Seat reservations and night trains
The Interrail Pass lets you explore Europe at your own tempo and provides you with the opportunity to hop on and off trains in more than 31 European countries as you like. However, some train operators and countries require a seat reservation that you need to book in advance.
Here's your guide to why and how to make seat reservations for your Interrail adventure.
WHY MAKE SEAT RESERVATIONS?
- A guaranteed seat offers peace of mind and comfort - no need to stand in the aisles or face overcrowded trains
- Advanced booking offers the opportunity to secure seats together with travel companions
- In many cases, trains requiring a reservation are high speed, reaching destinations more quickly and efficiently than alternative trains
- Often the fee provides you with additional comfort and services, such as wider seats with extra leg room and free WiFi
- In some cases, travellers also benefit from a meal and drink or other services such as lounge access or complimentary newspapers
DO I HAVE TO MAKE SEAT RESERVATIONS?
No, but it is strongly advised since some trains and seasons (high season from mid May until September and holiday periods) can be quite busy. You can travel throughout Europe only by regional trains, that doesn´t require seat reservations, but it will take longer time and add extra stops to your journey.
We recommend you to plan a bit ahead and book seat reservations on at least the outbound and inbound dates from your starting destination, lasting two hours or more.
ON WHICH JOURNEYS DO I NEED TO MAKE SEAT RESERVATIONS?
Leaving the UK with an Interrail Pass
When leaving the UK to continental Europe by train, the journey is operated directly by the high-speed trains from Eurostar in London to Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. For these Eurostar services, each journey has a mandatory seat reservation at an additional cost. Depending on the class of the Pass being travelled, prices range from €30 to €35 a seat reservation.
It might seem like a lot but seat reservations on Eurostar services include: a dedicated seat, WIFI, and luggage storage. On a 1st class pass and reservation, a small meal and drink are included in the reservation price. In high season such as summer and Christmas reservations for Eurostar services can sell out so it is advised to book these reservations as soon as you know your travel plans.
Europe
Some countries, such as France, Spain, and Italy again have mandatory reservation fees. This is because these countries operate high-speed trains with speeds of up to 250 mph and higher levels of comfort within the train.
For those looking to travel at a slower pace, regional trains across Europe can usually make the same journey as high-speed trains but with a longer duration. However, these trains do not carry mandatory seat reservations. Regional trains are a great way to travel when time allows, and you may end up having a stop between trains at a place you never imagined visiting.
KILROY can help you with reservations. Reach out to [email protected] once you have your Interrail Pass.
WHY DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR SEAT RESERVATIONS WHEN I ALREADY HAVE AN INTERRAIL PASS?
Your Interrail Pass provides you with flexible access to all the trains operated by the participating railway companies. As a Pass holder you only need to pay for the seat reservation fee to the specific route, not the full fare ticket. Seat reservations fees varies a lot depending on the country and type of train.
HOW MUCH DOES A SEAT RESERVATION COST?
The seat reservation fees are determined by the different train operators and therefore vary a lot from country to country. However, seat reservations in Eastern Europe and the Balkans are in general much cheaper (and less crowded) compared to the ones in Western Europe and the Nordics.
- A domestic seat reservation typically costs around 1-10 EUR
- The high-speed border-crossing trains normally cost between 20-60 EUR
- Night trains, where reservations are always mandatory, varies a lot in price but is often priced around 50 EUR.
NB: Remember that seat reservations are an extra cost to your Interrail experience and needs to be factored into your overall budget.
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE CAN I MAKE SEAT RESERVATIONS?
It´s possible to book train reservations up to 90 days (and in some cases 60 days) ahead.
During the summer months we recommend that you make reservations as far in advance as possible. It can also be a good idea to book early in case you travel in a larger group of people and want to be sure to sit together.
After purchasing your Pass you can access a dedicated area to make your seat reservations.
WHAT IF I'M TRAVELLING ON A BUDGET?
If you are travelling on a budget and do not wish to pay extra for a reserved seat, there are alternative options for destinations that don’t require a reservation.
Regional trains do not require seat reservations and there a plenty of benefits to using these:
- Go off the beaten track and visit some of Europe's smaller charming towns and villages
- Enjoy the sights - many regional trains take a scenic route enabling you to enjoy your surroundings at a slower pace
- Meet the locals, as regional trains are the ones they most often take
- Enjoy flexible travel - if you miss your train, simply board the next one since regional trains have frequent services
HOW AND WHERE DO YOU MAKE SEAT RESERVATIONS?
If you have purchased an Interrail Pass at KILROY you will receive a detailed map of all the train routes and an overview of where seat reservations are mandatory. You will also receive an Interrail Pass Guide that explains what you need to know - before, during and after your trip.
The official Interrail site
Once you have purchased your pass from KILROY, you will be directed to a portal where you can make your seat reservations for your adventure.
The Interrail Planner app
Once you have purchased your pass, The Interrail Planner app can help guide you in securing your seat reservations.
Local train ticket office
During your trip we highly encourage you to make use of the local train ticket offices. They are able to assist you with bookings and if you have any specific questions.
KILROY can also help you with reservations. Reach out to [email protected] once you have your Interrail Pass and want to make seat reservations for your trip.
HOW DOES IT WORK WITH NIGHT TRAINS?
We very much recommend you to use night trains during your trip. It´s a unique experience and a good way to cover a large distance overnight. And did we mention it will save you the cost of a hostel?
On night trains, seat reservations are always mandatory and need to be booked in advance.
WHEN AND HOW MANY RESERVATIONS SHOULD YOU MAKE?
We recommend that you start planning your journey as soon as possible. Most seats are available for booking around two to three months in advance.
It can be a great idea to map out either destinations and/or regions you want to visit, so you at least know how to get there and back.
In general, we recommend that you make a few reservations in advance. If you are the typical non-planner or have plenty of time to travel, one or two seat reservations can be enough, and you can then book the rest on-the-go. For the planners who want to experience more in less time, it's a good idea to make more reservations in advance.
NB: In the summer months, seat reservations can sell out 2-3 months in advance.