How you can get free train tickets across Europe this summer
THOUSANDS of free train tickets have been made available for people to travel across Europe this summer.
There will be 60,000 tickets up for grabs, but there’s a catch for anyone who wants one.
The tickets are available for people under the age of 27 and looking to travel between France and Germany.
The free tickets are being handed out to young people to use this summer and autumn to encourage travel and cultural exchange between the two countries.
The deal marks the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Elysée Treaty, an agreement of friendship between France and West Germany, signed in 1963 in Paris.
The rail scheme was announced by the two countries’ transport ministers, Clément Beaune and Volker Wissing, but is now open for applications.
There are 30,000 tickets available in France and 30,000 in Germany.
Successful applicants will be able to take the train to the other country and then travel around as much as they like while they are there.
Applicants don’t need to be nationals of either France or Germany, however they do need to show proof that they are a resident in either of those countries.
Those wanting tickets are only permitted to apply to travel in the other country and not the one they live in.
For instance, French applicants can only get free tickets for Germany and vice versa.
Those whose applications are successful will have to choose a week for their visit, for which they will have free train travel.
Anyone interested will need to apply and then, if there are tickets remaining, they will receive them directly via email.
Passes are valid for travel for one seven-day period between 1 July and 31 December 2023.
There is no requirement for travellers to enter and depart the country using the same city.
For those wanted to travel in Germany, the ticket offers access to all German trains, including ICE high-speed trains.
However, reserving a seat may incur an extra fee of around €4 (£3.40).
Those taking a TGV train to France can reserve seats in person at an SNCF station.
Meanwhile, Brits can now travel to one of Europe’s most popular cities by train.
And we’ve rounded up the best UK railway journeys where Brit holidaymakers can enjoy beautiful scenery without dusting off their passports.