What is seat reservation in Eurail?

A seat reservation is a ticket that ensures you'll have a place on a particular train, even if it's extremely busy. Reservations are mandatory for most high-speed trains and all night trains in Europe.



A seat reservation is a separate, mandatory supplement required for specific high-speed, international, and night trains when using a Eurail Pass. While your pass acts as your "ticket" to board, it does not guarantee a place on "premium" trains like the Eurostar, TGV, or various Italian Frecciarossa services. In 2026, these reservations typically cost between €10 and €35 per leg and must be booked in advance via the Eurail website or the Rail Planner app. If you board a "reservation mandatory" train without one, you may be fined or forced to leave at the next stop. For regional or local trains, reservations are usually not required, allowing you to simply hop on and sit in any open seat. For popular routes during the summer, it is highly recommended to book these reservations at least 2–4 weeks in advance, as "pass holder allotments" can sell out even if the train is not technically full.

Excellent question! Seat reservations are one of the most important concepts to understand when using a Eurail Pass.

In short: A Eurail Pass gives you the right to travel on most trains in Europe, but a seat reservation is your guaranteed spot on a specific train.

Think of it like this: Your Eurail Pass is your travel ticket. A seat reservation is your assigned seat number (like booking a seat on a plane).

Why Are Reservations Necessary?

  1. High Demand & Popularity: On high-speed trains (like France’s TGV, Italy’s Frecciarossa, Spain’s AVE), night trains, and scenic routes, seats can sell out. A reservation ensures you get a seat.
  2. Mandatory for Certain Trains: For many trains, especially high-speed and international routes, a reservation is compulsory in addition to your Pass. You cannot board without one.
  3. Guaranteed Comfort: It means you won’t have to stand in the aisle for a long journey.

When Do You NEED a Reservation?

Yes, Reservation Required (Mandatory): Almost all high-speed trains: TGV (France), Frecciarossa/Italo (Italy), AVE (Spain), Eurostar (to/from London), Thalys (now Eurostar), ICE (Germany on some international routes). All night trains (couchettes & sleepers). Most international trains crossing borders. Many popular scenic trains (e.g., Bernina Express, Glacier Express—requires a special passholder rate).

No Reservation Needed (Usually): Most regional trains (marked “RE,” “RB,” “R,” etc.). Many local and commuter trains. Some intercity trains within countries like Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Benelux. You can just hop on, find an empty seat, and fill in your travel diary.

Pro Tip: Always check the specific train details in the Eurail Rail Planner app or website. It will clearly state if a reservation is “Required” or “Optional” (but recommended during busy periods).

Key Things to Know About Reservations:

People Also Ask

Because some trains are more expensive than others, or historically have received less income from Eurail/Interrail to cover the large amount of passholders making use of those trains (Spain and France mainly). Reservations are usually a fraction of the cost of regular 1st class tickets, with some exceptions.

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To find routes without seat reservations, you can use our Rail Planner app on any mobile device. Make sure to tick the 'No reservation needed' box when searching for trains.

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You can hop on and off most trains as you please with your Eurail Pass, but some trains ask you to buy an additional seat reservation before you can jump aboard.

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For some trains, like high-speed and night trains, it's mandatory to buy a seat reservation (this reservation guarantees your seat on the applicable train). Please note that you can only buy reservations when you have a valid Pass. Don't have your Eurail Pass yet?

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Seats are allocated automatically when booking your train ticket. You will also be able to change your seat according to your preferences (aisle seats, windows seats…) and subject to availability.

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We advise you to start making reservations at least 2 months in advance. Many high-speed and night trains can already be reserved from 3 months in advance, and will get fully booked in that period.

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On all trains covered by Interrail/Eurail: No, just as long as you can carry it. Be aware stowing away large suitcases on busy trains can be a bit difficult, but there often are luggage racks. There are some exceptions on “low-cost” trains, that I know: Ouigo (France & Spain) and Avlo (Spain).

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We ask for your passport or ID number for safety and verification that the Pass you are travelling with is actually yours. You may be asked to show your passport or ID card when your Pass is being checked by ticket inspectors, so the number on your Pass should match the number on the passport or ID you are carrying.

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First class also has wider seats and aisles, and is more likely to have amenities such as air-conditioning and power outlets (though outlets are still rare on Europe's trains, in any class). While first class is less conducive to conversation, it's more conducive to napping.

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The difference between 1st and 2nd class rail travel is the level of comfort and the facilities provided. A 1st class Eurail Pass is more expensive than a 2nd class Eurail Pass, but it also gives you access to seats with more space and extras that can even include food and beverages.

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Many trains offer you a choice of seat types. For day trains, your choice of seating depends on the extra facilities and amount of legroom. For night trains, your choice ranges from a reclining airline-type seat to a private cabin with a comfy bed.

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You can use your Pass to travel on the national railways and some private railways in the countries where your Pass is valid. In some cases, these train networks reach airports as well. Check the full list here. The Pass even includes certain buses and ferries to make sure everything is within reach.

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Advance tickets can be an especially smart buy for popular high-speed trains (such as France's TGV trains and Italy's Le Frecce trains), which frequently sell out.

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Here's how the 7pm rule works If your overnight train is leaving after 7pm then you can put in the following day's date on your rail pass and use one rather than two days of travel for the overnight trip.

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Eurail passes do not cover local transport like trams or metros, only intercity trains. Rail Europe is another company that offers similar European train passes. But Eurail is the most popular and for the sake of this article, we'll just be focusing on Eurail Passes.

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