The European Commission has launched a fresh round of its popular DiscoverEU initiative, giving 18-year-olds across Europe another chance to explore the continent by rail—
completely free of charge.
Applications opened today at noon (CET) and will remain open until 22 April 2026, just ahead of European Youth Week 2026. This round will distribute 40,000 travel passes, allowing successful applicants to travel for up to 30 days between July 2026 and September 2027.
Who can apply and how it works
Young people born between 1 July 2007 and 30 June 2008 are eligible. The process includes a short quiz—five questions about the EU and one additional tie-breaker—hosted on the European Youth Portal. Applicants are ranked based on their answers, with passes awarded until the quota is filled.
The scheme is open not only to EU citizens but also to young people from countries participating in the Erasmus+ programme, including Norway, Serbia, Türkiye, and others.
More than just a train ticket
DiscoverEU offers more than travel. Participants receive a discount card unlocking thousands of deals on transport, accommodation, food, cultural activities, and sports. They also gain access to pre-departure briefings and meet-ups across Europe, where they can connect with fellow travelers.
Routes are flexible—participants can design their own journeys or follow curated itineraries like the DiscoverEU Culture Route, which highlights Europe’s rich artistic and architectural heritage.
Making travel accessible
The programme includes strong support for inclusivity. Young people with disabilities, health conditions, or financial constraints can receive additional assistance, including funding or the option to travel with a companion.
While rail travel is the default—encouraging environmentally friendly mobility—alternative arrangements are available for participants from remote regions, islands, and overseas territories.
A growing European youth experience
Since its launch in 2018, DiscoverEU has become one of the EU’s flagship youth initiatives. Nearly 2 million young people have applied, with over 430,000 passes awarded so far. Surveys show the programme’s impact is significant: many participants say it was their first time traveling abroad independently, and most would not have been able to afford such a trip otherwise.
Part of a wider youth movement
DiscoverEU is not just about travel—it’s part of a broader European youth movement aimed at strengthening identity, solidarity, and civic engagement across borders. Initiatives under Erasmus+ and events like European Youth Week encourage young people to actively participate in shaping Europe’s future.
From climate activism and cross-border volunteering to student exchanges and policy dialogue, Europe’s youth are increasingly connected and influential. Programmes like DiscoverEU help turn that connection into lived experience—bringing cultures, languages, and perspectives together on the rails.
As applications open once again, thousands of young Europeans now have the chance to see their continent not just on a map—but through real journeys, shared experiences, and new friendships. Photo by Amanda Slater, Wikimedia commons.