Regarding eurorailpass seat reservations. Other than Italy and Spain and crossing boaders does one really need to have seat reservations? My trip is scheduled for September. Am trying to have a minimal structured trip and these reservations seem cumbersome and non-budget friendly! Help!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32353 posts
ed, Reservations are compulsory on some trains, so regardless of whether they're "cumbersome", you will need them for some trains! Especially in Italy, if you're "caught" without a valid reservation for the train you're on, you WILL be fined on the spot, and it won't be cheap or "budget friendly")!!! The Conductors are packing portable debit / credit terminals these days, so the money will be out of your account before you get off the train. Given your location, you might find it VERY helpful to stop by the ETBD office in Edmonds (130-4th Avenue North) next time you're in the Seattle area, and have a chat with the experts. You could also arrange a phone consultation if more convenient (425-771-8303). Happy travels!
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
Pretty much every high-speed train in Europe requires a seat reservation. Local trains and slower (all stops) trains usually don't. For most trains, you can book your seats when you arrive; it doesn't really restrict an open ended schedule.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19274 posts
Almost no trains in Germany, including the high speed ICEs, require reservations. A few ICE Sprinters do require reservations; the Bahn website will show you which ones do. On popular routes and on holidays, reservations can be recommended. You pay €4,50 in 2nd class if you buy the ticket at a counter. You pay about half, €2,50 in 2nd, if you buy the reservation online with the ticket or at an automat. In Italy, the high speed Italian EuroStar are considered "premium trains" and require a supplemental fee. The fee includes a reservation. A few other premium trains require a supplement and include reserved seats. For trains that don't require a reservation, unless it's a really long trip, I would not bother with a reservation.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
As Lee is pointing out it is a mixed bag depending on the country. At one time most trains were mixed but now many of the faster, high speed trains do require reservation. And it is expensive if you get caught on one of those trains without a reservation. And you are also learning why rail pass are not the good deal they once were. With the additions costs for reservations and the discounts for advance purchase, the p2p tickets are almost always cheaper except for really long distance trains.