About Reservations
While reservations aren’t compulsory on all European trains, they are highly recommended for long-distance trains, during peak travel periods and if you absolutely must reach your destination by a certain day and time. Please see below some important information about reservations in order to ensure a smooth Eurail Pass rail trip to your customer :
- A Eurail Pass does not guarantee a seat and t he number of available for Eurail Pass holders is limited. Therefore advanced booking is highly recommended.
- The costs for a reservation are not included in a Eurail Pass and may vary widely depending on the country, type of train, as well as the date of purchase and/or travel. Please check the reservation fees for domestic and international trains
- On domestic trains with compulsory reservations in Romania, Poland and Austria, seat reservations are free of charge for 1st class Pass holders (in Poland also for 2nd class Pass holders).
- Travelers can only obtain these free reservations at a local ticket window.
Supplements for “Special trains”
Many special trains like high speed trains or night trains require a supplement and a compulsory reservation. Examples of these trains are:
Many special trains like high speed trains or night trains require a supplement and a compulsory reservation. Examples of these trains are:
- in Spain: AVE, Euromed, Alvia, Avant, Altaria
- in France/Belgium/the Netherlands/Germany: Thalys
- in Italy: Frecciarossa and Frecciargento
- Overnight trains from Portugal to Spain
Compulsory seat reservations
The Eurail Timetable sometimes shows trains marked with the R symbol.
These trains require passengers to have a seat reservation. Railway companies are using the reservations system to better serve the wishes of clients with regards to seating (window, non-smoking/smoking etc.)
The compulsory reservations also avoid trains being overcrowded and having corridors packed with travelers.
On night trains reservations are compulsory for travel in sleepers, couchettes, (reclining) seats.
These trains require passengers to have a seat reservation. Railway companies are using the reservations system to better serve the wishes of clients with regards to seating (window, non-smoking/smoking etc.)
The compulsory reservations also avoid trains being overcrowded and having corridors packed with travelers.
On night trains reservations are compulsory for travel in sleepers, couchettes, (reclining) seats.
Reservations, sleeping accommodation, etc.
The traveler must pay charges or supplements for seat reservations, the use of sleeperettes, beds, couchettes, special services on board of the trains, luggage check-in, meals. For ferry crossings travelers must pay port taxes and for the use of cabins, berths, reclining seats.
Supplements
High quality trains, such as trains with special services or trains that are faster than conventional trains, often require a supplement.
With a Eurail Pass you pay a special price (Pass holder fare) which varies depending on the kind of train and the service offered. The supplement includes the compulsory seat reservation and sometimes also a meal aboard the train or other amenities.
Please note that the number of seats available at the special Pass holder fare is limited. Advance booking is highly recommended!
table with an overview of supplements on domestic trains
table with an overview of supplements on international trains.
Transit through a country not covered by the Pass
Certain trains may pass through a country not covered by the Pass purchased by the traveler. In that case an additional ticket has to be purchased for the journey through that country.
If the traveler encounters a problem while traveling through Europe
Draw your client’s attention to the list in the Eurail Traveler’s Guide showing the addresses of Eurail Aid Offices in Europe. These offices can assist in the case of problems with the pass, such as an improperly issued or validated pass or incorrect information on the pass. Please inform your client that there is no refund for a lost or stolen pass.
- Elipsos night train
- a first class train compartment