When planning European train travel, many travelers use rail passes such as Eurail passes or Swiss Travel Passes. These passes are indeed very convenient and excellent tools for creating flexible itineraries. However, simply having a pass is not always sufficient. Depending on the route and season, seat reservations may be mandatory or strongly recommended. This article will provide detailed explanations from the mechanism of seat reservation systems on European trains to actual booking methods.
For information about Eurail passes, please see this article!
Basics of European Train Seating Systems
Types and Characteristics of Seat Classes
European trains have two main classes: 1st Class and 2nd Class. First class features wider seats designed for higher comfort, mainly used by business travelers. Depending on the car, Wi-Fi services and light meal services may be included. Second class, on the other hand, offers standard seating, used by the majority of tourists. The seat comfort is comparable to standard cars on Japanese bullet trains.
When purchasing a rail pass, you need to choose which class of seats you’ll use throughout your journey, but if you have no particular preference, purchasing a 2nd class pass should be sufficient.
Basic Seating Rules
If it shows “no reservation,” you can sit down
As a basic seating rule, seat reservations are not mandatory on most regular trains. You can freely take any unreserved seat. This is because European railway systems are designed with emphasis on user convenience and flexibility.
However, this highly flexible system also has some points to note and situations to consider. Particularly during tourist seasons and on major routes, traveling without reservations can involve risks.
Specific Cases Where Seat Reservations Are Recommended
Travel on Crowded Routes
Airport services tend to be crowded, so be careful
Caution is needed for major routes during tourist season, intercity express trains during commuting hours, and long-distance trains on weekends. If you board without a reservation and all seats are already occupied, you may be forced to stand for long periods. In the worst case, you might not be able to board the train at all.
Dealing with Reservation Holders from Intermediate Stations
Check if there are any section reservations
Even if you sit in an available seat, reservation holders may board at intermediate stations. In such cases, you must give up your seat, which can cause significant inconvenience, especially during long-distance travel. This is particularly important to note when carrying large luggage, as standing during travel should be avoided.
Trains Requiring Mandatory Reservations
In the Rail Planner app, watch for “reservation required” notifications
Tourist-specific trains like Switzerland’s Glacier Express, certain German ICE trains, specific routes of France’s TGV, and night trains require mandatory seat reservations. On these trains, boarding without reservations is absolutely not permitted. If you haven’t made advance reservations, you cannot board even with a pass, making verification during the planning stage crucial.
Seat Reservation Methods and Important Points
App-Based Reservations (Most Recommended)
Using each company’s web planner app is most efficient
Making seat reservations through official apps provided by each country’s railway companies is the most reliable and efficient method. Major railway company apps include:
- Swiss Federal Railways: SBB Mobile
- German Railways: DB Navigator
- French National Railways: SNCF Connect
- Italian State Railways: Trenitalia
These apps allow you to search train timetables, make reservations, and display tickets all in one place. They also provide immediate access to delay information, making them strong allies during travel.
Online Reservations
Reservations are also possible through each national railway company’s website. While not as convenient as apps, this is recommended if you want to confirm details on a larger computer screen while making reservations.
Station Counter Reservations (Not Recommended)
Counter reservations are possible but involve long wait times and potential language barriers, making them not necessarily efficient. Consider this as a last resort for emergencies or when other reservation methods are difficult.
Important Points When Making Reservations
Confirming Seat Class
When making reservations, careful attention is needed to avoid mixing up 1st Class and 2nd Class reservations. If you only have a 2nd class pass but mistakenly reserve 1st class, you’ll be charged additional fees.
Notes for Pass Holders
When holding a pass, you only need to pay the seat reservation fee, but some people mistakenly purchase the entire ticket. When making reservations, be sure to select the type of ticket or pass you’re using and make appropriate reservations.
Actual On-Site Situations
Seat Display Systems
Major routes have reservation displays on seats
At actual European stations and inside trains, reserved and unreserved seats are clearly marked. In most cars, you can check whether a seat is reserved through electronic displays above seats or seat reservation tickets. Reserved sections are also displayed, making it possible to sit temporarily until that section.
Onboard Response
Conductors regularly patrol the cars and check reservations. If other passengers are sitting in reserved seats, they politely alert them and guide them to correct seats. Therefore, if you have a reservation, you can generally sit in your designated seat without problems.
Summary: For Comfortable Train Travel
While seat reservations are not always mandatory for European train travel, appropriate use depending on the situation can help you enjoy more comfortable trips. Particularly for important travel or routes where crowding is expected, making advance reservations through apps allows you to enjoy your journey with peace of mind.
Reservation fees are often reasonably priced, and especially for first-time European train travel, we recommend making reservations for major journeys. If you want to enjoy flexible travel, you can also add reservations as needed based on the situation.
The important thing is to appropriately use reservations according to your travel style and schedule. By skillfully utilizing smartphone apps and combining advance preparation with flexible on-site responses, you can realize a fulfilling European train travel experience.
