EU offering 40.000 free travel passes to youths

The Erasmus+ programme DiscoverEU is offering 40.000 free travel passes to 18-year-olds across the bloc. The deadline to apply is April 22.

EU offering teens free travel passes

From April 8 to 22, young people residing in Germany can apply for one of 40.000 free travel passes made available by the European Commission. 

The pass gives young people the opportunity to travel Europe for a maximum of seven days within a period of one month during the authorised travel period from July 1, 2026, to September 30, 2027. The application site states that the ticket is valid for environmentally friendly transport, such as trains.

The offer is available to 18-year-olds. Applicants may be younger when they submit their application, but must be 18 by the time they plan to travel, and should be a citizen or resident of an EU country, overseas territory, Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia or Türkiye.

It is also possible to submit a group application for up to four people, provided all group members meet the requirements. Young people who would like to make new friends can combine plans with other DiscoverEU travellers via a Facebook group. 

Successful applicants will get DiscoverEU discount card

Alongside their travel pass, successful applicants will receive a DiscoverEU discount card, offering discounts on accommodation, cultural and sporting events, public transport, and other services.

Young travellers are encouraged to share their journeys on social media and to give a presentation at their school or in their local community once they return.