Reserving a seat is optional on most German trains.
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Some trains require them. A reservation is good for a specific seat in a specific car, on a specific train on a specific date between 2 cities. Seat reservations aren't always necessary, if you don't like to plan ahead, but be prepared not to have a seat on a crowded train.
Seat reservations are optionalIt's not usually necessary to reserve a seat on German trains, you can just get on and sit i9n any empty unreserved seat. However, it's a good idea at busy times such as Fridays.
You will need a seat reservation for most high-speed trains and all night trains in Europe. Reservations are often required in France, Italy and Spain. Trains in these countries are popular and will quickly get full, especially during the summer months.
On board announcements are usually made in both German and English. Small LED displays above each seat show which seats are reserved between which stations, and which seats are free.
You can always take any seat that is not reserved and available, but if you want to sit together, I'd suggest you reserve seats. You can select a compartment during your reservation process. Compartments usually have 5-6 seats, depending on the train. 1st class has a few advantages, but it's not a huge difference.
Just say “no.” Within 24 hours of your departure, the airline will assign you a seat. Pro tip: If you want to avoid paying for a seat assignment, arrive at the airport early. That way, you'll have the pick of the unassigned seats.
One reason why most people prefer to sit facing the direction of movement when they travel on trains and buses is because it reduces motion sickness. When people face the direction of travel, their eyes can anticipate the movement and their body can adjust accordingly, reducing the feeling of nausea or dizziness.
Passengers routinely complain of overcrowded trains and expensive tickets. The company has also been beset by industrial disputes. A 50-hour strike by railway workers, due to begin on May 14, was called off at the last minute the day before.
Rail passes are usually a great value in Germany, often saving money while allowing you to hop trains at your convenience. While it's possible to swing many point-to-point ticket discounts in Germany, a rail pass still makes sense for most visitors traveling by train in Germany.
Your seat will be automatically assigned when you complete your reservation. You may change your assigned seat at any time after your booking is complete using interactive seat maps on the Amtrak app or on Amtrak.com. There is no fee to change your seat.
If overcrowding becomes intense, first class can be “declassified”, i.e. opened up to all passengers, regardless of their tickets. But there is no automatic right to occupy first class. Ad hoc declassification typically happens after other trains have been cancelled or seriously delayed.