Dreaming of watching the sunset in Lisbon, grabbing street food in Prague, or hiking in Slovenia – all in one trip? The DiscoverEU train pass might be your golden ticket. But this isn’t just about travel. It’s about how you travel – smarter, greener, and more meaningful. Find out how to apply and how travelling in Europe might become even greener in the future below.
What is DiscoverEU?
DiscoverEU is an EU initiative that gives 18-year-olds a free train pass to explore Europe. It’s part of the Erasmus+ programme and is designed to promote sustainable travel, cultural exchange, and youth mobility.
If you’re born between 1 July 2007 and 30 June 2008, you can apply for the next round, which opens on 8 April 2026 and closes on 22 April 2026 at midday Brussels time. Successful applicants get a travel pass valid for up to 30 days, plus a discount card for culture, accommodation, and local transport—all while traveling by train, the most eco-friendly way to see Europe.
- Free Travel: Get a free Interrail Global Pass to explore up to 33 countries by train.
- Sustainable Adventure: Traveling by train slashes your carbon footprint compared to flying.
- Cultural Perks: Access discounts on museums, hostels, and local experiences.
How to apply to DiscoverEU: A step-by-step guide
1. Check your eligibility
- You must be 18 years old (born between 1 July 2007 and 30 June 2008).
- You must be a citizen or legal resident of an EU Member State or a country associated with Erasmus (Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Türkiye)
2. Mark your calendar
- Applications open: 8 April 2026, 12:00 Brussels time
- Applications close: 22 April 2026, 12:00 Brussels time
- Travel period: 1 July 2026 to 30 September 2027
3. Prepare your documents
- Valid ID, passport, or residence permit number.
- Be ready to answer a short quiz on the EU
4. Apply online
- Visit the European Youth Portal and click “Apply Now” when the round opens.
- You can apply solo or with up to 4 friends (each must apply individually using your group code)
5. Wait for results
- If selected, you’ll receive your travel pass and discount card by email.
Pro tips for a successful application
With thousands of young people applying, it’s important to put your best foot forward. The DiscoverEU team uses a combination of quiz scores and, in some cases, a first-come, first-served approach if there are too many eligible applicants. That means applying early can give you an edge.
Take the time to research the quiz topics. The questions are usually about the EU, its history, and its youth initiatives, so a quick online search can help you prepare. If you’re applying with friends, make sure everyone is on the same page and submits their application on time.
Finally, start thinking about your itinerary. While you don’t need to have a detailed plan when you apply, having a rough idea of where you want to go can help you hit the ground running once you’re selected. Consider destinations that are easy to reach by train and offer a mix of culture, nature, and adventure.
Discover Europe the sustainable way
DiscoverEU isn’t just about free travel – it’s about experiencing Europe in a way that’s kind to the planet. You’ll receive a travel pass valid for up to 30 days, plus a discount card for museums, hostels, local transport, and more. The best part? You’ll be traveling by train, the most eco-friendly way to see the continent, and connecting with a community of young explorers just like you.
As the Greens/EFA in the European Parliament, we believe that travel should be as good for the planet as it is for the traveler. DiscoverEU is a fantastic opportunity to explore Europe in a way that aligns with our values of sustainability, inclusivity, and responsible tourism.
Want to travel even more sustainably? Here are our green tips:
Avoid Overtourism
Europe’s most famous cities are often crowded with tourists, which can put a strain on local communities and the environment. With DiscoverEU, you have the freedom to explore lesser-known destinations that are just as rich in culture and history. The program even suggests routes focused on sustainability, accessibility, and local experiences, so you can discover hidden gems and support communities that benefit from tourism.
Cities like Barcelona, Venice, and Amsterdam are struggling with too many visitors, which can:
- Push out local communities
- Damage ecosystems
- Strain infrastructure
So what can you do? Go off the beaten track and explore smaller cities, rural regions or lesser-known destinations. You’ll often get a more authentic experience – and better prices.
Tourism can also harm fragile environments. Where possible, choose destinations and activities that respect nature and local wildlife.
Embrace Slow Travel
Flying might seem faster, but it comes at a cost – especially for the climate. Choosing trains or other shared transport like buses or carpooling means:
- Lower emissions per passenger
- Less environmental damage
- A more relaxed, scenic travel experience
We believe public policy should support this shift by:
- Expanding subsidies for train travel so it’s cheaper than flying
- Offering affordable season tickets for young people
- Introducing a kerosene tax on aviation fuel to level the playing field
Right now, flying is often artificially cheap. That needs to change.
Instead of rushing through as many cities as possible, consider spending more time in fewer places. Slow travel allows you to immerse yourself in local culture, reduce your carbon footprint, and create deeper connections with the people and places you visit. It’s also a great way to save money, as you’ll spend less on transport and more on experiences.
Act sustainably
Small changes can make a big difference. Pack a refillable water bottle, reusable cutlery, and a tote bag to avoid single-use plastics. Choose eco-friendly accommodations, eat at local restaurants, and support small businesses. By traveling responsibly, you’ll leave a positive impact on the places you visit.
The Greens/EFA proposals for more sustainable travel
DiscoverEU is a step in the right direction, but we believe more can be done to make sustainable travel accessible to everyone. At Greens/EFA, we’re advocating for policies that support low-carbon mobility and responsible tourism.
We’re calling for subsidies to make train travel more affordable, cheap season tickets to encourage frequent use of public transport, and a kerosene tax to reflect the true environmental cost of flying. We also want to see greater investment in rail infrastructure, so that trains are faster, more reliable, and more widely available across Europe.
Our vision is a future where everyone can explore the world without harming the planet. By supporting policies that prioritise sustainability, we can ensure that programs like DiscoverEU continue to grow and inspire the next generation of travelers.
Individual choices matter—but systemic change matters more. To make sustainable travel the norm, not the exception, we’re pushing for:
Cheaper and Better Trains
Train travel should be:
- Affordable
- Reliable
- Accessible across Europe
Fair Pricing Between Planes and Trains
Right now, aviation benefits from tax exemptions. That’s why we support:
- A kerosene tax on aviation fuel
- Ending unfair subsidies for airlines
Youth Mobility Support
Young people should be able to explore Europe regardless of income. That’s why programmes like DiscoverEU must be expanded.
