DiscoverEU Joins 16-25 Railcard and Swiss Travel Pass Youth: Unlock Ultimate European Youth Rail Passes for 2025

Published on
November 2, 2025

DiscoverEU joins 16-25 Railcard and Swiss Travel Pass Youth, bringing young travelers the ultimate rail pass options across Europe for 2025. This collaboration makes it easier for young explorers to access affordable, sustainable travel across multiple countries, all while enjoying incredible discounts and benefits. Whether you’re looking to discover the cultural gems of Europe, save money on transport, or travel sustainably, these passes offer the perfect solution. The 16-25 Railcard provides discounted fares in the UK, the Swiss Travel Pass Youth covers Switzerland’s stunning landscapes, and DiscoverEU opens up the rest of Europe with its free rail pass. Together, they create a game-changing opportunity to explore Europe’s best destinations, giving youth a chance to travel, learn, and experience more in 2025.

What is a Rail Pass?

A rail pass is a special ticket that allows travelers to use the train network within a specific region or across multiple countries for a set period. Typically, it offers unlimited travel over a specific timeframe, such as 7 days within a month. Rail passes often cater to tourists or locals, with discounts for young people, seniors, or groups. They provide a convenient way to explore vast areas without having to purchase individual tickets for each journey, allowing for greater flexibility and affordability in travel planning.

Why is a Rail Pass Helpful?

A rail pass is helpful because it simplifies travel and offers substantial cost savings. It allows for unlimited travel within a given time period, which is perfect for those wanting to explore multiple destinations or cities without worrying about buying tickets each time. Rail passes also reduce the hassle of navigating individual fare systems, provide flexibility in travel schedules, and can offer additional discounts on accommodation, cultural sites, and transport. It’s an excellent way to enjoy sustainable travel and experience more of a country or region at your own pace.

European Union: DiscoverEU – A Game-Changer for Youth Rail Travel

DiscoverEU is a flagship initiative under the Erasmus+ program of the European Commission, which offers free rail travel for young people. This initiative allows 18-year-olds born in 2007 and living in eligible EU countries and associated countries the chance to explore Europe by rail. Unlike national programs that offer discounts, DiscoverEU provides a free travel pass that grants young travelers access to an extensive network of rail routes across Europe, making it the most comprehensive youth travel scheme to date.

Key Features of DiscoverEU

Eligibility: The program is open to young people born in 2007 who are citizens or legal residents of EU Member States or countries associated with Erasmus+. This includes countries such as Iceland, Norway, Serbia, and Turkey.
Travel Pass: Selected participants receive a free rail travel pass that allows for up to 30 days of travel. The pass covers trains, buses, and other local transportation within participating countries, with certain exceptions for islands or remote areas.
Discount Card: Along with the travel pass, participants receive a discount card for cultural venues, local transport, accommodation, and other services, making it easier to explore Europe while saving money.
Travel Flexibility: The pass allows for 7 travel days within a one-month window, providing flexibility for young travelers to explore multiple destinations across Europe—from bustling cities to quiet countryside towns and national parks.
Environmental Focus: As a rail-first initiative, DiscoverEU promotes low-carbon mobility by encouraging young people to travel by train rather than by air. This focus on sustainable travel aligns with broader EU goals of reducing emissions and encouraging greener travel options.
Cultural and Economic Impact: By enabling young people to visit a wide range of cultural sites and attractions, DiscoverEU also helps local economies, especially in secondary cities and rural areas, by spreading tourism more evenly across regions and reducing congestion in major tourist hotspots.
Application Periods: The application window for the program typically opens twice a year, with applicants able to submit their applications through the European Youth Portal. The travel period for successful applicants begins in March 2026 for the current edition.

DiscoverEU has become a key tool in shaping the travel habits of Europe’s youth, encouraging them to explore beyond the popular destinations and engage in deeper, more meaningful travel experiences.

United Kingdom: The 16–25 Railcard

While DiscoverEU allows young people to explore Europe, the 16–25 Railcard in the United Kingdom provides a similar benefit, though on a national scale. The 16–25 Railcard offers young travelers in the UK a significant discount on rail fares, making travel within the country more affordable and accessible.

