Hi guys, I need some help. I tried to reserve a seat for the amsterdam central-berlin hbf night train for 19/10. The interrail booking site told me that it was not possible to reserve a seat, even though a reservation was not required. I booked on bahn.com, even at a lower price, and had no problem booking a seat. Do you know the bahn.com site is reliable and is this reservation still valid?
Best answer by Angelo
View originalUnderstand! Thanks Angelo!
+10
Nothing will happen, 99% of the time they won't even ask for your seat reservation. It cannot get refunded (but it is free anyway) and is not valid for the next train
Simply make another one if you'd like
Does DB site also have free reservation function?
Only if you book a 1st class ticket via DB. With a pass no. But ÖBB (Austrian railways - oebb.at) do it for first class. You search for a train - one way ticket option (not seat only) and add Interrail/Eurail as discount.
Nothing will happen, 99% of the time they won't even ask for your seat reservation. It cannot get refunded (but it is free anyway) and is not valid for the next train
Simply make another one if you'd like
Does DB site also have free reservation function?
Nothing will happen, 99% of the time they won't even ask for your seat reservation. It cannot get refunded (but it is free anyway) and is not valid for the next train
Simply make another one if you'd like
That’s good! Thanks!
Ticket inspectors are not interested in optional reservations.
But should I still get the seat?
Should l just show my validated Pass to gather with the reservation ticket on the train?
Ticket inspectors are not interested in optional reservations.
Nothing will happen, 99% of the time they won't even ask for your seat reservation. It cannot get refunded (but it is free anyway) and is not valid for the next train
Simply make another one if you'd like
No problem - on all trains you show your validated pass with the train listed below the QR code for that travel day. If mandatory reservations needed you also show the evidence - usually your pdf or voucher issued if booked at the station. If reservations are optional (as on DBahn) you only need to use them to find your seat and eject squatters.
Also if you do not like the direction of travel you can always swap seats if empty ones available - but you may be ejected at a later station if reserved from there.
Thanks Yorkie! If I didn’t use the reservation, due to changed plan or just simple missed the train. What would happen?
You did not follow my instructions:
go to tickets.oebb.at, add the Interrail/Eurail discount, and then select "One-way tickets and day tickets”. Do NOT use "Seat reservation only”.
Sorry.
The OEBB works. They didn’t charge me. But didn’t give a seat number either.
Sorry, it did. I didn’t click on the details.
Should l just show my validated Pass to gather with the reservation ticket on the train?
No problem - on all trains you show your validated pass with the train listed below the QR code for that travel day. If mandatory reservations needed you also show the evidence - usually your pdf or voucher issued if booked at the station. If reservations are optional (as on DBahn) you only need to use them to find your seat and eject squatters.
Also if you do not like the direction of travel you can always swap seats if empty ones available - but you may be ejected at a later station if reserved from there.
Hi rvdborgt ,
What would happen, if I reserved a seat, but didn’t turn up, or I missed the train?
Thanks Youkie! Those information are very useful. I really appreciate it
You did not follow my instructions:
go to tickets.oebb.at, add the Interrail/Eurail discount, and then select "One-way tickets and day tickets”. Do NOT use "Seat reservation only”.
Sorry.
The OEBB works. They didn’t charge me. But didn’t give a seat number either.
Sorry, it did. I didn’t click on the details.
Should l just show my validated Pass to gather with the reservation ticket on the train?
Last year we travelled first class from Frankfurt to Brussels on the direct ICE service. Not only were there no seats in first class the train was impossible to walk through because of bodies sitting on every bit of space plus bags and bikes. At every stop it was worse as some tried to get off, others jumped into their seats and then passengers boarded demanding their reserved seats.
For the few euros to reserve ICE it was worth every penny. Even when there are seats you are always at risk of needing to move as passengers join the train.
That is interesting to me. I never thought 1st class will be that bad. There must be some 2nd class people came to the 1st class cart.
Anyway, I have 2 months continual 1st class pass which will last for 61 days. If I pay €5.90 for each reservation, there will be at least 120x€5.90, not even consider some day have more than 2 (return) trips, and changes. That will add up at least 700 Euros.
Besides, my plan is very flexible. I often change my mind. Also I get sick, if I site on the wrong direction while train is moving. When reserve a seat, you never know which direction you are siting.
Even if it had been second class passengers using first class seats it is still the same problem - if you do not have a reservation you cannot ask them if they have a first or second class ticket or have any right to ask them to leave - only the train staff can do that. However show your reservation and they and changes have to move - irrespective of what class ticket they have.
All your concerns are indeed valid but your assessment of the extra cost is somewhat flawed. If you are planning on so much travel just in Germany there are many trains (the regional ones) where reservations are not available. If you are travelling early or late you will not need reservations and you will soon work out which are going to be busy trains. Over 61 days I would expect to maybe make 10 reservations on trains shown to be busy (The Dbahn app shows a prediction on all their ICE trains on how busy they will be.)
If you fall sick that is bad luck but shouldn’t be a reason not to make reservations - just a small loss if you have paid.
You can make these decisions almost on the day
If you then select 1st class in the second step, then reservations are free of charge. Also in Germany.
I did. But they still charge me €5.90. If it is 2nd class it will be €4.50, as others said.
You did not follow my instructions:
go to tickets.oebb.at, add the Interrail/Eurail discount, and then select "One-way tickets and day tickets”. Do NOT use "Seat reservation only”.
Free of charge through tickets.oebb.at
Add Interrail/Eurail as a discount and select one-way tickets
If you then select 1st class in the second step, then reservations are free of charge. Also in Germany.
I did. But they still charge me €5.90. If it is 2nd class it will be €4.50, as others said.
