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Seeking clarity on outbound/inbound journeys

  • August 21, 2026
  • 1 reply
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W

Good evening,

First time Interrailer (4-day Global Pass) and UK resident, just learned about outbound and inbound journeys and I’m now reviewing my current itinerary. I have two separate but related questions:

  1. Currently, my trip starts with a Eurostar journey from London → Cologne on the 14th September, via Brussels. My understanding is that this entire journey counts as an Outbound journey, and therefore not towards one of my travel days. Is this correct?
  2. Do outbound and inbound journeys have to cross an international border to count? Because right now I’m looking at a £35 single/ £50+ open return ticket to get from my rural little village to London, so if I can cover either or both of those with the Global pass, that would be a big help.

I’m aware that the two situations above potentially conflict. That’s my problem to work out. I’d just like to be sure I understand what the possibilities are.

Any help greatly appreciated,

Warr

Best answer by rvdborgt

  1. In/outbound journeys are not extra days. It's just that on 2 of your travel days, you can also travel in your country of residence. Also see this page.
  2. Any travel in/to/from/through your country of residence will trigger an in/outbound. However, on a travel day, you can use as many trains as you want, including in your country of residence. If you intend to travel from your starting station to London on 1 day, then that's all 1 travel day (including 1 in/outbound) and you don't need an extra ticket.

This general introduction may also be useful:

https://www.seat61.com/how-to-use-an-interrail-pass.htm

1 reply

R
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  • rvdborgt
  • Railmaster
  • Answer
  • August 21, 2026
  1. In/outbound journeys are not extra days. It's just that on 2 of your travel days, you can also travel in your country of residence. Also see this page.
  2. Any travel in/to/from/through your country of residence will trigger an in/outbound. However, on a travel day, you can use as many trains as you want, including in your country of residence. If you intend to travel from your starting station to London on 1 day, then that's all 1 travel day (including 1 in/outbound) and you don't need an extra ticket.

This general introduction may also be useful:

https://www.seat61.com/how-to-use-an-interrail-pass.htm

Please ask questions in the community and not via a private message. That's the quickest way to get a response. I don't work for Eurail/Interrail.
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