Key Features of the 16–25 Railcard

Eligibility: Available to individuals aged 16–25, including students, apprentices, and those enrolled in qualifying educational courses. The railcard is valid across the United Kingdom, allowing for easy travel between cities and regions.
Discounts: The 16–25 Railcard offers a one-third discount on most rail fares, including Off-Peak, Anytime, and Advance tickets. This makes it an affordable option for students and young travelers who want to explore the UK.
Additional Perks: In addition to rail travel discounts, the 16–25 Railcard provides access to several partner offers, including discounts at shops, restaurants, and other travel services, making it a convenient all-round travel tool for young people.
Flexibility: The railcard offers flexibility for young travelers, allowing them to travel without being tied to peak-time schedules. However, there are restrictions during peak hours, and travelers must pay a minimum fare for journeys before 10 a.m. on weekdays.

While the 16–25 Railcard is invaluable for those wishing to explore the UK, it does not provide the same level of cross-border travel opportunities as DiscoverEU. Nevertheless, it remains a key resource for youth travelers in the UK.

Switzerland: Swiss Travel Pass Youth

Switzerland has its own youth-focused rail pass, the Swiss Travel Pass Youth, which offers discounted travel across the country’s renowned public transport network. The Swiss Travel Pass Youth is ideal for young travelers who want to explore Switzerland’s scenic landscapes, charming cities, and cultural sites.

Key Features of the Swiss Travel Pass Youth

Eligibility: Available to individuals under 25 years of age.
Coverage: The pass offers unlimited travel on Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), PostBus, boats, and other local transport options within Switzerland. It enables travelers to visit major cities such as Zurich, Geneva, and Lucerne, as well as explore smaller towns and villages.
Duration: The Swiss Travel Pass Youth is available for 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 consecutive days, providing flexibility for travelers with varying itineraries.
Cultural and Scenic Benefits: The pass includes free entry to over 500 museums across Switzerland and discounts on scenic mountain excursions, such as trips to the Swiss Alps, and boat rides on Switzerland’s lakes.
Cost: The Swiss Travel Pass Youth is available at a discounted rate compared to the standard adult version, providing young travelers with a more affordable way to explore Switzerland’s beautiful landscapes and cultural heritage.

Though the Swiss Travel Pass Youth is an excellent option for exploring Switzerland, it remains a national pass, limiting its scope compared to DiscoverEU, which offers cross-border travel across multiple European countries.

Youth Rail Travel in Europe: Trends, Advances, and New Developments for 2025

Across Europe, young people are increasingly choosing trains as their mode of transport. With the rise of sustainability concerns and the growing demand for greener travel, youth-focused rail programs are gaining momentum. The European Union’s DiscoverEU program leads the charge in cross-border youth mobility, while several other countries are introducing new rail developments and discount schemes to attract the younger generation. This article explores the current trends in youth rail travel in Europe, as well as the key advances being made by rail operators in countries such as the United Kingdom and Switzerland.

Youth Rail Travel in Europe: Key Trends and Market Analysis

Increasing Rail Usage and Youth Interest

Rail usage in Europe has surged in recent years, with a reported 11.2% growth in rail passenger transport in the EU in 2023, compared to 2022. This growth nearly doubled the traffic levels seen in 2020, indicating a strong rebound in rail travel post-pandemic. The rise in rail usage is particularly evident among younger travelers, driven by environmental consciousness and a desire for more sustainable mobility options.

A report from Future Market Insights (October 23, 2025) estimates that the European rail tourism market—which includes youth travel—will reach USD 338.5 billion in 2025, with expectations to grow to USD 578.3 billion by 2035, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 5.5%. The growth is largely attributed to the increasing popularity of high-speed trains, which are expected to capture around 28.7% of the market share.

Youth and Sustainability

Young people have emerged as a key demographic in driving sustainable travel. Environmental and consumer groups, such as the “Youth on Track” coalition, have highlighted that younger generations are increasingly prioritizing rail travel over other modes of transport due to its lower carbon footprint. The growing interest in sustainability is being reflected in the choices made by younger travelers, with many opting for rail as an environmentally responsible way to explore Europe.

The European Commission’s 9th Rail Market Monitoring Report (RMMS), adopted in July 2025, indicates that passenger traffic in the EU rail market had recovered to approximately 96% of pre-pandemic levels by 2022. The report also highlighted that the high-speed rail network has expanded by over 12,000 km since 2018, which marks a growth of 10.4%. This expansion is crucial for meeting the increasing demand for cross-border travel among youth and aligns with broader sustainability goals across the EU.

