DiscoverEU offers 40,000 free European travel passes to 18-year-olds
The European Union has offered approximately 40,000 free travel passes to 18-year-olds through its DiscoverEU initiative, giving young people the opportunity to explore Europe, primarily by train. Applications for the autumn 2026 round closed on 15 October, but another opportunity is expected in spring 2027.
The initiative, part of the EU's Erasmus+ programme, aims to help young people discover Europe's cultural diversity, historical heritage and different societies through international travel.
WHO WAS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?
The autumn 2026 application round was open to young people born between 1 January and 31 December 2008.
Applicants had to be citizens or legal residents of an EU Member State, an associated Overseas Country or Territory, or a country associated with the Erasmus+ programme. Eligible countries included Türkiye, Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway and Serbia.
Applications were submitted online through the European Youth Portal between 1 and 15 October 2026. Candidates were also required to complete a short quiz as part of the selection process.
HOW DOES THE FREE TRAVEL PASS WORK?
Successful applicants will be able to travel between 1 March 2027 and 31 May 2028.
The pass allows participants to travel for up to seven days within a maximum period of one month, visiting multiple eligible European countries. Rail travel is the programme's primary mode of transport, although alternative means may be provided in specific circumstances, particularly for young people living on islands or in remote areas.
BEYOND FREE TRAIN TRAVEL
Selected participants will also receive a DiscoverEU European Youth Card, providing discounts on accommodation, cultural attractions, sports activities, local transport, food and various other services.
Young people can also apply as part of a group. A group can consist of up to five eligible applicants, allowing participants to share the experience with as many as four friends.
WHEN IS THE NEXT APPLICATION ROUND?
Although the autumn 2026 application window has closed, DiscoverEU is expected to return in spring 2027.
According to the European Youth Portal, the next round is planned for young people born between 1 July 2008 and 30 June 2009.
Further details and application information will be published through the official European Youth Portal.
