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DiscoverEU is an Erasmus+ program funded by the European Union that gives 18-year-olds a free travel pass to explore Europe by train
DiscoverEU awards travel passes to eligible 18-year-olds so they can explore Europe during a defined travel window. This option can make a career break more purposeful by combining travel with a defined activity, community or discovery process. The level of structure varies, so participants should compare support, safeguarding, total costs and the practical value of the experience before committing.
The DiscoverEU program is a unique initiative that allows 18-year-olds to experience a life-changing rail journey across up to 33 European countries. The journey begins on the official application portal, where you must complete a multi-choice quiz testing your knowledge of European culture and history. To break any potential ties among the tens of thousands of applicants, you will answer a final estimation question. This quiz determines who receives the roughly 40,000 free travel passes distributed each round. Once selected, you choose between a Fixed Pass for pre-planned routes or a Flexible Pass, which grants you 7 active travel days to use freely within a continuous 30-day window.
To turn your pass into a reality, you must verify your identity by uploading a valid passport or national identity card through the official travel operator. All trip logistics, route planning, and seat reservations are managed electronically using the DiscoverEU Travel app. The program also ensures equitable access through its Inclusion Action, which provides tailored financial and physical assistance for travelers with disabilities. Throughout your travels and upon returning home, you take on an ambassadorial role by sharing your stories on social media, using the program's official hashtags, or giving presentations at local schools to inspire the next generation of European explorers.
Last checked: August 2026