Youth Mobility Programs

Youth mobility programs, such as rail passes for young travelers, have gained in popularity due to the affordability and accessibility they provide. These programs are not only fostering cultural exchange but also helping to address the environmental challenges posed by traditional, high-emission modes of transport like flying. Youth travelers are especially drawn to the slower, more immersive experiences that rail travel provides, allowing them to explore secondary cities, rural areas, and cultural destinations that might otherwise be overlooked.

However, despite these trends, challenges remain, including issues like booking complexity, high fares compared to budget flights, and the inconsistency of ticketing systems across borders. Many young travelers have expressed concerns over the complexity of booking tickets for cross-border journeys, which can make rail travel seem less accessible compared to cheaper flights.

New Train Introductions and Developments Across Europe

As the demand for rail travel continues to rise, several European countries have been investing in new rail technologies, expanding services, and enhancing infrastructure to cater to the younger generation’s needs. These advancements are pivotal in encouraging the younger generation to choose rail travel over other modes of transport.

Eurostar’s New High-Speed Trains

One of the most significant developments in European rail travel is Eurostar’s €2 billion investment in a new fleet of high-speed trains. These trains, called Avelia Horizon/Celestia, are set to begin service in 2031 and will provide double-decker seating to accommodate over 1,000 passengers, which is a 20-30% increase in capacity compared to current trains. These new trains will run through the Channel Tunnel and on routes including London–Paris, London–Geneva, and London–Frankfurt, providing a seamless travel experience for young travelers seeking cross-border connections.

This investment in high-speed rail is part of a broader European strategy to increase the capacity of rail networks and encourage modal shifts from air to rail, especially for travelers looking to make faster, more sustainable connections between major cities.

High-Speed Rail Growth and New Routes

The European Union is committed to expanding its high-speed rail network, aiming to double the traffic by 2030 and triple it by 2050 as part of its green mobility strategy. The opening of a new high-speed route between Berlin and Paris in December 2024, for example, symbolizes the ongoing growth of high-speed rail in Europe, making it easier for young travelers to cross borders quickly and sustainably.

High-speed rail not only offers a fast way to travel between major cities but also helps reduce the carbon footprint of the transportation sector. With routes such as Berlin-Paris, young travelers can access both capital cities and other interesting destinations in between, offering a more affordable and sustainable alternative to flying.

Digital Advancements and Connectivity

Rail operators across Europe are increasingly embracing digital technologies to improve the passenger experience, especially for young travelers who prefer to book their travel online or through mobile apps. Online booking systems have become the primary method for purchasing train tickets, with 62.4% of rail tourists using digital platforms, according to Future Market Insights.

To meet the digital expectations of the younger generation, many rail operators are also improving the connectivity within trains, offering free Wi-Fi, online entertainment, and real-time train updates. The integration of mobile ticketing and digital information systems has made rail travel more convenient and accessible for youth.

Country-Specific Highlights of Rail Advancements

United Kingdom

The UK’s rail network is benefiting from the Eurostar’s new fleet, which is set to increase capacity and offer better cross-border connections. The UK government has also prioritized rail investment, making it easier for young people to travel to different parts of the country with discounts like the 16–25 Railcard.

Switzerland

Switzerland remains a top destination for youth travelers, with the Swiss Travel Pass Youth offering significant savings for young visitors. The Swiss rail system continues to invest in green mobility and expanding connections to secondary cities, making it easier for young people to explore the entire country sustainably.

Conclusion: A Range of Youth Rail Initiatives Across Europe

While DiscoverEU remains the most expansive and unique youth rail pass initiative, offering free travel across multiple European countries, other nations like the UK, Switzerland have introduced national programs aimed at providing youth discounts on rail travel. These programs, such as the 16–25 Railcard in the UK and the Swiss Travel Pass Youth, offer valuable opportunities for young people to explore new destinations and embrace sustainable travel. However, none of these initiatives match the cross-border, free rail access offered by DiscoverEU, which sets a benchmark for youth travel across Europe.

As travel patterns continue to evolve, the DiscoverEU pass stands as a pioneering model for encouraging cultural exchange, reducing carbon footprints, and fostering curiosity and exploration among young travelers.

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