Train reservations in Germany

It's possible to make reservations for German trains on the Deutsche Bahn website and then print them out. You can make reservations up to 3 months in advance.

On most trains within the German rail network, Eurail pass holders can travel without a reservation. However, it's wise to make reservations when you:

• travel long-distance with ICE high-speed trains.
• make a journey during peak periods (including Fridays and Sundays).

Making an online reservation: domestic trains

A reservation costs €4 (2^nd class) or €5 (1^st class) per person.

1. Go to the journey planner at bahn.de.
2. Fill in your start and destination city, the journey date and the number of travelers and tick the 'Reservation for seat only (no ticket)' box.
3. Now you will see various travel options. Choose your desired time and click on Reservation
4.  
5. On the next page, you can choose which kind of seat you want.
6. Choose your seat and click on Proceed.
7. Select the option 'I wish to book without logging in'.
8. Fill in your personal details and pay securely with your credit card.
9. After the payment, you can print your reservation(s).
    

Making an online reservation: night trains

Make reservations for German night trains on the Deutsche Bahn website.
(Only for night trains departing from or arriving in Germany)

1. Enter train details.
2. Click on ‘Purchase’ or ‘Check availability’ (ignore the prices) for the train of your choice.
3. At the bottom of the page click on ‘Book only extra charge’.
4. On the next page select ‘Pass offer’.
5. You can then choose the type of seating or sleeping accommodation you want. Prices are shown for the different options.
6. You can choose online tickets, which you can print. It's also possible to have reservation tickets sent by mail for an additional charge.

International trains

You can not make online reservations for international trains to or from Germany. For those reservations we advise you to contact the call center of the Deutsche Bahn. From outside Germany please dial +49 180 599 6633. From within Germany call 0180 599 66 33. You can also make reservations at the international ticket office at larger train stations.