Some very adventurous people use freight trains like the American Hobos of the 1920s, to travel for free. But at their own risk.
Trainhopping is a way of traveling for free used by lovers of strong or even very strong sensations, even if this mode of travel is totally prohibited, and above all very dangerous. Admittedly, it’s free, but the comfort is really not there. The principle is to board freight trains illegally to go from one country to another. These trips require meticulous preparation and unfailing physical condition. We are really going on an adventure. Only the route is defined in advance because it is necessary to identify the right freight trains. But then, we take advantage of the day-to-day stay, nights under the stars, hotels or better still, homestays. A bit like “I’ll go sleep with you”, but more adventurous.
The illegality of trainhopping means risking getting caught by the authorities and ending up in prison for some countries, or being considered a migrant in other countries.