DiscoverEU 2026: 40,000 free train passes for 18-year-olds across Europe

Context

TL;DR

• 40,000 free train passes for 18-year-olds in EU and Erasmus+ countries.
• Applications close 22 April 2026. Travel valid until 30 September 2027.
• Passes valid for up to 30 days. Includes routes like Amsterdam to Istanbul.

Key facts

• Programme Name: DiscoverEU 2026
• Application Deadline: 22 April 2026 at 12:00 (Brussels time)
• Eligible Age: Born between 1 July 2007 and 30 June 2008
• Number of Passes: 40,000 free train passes
• Travel Period: 1 July 2026 to 30 September 2027
• Maximum Travel Duration: 30 days
• Eligible Countries: EU member states and Erasmus+ associated countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Turkey)

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, including nearby destinations like Lombardy or the Aosta Valley.

Deadlines and timelines

• Applications open until: 22 April 2026;
• Winners notified by: June 2026;
• Travel period: July 2026 to September 2027.

Special cases

Young people from islands or outermost regions (such as French overseas territories or the Canary Islands) have access to additional support to cover ferry or night train costs.

💡 Comparison with previous editions

In 2025, DiscoverEU offered 35,000 passes to young Europeans. The increase to 40,000 in 2026 reflects the EU’s focus on sustainable youth tourism and the inclusion of new associated countries like Serbia.

⚠️ Unanswered questions

It is not specified whether passes can be used for international night trains (such as those operated by ÖBB Nightjet) or if travel insurance is provided for participants.

Operational details

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 consecutive travel days or split them.

How to maximise the experience

1. Planning: Use the interactive map on the DiscoverEU portal to optimise routes; 2. Professional focus: Select destinations with economic hubs (Amsterdam, Paris, Barcelona); 3. Networking: Attend local events (conferences, workshops) listed on EU platforms; 4. Sustainability: Prioritise overnight trains to reduce carbon footprint.

📊 Comparative table

⚠️ Mistakes to avoid

• Underestimating application times: The quiz requires preparation;
• Ignoring validity rules: Tickets are non-transferable;
• Choosing overly ambitious itineraries: 30 days are enough for 5-6 countries, not 15;
• Forgetting documents: Bring an ID card or passport valid for the entire trip.

Comparison with other opportunities

Unlike Erasmus+ programmes (which require university enrolment) or the Interrail Global Pass (paid), DiscoverEU stands out for:

• Fully free transport;
• No age restrictions beyond 18 years;
• Emphasis on sustainability.

Common questions among cross-border workers

Why can’t I use the pass to fly? Because the programme is explicitly train-focused to promote sustainable mobility. The only exceptions are ferries to islands or remote regions.

What if I miss the train? Winners receive a flexible ticket, but it’s advisable to book in advance.

Can I bring a friend? No, each pass is personal and non-transferable.

Useful tools to protect your net income

To reduce FX leakage, compare CHF-EUR exchange options and banks for cross-border workers.

Key points

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 Germany); 2. Book accommodation (hostels, couchsurfing or youth hostels recommended by the EU portal); 3. Download the DiscoverEU app for real-time updates.

Step 7: Travel with your active pass

• Validity: The pass is active from 1 July 2026;
• Duration: You can travel for up to 30 days until 30 September 2027;
• Extensions: You cannot extend the trip beyond 30 days.

What if you’re not selected?

• Try again in the next round (usually twice a year);
• Use the salary calculator here to see if you can save for a low-cost trip;
• Check Interrail offers for discounted fares.

Pre-departure checklist

• [ ] Passport/ID card;
• [ ] Printed or digital train ticket;
• [ ] Travel insurance (recommended);
• [ ] Digital copy of your DiscoverEU pass;
• [ ] List of reservations (trains, accommodation);
• [ ] Wallet with a credit card for emergencies (transport is free).

Frequently asked questions about procedures and deadlines

What if I don’t receive my pass by June 2026? It could be an administrative delay. Contact the European Youth Portal via their dedicated helpdesk.

Can I travel in third class? Yes, but high-speed and overnight trains (e.g. TGV, ICE) are included without class restrictions.

Is there an age limit to participate? No, you just need to be 18 at the time of application.

Useful tools for Ticino commuters

• Ticino-Lombardy salary calculator to assess savings;
• Ticino vs Italy cost-of-living comparison to plan your budget;
• Cross-border crossing guide to optimise your travel routes.

Useful contacts

• DiscoverEU Portal: discoverEU.ec.europa.eu;
• European Youth Portal: europa.eu/youth;
• Ticino Youth Office: For questions about citizenship and residency, contact the Ufficio del Lavoro e della Formazione Professionale del Canton Ticino.

Source: varesenews.it