3 semaines à travers l’Europe en train: mon itinéraire

Looking for the perfect 3-week Interrail itinerary? During my trip, I visited six countries, travelled entirely by train, and explored a mix of famous cities and hidden gems. In this guide, I’ll share my exact route, budget, and everything I learned along the way.

What is an interrail pass?

If you’ve ever dreamed of travelling across Europe by train, an Interrail Pass is one of the easiest and most flexible ways to do it.

The pass allows European residents to travel on thousands of trains across more than 30 countries with a single ticket. Depending on the pass you choose, you can travel for a certain number of days within a set period, making it perfect for backpacking trips or multi-country adventures.

Discover Eu organizes a giveaway every year and offers hundreds of passes for people who turned 18.

The one I chose is the Global Pass with 7 flexible days of travel within a month for 286€ ( tips : wait for the winter sales to buy it)

Do you need reservations?

Some trains require seat reservations (night trains for exemple), it costs around 8€. It’s because those trains are packed! But you can choose to only take trains that don’t require reservations. With Interrail you itinerary is always flexible! 

When I started planning my Interrail trip, I quickly realised there were hundreds of possible routes. Instead of trying to see as many countries as possible, I wanted to combine vibrant cities, nature, and affordable destinations while keeping travel times reasonable. This itinerary is the exact route I followed, and looking back, I wouldn’t change much.

Day-by-day itinerary 🗺️

Paris (1 day)

As I live in France I didn’t want to spend too much time in Paris, because I can always go back.But I still wanted to spend one day in Paris, because you can’t miss the capital of France. There are a lot of museums to see, and Montmartre is a neighborhood you can’t miss. I would really recommend spending an afternoon there.

🚆Getting there:

We took a train to Paris CDG airport, which is actually quite far from the city center. We had to pay €14 to get into Paris, so if you can, I recommend arriving at one of the central train stations instead. It can save you quite a bit of money and time

🏠Where we stayed:

We stayed at hotelF1 Saint-Ouen. It was very cheap (€[PRICE]) and we had a small room, but honestly, it did the job perfectly for one night. It was only a few metro stops from the city center, which made it a convenient base for exploring Paris.

🌺My highlights:

Montmartre: we climbed to the top to get one of the best views of Paris. The neighborhood used to be a meeting place for many artists in the 20th century, and you can still feel that artistic atmosphere today. I loved just walking around and taking it all in.

Musée de l’Orangerie : one of my favorite stops. You can see Claude Monet’s famous Water Lilies here. And if you’re under 26 and an EU resident, admission is free, which makes it even better!

❤️ Would I recommend it?
Yes! If you’ve never been to Paris, you should definitely visit. There are so many things to see and do, and of course, so many cute cafés to try. Plus, Paris is known for its amazing food, and as a French person, I can only agree! 🥐

Interlaken (3 days)

Interlaken is a city between two lakes, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. That’s what makes it perfect because there is a lot to discover. It is also very close to the Oeschinen Lake (1h train ride) so bring your hiking shoes with you and be prepared for breathtaking landscapes. The water in Switzerland is just so clear and blue. In the summer it’s perfect for a swim and very calm. 

🏠Where we stayed:

We chose the Balmers’ Hostel, as it was the cheapest accommodation in town. Balmers has some of the highest hostel ratings on Hostelworld, with a 9.5/10 rating from thousands of travelers.
The shared kitchen was very practical for us to save money.
This hostel was very welcoming and it made it easy to meet people from everywhere around the world. The staff was so nice and many activities were organized during the week like a karaoke or a picnic at sunset.

⛰️ What made this trip special:

Without a doubt, hiking to Oeschinen Lake was the best thing I did in Switzerland. The trail offers breathtaking alpine scenery, and reaching the turquoise lake felt incredibly rewarding. We spent the afternoon relaxing by the water before we continued hiking a bit higher to have an even better view of the lake. If you feel like doing some physical activities in the Interlaken region, I highly recommend this hike. 

Kayaking on Lake Thun : After I took a swim in the lake we decided to rent a kayak at Mountainsurf, they have very affordable prices. (Costs 25CHF)  You have incredible views of the mountain and the atmosphere is really calm, you are only surrounded by crystal clear water. It is a completely different way to explore the region, compared to hiking.

💶Budget: Switzerland is expensive so I would recommend cooking for yourself and avoid restaurants. Besides, they have really good pastries and sandwiches. 

