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Current experience/advice re seat resv on German trains in Spring

Hi. I'm planning a bucket list trip to Germany May 15 - Jun 6 with my college roommate. We're both seasoned European travelers adept at and comfortable with traveling around Europe by train. That's what we'll do. We can do our homework ahead of time comparing likely itineraries and point-to-point tickets vs the various kinds of passes we can buy, and we'll do that also.

At the moment, I'd like current up to date experience and advice on how far in advance one should reasonably book seat reservations in first class if we are planning on using some sort of pass rather than a point-to-point ticket. I know how to do that when the time comes. All I'm asking now is: is it practical, on most long distance routes such as between Munchen and Berlin, or Berlin and Koln, to pick a train we want to take "the next day" or even the morning we want to go, and wait till that close, or even as late as when we get to the bahnhof, to see if seats are still available on the train we want?

Or

do seats typically get all booked up more than a day or so ahead of time, and we might need to pick trains and book seats further in advance than the day we want to travel or the day before?

In addition to Germany, we'll do one leisurely day trip from Munchen to Wien, and I'm inclined to think that we'll just do that with point-to-point not with a two-country pass.

Thx in advance for any and all opinions and advice!

Keep on trainin'!

Posted by
16893 posts

Since these trains don't require seat assignments, many people who may be on the train won't have them. If you show up with a seat reservation, it's the other guy who has to stand for part of the trip. If you're willing to stand or look around for a seat, then you don't need a reservation, either. I don't think you'll find that seats ever officially sell out, unless maybe the train is heading to a World Cup Football event.

Posted by
306 posts

Thx Laura. Sorta like my experience, which is several years old. I appreciate your help.

Posted by
2297 posts

I have to say I have never seen a first class compartment being fully sold out. Second class definitely, in particular on busy days such as Friday afternoon.

If you travel first class and need to make a reservation because the conditions of your pass require you to do so or want to do so, you should be fine with booking for the next day. Same day seat reservations might cause technical issues.

Posted by
12040 posts

Just so we're on the same page here and using the same terms... for Deutsche Bahn, a train ticket and reservation are not the same thing. The ticket allows you to ride the train and take any vacant, non-reserved seat. A reservation (sold for a small supplement) guarantees you a specific seat, but you still need the ticket (or pass) to ride the train.

Unless it's a requirement of the pass, you won't need a reservation for 1st class. Even on the most heavily traveled lines during peak hours, I've never seen the 1st class comparment filled.

Even for 2nd class, reservations are rarely needed. That said, I always get one, mainly because I don't like walking around looking for a vacant seat. You shouldn't have a problem buying them the night before, at the latest.

Posted by
19637 posts

On Deutsche Bahn, people who book first class seats get seat reservations automatically as they come as part of the price. So if you are travelling on a First Class Eurail Pass, those doing the same are only other people you will be competing with for unassigned seats. So if you really want that table with opposing single seats and want to pay for the guarantee, go ahead.

Posted by
306 posts

Good comments folks. Thx. Keep those cards sand letters coming!