Interrailing Routes 3 Weeks: FOUR Routes You’ll Love!
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Planning on interrailing Europe this summer? Yay! I’ve outlined 3 different routes and itineraries for your interrailing trip to make planning your trip easy peasy.
With a quick Google search, you’ll see that there are many three week interrailing routes. This is because three weeks is an ideal amount of time to interrail Europe. If we were to interrail Europe again, it would be for three weeks, as this gives you enough time to relax, adventure and explore different countries in Europe.
In this post, I have outlined four interrailing routes, all three weeks long. These routes are planned with a budget-mid-range traveller in mind, with prices being kept to a minimum.
These interrailing routes can be adjusted and changed to suit your itinerary, but they’re all very different areas of Europe to suit the need of every type of traveller.
So, let’s get started!
🚝 Need to buy your interrailing pass? I recommend checking this website for the best discounts and deals!
Other interrailing and Europe posts:
- 21 Interrail Tips for First-Timers: Interrailing Europe
- What To Pack Interrailing Europe: Packing List Essentials
- Backpacking Europe: A Beginners Step-by-Step Guide
- Interrailing Switzerland: Route, Itinerary and Guide
Interrailing Routes 3 Weeks: A Summary
What is interrailing?
Interrailing is a great way to see Europe on a budget. Interrail passes are available for people of all ages, and they allow you to travel on any day of the week. You can also travel on multiple trains per day, making it easy to explore different countries and cities all in one single trip.
Interrail passes are valid for a certain number of days, so you can tailor your trip to your own needs. Plus, if you’re under 27 years old or under, you can get a special Youth Interrail pass that’s even cheaper!
Global passes for interrailing are the best way to see Europe – and they’re not as complicated or expensive as you might think. With a global pass, you can hop on a train and explore up to 33 different countries in Europe. There are different types of global passes to choose from, so you can tailor your trip to exactly what you want.
Whether you’re looking to backpack Europe for a week or a month, interrailing is a great option. Just be sure to check the rules and regulations before you go so that you can make the most of your trip.
Not sure whether the interrailing pass is worth it? Check out my detailed guide on interrailing passes here.
| Tip
✈️ If you are looking for cheap flight tickets, I recommend WayAway as it not only offers the best flight prices, but allows you to get CASHBACK after joining the membership plan!
Best hostels whilst interrailing Europe
One of my best interrail tips is to at least book your first hostel in advance. During the summer months, hostels in Europe will be fully booked. It will be tough finding a good hostel last minute.
Use Hostelworld to pre-book any hostels. They have excellent cancellation policies and you can usually get your money back right up until 24 hours before staying, so if you have any last-minute changes, you have that flexibility.
Whilst I can’t list every single hostel in Europe, these are some of the best, well-known hostels to stay in whilst interrailing. Simply click the link to check prices and availability!
- 🇫🇷 Paris: Generator Paris or The People
- 🇭🇺 Budapest: Maverick City Lodge
- 🇳🇱 Amsterdam: Ecomama
- 🇩🇪 Berlin: The Circus Hostel
- 🇵🇹 Lisbon: Home Lisbon
- 🇦🇹 Vienna: Hostel Ruthensteiner
- 🇪🇸 Madrid: Sungate One
- 🇮🇪 Dublin: Gardiner House
➡ Check out other European hostels here.
