I purchased train tickets online in advance and some say "Open Seating". Should I make a seat reservation as well? Is there a chance I will not get a seat if I do not make a seat reservation?
Posted by
Calgary
2297 posts
Which country? What type of train? Regional trains usually don't allow you to make reservations. And unless your taking a trip right at rush hour you won't need one. OTOH, some popular fast trains can be very busy. www.bahn.de indicates a "reservation recommended" on certain routes and times and then I definitely spend the extra few Euros to reserve seats. If I travel as a single traveler it is a bit easier even on busier routes to find a seat and I usually skip the reservation.
Posted by
OP
Columbus, OH, USA
5 posts
Amsterdam-Bruxelles-Brugge is open seating. Brugge-Lille Flandres is open seating on a French Day Train. Lille Europe-Paris is a TGV and the reservation is included. Caen-Bayeux France is open seating as well, but that is only 16 minute trip on a French Day Train.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
On the non-Thalys trains between Amsterdam, Brussels and Brugge, reservations are neither necessary or possible. I'm pretty certain Brugge to Lille- Flanders is on NMBS (Belgian rail), and the same applies... neither necessary or possible.
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
I took the train from Brugge to Amsterdam this summer with no reservations. It was fine. The train from Brussels to Amsterdam did fill up. I got earlier connection from Brugges and the train to Amsterdam was waiting at the track a half hour in advance. I got on early and had no problems. Find out if you can board the Amsterdam - Brussels train ahead of time. Then you'll have no problems. If you're just looking for a single seat you'll probably be fine. Pam