Purchasing Reservations Only from bahn.de

"Is it just because this is an international journey?" Probably YES, although there could be other reasons. If it is a train that runs entirely in Switzerland as part of a Germany to Switzerland connection it would be problematic. Also, regional trains are not reservable. Try making reservations for the German part from the Bahn and for the Swiss part from Swiss Rail, www.sbb.ch. But, you should be able to make a reservation at any ticket counter once you are in Europe. The only reservable train I was ever on that was full had plenty of unreserved seats.

Thanks for the quick response. I figured that since the journey is Mannheim to Interlaken on an ICE train, which I think is run by DB, that I would be able to make a reservation through them. I could understand not being able to make a reservation through DB for the SBB-run trains. Thanks again!

It looks like DB will sell you a reservation only, only as far as Basel Bad Bhf, which is the German Rail station in Basel. . . . . . . ¶ It must have something to do with interfacing with Swiss Rail, because SBB can sell reservation on that train from Basel to Interlaken.

Yes in fact I tried booking with the SBB for the return trip from Interlaken to Mannheim and it says they require a reservation on the international train for 5 francs. But I can't find out how to book a reservation only on the SBB website, is that possible?

Yeah, but in November, do you NEED a reservation? Only the Cisalpino (now defunct) said, as far as I remember, that it required reservations and I used it a lot within Switzerland without reservations. As far as I know folk can get on any train and travel within Switzerland without one. You may need a reservation fee with ICE travel in and through Germany but I can't imagine that the reservation would actually be needed. I have traveled in Spring and Summer without reservations and had my pick of seats. -=- I've also ridden on the TGV within Switzerland - no reservations.

Yeah I agree, there is a good chance that we won't actually NEED the reserved seats, it's more for peace of mind. I rode this summer in Germany on IC trains and was glad I had reservations because it was kind of crowded, but I assume it will be less so in November, and even less so in Switzerland. Thanks!

Be advised that reservations are not possible on regular domestic inter-city trains in Switzerland. All seats are first come first serve.

If reservations are not possible on Swiss intercity trains (assuming the ICE fits this description) and you reserve the seats from Mannheim to Basel, sound like you will "first come", that is, you will already be occupying the seat when you start in Switzerland. Just don't get up.

You can make reservations for international trains traveling through Switzerland....like the ICE. But seats on any domestic IC trains which begins/ends it's journey inside CH are first come first serve.

So, Michael, how do you reserve your seat on that ICE from Basel to Interlaken Ost? (I was hoping you would come along and explain this, 'cause I only to German Rail.)

Lee: I understand your logic and I think I will do as you suggest: Make a reservation for Koblenz-Basel Bad Bf and just stay on the train with my rail pass. Then I am already first come and first served. Brilliant suggestion, thank you for all of your help for everyone with German rail questions on this message board. <br> <br> Michael: Returning from Interlaken, the train is also an ICE and will take me as far as Mannheim before I have to change trains. Since this is an international journey, can I make reservations only through the SBB? I can't do it through DB; although maybe I can make them in sections and just change seats in Basel. Thanks a ton for your help!

New info: The train I want to take from Interlaken, ICE 370, starts at Interlaken Ost. So I definitely won't have trouble finding a seat. I'll just get one that is unreserved all the way to my train change city of Mannheim. Thanks again to both for your help, I should have this one resolved.

I'm not aware of any way of make a reservation only purchase on the Swiss Rail site (it is possible to make the extra seat reservation with along with a ticket purchase). Having said that, I'm willing to bet my house that after the train crosses the Swiss border, you won't have to vacate your seat:) I've ridden trains between Basel and Interlaken about 10 times, and none of them have come close to be being sold out. Even where it's possible, the Swiss just don't make seat reservations in practice. You should be able to get a seat reservation, in person, at any any Swiss Rail station...it's possible to do this even on the same day of the journey.

All of this info has certainly helped, thanks again!