Why are seat reservations so expensive on Eurail?


Why are seat reservations so expensive on Eurail? Seat reservations aren't included in your Eurail Pass – they're an additional supplement charged by some railway companies to make sure everyone gets a seat on busy services.


What is the difference between first class and standard on the Eurail?

A 1st class Eurail Pass is more expensive than a 2nd class Eurail Pass, but it also gives you access to seats with more space and extras that can even include food and beverages.


Does Eurail ever go on sale?

Yes, we offer the following discounts on Eurail Passes all year-round: Youth Pass - Travelers aged 12 to 27 can order a Youth Pass, saving 23% off standard Adult Pass prices.


Do you sleep on Eurail?

Many trains offer you a choice of seat types. For day trains, your choice of seating depends on the extra facilities and amount of legroom. For night trains, your choice ranges from a reclining airline-type seat to a private cabin with a comfy bed.


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 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).


How to get discount on Eurail?

Youth Pass - Travelers aged 12 to 27 can order a Youth Pass, saving 23% off standard Adult Pass prices.
  1. Family Pass - Up to two children (aged 0 to 11) can travel for free with a single adult.
  2. Senior Pass - Adults 60 and older get 10% off standard Adult Pass prices.


Is it worth it to pay 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.


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.


Is first class worth it on Eurail?

First class also has wider seats and aisles, and is more likely to have amenities such as air-conditioning and power outlets (though outlets are still rare on Europe's trains, in any class). While first class is less conducive to conversation, it's more conducive to napping.


How to save money on seat selection?

Opt for Off-Peak Travel During peak travel seasons, airlines tend to charge more for seat selection due to increased demand. To avoid these extra costs, consider traveling during off-peak periods. Not only will you potentially save money on seat selection, but you might also find cheaper overall fares.


How do I avoid a seat reservation with Eurail Pass?

To find routes without seat reservations, you can use our Rail Planner app on any mobile device. Make sure to tick the 'No reservation needed' box when searching for trains.


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.


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.


Does it cost extra to reserve a seat on a train?

With point-to-point tickets, however, the ticket price includes the cost of any mandatory reservations (dates, times, and seat assignments are built in, just like with an airline ticket). If you opt to reserve a seat on a train that doesn't require reservations, you'll need to pay a small extra fee.


How can I avoid a seat fee?

How do you avoid a seat selection fee? If you're traveling with a group, the best way to avoid a seat selection fee is to book your seats at the same time. If the airline is assigning seats for you, it typically seats people under the same record locator number together.