Eurail - Reservations

Reservations


About Reservations

On most trains, making reservations is not necessary. However, although a Eurail pass, Eurail Selectpass, Eurail Regional Pass or Eurailticket may entitle you to train travel, the rail Pass or Ticket does not guarantee you a seat To obtain guaranteed accommodation on a long-distance train, we recommend you to make a reservation. A reservation will ensure that you have accommodation in a certain train, on a certain day and at a certain time.

Seat reservations will cost you a small extra charge of between 4 USD and 11 USD if you book at the local ticket window. You can book your seat reservations up to 60 days before your actual trip Generally speaking, most long-distance express trains require a reservation. (TGV, AVE, EUROMED, ALFA PENDULAR, ALTARIA, ALARIS, EUROSTAR ITALIA, THALYS and X2000) but also some of the Intercity and Eurocity trains. Reclining seats and berths also require reservations

Day trains

Day trains have two seating arrangements: Coach car seating (open with center aisle and two seats on either side) 1st-class (two seats on one side of the aisle and seats on either side) 2nd-class (two seats on either side of the aisle) Compartment car (separated into cabins which open to corridor along the side of the car) 1st-class compartment car up to 6 persons 2nd-class compartment car up to 8 persons When reserving seats you may choose window seat (smoking or non-smoking) aisle seat (smoking or non-smoking) option for people traveling together to reserve adjoining seats or opposite seats, sometimes with table other options for reservation: dining car seats or panorama car seats Accommodation charges vary from 4 to 11 US Dollars

Night trains

Night trains take you over large distances during the night. There are several options for comfortable traveling, which may differ on the various train types throughout Europe A. Sleepers B. Couchettes C. Sleeperettes Sleepers Sleepers are separate comparments, with 1, 2 or 3 beds. Often, these compartments have separate berths for men and women, unless the compartment is reserved by a couple or a family. Single compartments, called "special" or "single", available for holders of 1st-class Eurail Passs or Eurail tickets Couchette Single 1st class ticket + supplement Or Couchette Special 1st class ticket + supplement Double compartments, called "double" or "T2/Tourist 2", available for all rail pass- and ticket holders. However, depending on the train, sometimes available for holders of 1st-class rail passes or tickets only Couchette Double 1st or 2nd class ticket (depending on the train) + supplement Or Couchette Tourist 2 2nd class sticket + supplement Triple compartments, called "T3/ Tourist 3" available for all pass- and ticketholders. Couchette Tourist T3 2nd class sticket + supplement Couchette cars Couchette cars offer standard sleeping accommodation. They offer a place to lie down with a pillow, a blanket and a sheet. There are couchette cars with compartments for 4 persons or for 6 persons. Washrooms and toilets are located at the ends of the cars. Couchette 6 2nd class ticket + couchette supplement Couchette 4 2nd (in France 1st) class ticket + couchette supplement Sleeperettes In some night trains 'sleeperettes' (reclining seats) are available