Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need reservations?

European railway companies use three types of trains:

• Without reservations: local and regional trains generally require no reservations.
• With optional reservations: you can make a reservation if you want to be assured of a seat, but it is not mandatory.
• With obligatory reservations: required for many high-speed trains such as the Thalys and for overnight trains.

To find out if a train requires a reservation, check an online timetable. It will indicate reservation requirements with a 'R' symbol or a sentence like 'Subject to compulsory reservation'.

If in doubt, ask at a ticket window at the station before boarding to avoid paying a higher price on the train or even getting a fine.

In the section on Train Reservations you can find an overview of reservation fees and advice on how to make reservations.

Often you can avoid compulsory reservations by taking an alternative (slower) route. See the FAQ How to avoid train reservations.