The EU is giving away 15,000 free Interrail passes to citizens of EU countries who are 18 this summer. Applications opened this week

The European Parliament will hand out 15,000 free Interrail tickets to EU citizens who are 18 as part of a trial. Applications opened this week and will close on 26 June.

The passes will be released to selected 18-year-olds under the pilot DiscoverEU scheme, allowing the teens to travel on nearly all trains around Europe for up to a month this summer. Interrail passes let holders travel on the national railways – and some ferry lines – of 30 European countries. The freebies will save travellers an average of €255 (£225).

Women travel on the Intercity-Express in Germany. Image: Eurail Group G.I.E

To…