EU gives free train tickets to 36,000 18-year-olds to travel Europe

Brussels has issued free train tickets to 36,000 young Europeans, giving them a once-in-a-lifetime chance to explore the continent. Through the DiscoverEU initiative, 18-year-olds from across the EU and Erasmus+ associated countries can now travel Europe by train, for free.

This unique travel opportunity is part of the Erasmus+ youth programme, aiming to foster cultural exchange, lifelong learning, and a shared European identity.

In the most recent round (Spring 2025):

• Over 150,000 applications were received
• 36,000 travel passes were awarded
• Germany received the most tickets, as the EU’s most populous country

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What is DiscoverEU?

DiscoverEU is an EU-funded program that offers free rail passes to 18-year-olds, allowing them to explore up to 30 European countries. The initiative promotes:

• Cultural understanding
• Personal development
• European citizenship
• Sustainable travel through eco-friendly rail journeys

Launched under the Erasmus+ umbrella, DiscoverEU has already opened doors for over 3,55,000 young people since its inception in 2018

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DiscoverEU ensures inclusivity by offering:

• Additional support for travelers with disabilities or health conditions
• Financial assistance for those needing help with travel logistics or medical needs

This ensures the program is open and accessible to all eligible youth, regardless of background or ability.

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What’s included in the free EU travel pass?

If selected, participants receive:

✅ A free train pass valid across Europe
✅ Flexible travel for up to 30 days within a set travel window
✅ A DiscoverEU European Youth Card offering discounts on:

• Hostels & accommodation
• Public transport (trams, buses)
• Museums & cultural sites
• Food and learning activities

📍 Note: Special provisions exist for young people living on islands or in remote areas to ensure accessibility.

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Who is eligible?

To apply, you must:

• Be 18 years old on the first day of the travel period
• Be a citizen or legal resident of:
  • An EU Member State
  • Or a participating Erasmus+ associated country: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, North Macedonia, Serbia, or Türkiye
• Submit a valid ID/passport/residence card number
• Complete a brief multiple-choice quiz (unless applying as part of a group)

🎯 Next application round: Fall 2025 and Eligible for those born in 2007

💡 Applications open twice a year, once in spring, once in autumn.

To apply for the next round monitor europa.eu/youth/discovereu for updates

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DiscoverEU is more than just a free train ticket, it's a gateway to cultural discovery, independence, and European unity. If you're turning 18, don’t miss your chance to explore Europe in the most unforgettable way.