Is it mandatory to reserve a seat on a train?

Is it mandatory to reserve a seat on a train? If the train company does not offer seat reservations on the train you are travelling on, the reservation ticket will specify the date and time of travel. In this case, you may sit in any available seat on the specified train, appropriate to the class of your ticket.

Do I need to make train reservations in Switzerland?

But for most regional trains, high-speed trains, and sleep trains, you will not have to reserve seats. However, for certain scenic routes such as Bernina Express, Glacier Express, Golden Pass & Gotthard Panorama Express, you will need to make a separate reservation by paying a small booking fee.

How early should you arrive for a train in Europe?

Arrive at the station at least 30 minutes to an hour in advance to give yourself time to get your bearings and find your way to the correct terminal.

Do you have to reserve seats on trains in Europe?

Reservations are often required in France, Italy and Spain. Trains in these countries are popular and will quickly get full, especially during the summer months. In many other countries, like Austria, the Benelux and Germany, you can usually get by without reservations.

Is it possible to select seat in train?

Yes, seat selection is available on Acela and in Business Class on select routes. However, not all trains offer seat selection, and some seats may be assigned at check-in.

Do trains in Europe need to be booked in advance?

Though some train rides should be booked in advance, it's generally easiest to buy tickets right at the station. Advance tickets sold through national-railway websites are often easily redeemable at the station.

Can you buy train tickets last minute in Europe?

Yes, but it does depend on how last minute you plan to travel. If you're buying very last minute, your best option is to order a mobile Pass, which you'll instantly receive in your inbox after purchase. If you don't plan on using trains that require seat reservations, you only need to order a few days before your trip.

How early should you book trains in Europe?

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.

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 is it called when you get on a train without a ticket?

October 2023) Fare evasion or fare dodging is the act of travelling on public transport without paying by deliberately not buying a required ticket to travel (having had the chance to do so).

Do French trains have assigned seats?

Many French trains need to be reserved in advance, and seats can be limited at times. Make your train trips in France comfortable and reserve your seats before the journey even begins! Most French high-speed trains and night trains can be reserved up to 2 months in advance.

Why does my train ticket not have a seat?

The train operator may not have released seat reservations at that time. The train operator will only open seat reservations when the train path has been confirmed by Network Rail. This is usually 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. The train on which you wish to travel is full at the time of booking.

Can I sit in first class if no seats on train?

If overcrowding becomes intense, first class can be “declassified”, i.e. opened up to all passengers, regardless of their tickets. But there is no automatic right to occupy first class. Ad hoc declassification typically happens after other trains have been cancelled or seriously delayed.

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.