Hello, I'm trying to sort through my rail pass options and am wondering if one needs a first class ticket if one is going to reserve a sleeper, or can you get away with a second class ticket? Any difference for a couchette? Thanks in advance,
JM
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19106 posts
That might vary with the train company. On CNL trains, a 1st class rail pass is required to book a Deluxe cabin, ie one with a WC and shower in the cabin. You can book an Econo cabin, WC and shower at the end of the car with a 2nd class pass. That's for online booking. I don't know what you might be able to do at a ticket counter or by phone. The sleeper cabins have the same Aufpreis (supplement or reservation fee) for 1st or 2nd class. Just the class of rail pass is different. With a 2nd class pass, could you upgrade to 1st class and reserve a deluxe sleeper? I don't know and it doesn't look like you could do that online.
Posted by
Charleston, SC
4 posts
This might be helpful, http://www.bahn.de/i/view/USA/en/prices/europe/overnight-travel.shtml I don't know which train you are refering to, they varry between different lines/countries. Bahn.de is helpful for trains that begin or end in Germany.
Posted by
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
4051 posts
www.seat61.com knows all there is to know about travelling the rails.
Posted by
OP
Brooklyn, NY, United States
8 posts
Thank you, all. It was helpful to learn that the aufpreis was the same whatever your class of ticket, Lee, and that there is no one system for all the rails, Jason. Southam, you were right about seat61.com. From that I learned that for the most part, 1st or 2nd class just doesn't matter if I'm going to be buying a sleeper supplement, and since I don't care about whether it's deluxe or not, I'll be happy to buy 2nd class tickets for most of my legs. Happy trails,
JM
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Popular night trains can sell out weeks in advance. It would be wise to book your sleeping accommodations before leaving home.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19106 posts
If you don't use a rail pass, you can buy the entire ticket, rail portion and sleeping accommodations, at the same time. For German night trains, there are two prices package prices. There is one price which is what you would pay anytime, unless the accommodation is already booked. There is also a savings price on the entire package that you can get by booking online well in advance. It's only when you use a pass, which covers the rail portion, that you have to pay extra reserve your accommodations. That is the supplement, or Aufpries, in German, also referred to as a "reservation", although you are paying more than you would pay to reserve just a seat on a day train.