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Brit Rail Pass - do I ever need seat reservations?

I've used a Eurail pass before and I think of the 17 trains I took I only absolutely needed to make a seat reservation 2 times (1 for sure out of Paris). Any experienced Brit Rail pass users? What do you think? Thanks!

Posted by
342 posts

When we used the First Class BritRail FlexiPass, we were very glad we made seat reservations when going from London to York on an afternoon train close to rush hour (after 4 PM), and also from London to Edinburgh on a Friday. The last time we purchased the pass, which was a few trips ago, we made seat reservations at the station we arrived at for the next train we would be departing on in a day or two. There is no charge for making the reservations in person; and if you miss that train for some reason, you're not penalized and you just hop on the next one.

Posted by
5458 posts

Rail timetables will indicate whether a reservation on a particular train is advisable or essential, but only in a few rare occasions will it be obligatory, usually because of a special event on the route on the day in question.

Posted by
142 posts

Marco, Where on the time table would it indicate this or what symbol should I look for? Thanks!

Posted by
142 posts

anybody else know the answer to my question for Marco? Thanks!

Posted by
5458 posts

The symbol is an 'R' in a box. Hard to explain but if it has a solid background it is essential and if in outline desirable. Note I am talking 'proper' timetables leaflets here, not online timetables searches. These can be found in pdf form on the particular train company websites. I think that the 'personal timetables' some companies have include this information too.