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Berlin to Amsterdam... is there a way around the seat allocations?

  • September 3, 2024
  • 5 replies
  • 177 views

Hello all,

Wondering if I’ll just have to suck it up or there’s a better way around this…

Berlin to Amsterdam on the IC148 train (direct). When I reserved my seats, it gave me 3 seats in the 1st class, compartment carriage, which I do not like as it’s quite suffocating. 

Do you think if I book using the Eurail app I’d have more luck? 

Thanks so much!

Best answer by thibcabe

Berlin - Amsterdam is still an old-school train with carriages. 1st class is 100% compartment only.

It shouldn't be too busy on a weekday outside summer.

Of course you could travel in 2nd class for open space seating if you wish.

5 replies

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  • Keeps calm and carries on
  • September 3, 2024

Hello @anbc19 

In the ICE3 neo you don’t have traditional compartments, these seats have only a small separation with the rest of car. If the train is not sold out, you can choose other free seats.


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  • Railly clever
  • September 3, 2024

When booking through DB you can usually select your seats if you like.


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  • Railly clever
  • September 3, 2024

FYI reservations were only mandatory during the summer so you can travel without reservations if you like.


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  • Full steam ahead
  • Answer
  • September 3, 2024

Berlin - Amsterdam is still an old-school train with carriages. 1st class is 100% compartment only.

It shouldn't be too busy on a weekday outside summer.

Of course you could travel in 2nd class for open space seating if you wish.


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  • Keeps calm and carries on
  • September 3, 2024

@anbc19

In this case I would take only ICE and change in Duisburg, it takes more time but it is more confortable and you could test the new ICE 3 neo I previously erroneously mentioned.