Sustainable train travel in Europe: how Interrail empowers climate-conscious explorers
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“Travelling by train makes it easier to avoid the over-touristed spots and discover places you’d never expect.”
— Silvia Festa, Senior Business Development Manager, Eurail
Green mobility in Europe
Travelling by rail and experiencing the diversity of culture that Europe offers has long been a rite of passage for many young people. But with many travelers increasingly conscious of their carbon footprint, train travel also provides one of the most sustainable ways to see the continent. In this film of Travel Redefined, we meet Nyala, a young traveler from Belgium, and Silvia Festa, a long-time rail advocate, to see how Interrail and Eurail are empowering a new generation of conscious travelers.
Nyala began her journey through the DiscoverEU programme, an EU initiative that gives young people the chance to explore Europe by train. Her experience highlights a growing shift in travel behaviour: opting for overland travel not only reduces carbon emissions but also reveals lesser-known cities and off-the-beaten-track destinations.
Through flexible passes and an integrated rail network, Interrail makes it easier for travelers to avoid over-touristed hotspots and uncover hidden gems. As Silvia explains, this model supports sustainable tourism while encouraging deeper cultural exchange. Travelers can adjust plans based on schedules, explore new routes, and connect with others along the way — all without relying on short-haul flights.
The social and environmental benefits of rail travel are clear: reduced emissions, better regional spread of tourism, and meaningful connections that make each journey memorable. Interrail is helping to build a climate-conscious, connected Europe, one rail line at a time.
About Eurail
Eurail B.V. gives travelers from all over the world the opportunity to experience flexible, borderless train travel across Europe. With a Eurail or Interrail Pass (for non-European and European citizens, respectively), travelers of all ages can use an expansive network of train and ferry connections to travel in and between up to 33 countries.
