My daughter is traveling in Germany and needs to be on certain trains. Is it possible to make reservations with a Rail Pass and how does one do that? Is it possible to see if there is space available for Rail Pass holders on particular trains before buying the Rail Pass?/
Thanks
Posted by
toronto, canada
34 posts
I had a Eurail pass and found that reservations weren't necessary in Germany. I was travelling first class, and during July. Depending on when she would be travelling, that could be different though.
I was backpacking, so when I did need reservations (sometimes required) I would make them when I arrived in a city, for when I planned to leave.
Hope that helps
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
Owen's correct. Very few trains in Germany REQUIRE reservations (some of the ICE high speed trains that businessmen apparently use frequently) but more do SUGGEST reservations to ensure everyone has a seat.
IF you go to the German Rail website, you can search the routes and times she needs to take, and see if reservations are necessary...they're usually marked with a small white R inside a red circle. If she makes the necesary reservations when she arrives in Germany, she should be fine.
Posted by
OP
Chandler, AZ
3 posts
That's great. How would she make the reservations once in Germany?
Thanks for the speedy reply.
Posted by
toronto, canada
34 posts
I got everything straightened out from the train station the day I arrived. Just line up at the desk or use a machine - very easy to use in Germany btw.
I don't typically book things online, so I have no experience with that method.
Posted by
OP
Chandler, AZ
3 posts
Great, thank you for the good info.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19275 posts
Ann, for trains in Germany, you can make reservations online before you go, but it won't save you any money. Just go to the German Rail website, find a connection, and click "Purchase". One of the options will be "Reservation without ticket". It should cost around €4,50 for 2nd class, a little more for 1st class.
Once you are in Germany, just go to the ticket counter.
I have been on a lot of trains in Germany, some of them express trains (only express trains have reservable seats). Only three of them were SRO and two of those were regional trains near a city during rush hour. The one ICE that was SRO was on a holiday. All seats were taken but most were not reserved.
On German trains, there is no distinction between reservations with tickets and passholder reservations. Limited passholder "reservations" is a distinction for so-called premium trains (Thalys), where the reservation fee includes a supplement because the train is more expensive than regular trains.