DiscoverEU 2026: 40,000 free train passes for 18-year-olds across Europe
Applications close on April 22, 2026, for free train travel until September 30, 2027. Open to Ticino cross-border workers as well if they reside in EU countries or Erasmus+ associated nations.
Contesto
The European Commission has launched the call for applications for DiscoverEU 2026, the programme offering 40,000 free train passes to 18-year-olds. Applications close on 22 April 2026 at 12:00, coinciding with the European Youth Week 2026, which kicks off two days later. Eligible participants are those born between 1 July 2007 and 30 June 2008, who must complete a quiz with five questions about the European Union and an additional question on the European Youth Portal. Winners will receive train tickets valid for a maximum of 30 days between 1 July 2026 and 30 September 2027. ### Who can participate? The programme is open to citizens of: - European Union member states; - Countries associated with the Erasmus+ programme, including Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia and Turkey. ### What destinations are available? Trains are the main mode of transport, with routes ranging from historic cities to natural landscapes. Some of the most appealing options include: - From Amsterdam to Istanbul; - The Camino de Santiago in Spain; - The wine valleys of Tuscany; - The mountains of Slovakia; - The nightlife of Belgrade; - The Danube Delta in Romania. ### How do the passes work? Winners receive an individual pass valid for up to 30 days of travel. They can plan flexible itineraries or follow thematic routes such as the DiscoverEU Culture Route, which connects art cities with a focus on architecture, fashion and design. > “DiscoverEU promotes sustainable travel by train, with special provisions for young people from remote areas or islands.” ### 📊 Why is this important for Ticino commuters? Young residents in Ticino who hold EU or Erasmus+-associated citizenship can apply. The programme offers a unique chance to explore Europe without transport costs, incl...
Dettagli operativi
For young cross-border workers from Ticino, DiscoverEU 2026 represents a tangible opportunity to broaden their professional and cultural horizons without incurring any costs. The programme is not limited to offering a tourism experience; it can also serve as a springboard for internships, traineeships, or networking across Europe. ### Practical benefits for cross-border workers Residents in Ticino who work in Lombardy and hold EU citizenship can use the pass to visit companies, universities, or trade fairs in cities such as Milan, Zurich, or Munich. This can lead to: - Professional contacts in sectors like IT, fashion, or engineering; - Access to training opportunities (university exchanges, summer schools); - Exploration of alternative job markets with no transport expenses. ### Real-world scenarios Case 1: Young employee in Varese with Italian citizenship An 18-year-old resident in Lugano but with Italian citizenship can apply. If successful, they can travel by train from Lugano to Berlin, with stopovers in Milan, Munich, and Vienna, at no cost for tickets. This route allows them to visit tech companies in Berlin or attend events like Berlin Fashion Week. Case 2: Ticinese student on an Erasmus+ exchange A student from USI or SUPSI with Swiss citizenship (thanks to the agreement with the EU) can use the pass to reach Lisbon or Athens during the summer holidays, exploring post-graduation job opportunities in sectors such as tourism or renewable energy. ### Differences between 2025 and 2026 - Increase in available spots: from 35,000 to 40,000; - Extended travel period: trips are possible until September 2027 (previously, they expired at the end of 2026); - New associated countries: Serbia was included in 2026; - Greater flexibility: winners can choose between 30 cons...
Punti chiave
Are you an 18-year-old living in Ticino with citizenship in an EU or Erasmus+ associated country? Here’s the step-by-step guide to apply for DiscoverEU 2026 and travel for free across Europe for a month. ### Step 1: Check the requirements - Date of birth: You must be born between 1 July 2007 and 30 June 2008; - Residency: You must reside in an EU country or an Erasmus+ associated country (e.g. Italy, Germany, France, Norway, Turkey); - Citizenship: You must hold citizenship in one of these countries. > ⚠️ Note: If you are a Ticino commuter with Italian citizenship, you can apply. If you only have Swiss residency without EU citizenship, you cannot participate. ### Step 2: Prepare your documents - Valid ID card or passport; - An email address to receive updates; - An account on the European Youth Portal (create one here if you don’t have it). ### Step 3: Take the quiz From the DiscoverEU portal, you’ll access a test with five multiple-choice questions about the EU (e.g. institutions, programmes, values) and one additional question about the European Youth Portal. There are no trick questions, but it’s helpful to review key EU treaties and member state capitals. ### Step 4: Submit your application - Deadline: 22 April 2026 at 12:00 (Brussels time); - How: Online via the official portal; - Confirmation: You’ll receive an email with a participation code. ### Step 5: Wait for the ranking - Winners are selected based on correct answers and submission order; - The ranking will be published by June 2026; - Selected participants will receive an email with their rail pass and activation instructions. ### Step 6: Plan your trip Once you receive your pass, you can: 1. Book trains through national platforms (e.g. SBB for Switzerland, Trenitalia for Italy, Deutsche Bahn for Ger...
Punti chiave
[{"q":"Can I apply if I'm a Swiss citizen living in Ticino but without EU citizenship?","a":"No. The DiscoverEU programme is open only to citizens of EU member states or Erasmus+ associated countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Turkey). Switzerland is not among the participating countries, so those with only Swiss citizenship cannot access the passes."},{"q":"How much time do I have to plan my trip once I win the pass?","a":"Winners receive their pass by June 2026 and can use it for travel between 1 July 2026 and 30 September 2027. There is no time limit for booking trains, but it is advisable to do so in advance to avoid running out of seats during peak seasons."},{"q":"Can I bring a pet with me?","a":"No. DiscoverEU passes are personal and non-transferable, and do not cover expenses for pets. Additionally, the programme focuses exclusively on train travel to promote sustainable mobility."},{"q":"What happens if I miss my train due to a delay on a previous connection?","a":"DiscoverEU tickets are flexible, but it is recommended to book connections with sufficient waiting times (at least 1 hour). In case of proven delays, you can seek assistance from local train ticket offices, but you remain responsible for your journey."},{"q":"Can I use the pass to travel in Switzerland if I'm an EU citizen?","a":"Yes. Swiss trains (SBB) are included in DiscoverEU routes. You can, for example, travel from Milan to Zurich or from Basel to Geneva at no extra cost, as long as the route falls within the 30-day travel period."}]
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I apply if I'm a Swiss citizen living in Ticino but without EU citizenship?
- No. The DiscoverEU programme is open only to citizens of **EU member states or Erasmus+ associated countries** (Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Turkey). Switzerland is not among the participating countries, so those with only Swiss citizenship cannot access the passes.
- How much time do I have to plan my trip once I win the pass?
- Winners receive their pass **by June 2026** and can use it for travel between **1 July 2026 and 30 September 2027**. There is no time limit for booking trains, but it is advisable to do so in advance to avoid running out of seats during peak seasons.
- Can I bring a pet with me?
- No. DiscoverEU passes are **personal and non-transferable**, and do not cover expenses for pets. Additionally, the programme focuses exclusively on **train travel** to promote sustainable mobility.
- What happens if I miss my train due to a delay on a previous connection?
- DiscoverEU tickets are **flexible**, but it is recommended to book connections with **sufficient waiting times** (at least 1 hour). In case of proven delays, you can seek assistance from local train ticket offices, but you remain responsible for your journey.
- Can I use the pass to travel in Switzerland if I'm an EU citizen?
- Yes. Swiss trains (SBB) are included in DiscoverEU routes. You can, for example, travel from **Milan to Zurich** or from **Basel to Geneva** at no extra cost, as long as the route falls within the 30-day travel period.