Train Travel

Train reservations

When to make, how to make and how to avoid

Reservations are not required for most trains if you have an InterRail Pass. However, reservations are recommended or compulsory for long distance trains like Thalys and TGV, for night train accomodation, during peak travel periods and if you must reach your destination on a certain time.

When are reservations necessary?

Many international long-distance trains require a reservation, as well as more luxurious domestic trains. Night trains always require a supplement for sleeping accomodation. Seat reservation is usually not possible for local or regional trains.

Online timetables indicate when reservation is necessary. In the example below, InterRail 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

The InterRail map that you get with your Global Pass also contains an overview of reservation fees for various trains. It is stated if reservation is compulsory (e.g. TGV) or possible/recommended (e.g. ICE) for these trains. If you doubt if a reservation is needed, ask at a ticket window at the station before you board, to avoid getting fines!

Please note: on some trains (Thalys, TGV, Alaris) the number of seats for InterRail Pass holders are limited. Reserve these trains in advance in high-season, or you might have to pay the regular fares.

Reservation fees

Reservation costs are not included in a InterRail Pass. They vary widely depending on the country, type of train and class.

Overview of reservation fees:

Reservation fees for domestic and international are also printed on the back of the InterRail map that you get with every Global Pass. Bear in mind that the information on this website is usually more up-to-date, as fees can change throughout the year.

How to make reservations?

At the station
The easiest and cheapest method is to make reservations at an international ticket window at a station in your own country, or during your trip at larger international train stations. In Italy you also use one of the many 'Self-Service' machines to avoid queues. On these machines, you select the train you want to use and then click on the button 'Global Pass'.

Please note: not all trains in Europe can be reserved at each station. In some countries reservation facilities may be limited, for example in the UK.

Making InterRail train reservations at the station

Online
There isn't a comprehensive website yet where you can make reservations for European trains. The online reservation possibilities are increasing though:

It is possible to order seat reservations for German domestic trains at the Deutsche Bahn website. Select a train, click on Purchase and choose 'Seat reservation without ticket'.
Reservations for Swedish domestic trains (including night trains) can be made at the website of the Swedish Railways (SJ). In the section Customer cards, choose 'Pass 2 cl' (InterRail 2nd class) or 'Pass 1 cl' (InterRail 1st class)
Some trains in Italy can be booked in advance through the Trenitalia website. You have to register before selecting the train of your choice. When you see the option 'fares', first choose 'other fares...' and then you can select 'Global Pass' (can also be used if you have a One Country Pass Italy). Please note that this option is not available for all trains.

Through a call centre

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

Deutsche Bahn (DB)
You can make reservations for German and various international trains through the DB Call Centre. Reservations will be sent to you by mail or you may be picked up at any of the ticket vending machines with touch screen at the stations. Dial + 49 (0) 1805 996633 from outside Germany or call 0180 5 99 66 33 within Germany (phone charges apply).

Deutsche Bahn UK
The Deutsche Bahn UK Booking Centre can be contacted by email (sales@bahn.co.uk) or phone: +44 (0) 8718 80 80 66. They charge about £7.00 for delivery of reservations to your home. 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.

ÖBB
The Austrian railway company ÖBB has a very large CallCentre, which can be reached 24 hours a day at: +43 (0)5-1717. See the ÖBB-website for more info.

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

How to avoid extra reservation fees?

It's often possible to avoid paying reservation fees when you research alternative routes! This means that you use slower connections or that you need to change trains more often, but your travel is free from extra costs.

To find trains which require no reservations, we recommend to follow these steps:
1. Go to http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/
2. Enter your place of origin and destination
3. In the field 'means of transport' change 'standard search' to 'local trains only'
4. Uncheck the box 'Prefer fast connections'
5. Click 'go'
6. In the screen with the train connections click on 'details for all' in the lower left corner
7. You will now see all local train connections, which generally speaking require no reservation. If a train still would require a reservation, it will be listed as 'compulsary reservation'.

All InterRail Passes