, those awarded the ticket will receive a discount card, valid at over 40,000 locations, including museums, galleries, sports facilities, and public transport.

The lucky winners can embark on their journey for up to 30 days between 1 March 2025 and 31 May 2026.

DiscoverEU, which has been running periodically since 2018, has already given more than 250,000 young Europeans the chance to explore the cultural treasures of the continent. Applications for the current edition close soon, with the deadline set for 16 October at 12:00 CET, so apply quickly!

Source: youth.europa.eu