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When to buy individual tickets instead of my pass

  • February 10, 2026
  • 2 replies
  • 28 views

This is my first time going to Europe and using the trains.  I’m slowly figuring it out, but would like some advice in using my pass effectively.

I'll be in Europe for a month from May to June and purchased the 7 travel days in 1 month pass. At the moment, I’m planning the first two weeks of my trip.  I’m starting in Paris and would be there for seven nights.  

While there, I am considering taking day trips into Chartres and Giverny.  For short trips in the same country, would it be more cost effective to buy individual return tickets ?  And should I book now?  

I plan to use my pass to cross over to Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands.  I’ve already used the pass to book seat reservations for going from Paris to Milan and from Milan to Venice.  From Venice, I’ll like to go to Verona.  I’ve noticed that there is an option to reserve seats and no seat reservations required.  At the time of the year I am in Italy, should I risk no seat reservations for flexibility and save some money or would it be better to reserve a seat?  

After Verona, I plan to go to Munich.  This route also gives me the option of open seating with no reservations or reserving a seat.  When going into a different country, would it be a better and a safer plan to reserve a seat?

Thanks!

Best answer by ralderton

For a lot of journeys, you can quickly and easily check prices on Trainline or Rail Europe. (Those aren’t the best places to buy tickets, since they charge booking fees, but a good place to check)

Certainly for your day trips from Paris, you should be able to find cheap tickets - especially if you can book in advance. 

For Venice-Verona the choice is between regional trains with no reservation, and the higher quality & slightly faster Frecciarossa or Eurocity. I don’t think it’s worth paying the €15 reservation fee for the faster trains on such a short journey. There’s always plenty of seats on the regional. 

2 replies

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  • Full steam ahead
  • February 10, 2026

Regarding seat reservations, if you travel alone you can usually find a free seat. (If you dont travel during the busiest time). I only reserve seats if i have to and did not run into problems so far.

 

 


ralderton
Railmaster
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  • Railmaster
  • Answer
  • February 10, 2026

For a lot of journeys, you can quickly and easily check prices on Trainline or Rail Europe. (Those aren’t the best places to buy tickets, since they charge booking fees, but a good place to check)

Certainly for your day trips from Paris, you should be able to find cheap tickets - especially if you can book in advance. 

For Venice-Verona the choice is between regional trains with no reservation, and the higher quality & slightly faster Frecciarossa or Eurocity. I don’t think it’s worth paying the €15 reservation fee for the faster trains on such a short journey. There’s always plenty of seats on the regional.