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How do I make a recommended reservation when there appears to be no ability to make one?


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How do i make a reservation when it says “This is a popular train. Seat reservations are recommended but not required.” but there is no option to reserve a seat?

I have a 1st Class 15 day pass and the trip I am looking at is may 6 from Vienna to Prague at 11:10AM

Best answer by thibcabe

You'll be able to make it through ÖBB for free (add Eurail as a discount and select one-way tickets). Seat selection available.

But right now it's too early, check back in a few weeks : 3 months in advance likely is the deadline.

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  • January 19, 2024

You'll be able to make it through ÖBB for free (add Eurail as a discount and select one-way tickets). Seat selection available.

But right now it's too early, check back in a few weeks : 3 months in advance likely is the deadline.


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  • January 19, 2024

Thanks


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  • February 9, 2024

I’d like to know whether my first class Eurail pass can handle late changes.

My current plan is to reserve a trip on the Vienna 10:39 Praha.hl.n 14:37 3 hours 58 Min train on May 6. However my neighbour has suggested that the boat trip from Vienna to Bratislava has some spectacular scenery and may be worth doing. A quick search reveals that we could leave by boat at say 8:30 AM and get to Bratislava at about 9:45. From what I can see there are numerous trains from Bratislava to Prague departing early afternoon making the diversion viable.

What would be the impact if I made a reservation on the Vienna to Prague now, but decided to pursue the Vienna > Bratislava > Prague option a day or two before our departure from Vienna? Would there be a financial penalty for cancelling our reservation? Would it be likely we could find a seat from Bratislava to Prague if we tried to make the reservation that late? 


BrendanDB
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  • February 9, 2024

Your pass can handle these changes just fine, it’s probably the most flexible rail product on earth. You can decide on the spot the train you’ll be taking.

Reservations =/= Interrail pass.

You can reserve up to a couple of minutes before departure, there are last minute reservable seats on RailJet (the train you will be taking) or you just sit on a free unreserved place.

Reservations are usually not refundable, since it’s just a small fee in Austria.

If you won’t be sitting on your seat, the reservation will be lifted 15 min after departure of the train. There’s no financial penalty.


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  • February 9, 2024

Since you travel 1st class, the reservations are free of charge on tickets.oebb.at.


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  • February 9, 2024

Thanks for that.

 

I have no idea how busy the trains will be at that time, so should/can I book seats on both trains and just cancel the one I don’t want a day or two early? That may be a safer option, especially if there’s no reservation fee


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  • February 9, 2024
Robsue wrote:

I have no idea how busy the trains will be at that time, so should/can I book seats on both trains and just cancel the one I don’t want a day or two early? That may be a safer option, especially if there’s no reservation fee

You can book both, but you can't cancel. That's no problem though. If you don't turn up for a booked seat, then someone else can use it.


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  • February 9, 2024

Thanks. I’ll do some additional homework about the boat trip to make sure, but booking both seems like it might be a worthwhile options depending on the boat cancellation options etc.


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  • February 20, 2024

I’ve just been looking at my reservations. I made this one and paid my 6 Euro (even though I now realise I didn’t need to, but now I realise that it says no discount is recorded. Am I able to add my Global Pass discount to this booking, or should I make a whole new reservation?

 

 


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  • February 20, 2024

Please ignore my last question. I know the answer is that my reservation stands and my Global Pass is the ticket, which I can prove it tested


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