To access a train which requires a reservation (and has gates to enter the platform), would you use your interrail pass with the journey loaded onto it to open the gates and then show the reservation on board, or would you use the printed out reservation that has a barcode on it?
Thanks.
Varies per country and per system or even per line.
There are just a very, very few countries that have access-gates. Near universal-at least in all bigger stops, are the UK and NL. IN UK you always have to use manual check. In NL the QR code on the cover of paper pass-and likely also on mobile ones, works a very few times/days, but this has nothing to do with any REServ. If you find it does not work in NL-use the urgency help fone.
In ES there are airline style checks for AVE trains-when they will also check the actual booking.
In SOME -mostly major and start-stops in FR and IT for superfast trains there are gates -or more often manual checks with fast readers-they want to see the actual REServation, at least in FR these also have codes. And they will want to check the then current covid rules-prepare yourself for that (in IT its called green pass). Most often then there is no more on-board checks. Also holds for €*
Local cercanias trains around big cities in ES also have gates-no pass will be able to open these-go to counter and ask/show pass. They control remote. Same for around Lisboa/PT. NO staff? Bad luck!
Varies per country and per system or even per line.
There are just a very, very few countries that have access-gates. Near universal-at least in all bigger stops, are the UK and NL. IN UK you always have to use manual check. In NL the QR code on the cover of paper pass-and likely also on mobile ones, works a very few times/days, but this has nothing to do with any REServ. If you find it does not work in NL-use the urgency help fone.
In ES there are airline style checks for AVE trains-when they will also check the actual booking.
In SOME -mostly major and start-stops in FR and IT for superfast trains there are gates -or more often manual checks with fast readers-they want to see the actual REServation, at least in FR these also have codes. And they will want to check the then current covid rules-prepare yourself for that (in IT its called green pass). Most often then there is no more on-board checks. Also holds for €*
Local cercanias trains around big cities in ES also have gates-no pass will be able to open these-go to counter and ask/show pass. They control remote. Same for around Lisboa/PT. NO staff? Bad luck!
Thank you for your quick response!
Luckily i’m coming from the UK and won’t be stopping in the Netherlands so shouldn’t have many issues there. I will be in France/Spain/ and Lisbon though, so thanks for the warning. I also noticed that for trains in Spain and Portugal there seems to be very limited options when booking online. Once you actually get to the station, are there more journeys available to buy tickets for?
Thanks!
I also noticed that for trains in Spain and Portugal there seems to be very limited options when booking online. Once you actually get to the station, are there more journeys available to buy tickets for?
For Portugal, you need to make reservations at the ticket office in Portugal.
In Spain, this is also the easiest (although Deutsche Bahn can also make Spanish reservations, but only on paper, so you either need to get them in Germany or have them sent to you via the post). Fortunately, in domestic trains in both countries pass holder seats are not quota-controlled so you don't need to book ahead a long time.
Finally, do take into account that Spanish railways (RENFE) don't share much of their timetables with the rest of the world, which is why the rail planner app is very incomplete for Spain. You can check the terrible RENFE website or www.raileurope.com, who somehow managed to get long distance train timetables.
I also noticed that for trains in Spain and Portugal there seems to be very limited options when booking online. Once you actually get to the station, are there more journeys available to buy tickets for?
For Portugal, you need to make reservations at the ticket office in Portugal.
In Spain, this is also the easiest (although Deutsche Bahn can also make Spanish reservations, but only on paper, so you either need to get them in Germany or have them sent to you via the post). Fortunately, in domestic trains in both countries pass holder seats are not quota-controlled so you don't need to book ahead a long time.
Finally, do take into account that Spanish railways (RENFE) don't share much of their timetables with the rest of the world, which is why the rail planner app is very incomplete for Spain. You can check the terrible RENFE website or www.raileurope.com, who somehow managed to get long distance train timetables.
So in Spain u’d say you have an interrail pass as the ticket office and just get the reservation and that's all you need? Sorry for being clueless btw.
Yeah i’ve been on RENFE before and it wasn’t the most pleasant experience.
Thanks!
So in Spain u’d say you have an interrail pass as the ticket office and just get the reservation and that's all you need?
Exactly. Although in Madrid it can be very busy with long waiting times. Other cities are much better for making reservations.
So in Spain u’d say you have an interrail pass as the ticket office and just get the reservation and that's all you need?
Exactly. Although in Madrid it can be very busy with long waiting times. Other cities are much better for making reservations.
Ok thanks!
Enter your E-mail address. We'll send you an e-mail with instructions to reset your password.