Summaries of the 3-week interrailing routes
☀️ Interrailing Route 1: The Sunshine Route
🌎 Three countries in Western Europe: Spain, Italy and France
Valencia – Barcelona – Montpellier – Marcelle – Monaco – Milan – Bologna – Venice
🌃 Interrailing Route 2: Central European City Hopper
🌎 Five countries in Eastern Europe: Poland, Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Hungary
Krakow – Warsaw – Wroclaw – Prague – Berlin – Munich – Vienna – Budapest
🌆 Interrailing Route 3: Big City Tour
🌎 Five countries in Europe: Scotland, England, France, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands
Edinburgh – London – Paris – Brussels – Cologne – Berlin – Amsterdam
Interrailing Route 4: The Slow Italian
🌎 One country in Europe: Italy
Naples – Rome – Florence – Bologna – Milan – Venice
Interrailing Route 1: The Sunshine Route Highlights
Valencia – Barcelona – Montpellier – Marcelle – Monaco – Milan – Bologna – Venice
The first three-week interrailing route I’ve listed is one that hops from one sunshine town to the next. With highlights including Milan, Venice, Valencia and even Monaco, it’s one for those who love a sunnier side of life.
I know it may look like they’re all pretty expensive places, but they can all be done on a budget. Yes, even Monaco! For this route, I would recommend around 2-3 nights in each location. If you would rather a bit longer in one than the other, adjust the time accordingly.
➡ View the best Europe hostels here.
➡ Prefer hotels and apartments? Check out the best Europe stays here.
Valencia, Spain
If you’re starting your 3-week interrailing route in Valencia, you’re off to a great start. Flying direct from London to Valencia takes under two and a half hours, and can cost as low as £24! So what does Valencia have to offer on your 3-week interrailing trip?
Personally, I’d recommend staying in Valencia for around 3 nights. Valencia is Spain’s third-largest city and has so much to offer (especially if you’re visiting for the first time).
From the sandy Spanish beaches to the old town cathedrals and museums, Valencia is a perfect first stop on your interrailing route.
Valencia highlights:
- Valencia beach and beach clubs
- Valencia Cathedral
- Jardin Del Turia
- Walking tour of Valencia
- Valencia sunset
Top tip: Buy a Valencia Tourist Card before you arrive. This will save you money on transport, discounts on food in restaurants and entry to museums and attractions. You can buy your ticket here!
Top-rated activities in Valencia
- 🌄 Sunset catamaran cruise on the Mediterranean Sea
- 🚶 Guided walking tour of Valencia’s Old Quarter
- 🍷 Historic tour with wine tasting
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is a beautiful city with plenty to see and do. If you’re interrailing for three weeks, Barcelona should definitely be on your list!
Barcelona is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, and it’s easy to see why. The city is home to plenty of historical and cultural attractions, from the iconic La Sagrada Familia to the stunning Park Guel (which is one of my favourites).
Barcelona is also renowned for its fun nightlife, with bars and clubs to keep you entertained into the early hours.
And of course, no trip to Barcelona would be complete without sampling the city’s famous Tapas dishes (which are unbelievable).
Barcelona Highlights:
- Visit La Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudi’s world-famous church.
- Stroll down Las Ramblas, Barcelona’s main pedestrian street, lined with markets, cafes, and buskers.
- Soak up the sun at one of Barcelona’s many beaches, such as Barceloneta Beach or Nova Icaria Beach.
- Explore Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, with its medieval buildings and narrow streets.
🎫 Pro travel tip
Get a city pass and save up to 50% on entry tickets to Barcelona attractions!
Get the pass
Montpellier, France
Montpellier, France is the perfect destination for a budget-friendly interrailing trip and can be easily squeezed into your three-week route.
This beautiful city has everything you need for a fun and relaxed stay. From the stunning architecture to the delicious food, Montpellier has something for everyone! And, best of all, it’s very easy to get around.
Whether you’re interrailing for the first time or a seasoned traveller, Montpellier is the perfect place to explore.
Montpellier Highlights:
1. Wander the narrow streets of the historic city centre. Montpellier is compact and easy to explore on foot, and its medieval old town is full of character. Get lost among the maze of streets and alleyways and see where they take you!
2. Take a ride on the Montpellier Tramway, which runs right through the city
3. Visit the Cathedral of St. Pierre, a magnificent 13th-century Gothic cathedral.
4. Sample the local cuisine. Montpellier is famous for its food!
🦪 Get the ultimate culinary experience
During this tour you will wander around the Thau lagoon, famous for its fresh oyster farming. Plus, you’ll explore the vineyards of Picpoul de Pinet and Grès de Montpellier!