• tips : switzerland currency is CHF, and if you want to pay with by card there will be an extra charge to change currency, so try to use revolut or trade republic which are online international banks, that way you’ll be able to pay directly in CHF.

❤️ Would I recommend it? 100% It is one of my fav destinations. It was surreal. You are surrounded by mountains and that’s when you realise how big the world is. 

Luzern (1 day)

When planning my Interrail route, I wanted to include at least one traditional Swiss town before heading to Italy. Lucerne seemed like the perfect stop, combining a charming old town, beautiful lakeside scenery, and easy train connections to the rest of europe. 

🚆Getting there:
I travelled to Lucerne by train, but we didn’t used the Pass because it was a short journey. I recommend to keep your travel days for when you have a longer journey.
One of the things I loved about Switzerland was how efficient and scenic the train journeys were. Even getting from one destination to another felt like part of the adventure. 

🏠Where we stayed:
Backpackers Lucerne :The hostel staff were incredibly friendly and allowed us to leave our backpacks there before our room was ready. It was such a small gesture, but it meant we could start exploring Lucerne straight away instead of waiting around with our luggage.

🌺What I loved the most:
The Jesuit Church is honestly one of the most beautiful churches I’ve visited in Europe.
The pink Baroque interior, combined with the natural light streaming through the windows, creates such a peaceful atmosphere. I ended up staying much longer than I had planned because I couldn’t stop admiring all the details. Even if you’re not usually interested in churches, I really think this one is worth visiting.

The famous Chapel Bridge is one of Lucerne’s most iconic landmarks, and the flower-filled wooden bridge feels like something straight out of a postcard. But my favourite part of Lucerne was simply wandering around without a plan.

The colourful buildings, boutique shops, cosy cafés, and quiet streets make it the perfect city to explore on foot. Of course, we couldn’t leave Switzerland without trying some delicious Swiss chocolate along the way.

❤️ Would I recommend it? Absolutely ! but I’d recommend it as a one-day stop rather than a longer stay.

Lucerne has a beautiful medieval atmosphere and is incredibly easy to explore on foot, making it perfect for travellers with limited time. However, if you’re looking for dramatic mountain landscapes and outdoor adventures, I’d spend more time in Interlaken, which offers many more activities.

Lago di Como (2 days)

Although Lake Como is only a short train ride from Switzerland, the atmosphere changes completely as soon as you arrive. The colourful buildings, the palm trees, and people enjoying an Aperol Spritz by the lake instantly make you feel like you’re in Italy.

While there isn’t a huge amount to do in the city of Como itself, the real beauty of Lake Como lies in exploring the charming villages scattered around the lake. Thanks to the local buses and ferries, it’s easy to visit several towns in just a couple of days. I especially recommend heading to smaller villages like Nesso and Bellagio, which were my favourite stops during the trip.

• (C130)
•  Where I stayed: Lavarell APT

🌊What made this trip special:
Nesso was, without a doubt, my favourite place around Lake Como. This small medieval village feels much quieter than the more famous towns and offers some incredible scenery.

After lunch, we took the C130 bus to Bellagio, often considered one of the most beautiful towns on Lake Como.

We spent the afternoon wandering through its narrow streets, browsing small boutiques, and enjoying the stunning lake views. Although Bellagio is much more touristy than Nesso, it’s definitely worth visiting for its charming atmosphere and picturesque waterfront.

❤️ Would I recommend it?
If you’re planning an Interrail trip, I highly recommend spending at least two days at Lake Como. Instead of staying only in Como, take the time to explore the smaller villages around the lake. They’re what made this destination so special for me. 

Rome (4 days)

Rome is simply one of those cities you can’t skip on a European itinerary. With its incredible Roman history, world-famous landmarks, delicious Italian food, and lively atmosphere, there’s something to discover around every corner.

I knew four days would only scratch the surface, but it was enough to experience the city’s unique mix of ancient ruins, charming neighbourhoods, and vibrant evenings.

🏠Where we stayed: Domus Altino,  We chose this accommodation because it was very affordable. Although it was located outside the city centre, Rome’s bus network made it easy to reach the main attractions. If you’re travelling on a budget, staying a little further away can be a great way to save money. 

🍝What made this trip special:
Without a doubt, Trastevere was my favourite neighbourhood in Rome. There is an authentic atmosphere that’s very different from the touristy centre.
It’s also one of the best places to enjoy traditional Italian food, especially in the evening when the neighbourhood comes alive. You have to try some carbonara and end with a sweet treat : tiramisu

🍕Some food place to try–

❤️ Would I recommend it? …………………

Venice (3 days)

Venice is one of those destinations that feels almost unreal. With its winding canals, charming bridges, colourful buildings, and narrow streets filled with cafés and artisan shops, it’s easy to understand why it’s considered one of the most romantic cities in the world.

