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How to avoid shipping fees?

  • June 8, 2026
  • 4 replies
  • 40 views

Hello, I’m going on an Interrail trip from Geneva to Slovenia, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Turkey… and I’m looking to book seats on trains that require compulsory reservations. But with the RailPlanner app, I’m being charged very high shipping fees (around €10). Is it possible to avoid these fees? Thanks in advance!

Best answer by eurocity101

Yes, avoid the Interrail website (that’s where the railplanner app redirects you) for reservations whenever possible.

In Slovenia and Austria, reservations are optional or not possible. You can use the ÖBB website if you want a reserved seat.

For Hungary (incl. international trains to Romania), the MAV website/app should work.

For Romania and beyond, either buy reservations at the station or save your pass days and buy ordinary tickets online.

4 replies

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  • Railly clever
  • Answer
  • June 8, 2026

Yes, avoid the Interrail website (that’s where the railplanner app redirects you) for reservations whenever possible.

In Slovenia and Austria, reservations are optional or not possible. You can use the ÖBB website if you want a reserved seat.

For Hungary (incl. international trains to Romania), the MAV website/app should work.

For Romania and beyond, either buy reservations at the station or save your pass days and buy ordinary tickets online.


  • Author
  • Right on track
  • June 8, 2026

Great! Thanks! But how do I book a ticket without paying the full train fare if I’m using OBB or another website other than Rail Planner?


  • Author
  • Right on track
  • June 8, 2026

I think I found how to book tickets only but on the website they said: Tickets are not available. do you know why?


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  • Railly clever
  • June 8, 2026

Which exact trains (route, date and departure time) are you trying to book?

On ÖBB (and MAV too afaik), you need to add Interrail as a discount card when seat reservations are mandatory (do NOT tick the “seat only” box, that one is only good for the optional ones ;)).

You can find further explanations about reservations here: https://www.seat61.com/interrail-and-eurail-reservations.htm