The European Union has reopened the DiscoverEU competition for the 2026-2028 cycle, giving young adults born in 2008 a chance to wander across the continent on public transport at no cost. Applications are accepted from 1 October 2026 at noon (Brussels time) until 15 October 2026 at the same hour. The programme, part of Erasmus+ targets citizens of EU member states and the countries linked to the Erasmus+ network, such as Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia and Turkey. If you turn 18 between 1 January and 31 December 2008, you are eligible to submit an online form and potentially receive a travel pass that can be used from March 2027 through May 2028.
Eligibility and application window
To qualify, applicants must be 18 years old during the calendar year 2026 and hold a valid identity document from an eligible country. The list comprises all EU members, their outermost regions, and the non-EU states that participate in Erasmus+. The United Kingdom will join the scheme once its participation in Erasmus+ is confirmed for 2027. The online form asks for the number of an identity card, passport or residence permit and requires an honor-based declaration that the information is correct. A short quiz follows the basic data entry; only the team leader answers it when applying as a group.
Group applications
Young people may apply alone or as a party of up to five friends. The group leader fills in the questionnaire and receives a unique reference code that the other members must use. All participants must meet the same eligibility criteria, and the group’s
What the pass includes
Successful candidates obtain a DiscoverEU travel pass that primarily covers train journeys, the most environmentally friendly mode of long-distance travel in Europe. The pass allows up to seven days of travel within any one-month window between 1 March 2027 and 31 May 2028. In addition, recipients receive a DiscoverEU discount card. This card provides reduced rates on accommodation, museums, sports facilities, local transport, meals and a range of cultural activities across the participating countries.
For the first time, the 250 highest-scoring applicants across all nations will also be granted a complimentary stay in a youth hostel, easing the cost of at least one night on the road. Moreover, the programme explicitly supports travelers with disabilities or health conditions by offering tailored assistance, ensuring the experience remains inclusive.
Travel logistics and support
The pass is designed to be used on the rail network, but exceptions are possible for island residents or travelers in remote areas where alternative public transport is more practical. The emphasis on trains aligns with the EU’s climate goals, encouraging a shift away from short-haul flights. Participants are encouraged to plan itineraries that highlight the European Heritage sites bearing the EU heritage label, fostering a deeper appreciation of shared history and values.
Beyond the travel voucher, the discount card can be activated at participating partners like hostels, museums and public-transport operators. Users simply present the card at point of sale to receive the agreed-upon reduction. National Erasmus+ agencies also organise pre-departure meetings, both online and in-person, allowing future travelers to network, exchange itinerary ideas and receive practical tips from alumni.
The deadline to submit a complete application is 15 October 2026, 12:00 CET. Interested candidates should visit the official DiscoverEU portal, click the “Apply now” button, and follow the step-by-step instructions.
