The European Commission has opened applications for a new round of its DiscoverEU programme, offering 40,000 free rail passes to young people aged 18.
The application window runs from 12:00 CET on 8 April 2026 to 12:00 CET on 22 April 2026, with successful applicants able to travel for up to 30 days between 1 July 2026 and 30 September 2027.
The initiative is open to those born between 1 July 2007 and 30 June 2008 from European Union member states and countries associated with the Erasmus+ programme. Applicants must complete a short quiz on the European Youth Portal, with passes awarded based on ranking until all tickets are allocated.
Winners will be able to plan their own routes across Europe by train or follow themed itineraries such as the DiscoverEU Culture Route, which highlights destinations linked to architecture, music, fine art, theatre, fashion and design. The programme aims to encourage young people to explore Europe in a flexible and sustainable way.
The call is open to applicants from the European Union and countries associated to the Erasmus+ programme, including Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia and Türkiye. Ticket holders can plan their own routes or be inspired by suggested ones, such as the DiscoverEU Culture Route, which combines various cultural destinations with a focus on architecture, music, fine art, theatre, fashion and design.
In addition to the travel pass, participants will receive a discount card providing access to tens of thousands of offers on public transport, accommodation, food, cultural activities and sports across participating countries. Pre-departure information sessions and DiscoverEU meet-ups are also available, allowing travellers to connect with others and learn more about the regions they visit.
The scheme includes additional support for participants with disabilities, health conditions or those from low-income backgrounds. This may include the option to travel with accompanying persons or receive extra financial assistance through the DiscoverEU Inclusion Action.
While the programme promotes rail travel, alternative arrangements are available for participants from islands, outermost regions and remote areas where train travel is less accessible.
Launched in 2018 at the request of the European Parliament, DiscoverEU forms part of the Erasmus+ programme for 2021 to 2027. Since its introduction, more than 1.9 million young people have applied, with 431,931 travel passes awarded.
According to post-travel data from the programme, 72% of participants said it was their first time travelling abroad by train, while more than two-thirds reported they would not have been able to fund such a trip without the initiative.