I was also excited to discover local boutiques selling handmade Italian products, making Venice a great place to pick up unique souvenirs.

🏠Where we stayed:
To save money, we stayed in Mestre, just outside Venice. Accommodation there is much more affordable than on the island, and getting into the city couldn’t have been easier.

🚆Getting there:
From Mestre, you can take a train to Venezia Santa Lucia station in about 10 minutes. Tickets are around €1.50, and trains run frequently throughout the day and late into the evening.

I especially recommend staying until after sunset. Seeing Venice illuminated at night, after many of the tourists have left, gives the city a completely different atmosphere.

🌊What I loved the most:

One of my favourite experiences was trying cicchetti, Venice’s traditional small bites served in local wine bars (bacari). They’re similar to Spanish tapas and are perfect if you want to sample different flavours without spending too much. 

The Rialto Bridge is, of course, a must-see. I loved standing there and watching the gondolas pass. But be careful if you want to picnic in venice you can’t sit near the canals because you can get a fine. 
As an English Literature student, it also reminded me of Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, which made visiting the bridge even more special.

❤️Would I recommend it? Yes !! but I don’t think you need to spend three full days there.
Venice is relatively compact, and after a while you’ll notice you’re walking through the same streets and squares. Unless you’re planning to visit nearby islands like Murano or Burano, I think two days is the perfect amount of time to experience the city’s highlights without feeling rushed.

That said, Venice is unlike anywhere else in the world, and it’s a destination I’d recommend to everyone at least once.

Pula (5 days)

When planning my Interrail trip, I wanted to include a destination where I could slow down after the busy cities of Rome and Venice. Pula turned out to be exactly what I was looking for.

Located in the Istria region of Croatia, Pula combines Roman history with crystal-clear waters and a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere. Walking through the city reminded me a little of Rome, thanks to its impressive Roman Arena and the Temple of Augustus. But unlike Rome, you can spend the afternoon swimming in the Adriatic Sea or exploring hidden coves.

If you enjoy history, nature and outdoor activities, Pula is the perfect destination.

🚆Getting there:
Since there are very few train connections to the Istria region, we travelled to Pula by FlixBus.

Honestly, FlixBus saved us more than once during this trip. Whenever a train was cancelled or there wasn’t a convenient rail connection, we relied on the bus instead. It’s affordable, comfortable, and connects many destinations that are difficult to reach by train.

🏠Where we stayed:
APT Smilja- Our apartment was within walking distance of both the city centre and the sea, making it a great base for exploring Pula without needing public transport.

🌺My highlights:
Explore the Roman Heritage
Pula’s Roman Arena is one of the best-preserved amphitheatres in the world and is definitely worth visiting. Combined with the Temple of Augustus, it gives the city a unique atmosphere that feels both historic and relaxed.

–Outdoor Activities

If you enjoy being active, Pula offers plenty of opportunities to rent a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard (SUP). GET YOUR GUIDE?

–Day Trip to Rovinj
If you’re staying in Pula, don’t miss Rovinj. Located about one hour away by bus, Rovinj was one of the most charming towns I visited during my trip. Its colourful waterfront, narrow streets and Venetian architecture reminded me a little of Italy.

My favourite moment was spending the afternoon at Balota Beach, swimming in the crystal-clear water and spotting fish with our snorkelling goggles.

You can also book dolphin-watching cruises from Rovinj’s harbour, making it a perfect day trip.

Good to Know
As a vegetarian, I found Croatia a little more challenging than Italy or Switzerland.
Supermarkets had no vegetarian options, and restaurant menus were often centred around meat and seafood, so it’s worth checking menus in advance if you have dietary preferences.

 ❤️Would I Recommend Pula? Absolutely.

Vienna (2 days)

I’m not going to lie—Vienna wasn’t originally on my itinerary.

We only decided to stop there to break up a long travel day and avoid spending hours on trains. Looking back, I’m so glad we did because Vienna ended up being one of my favourite cities in Europe.

The city immediately surprised me with its elegant architecture, relaxed atmosphere, and how much there was to do for free. I also wasn’t expecting to find so many vegan restaurants, which made it a great destination for vegetarian and vegan travellers.
If I ever return to Austria, Vienna will definitely be at the top of my list.