Book
Marcelle, France
Marcelle is a beautiful city in the south of France that is often overlooked by tourists or ‘interrailers’. But there are plenty of things to do in Marcelle on your interrailing trip.
From exploring the historic city centre to taking a casual stroll along the river, it’s one I’d highly recommend blocking out some time for on your three-week interrailing route. Montpellier is only a short train ride away, and if you’re visiting Marcelle for the first time, be sure to budget for plenty of baguettes and wine!
The city has a lively nightlife scene, and there are plenty of bars and clubs to meet locals or other backpackers!
Monaco, France
Monaco might be tiny, but it’s jam-packed with things to do. If you’re interrailing and this is your first time in Monaco, you might be wondering how to make the most of your time (and your budget), so I’ve rounded up a few ideas to get you started.
Take a walk around the old town – it’s full of narrow streets and atmospheric alleyways. And the best thing about walking? It’s free! But, if you want to get a sense of how the other half live, make sure to check out Monte Carlo. Here you’ll find luxury cars, designer shops and casinos.
Of course, if gambling is your thing, you can try your luck in one of Monaco’s many casinos (but if you’re a regular backpacker like me, I doubt it will be!)
If you’re looking for something a little more low-key, there are plenty of parks and gardens to explore. Or, if you’re feeling active, you can hike up to the Prince’s Palace or take a swim in the Mediterranean Sea. Like I said, it can be done on a backpacker’s budget, and there are plenty of things to do here.
Milan, Italy
If you’re planning a trip to Italy during your three-week interrailing trip, make sure you stop off in Milan. When I spent three weeks interrailing around Europe and Italy, Milan was one of my favourite stops.
One of the most popular things to do in Milan is to visit the Duomo cathedral. This beautiful building is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the city and it’s definitely worth a visit.
If you don’t mind spending a bit of money, you can even go up to the roof for some stunning views. Trust me, it’s worth it! If you’re looking for something a bit cheaper, there are plenty of free attractions in Milan too.
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a beautiful shopping centre that’s perfect for people-watching, and it’s also home to some great restaurants and cafes. Another great option is the Parco Sempione, a large park that’s perfect for a picnic or walks on a sunny day.
Milan is a great city to walk around and explore on a backpacker’s budget.
Bologna, Italy
Bologna is a beautiful city in Italy that is often overlooked by tourists. I made the mistake of not visiting this amazing city on my first trip and I regret it to this day. Here are some of the best things to do in Bologna without spending a lot of money:
1. Walk around the historic centre – it’s one of the largest in Europe and it’s full of beautiful Renaissance architecture.
2. Visit the leaning towers of Pisa – they’re only a short train ride away and they’re definitely worth seeing!
3. Eat as much Italian food as possible – Bologna is known for its delicious cuisine, so make sure to try some local specialities like tortellini and ragù.
4. Drink wine in a vineyard – there are plenty of vineyards located just outside of the city, so take advantage of them and enjoy some Aperol spritzes while you’re there!
5. People watch in Piazza Maggiore – it’s one of the busiest spots in the city!
Venice, Italy
Our final stop on this sunny interrailing route is Venice. The Italian city on the water is somewhere everyone has to see in their lifetime, so why not plan it into your three-week interrailing route?! The best way to see Venice is on foot – it’s a small city and it’s easy to get around.
There are plenty of cheap places to eat and drink, and you can easily find a budget hotel or hostel. With so many things to see and do, Venice is the perfect place to finish your backpacking trip.
Interrailing Route 2: Central European City Hopper Highlights
Krakow – Warsaw – Wroclaw – Prague – Berlin – Munich – Vienna – Budapest
This is one of the best three-week interrailing routes you’ll come across, especially if you’re a fan of cheap accommodation, alcohol and food. With highlights like Berlin, Warsaw and Budapest, you’re in for three weeks of partying and exploring the best Central Europe has to offer.