Last year we travelled first class from Frankfurt to Brussels on the direct ICE service. Not only were there no seats in first class the train was impossible to walk through because of bodies sitting on every bit of space plus bags and bikes. At every stop it was worse as some tried to get off, others jumped into their seats and then passengers boarded demanding their reserved seats.
For the few euros to reserve ICE it was worth every penny. Even when there are seats you are always at risk of needing to move as passengers join the train.
That is interesting to me. I never thought 1st class will be that bad. There must be some 2nd class people came to the 1st class cart.
Anyway, I have 2 months continual 1st class pass which will last for 61 days. If I pay €5.90 for each reservation, there will be at least 120x€5.90, not even consider some day have more than 2 (return) trips, and changes. That will add up at least 700 Euros.
Besides, my plan is very flexible. I often change my mind. Also I get sick, if I site on the wrong direction while train is moving. When reserve a seat, you never know which direction you are siting.
what did you say ‘they're free with a 1st class pass’? I have tried with DB. It costs €5.90 for each reservation. How did you do to make it free?
Book via the ÖBB website. I'll repeat my comment from above:
Since you seem to have a 1st class pass, it's cheaper to book via ÖBB: go to tickets.oebb.at, add the Interrail/Eurail discount, and then select "One-way tickets and day tickets”. Do NOT use "Seat reservation only”.
If you then select 1st class in the second step, then reservations are free of charge. Also in Germany.
Yes I'd make them too, especially as they're free with a 1st class pass anyway. Simply for peace of mind
I mean you're not required to take that train, you can always change your mind
Hi thibcabe,
why did you say ‘they're free with a 1st class pass’? I have tried with DB. It costs €5.90 for each reservation. How did you do to make it free?
Yes I'd make them too, especially as they're free with a 1st class pass anyway. Simply for peace of mind
I mean you're not required to take that train, you can always change your mind
To rephrase Yorkie's comments, what you pay consists of 2 elements:
Both can also be 0. For optional reservations, Eurail often charge a €6 reservation fee and a €2 booking fee per person and train.
DB charge no booking fee and their reservation fee is €4.50 per person and journey in 2nd class; €5.90 in 1st class.
ÖBB also charge no booking fee; reservation fee is €3 per person and train in 2nd class (in Austria: €3 per person and journey); no reservation fee in 1st class. The rail planner app doesn't mention ÖBB for reservations in Germany but you can still use them (the app isn't complete).
Since you seem to have a 1st class pass, it's cheaper to book via ÖBB: go to tickets.oebb.at, add the Interrail/Eurail discount, and then select "One-way tickets and day tickets”. Do NOT use "Seat reservation only”.
That make sense now. In that case, I don’t think I would pay for the reservation. I believe that it is unlikely 1st class would run out seats, would they?
Last year we travelled first class from Frankfurt to Brussels on the direct ICE service. Not only were there no seats in first class the train was impossible to walk through because of bodies sitting on every bit of space plus bags and bikes. At every stop it was worse as some tried to get off, others jumped into their seats and then passengers boarded demanding their reserved seats.
For the few euros to reserve ICE it was worth every penny. Even when there are seats you are always at risk of needing to move as passengers join the train.
To rephrase Yorkie's comments, what you pay consists of 2 elements:
Both can also be 0. For optional reservations, Eurail often charge a €6 reservation fee and a €2 booking fee per person and train.
DB charge no booking fee and their reservation fee is €4.50 per person and journey in 2nd class; €5.90 in 1st class.
ÖBB also charge no booking fee; reservation fee is €3 per person and train in 2nd class (in Austria: €3 per person and journey); no reservation fee in 1st class. The rail planner app doesn't mention ÖBB for reservations in Germany but you can still use them (the app isn't complete).
Since you seem to have a 1st class pass, it's cheaper to book via ÖBB: go to tickets.oebb.at, add the Interrail/Eurail discount, and then select "One-way tickets and day tickets”. Do NOT use "Seat reservation only”.
That make sense now. In that case, I don’t think I would pay for the reservation. I believe that it is unlikely 1st class would run out seats, would they?
In that case, make the reservation directly at bahn.com. Use the option "seat only" . The reservation cost is 4,50 EUR in 2nd class.
I made the reservation directly at bahn.com. My have 1st class Mobile Pass. therefore it would charge me €5.95.
But the App shows ‘Mobile tickets, no booking fees’.
The fees are if you book through Eurail.com, not if you book directly through DB, ČD or DSB.
Yes, I understand that. But when I following the link provided by the Planner App to DB website to reserve a seat. It shows the seat will be charged €5.95 to be reserved (not the ticket cost, just the reservation).
I don’t what I have done wrong - or what should I do to avoid the booking fee.
To rephrase Yorkie's comments, what you pay consists of 2 elements:
Both can also be 0. For optional reservations, Eurail often charge a €6 reservation fee and a €2 booking fee per person and train.
DB charge no booking fee and their reservation fee is €4.50 per person and journey in 2nd class; €5.90 in 1st class.
ÖBB also charge no booking fee; reservation fee is €3 per person and train in 2nd class (in Austria: €3 per person and journey); no reservation fee in 1st class. The rail planner app doesn't mention ÖBB for reservations in Germany but you can still use them (the app isn't complete).
Since you seem to have a 1st class pass, it's cheaper to book via ÖBB: go to tickets.oebb.at, add the Interrail/Eurail discount, and then select "One-way tickets and day tickets”. Do NOT use "Seat reservation only”.
Really weird price, maybe you checked paper delivery ? There is no fee otherwise
Should be 4.50€ per journey (2nd class) or 5.90€ 1st class on bahn.de
3€ per train (2nd class) or free (1st class) on tickets.oebb.at
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