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Can a second class eurrail pass be used with a first class seat reservation?

  • July 9, 2025
  • 2 replies
  • 108 views

Hello! I am travelling from Barcelona Sants to Marseille St Charles on the 11th of July. There is only 1 direct train that leaves at 4:34pm. Today my partner and I went to the Barcelona Sants station to book seat reservations. The lady booked our reservations for us but afterwards we realised she booked us first class seat reservations. As we have a 3 month Eurrail pass that is only second class, we went back to check if this was correct. We spoke to the original lady and another person who spoke more English who assured us that it didn’t matter and that second class reservations were sold out anyway. if we travel using the second class pass and the first class seat reservations, will we be fined for travelling without a valid ticket? We want to do the right thing but are not sure as the staff we spoke to seem to say it will be fine but everything I have read online says otherwise. 
 

Best answer by Schelte

I know this happens sometimes, and if staff gives it out you shouldn't worry. However, I'm not sure this is supposed to be done: first class reservations generally cost either the same or slightly more than 2nd class reservations, so it doesn't make sense to deem it an upgrade. 

2 replies

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  • Railmaster
  • July 9, 2025

This seems to be possible in Spain indeed. I've seen more comments like this over the past few years. However, I haven't found any documentation about it yet.

@Schelte do you know more?


Schelte
Full steam ahead
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  • Full steam ahead
  • Answer
  • July 14, 2025

I know this happens sometimes, and if staff gives it out you shouldn't worry. However, I'm not sure this is supposed to be done: first class reservations generally cost either the same or slightly more than 2nd class reservations, so it doesn't make sense to deem it an upgrade.