🏠Where I stayed: We stayed at the Ibis Hotel, which was a great budget-friendly option for a short stay. It was located right next to a metro station, making it easy to explore the city, and there were plenty of restaurants and cafés nearby. 

✨What I loved the most: One of the biggest surprises was discovering that you can book a free guided tour of the Austrian Parliament.

The tour lasted about an hour, and I learned much more about Austria’s political system and history than I expected. The architecture inside the building is stunning, with impressive halls and beautifully decorated rooms.

If you’re visiting Vienna, I highly recommend booking this tour in advance.

–Austrian National Library

The Austrian National Library was probably my favourite place in Vienna.

Although the entrance costs around €12, it was absolutely worth it.

The library looks like something straight out of Beauty and the Beast, with enormous wooden bookshelves, grand staircases, breathtaking ceiling frescoes, and a magical atmosphere. During my visit, there was also a temporary exhibition about love, which made the experience even more memorable.

❤️Would I recommend it ? Absolutely. Vienna completely exceeded my expectations and became one of the biggest surprises of my entire Interrail trip.  One of the best things about Vienna is that simply walking around feels like visiting an open-air museum.

Whether you love history, architecture, museums, or simply wandering through beautiful streets, Vienna has something for everyone. I also appreciated how many attractions were free or reasonably priced, making it a great destination even if you’re travelling on a budget.

Berlin (2 days)

Berlin was an obvious choice for our Interrail route. As Germany’s capital, it has an incredible historical background and an enormous amount of cultural and artistic things to discover.

However, we decided not to spend too much time there. Since we live relatively close to Germany, we knew we could always come back for a longer trip in the future. Instead, we wanted to use our Interrail trip to discover places that were further from home

🏠Where I stayed: Acanama Hostel

Our hostel was around a 20-minute walk from the Brandenburg Gate, with plenty of lively streets, restaurants and cafés nearby.

One thing I quickly realised, though, is that Berlin is huge. I sometimes felt a little overwhelmed by the distances between the places we wanted to visit. Unlike smaller cities such as Venice or Lucerne, you can’t necessarily walk everywhere.

• My tip: Make good use of Berlin’s public transportation. It will save you a lot of time and energy, especially if you’re only staying for a couple of days.

✨My Highlights

–Jewish Museum Berlin

The Jewish Museum was probably my favourite museum in Berlin.

I’d previously visited the Jewish Museum in Amsterdam, but the experience in Berlin was completely different. What I loved most was the way the architecture itself was used to communicate emotions and history.

The unusual rooms, empty spaces, lighting and sounds create different feelings as you move through the museum. It’s much more than simply looking at historical objects behind glass.

If you don’t rush through it, you could easily spend around three hours exploring.

And one of the best parts? Admission is free.

–Holzmarkt

For lunch, we went to Holzmarkt, a creative riverside area with different food stands and plenty of space to sit outside.

During the day, I loved how peaceful it felt. Sitting by the river with food from one of the different stands was a great break from sightseeing.

But Holzmarkt has a completely different atmosphere at night, when it turns into a lively place for partying and events.

–East Side Gallery

Of course, we couldn’t visit Berlin without seeing the East Side Gallery.

Walking along the remaining section of the Berlin Wall and discovering all the different artworks was one of my favourite things to do. The wall is incredibly long, and every section has a different mural to discover.

It’s also a great reminder of Berlin’s history and how much the city has changed.

❤️Would I Recommend Berlin?

Yes ! but I’d probably choose a different season.

I visited during summer, and personally, Berlin didn’t give me the same summer feeling as places like Italy or Croatia. I think I’d love to come back in autumn, when the city seems like it would suit the atmosphere much better.

I’d also recommend spending at least 3–4 days if you really want to explore Berlin properly. With only two days, we had to be quite selective about what we visited.

For our Interrail trip, though, two days was enough to get a taste of the city, and it definitely made me want to come back.

---

💶Budget: how much did it costs for 3 weeks of interrail in Europe?

TOTAL	3988€
Accomodation	1719€
Food	1444€
Pass Interrail	430€
Other transportation expenses	333€
Activities	35€
Souvenirs	23€

🚆What I would change

1. I would spend less time in Venice.
Three days was a little too much for me. The city is quite small, and after a while we found ourselves walking through the same streets. I think two days would have been perfect 

2. I would have planned more time in Vienna.
Vienna wasn’t even originally on our list, but it became one of my favourite destinations. I would definitely give it more time if I did the trip again.

