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Reserving a seat for your train journey in Europe is the way to travel with certainty and comfort. It is by no means always compulsory. The key to a smooth and affordable journey is knowing when you need to reserve and how to keep costs down. Discover the world of train reservations and learn how smart planning can get you a good seat and save you a lot of money.
Why and when is a train reservation needed?
Planning a train journey can sometimes be confusing. You buy a ticket, but does that also mean you have a fixed seat? Not always. It is important to know the difference between a train ticket and a reservation. A ticket gives you the right to travel on a particular route. A reservation guarantees you a specific seat on a specific train. For some trains this reservation is an inseparable part of your ticket. For others it is an optional extra for additional comfort.
The requirement to reserve depends on the type of train and the country in which you are travelling. The rule of thumb is: the faster and more luxurious the train, the greater the chance that a reservation is compulsory. We can roughly divide trains into three categories:
- High-speed trains: For most European high-speed trains a reservation is compulsory. Think of the TGV in France, the Frecciarossa in Italy and the AVE in Spain. The Eurostar, which runs to London and Paris among other destinations, also requires a reservation. For the ICE in Germany and the Railjet in Austria it is highly recommended to reserve on busy routes. This applies even if it is not always strictly compulsory. A reservation ensures you do not have to stand for the whole journey.
- Night trains: If you are planning an overnight journey, a reservation is always compulsory. You book a specific seat, couchette (lying berth) or bed in a sleeping compartment. Without a reservation you will not be allowed to board the train.
- International and long-distance trains (InterCity): For international trains and fast InterCity services that cover long distances, a reservation is compulsory or recommended. This guarantees smooth boarding and alighting and prevents overcrowded trains on popular routes.
- Regional trains: For most regional trains (sprinter services, stopping trains) reservations are not possible and not necessary. These trains are designed for shorter distances and flexible travel. You simply get on with a valid ticket and look for a free seat.
In the Netherlands we are used to not needing reservations for domestic journeys. This applies to NS trains. The only exception is the international trains that depart from the Netherlands. Think of the Eurostar, the ICE International and the night train. For these you do need a reservation.
‘ It is vital to include these additional costs in your travel budget to avoid unwelcome surprises. ’
The cost of a seat: what do you pay for a reservation?
The cost of a train reservation can vary greatly. Sometimes it is free, included in a more expensive, flexible ticket. However, most of the time you pay a separate amount. The price depends on demand, the type of train, the class and the moment you book.
A standard seat reservation in 2nd class usually costs between €4 and €15 per person per train. For a 1st class reservation or a seat with extra comfort, such as more legroom or a table, you often pay more. For night trains the costs are higher. This depends on whether you choose a seat, a couchette or a private sleeping compartment. These prices can range from €20 to well over €100.
Are you travelling with an Interrail or Eurail Pass? Then it is important to know that your pass covers the journey, while reservation costs are extra. For compulsory reservations you have to pay separately. Some rail companies offer discounts for pass holders. It is vital to include these additional costs in your travel budget to avoid unwelcome surprises.
Travelling smarter: strategies for cheap train reservations
Can you travel more cheaply by reserving in advance? Absolutely. Both the ticket price and the reservation costs often follow a dynamic pricing model. The closer you get to the departure date, the higher the price, because demand increases and availability decreases. The best strategy is simple: book early.
Try to book your train journeys, especially long distances on high-speed trains, around two to three months in advance. This gives you the best chance of getting the lowest prices. You can save in several other ways:
- Travel outside peak hours: Avoid travelling on Friday afternoon, Sunday evening and during public holidays. Prices are often lower on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. You also pay less at less popular times, such as early in the morning or late in the evening.
- Be flexible with your route: Sometimes a route with a change and a stretch on a regional train can be considerably cheaper, especially compared with a direct high-speed service. Your journey will take longer, but you will see more of the scenery and save on compulsory reservation costs.
- Compare providers: Book your reservation directly with the national rail operator, such as Deutsche Bahn, SNCF or Trenitalia. You can also book via specialist booking platforms. Compare prices, as some intermediaries charge additional administration fees.
What if the plan changes? Flexibility and missed trains
One of the most important questions when booking is: what happens if I miss my train or my plans change? The flexibility of your reservation depends entirely on the conditions of your ticket. Cheap tickets are often ‘non-flex’ or ‘semi-flex’. This means that you cannot change or cancel them, or only at high cost. If you miss your train with such a ticket, you will usually lose your money. You then have to buy a completely new ticket.
More expensive, flexible tickets offer more freedom. With these you can often change your journey until shortly before departure, sometimes even free of charge. If you miss your train with such a ticket, you can in many cases take the next train without extra costs. You may still need to arrange a new seat reservation, if a reservation is also compulsory for the next train.
Weighing up flexibility when booking
Always read the fare conditions before you book. Weigh up the lower price of a non-flex ticket against the risk you run if your plans are uncertain. With a tight schedule and several connections, a flexible ticket can save you a lot of stress and money.
You now understand the logic behind reservations, which makes planning a train journey across Europe easier. With the right knowledge and good preparation you can ensure a comfortable trip and keep control over your budget.
On the Traveler Tips website you will find many more practical tips for planning your ideal train journey. We offer in-depth information and handy packing tips. Discover our routes, destination guides and packing tips and turn your next holiday into an unforgettable experience.
Frequently asked questions
Train reservations are compulsory for many high-speed and international trains, particularly to guarantee a seat during peak periods. This applies to train types such as Eurostar to London, TGV INOUI, ICE to Germany and Nightjet (Amsterdam–Basel/Zurich). Within the Netherlands, reservations are not generally compulsory for domestic trains, but are recommended during busy periods or for night trains. Failing to reserve on trains where it is compulsory can result in extra costs or being refused boarding.
Book train reservations as early as possible, preferably 4 to 11 months in advance, to secure the lowest prices. Travel during off-peak hours or on weekdays where possible, as this is often cheaper than travelling at weekends or during rush hour. Consider booking bundles and alternative routes, such as train-plus-hotel packages, or regional trains without additional reservation costs. Always check the most recent timetables and book via official apps or websites.
To obtain the lowest prices for train reservations, booking early is essential, often 4 to 11 months in advance. International trains such as TGV INOUI can be booked up to 4 months ahead, while ICE and Nightjet generally have a booking window of around 180 days. For Eurostar it is advisable to reserve on average 210 days in advance (between 157 and 277 days). Regional and domestic trains in the Netherlands do not have a general reservation requirement, but booking early during busy periods can be advantageous.
Although reservations are often compulsory for high-speed and international trains, there are strategies to travel more flexibly or cheaply. By booking early, choosing off-peak times, being flexible with travel dates and considering alternative routes or bundles, travellers can minimise costs. Regional trains often do not require reservations, which can offer a more flexible alternative for parts of the journey. It is essential to check timetables and operators’ rules carefully.
Information about the costs and consequences of changing or cancelling an existing train reservation is not available in the documentation provided. The document focuses mainly on the requirements, costs and strategies for booking train tickets.
