Sub navigation: Planning

Train Reservations

A Eurail Pass does not guarantee you a seat! Most rail journeys do not require advance reservation, but for some popular trains a seat reservation is compulsory. Night trains require a supplement for the sleeping accomodation.

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.

When to make reservations?
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. Some popular trains, like the Thalys, TGV or Alaris, have a limited number of seats for Eurail travelers. Advance reservation is also important if you must reach your destination by a certain day and time.   

Where to make reservations?
At larger train stations in Europe, like the ones that have a Eurail Aid Office, you can make multiple reservations at a ticket window. Just show your Eurail Pass and tell the official which train(s) you want to reserve.

Making train reservations at a ticket window

Some travel agents can also reserve a selection of popular trains for you. However, it can be favorable to make your reservations at a train station:

  • reservation fees are much lower in Europe and more trains can be reserved;
  • most reservations are non-refundable and non-changeable;
  • making many reservations in advance limits your flexibility.

Online / phone reservations

There isn't a website where you can make online reservations for all European trains. The online reservation possibilities are increasing though. Below you can find instructions for some countries:

Some call centres of railway companies can also help you with reservations.

The Deutsche Bahn UK Booking Centre has an English speaking staff. They can book seat, sleeper or couchette reservation throughout Europe. The shipping of reservations costs about £8.00 to to non-European countries, within Europe it's about £7.00. Reservations can also be collected from a ticket machine or counter in Germany. Please note that the Booking Centre charges a credit card fee of 2% of the total price.

You can contact the Booking Centre:

  • by mail: sales@bahn.co.uk
  • by phone: 08718 80 80 66 (Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am to 1pm CET).

Don't forget to mention that you travel with a Eurail Pass and that you only need a reservation. Try to be specific about the train(s) you want to reserve by using a timetable.

Reservation fees

Reservation costs are not included in a Eurail Pass. They vary widely depending on the country and type of train. An average second class reservation for a daytime train costs between 3 and 10 Euro. First class fees can be higher, but may include services like drinks, snacks or newspapers.

Eurail video: Making a Reservation

Avoiding reservation fees

Avoid reservations by researching alternative routes! Your trip may take longer and require more transfers, but you don't have to pay reservation fees. How to find trains which require no reservations:

1. Go to this online journey planner
2. Enter your station of departure and destination and the departure time.
3. Then select 'Without ICE, TGV etc'.'
4. Click on 'Search connections'
5. You will now see all local train connections, which normally require no reservation.