Train Reservations
On most trains, having a reservation is not compulsory. However, although a Eurail Pass may entitle you to unlimited train travel, the Pass does not guarantee you a seat.
We recommend you to make a advance reservation to obtain guaranteed accommodation on a long-distance train, during peak travel periods and if you absolutely must reach your destination by a certain day and time. A reservation will ensure that you have specific seat or bed in a certain train, on a certain date.
Reservations can best be made at a main train station, once you have arrived in Europe. The reservations fees are lower in Europe. Furthermore most reservations are non-refundable and non-changable. Please note that for many local trains it is not possible to make reservations.
Advance reservations
On some special trains, like for example the Alaris and the Thalys, the number of seats available for Eurail travelers is limited. Also for this reason it's highly recommended that you make advance reservations.
- Seat reservations will cost between USD 4 / AUD 5 / EUR 2 and USD 25 / AUD 30 / EUR 15 if you book at the local ticket window.
- You can book your seat reservations up to 90 days before your actual trip.
- Please note that some trains also require a supplement. In this supplement the reservation fee is included.
Generally speaking, all night trains and long-distance express trains require a reservation. For more details, please check the chapter about special trains on this website. Reclining seats and berths also require reservations.
More information about reservations
Supplements and reservations
High quality trains, such as trains with special services or trains that are faster than conventional trains, often require a supplement. With a Eurail Pass you pay a special price (Pass holder fare) which varies depending on the kind of train and the service offered.
The costs for a reservation are not included in a Eurail Pass and may vary widely depending on the country, type of train, as well as the date of purchase and/or travel. On domestic trains with compulsory reservations in Romania, Poland and Austria, seat reservations are free of charge for 1st class Pass holders (in Poland also for 2nd class Pass holders). Travelers can only obtain these free reservations at a local ticket window.
Avoid reservations or extra charges
Although most high-speed trains require reservations and/or supplements, it's often possible to avoid paying these supplements when you research alternative routes! This means that you'll use domestic trains which are slower, but it normally means also that your travel is free from those extra costs.
To find trains which require no reservations, we recommend you follow the following steps:
1. Go to this journey planner
2. Enter your place of origin and destination
3. In the field 'means of transport' change 'standard search' to 'local trains only'
4. Uncheck the box 'Prefer fast connections'
5. Click 'go'
6. In the screen with the train connections click on 'details for all' in the lower left corner
7. You will now see all local train connections, which generally speaking require no reservation. If a train still would require a reservation, it will be listed as 'compulsary reservation'.
- Eurail Global Pass valid in 20 countries
- Eurail Select Pass valid in 3, 4 or 5 countries
- Eurail Regional Pass available in various country combinations
- Eurail One Country Pass valid in 1 country