For this route, I recommend spending around 2-3 days in each city. This will give you enough time to check out the city’s culture as well as rest time to nurse that awful (yet worth it) hangover. In all of these major European cities, there are cheap backpacker hostels where you can stay the night for under £20 in a dorm room.
They’re also popular with other backpackers, so you’re bound to meet people and make friends easily (if you want to!)
➡ View the best Europe hostels here.
➡ Prefer hotels and apartments? Check out the best Europe stays here.
Krakow, Poland
Start off your three-week interrailing route in Krakow, one of the best (and cheapest) places to visit in Poland. Krakow is an incredible city – I loved it so much when I visited it the first time!
It’s also a great place to start your three-week interrailing trip because it’s cheap to fly to from London and gets you all the way to Poland to start your route. It’s got everything you could want, and it’s super easy to get around.
If you’re visiting for the first time, I would definitely recommend doing a walking tour. You’ll learn so much about the history of the city, and you’ll get to see some of the main sights. Plus, it’s a great way to orient yourself if you’re not familiar with the city.
In terms of budget, Krakow is affordable. There are plenty of cheap places to eat and drink, and you can easily find accommodation to suit your needs.
Warsaw, Poland
After Krakow on your three-week interrailing trip, head to Warsaw, the capital city of Poland. Warsaw is an amazing city and there’s so much to see and do, especially if you’re interrailing for the first time.
It can be a bit overwhelming trying to figure out what to do with your limited time and budget, but don’t worry – I’ve got you covered. Here are some of the best things to do in Warsaw on a budget:
- Take a free walking tour – This is a great way to get your bearings and learn about the history of the city. Plus, it’s free!
- Visit the Old Town – This is a must-see in Warsaw. It’s full of beautiful architecture and historical landmarks. And it’s free (yay!)!
- Go to the Palace of Culture and Science – This is the tallest building in Warsaw and it has an amazing view from the top. It’s also home to a cinema, theatre, museum, and more.
- Check out the Praga district – This is the coolest district in Warsaw with its hipster cafes, vintage shops, and street art.
- Explore Wilanow Palace – This beautiful palace is located just outside of Warsaw and it’s definitely worth a visit.
Wroclaw, Poland
Wroclaw is up next on this three-week interrailing route, and here’s why it’s a special place to visit whilst in Poland. If you’re interrailing around Europe, add Wroclaw, Poland, into your trip.
From exploring the historic Old Town to relaxing in one of the city’s many parks, there’s something for everyone! If you’re on a budget, make sure to check out the free walking tour which covers all the main sights. Once you’ve gotten your bearings, head to one of the many parks for a picnic lunch – truthfully, there’s no shortage of picturesque places to relax in Wroclaw.
In the evening, explore the city’s nightlife – Stadion is a particularly popular spot with tourists and locals alike. If you’re looking for something a bit different, pay a visit to the Dwarfs’ Churchyard.
You’ll find hundreds of brightly coloured dwarf statues dotted around, each with its own unique personality.
Prague, Czech Republic
Ah, Prague, Prague, Prague. Without a doubt, Prague will be one of the best places on your three-week interrailing trip. It’s a city that has something for everyone. Whether you’re into history, art, or just want to walk around and take in the atmosphere, Prague is the perfect place for you.
If you’re interrailing for the first time, Prague is a great choice for a stop on your trip. And, it’s budget-friendly (yay backpackers!)
- Visit Prague castle: this historic castle complex is located on top of a hill in Prague and offers stunning views of the city. It’s also home to several museums, galleries, and gardens, making it a must-see for any history buff!
- Take a walking tour: Prague is known for its beautiful architecture, and a walking tour is the best way to see it all. There are many different tours available, so you can choose one that focuses on the area of the city that interests you most.
