Are seat reservations mandatory on Eurail?


Are seat reservations mandatory on Eurail? For some trains, like high-speed and night trains, it's mandatory to buy a seat reservation (this reservation guarantees your seat on the applicable train). Please note that you can only buy reservations when you have a valid Pass. Don't have your Eurail Pass yet?


What is seat reservation in Eurail?

A seat reservation is a ticket that ensures you'll have a place on a particular train, even if it's extremely busy. Reservations are mandatory for most high-speed trains and all night trains in Europe.


Can I choose my seat in train?

Your seat will be automatically assigned when you complete your reservation. You may change your assigned seat and choose a different seat at any time after your booking is complete by viewing your reservation in the Amtrak app or on Amtrak.com. There is no fee to change your seat.


Is seat selection mandatory?

Emphatically, no. You will likely get assigned a seat during check-in (though you should still skip it if the airline tries to tack on a fee) or, at the very least, at the gate. Again: You don't have to select a seat in order to get a seat.


What is the difference between InterRail and Eurail?

Eurail and InterRail are both rail passes, and while they are similar there is one critical difference - who can buy them. Eurail Passes are only for non-European citizens or residents. InterRail Passes are only for European citizens or residents.


How do I avoid seat reservations on Interrail?

Most Interrail travelers take at least 1 high-speed train or night train to cover long distances quickly. To find trains that don't require reservations you can use our Rail Planner app on a mobile device. Make sure to tick the 'No reservation needed' box when searching for trains.


How do I avoid Eurail seat reservations?

To find trains that don't require reservations you can use our Rail Planner app on a mobile device. Make sure to tick the 'No reservation needed' box when searching for trains. In some cases, reservations can't be avoided simply because no other options are available.


Do European trains have assigned seats?

Seats are allocated automatically when booking your train ticket. You will also be able to change your seat according to your preferences (aisle seats, windows seats…) and subject to availability.


What happens if you skip seat selection?

Skipping seat selection doesn't mean you won't get a seat on the flight. You might get stuck in the middle seat if you don't pay for one. Even if seat selection is free, you might want to skip it if only lousy seats are available (see the upgrade hack” below).


Can I get on a train without a seat reservation?

In most circumstances, you must purchase a ticket before you board a train. Most trains require reservations and you should not board reserved trains without a reservation. Passengers who do so are not guaranteed a seat and may be instructed to get off the train at the next station stop.


Why are Eurail seat reservations so expensive?

Because some trains are more expensive than others, or historically have received less income from Eurail/Interrail to cover the large amount of passholders making use of those trains (Spain and France mainly). Reservations are usually a fraction of the cost of regular 1st class tickets, with some exceptions.


How far in advance should I reserve Eurail seats?

We advise you to start making reservations at least 2 months in advance. Many high-speed and night trains can already be reserved from 3 months in advance, and will get fully booked in that period.