DiscoverEU October 2026: how to apply and travel Europe for free (born in 2008)
From 1 to 15 October 2026, young people born in 2008 can apply for DiscoverEU, the European Union initiative that gives away a free rail pass for travelling around Europe. The pass is worth around €250, can be used between 1 March 2027 and 31 May 2028, and Italy has around 5,000 places available.
If you’re 18 and have never done Interrail, this is your chance. We explain who can take part, how to fill in the application and what you get if you’re selected.
What is DiscoverEU?
DiscoverEU is a European Commission initiative, funded by the Erasmus+ programme, that offers 18-year-olds a free pass to travel around Europe, mainly by train. It works much like an Interrail ticket. The goal is to help young people discover Europe: its cities, its cultures, its people. You can travel in all EU Member States and in the third countries associated with Erasmus+: Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia and Türkiye.
Every year there are two application rounds. The October 2026 round is reserved for those born in 2008.
Requirements: who can apply for DiscoverEU 2026
You can apply for the October 2026 round if you meet all of these conditions:
- You were born between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2008 (inclusive).
- You hold citizenship or legal residence in an EU Member State or in a third country associated with Erasmus+ (Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Türkiye).
- You enter your ID card, passport or residence permit number correctly in the form.
- You accept the declaration on honour in the application form.
- You answer the quiz, unless you are applying as a group.
Watch out for your document number: a wrong number can get you excluded. Check it twice before submitting.
How to apply for DiscoverEU: step-by-step guide
Applications are submitted online only, through the European Youth Portal, by 15 October 2026. Here’s what to do:
- Go to youth.europa.eu/discovereu and open the application form.
- Create an EU Login account (or log in if you already have one).
- Fill in your details and your ID document number.
- Choose whether to apply on your own or as a group.
- If you’re applying on your own, answer the quiz.
- Accept the declaration on honour and submit your application.
The quiz. It is used to rank applicants and contains general knowledge questions about the European Union and youth initiatives. Brush up on the basics before you start.
Don’t wait until the last day: the portal can slow down close to the deadline.
What DiscoverEU offers if you’re selected
If you’re selected, you receive a pass for 7 days of travel to use within one month, plus a discount card. Your trip can last from 1 to 30 days.
- Travel pass: 7 days of travel within 1 month, worth around €250
- Travel period: from 1 March 2027 to 31 May 2028
- Trip duration: from 1 to 30 days
- Discount card: reductions on accommodation, culture, sport, local transport and other expenses
- Alternative transport: ferries, buses and, in exceptional cases, planes
To give you an idea of its value: a 7-day Interrail pass valid within one month costs €286 at full price, or about €243 with the youth discount.
Ferries, buses and planes. Unlike a standard Interrail, DiscoverEU can also cover other means of transport. Flying is only allowed when there are no alternatives, for people travelling from or to areas not served by trains, such as islands.
Applying as a group: no quiz, and you travel with friends
You can apply with a group of up to 5 people, meaning you plus up to 4 friends. In this case you don’t have to answer the quiz.
Every member of the group must meet the same requirements: born in 2008 and a citizen or resident of an eligible country. If the group is selected, the pass is valid for everyone and you travel together.
It’s the ideal choice if you already have a shared itinerary in mind, or if the quiz makes you nervous.
DiscoverEU 2026 FAQ
When is the deadline for the October 2026 DiscoverEU application? Applications are open from 1 to 15 October 2026.
Who can take part in DiscoverEU in 2026? Young people born between 1 January and 31 December 2008, who are citizens or residents of an EU country or of a country associated with Erasmus+.
Is DiscoverEU free? Yes. The travel pass is free and worth around €250. Food and accommodation are at your own expense, but the discount card helps reduce costs.
How many places are available for Italy? Around 5,000.
When can I travel?
Between 1 March 2027 and 31 May 2028, for a trip of 1 to 30 days.
Do I have to take the quiz?
No. If you apply as a group (maximum 5 people), the quiz is not required.
Can I use a plane?
Only in exceptional cases, if you’re travelling from or to areas that can’t be reached by train, such as islands. Ferries and buses are also covered.
Which document do I need?
ID card, passport or residence permit: the number must be entered correctly in the form.
Where can I find the form?
On the European Youth Portal: youth.europa.eu/discovereu
Not 18 or not selected? There are other options
DiscoverEU is just one of the Erasmus+ opportunities to travel for free or almost for free. With Youth Exchanges and Training Courses you can spend 5 to 21 days abroad with travel, food and accommodation covered, from the age of 18 upwards.
Discover the open projects on scambiinternazionali.it and follow us on Instagram @scambinternazionali so you don’t miss upcoming deadlines.