3. I would plan around the heat in Italy.
We travelled during a heatwave, which meant changing our plans in Rome and doing much more in the evenings. It actually turned into one of my favourite parts of the trip, but next time I’d check the weather more carefully before deciding when to go.

4. I would leave more room for spontaneity.
Some of my favourite moments happened when we hadn’t planned anything—whether it was discovering a little restaurant, swimming somewhere unexpected or deciding to explore a town for the afternoon.

5. I would book some train reservations earlier.
If you’re travelling during the summer, don’t underestimate how quickly popular trains can fill up. And remember that having an Interrail Pass doesn’t necessarily mean every train is reservation-free

A Few Tips Before Your Interrail Trip

After three weeks travelling around Europe, here are a few things I wish I had known before starting my trip.

-Book Your Accommodation in Advance

If you already know your route, book your accommodation as early as possible. Prices can increase quickly, especially during the summer.

My tip: Keep an eye out for seasonal sales. For example, I found some good deals during the January winter sales on Booking

-Travel Light

This one might sound obvious, but pack less than you think you need.🎒

You’ll be carrying your backpack through train stations, up stairs, across cities and sometimes to your accommodation. Trust me, you don’t want to carry clothes you never end up wearing.

My rule? Only pack clothes you actually love wearing. If you’re hesitating about bringing something, you probably don’t need it.

-Research Activities Before You Go

Before arriving in each destination, spend a little time researching which activities are free and which ones require reservations.

Some of the best things we did were completely free, while other popular attractions needed to be booked in advance.

For some major landmarks, you can book your tickets a month or more ahead, but the most popular time slots can fill up surprisingly quickly.

💡My tip: Make a list of the activities you absolutely don’t want to miss and check when reservations open. You can always leave the rest of your itinerary flexible.

-Don’t Plan Every Minute

And perhaps my most important tip: leave some room for spontaneity.

Some of my favourite moments happened when we had no real plan—wandering through a neighbourhood, finding a little restaurant, or deciding to stay somewhere longer than expected.

An Interrail trip is about seeing Europe, but it’s also about enjoying the journey. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Interrail

Is 3 weeks enough for Interrail?

I think it really depends on how many countries you want to visit and how far they are from each other.

One thing I would definitely say is: don’t underestimate travel days. Spending several hours on trains can be surprisingly exhausting, especially when you’re carrying a backpack and changing trains.

For me, two weeks to one month is probably the perfect amount of time for an Interrail trip around Europe. It gives you enough time to see several destinations without feeling like you’re constantly rushing to catch the next train.

How Much Does a 3-Week Interrail Trip Cost?

This really depends on how long you’re travelling and what kind of experience you want.

Do you want to stay in hostels, airbnbs, or hotels? Are you going to eat out every day? How many activities do you want to do?

For us, travelling as a couple, having some privacy was important. However, as students, we couldn’t afford hotels every night. So we mixed it up: sometimes we stayed in private apartments or budget hotels, and sometimes we chose hostels.

My advice? Don’t feel like you have to choose just one type of accommodation. Mix and match depending on the destination and your budget.

Which countries are best for Interrail?

I’d recommend choosing cities that are well connected by train, especially if this is your first Interrail trip. It makes the journey much easier and reduces the number of complicated connections.

But don’t make your itinerary only about big cities.

I loved mixing culture, history, nature, beaches and big European cities throughout our trip. That way, every destination felt different.

For example, after walking around Rome and Venice, spending several days by the sea in Croatia was exactly what we needed.

Was interrail worth it ?

For me, one of the biggest advantages of Interrail was the freedom and flexibility. We didn’t have to worry about buying a completely new ticket every time we wanted to take a train, and we could adapt our plans when things didn’t go exactly as expected.

That flexibility made travelling feel much less stressful. We could change our plans, take a different train when necessary, and focus more on enjoying the trip instead of worrying about every connection.

The Interrail Pass allowed us to discover so many different cities and countries in just three weeks, and I honestly think I’ll remember this trip for the rest of my life.

But if there’s one thing I would tell anyone planning an Interrail trip, it’s this:

Don’t rush just because you have a train to catch. Slow down, wander through the streets, sit in a café, and let yourself get lost sometimes.

Some of my favourite memories weren’t planned at all. 

Three weeks, several countries, countless train journeys, and so many memories later, I can honestly say that Interrail was one of the best ways I could have discovered Europe. I didn’t love every destination equally, and there are definitely things I’d change, but that’s part of travelling. Sometimes the unexpected places become your favourites. And that’s exactly what made this trip so special. 🌺