- And my favourite thing to do in Prague? Enjoy some Czech food! No trip to Prague would be complete without trying some traditional Czech food. Some must-try dishes include goulash and svickova (beef tenderloin). Unbelievably good.
Berlin, Germany
Next on your three-week interrailing trip is Berlin, Germany. I would recommend staying on the east side of the city as it’s more central, and has a lot of great backpacker hostels. My favourite thing to do in Berlin is to explore all the different neighbourhoods – each one has its own vibe and there are always new cafes and bars popping up.
For example, Prenzlauer Berg is full of young families, while Kreuzberg is more alternative with a lot of street art. Berlin is also really cheap compared to other European cities, so you can definitely budget whilst you’re here.
There are also lots of free attractions like Berlin Zoo and Museumsinsel (Museum Island), which is a must-see. Overall, Berlin is an incredible city with so much to offer – you won’t be disappointed!
Looking for something special to do in Germany? The Harz Mountain Railway is an epic way to see more of the country, in a truly unique way! You can find out more here!
Munich, Germany
Munich is up next on the list of our three-week interrailing routes, and is a great city with so much to do, especially if you are interrailing or on a budget.
Here are some of the best things to do in Munich:
- Take a walk or cycle around Englischer Garten: This is one of Munich’s largest parks and is perfect for a relaxing stroll or picnic, especially in summer. If you’re feeling active, you can also hire a bike and cycle around the park.
- Visit Munich Cathedral: This Gothic cathedral is one of Munich’s most iconic landmarks and is definitely worth a visit. Make sure to climb to the top of the tower for excellent views over the city.
- Check out some street art: Munich has some really cool street art, especially in the area around Schwabing. Keep your eyes peeled for world-famous graffiti artist Banksy’s ” Munich Rat”.
- Sample some traditional Bavarian food: No trip to Munich would be complete without trying some traditional Bavarian food.
🗺️ Make the most out of your trip!
Find tours and excursions to get to know the city and culture better!
Find and book here!Not sure which backpack to buy for interrailing Europe? Read my post to find the best backpack for you!
Interrailing Route 3: The Big City Tour
Edinburgh – London – Paris – Brussels – Cologne – Berlin – Amsterdam
If you’re into big, impressive cities, The Big City Tour might be for you when you interrail for the first time. You have enough time with this interrailing route to spend at least 3 nights in each destination, giving you plenty of time to experience each city in the best way possible.
Now, this route isn’t going to be as cheap as the Central Europe City Hopper, but it can still be done on a budget. My best piece of advice is to book ALL hostels through Hostelworld.com, and pre-book before you arrive. This will save precious pennies en route!
➡ View the best Europe hostels here.
➡ Prefer hotels and apartments? Check out the best Europe stays here.
Interrailing Route 4: The Slow Italian
Naples – Rome – Florence – Bologna – Milan – Venice
Finally, I wanted to include a slower route to explore Italy in depth. You may be desperate to tick a few more countries off your bucket list, but exploring and travelling one country in depth can be just as rewarding as ticking off a few in three weeks.
When you think about it, three weeks isn’t that long. You could slowly travel Italy and really immerse yourself in the local cuisine, culture, and language.
I’ve visited Italy on multiple occasions and I’ve never become tired of its picturesque villages and welcoming people. For this interrailing routes 3 weeks route, you can spend between 3-4 nights in each location.
➡ View the best Italy hostels here.
➡ Prefer hotels and apartments? Check out the best Italian stays here.
Need more information on interrailing Italy? Check out my in-depth post here!
Interrailing Routes 3 Weeks FAQs
1) Do I need a SIM card to interrail Europe?
Yes, it’s worth downloading an eSIM on your phone to ensure you can use it for directions and avoid roaming charges as soon as you arrive.
ESIMs are easy to download and ready to use within a few minutes of purchasing! Plus, there are eSIMs available for the entire continent of Europe, so there’s no longer a need to hunt down free Wifi! ➡ You can check out the prices and packages for eSIMs here!
