“Explore Europe for free,” European Commissioners remind young people looking for travel opportunities. The European Union has launched the latest round of the DiscoverEU initiative, through which 18-year-olds can receive free train tickets to travel across dozens of countries. Hurry to apply, as registration on the European Youth Portal is open until October 15, 2026 (until 12:00 p.m. Kyiv time).
The program was created to give young people the chance to experience the continent’s cultural heritage firsthand, make new friends, and feel like part of a unified community. Since the initiative’s inception, hundreds of thousands of teenagers have already taken advantage of it, including Ukrainian teenagers who legally reside in EU countries with temporary protection status (dočasné útočisko) or a residence permit.
Who is eligible for a ticket
The main requirement concerns the date of birth. Those born between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2008, inclusive, are eligible to participate in the current contest.
In addition to age, potential travelers must meet the following criteria:
be a citizen or legal resident of one of the European Union member states;
hold citizenship or residency in third countries participating in the Erasmus+ program (specifically, Iceland, Norway, Serbia, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, and Turkey);
correctly enter the details of a valid passport, ID card, or residence card into the online form.
You can travel alone or with a group of friends. You may add up to four like-minded people to your group, provided that they all also meet the program’s criteria.
Travel Terms and Conditions
Winners of the drawing will receive a special Interrail pass and a digital DiscoverEU discount card, which offers significant discounts on accommodations, cultural events, sports, and public transportation in various cities.
Trip duration: You can travel by train for up to 7 days in total during a selected period of up to one month.
Travel period: The ticket will be valid from March 1, 2027, through May 31, 2028.
Geography: The trip covers more than 30 European countries, and the main requirement is to visit at least one foreign country participating in the project.
The primary mode of transportation is trains; however, alternative transportation options are available for participants living in remote regions or on islands.
How to Apply
The registration process is as digital as possible but requires careful attention:
Visit the official European Youth Portal during the registration window.
Confirm your eligibility by entering your date of birth and country of residence.
Answer the questions in a short quiz on general knowledge about the EU and youth initiatives.
Answer an additional prediction question (for example, how many people will participate in the contest)—this question often determines the winners when scores are tied.
The selection results will be announced early next year. Those lucky enough to be among the winners will be able to plan the itinerary for their dream European trip as they see fit.
