What happens if you don't reserve a seat in Eurail?


What happens if you don't reserve a seat in Eurail? Can I avoid seat reservations? We're all about flexibility – most trains covered by your Eurail Pass don't require seat reservations, so if you're willing to take a slower route you can often avoid the extra cost. National trains will take you to all corners of Europe, and you can just hop on and off as you please.


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.


What does no pre reserved seats mean?

Some airlines do not offer complimentary pre-reserved seating on all flights. If a seat map is unavailable or there are no seats to select, it means that the airline is not allowing you to select pre-reserved seat assignments.


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?


Do you have to reserve seats on European trains?

You will need a seat reservation for most high-speed trains and all night 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.


What happens if I dont buy a seat reservation?

If you do not purchase a seat assignment, one will be randomly assigned free of charge. However, your party may be separated.


Do you have to pay for luggage on Eurail?

On all trains covered by Interrail/Eurail: No, just as long as you can carry it. Be aware stowing away large suitcases on busy trains can be a bit difficult, but there often are luggage racks. There are some exceptions on “low-cost” trains, that I know: Ouigo (France & Spain) and Avlo (Spain).


Do Eurostar trains sell out?

Train tickets for the Eurostar usually go on sale 330 days before the date of travel. Book in advance to make sure you get the cheapest options as those tend to sell out, leaving only the more expensive tickets.


Can you add seat selection after booking?

Depending on the carrier, changing paid seats after booking may or may not be supported. In particular, some Direct Payment Carriers may not permit changing paid seats after booking, or may have specific requirements for changing seats.


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.


How do I avoid Eurail reservation fees?

If you're traveling on a budget, remember that most slower national and regional trains don't require seat reservations, so if you're willing to take the scenic route you can often avoid the extra cost.


Can you sit anywhere with Eurail?

You can hop on and off most trains as you please with your Eurail Pass, but some trains ask you to buy an additional seat reservation before you can jump aboard.


What is the 7pm rule on the Eurail?

Here's how the 7pm rule works If your overnight train is leaving after 7pm then you can put in the following day's date on your rail pass and use one rather than two days of travel for the overnight trip.


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.


What happens if I 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).


Is it worth paying for seat selection?

In fact, most regular airlines now charge for seat selection anyways. It's often around $10-$30 per seat per flight segment, so if you cave in and pay for that, it can add up quickly. You shouldn't do it. No matter which airline you're flying on, don't ever pay to select a seat.