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When to make reservations

Seat reservations are required for some trains, for others it is recommended. You can book train seat reservations up to 90 days before the travel date.

During high-season (summer months) we advise you to reserve in advance as long as possible. Some popular trains, like the Thalys, TGV or Alaris, have a limited number of seats for Eurail travelers. Advance reservation is also recommended if you must reach your destination on a certain day and time, for instance to catch a flight.

Which trains require a reservation?
Most high-speed and overnight trains require an advance reservation. In the Eurail timetable that you receive with your Pass, trains with compulsory reservations are indicated by the symbol R.

Online timetables also indicate when reservation is necessary. In the example below, Eurail Pass holders can board the InterCity from Amsterdam to Brussels without reservation. However, the Thalys from Brussels to Paris is subject to compulsory reservation.

example of required reservation in timetable

For some trains reservation is not compulsory, but optional if you want to be sure of a good seat. Seat reservation is usually not possible for local or regional trains.

Night trains
Night trains require nearly always a supplement for the sleeping accomodation. This can be a sleeper for 1, 2 or 3 persons, a couchette for 4-6 persons or a reclining seat if you want to keep it low-budget.
More on night train supplements

Online timetable

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