2) What tours should I do whilst interrailing Europe?
Looking to book a tour whilst interrailing Europe? Tours are one of the best ways to see the hidden gems of the country you are visiting. If you’re travelling during peak season, I highly recommend pre-booking your tours to ensure you don’t miss out!
When travelling, we use this company to book our tours. Tours include skip-the-line tickets to the world’s most iconic attractions, walking tours by top local experts, immersive food and beverage tours, cooking and craft classes, bucket list experiences, and niche offerings you won’t find anywhere else!
➡ You can check out available tours in Europe with prices here!
3) Do I need a car to interrail Europe?
The whole point of interrailing is to travel Europe by train, so it’s unlikely you will need to hire a car. However, if you head to the Italian countryside, or want to take a day trip, you may want to hire a car; especially if a group of you have got together in a hostel and want to travel together.
If you’re looking to hire a car in Europe, we rent our cars from this company. They’re reliable, cheap and have car rentals all over the world! ➡ You can check out the prices for car hire in Europe now!
4) Is the interrailing pass worth it?
Buying an interrailing pass was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Not only did it save me money (I’m a regular backpacker, so I’m always looking for ways to save), but it also meant that I could travel around Europe without having to worry about missings trains or buses.
Because my Interrail pass was valid for a month, I had plenty of time to explore each country I visited. If you’re thinking of interrailing around Europe, then I would definitely recommend it – just make sure you buy your Interrail pass in advance so you can get the best deals!
Your interrailing pass allows you to travel on night trains, visit multiple European cities, save on train fares, get discounts on public transport, and have a perfect trip! Plus, it’s totally suitable for solo travellers.
➡ BUY YOUR INTERRAILING PASS NOW!
Check out my more in-depth post about the interrailing pass here: Is the Interrail Pass Worth it? An Honest Review.
5) Will I need a visa to travel to the EU after Brexit?
So you’re planning a trip to Europe after Brexit? Well, the good news is that you won’t need a visa to travel to most European countries (if you’re from the UK). If you visit as a tourist and are only staying for up to 90 days within 180 days, you do not need a visa. However, there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind.
For starters, your passport should be valid for at least six months after your planned return date. You’ll also need to have proof of travel insurance and enough money to support yourself during your stay.
But, things change ALL the time, so make sure you do your research before you go.
6) What is the difference between Interrail and Eurail?
There is little difference between Interrail and Eurail, apart from who can use each one. Only European citizens can use an interrailing pass, and if you are from outside Europe, you will need a Eurail pass.
Interrailing Routes 3 Weeks: In a Nutshell
So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about interrailing for 3 weeks. When you’re planning a trip to Europe or looking at interrailing routes 3 weeks, make sure you let me know over on Instagram or in the comments below!
If you haven’t seen my blog before, I write posts aimed at first-time backpackers on a budget. I’m currently travelling around the world with my boyfriend (read more here!), creating guides and itineraries for you to follow in our footsteps!
Keep an eye out for more Europe content, all written from a personal and realistic point of view. You can sign up for my newsletter and juicy travel updates here!
As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog!
Happy travelling 🙂
Jennie x
Like this post? You might also like:
- 21 Interrail Tips for First-Timers: Interrailing Europe
- What To Pack Interrailing Europe: Packing List Essentials
- Interrailing France: Travel France By Train
- Interrailing Italy: Ultimate Guide and Route
- Interrailing Switzerland: Route, Itinerary and Guide
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MEET THE AUTHOR!
Hi! I'm Jennie! As a part-time travel blogger based in London, I'm using my 10+ years of travel expertise to encourage & inspire you to step out of your comfort zone through sustainable, mindful and purposeful travel.
If I'm not writing, I'm either reading, drinking coffee or taking a wild swim (all at the same time if I'm feeling impressive).
