In the past, we have always bought a rail pass for our trips and never had any trouble traveling. My husband says maybe we need to make reservations for some of the trips since we have never been there before, Do you think it is necessary or even possible to make a reservation - we will be going from Germany to Zurich to the Lake Como area and then from there to Zurich to Salzburg to Vienna. In the past, we have traveled Germany and Austria without a problem. What do you think? How does that work? is it possible to have a rail pass and make prior reservations on specific trains? what if you miss it? I never thought of it being a problem since we traveled so well before, but he thinks since we have never been to Italy we need to be more prepared. Thanks. Anne
Posted by
Winnipeg
590 posts
If I needed to be somewhere at a certain time, or if the route is very popular I make a reservation a few days before. If you are traveling in 1st class I found that reservations are rarely needed. I would reserve the odd time if it is a popular long haul train, but then again I would reserve a day or two before.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
I can answer some, but not all, of these questions.
Most trains do not require reservations. Most of these do not need them either, but a reservation guarantees you a seat. Some trains do not accept reservations; usually these are the more local trains.
It is certainly possible to make reservations. The easiest way to do this is probably in person at a train station.
For most trains, reservations are not expensive, so if you miss your train you have not lost much.
Except for those trains that require reservations, it's impossible to say with 100% certainty that reservations will or will not be needed. A lot depends on when you will be traveling.
I hope others will fill in the blanks I am unable to answer (e.g., whether your particular trains need reservations, how to buy them before you go, restrictions on reservations for passholders, etc.).
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32214 posts
anne,
A few comments on some of your questions.
Reservations are compulsory on some trains (usually the fast trains such as the EuroStar Italia / Alta Velocita). I would strongly recommend that you have the proper reservations when travelling with a Railpass! If you're caught without reservations, especially in Italy, you'll be fined on the spot and it's not inexpensive (trust me on that one)!
I suspect you're not in the "youth" category, so your Railpasses will likely be first class anyway. I'd suggest researching each of the rail trips you'll be making using the bahn.de website, and purchase reservations at the local stations a few days before you'll be travelling. Be VERY careful to board the train listed on the reservation, where you'll be assigned a Car No. & Seat No.
If you're planning to purchase any P-P tickets for any of the shorter journeys, these will include reservations if required.
You may find it helpful to download the free PDF Rail Guide on this website. Click the Railpasses tab at the top and then look in the lower right corner.
Good luck!