What are seat reservations? 

When travelling with one of our Passes, some trains will require you to book an additional seat reservation. This reservation allows you to board the train and guarantees that your seat will be available.

Are seat reservations mandatory?

Not all trains require a seat reservation. High-speed and night trains will, most likely, require them. However, most regional trains will not.

Check your train via our timetable to know if you must book a seat reservation

Why are seat reservations necessary?

They are a way to cope with increased demand on certain trains in Europe. By introducing seat reservations, carriers guarantee not only that you will be able to board the train and  the availability of your seat.

As carriers adjust their capacity, reservations allow them to provide you with a better service and customer experience.

Train services in high demand, such as the Eurostar, have limited capacity. Seat reservations help with overcrowding and guarantee that these services run smoothly and on time.

Can I avoid seat reservations?

Yes, usually it is possible. Most regional trains don’t require any reservations at all, so you can travel on them with your Pass. On our timetable, simply filter for trains that don’t require seat reservations by turning on the ‘no reservation needed’ filter.

Some journeys may always include a train with mandatory reservations. For example, a journey from Great Britain to mainland Europe can only be done via the Eurostar, a high-speed train with a mandatory seat reservation.

Reservation 'recommended'

what does that mean?

Especially during busy seasons, you should consider reserving a seat to make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable. Even if they are only recommended. 

As carriers adjust their capacity, reservations allow them to provide you with a better service and customer experience.

Train services in high demand, such as the Eurostar, have limited capacity. Seat reservations help with overcrowding and guarantee that these services run smoothly and on time.

Why are seat reservations necessary?

They are a way to cope with increased demand on certain trains in Europe. By introducing seat reservations, carriers guarantee not only that you will be able to board the train and  the availability of your seat.

As carriers adjust their capacity, reservations allow them to provide you with a better service and customer experience.

Train services in high demand, such as the Eurostar, have limited capacity. Seat reservations help with overcrowding and guarantee that these services run smoothly and on time.