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train tickets: Some trains require an extra reservation fee. Information about where to buy these reservations and how to avoid them.
Some high-speed trains, night trains and special train connections require a reservation or a supplement.
A reservation is an additional fee including a seat reservation. In most cases the reservation is already included in the ticket price when booking a high-speed or night train.
A supplement is a charge without a seat reservation.
Most night trains in Europe require a reservation. Their price depends on the category (seat, couchette, sleeper, ...). Some offer 2nd class seating cars without reservation fee. However, by taking night trains you can travel large distances while you sleep and save on costs for hostels or hotels.
Even on routes that are primarily served by trains which require reservations or supplement fees, you can find alternatives free of charge. We don't leave you alone after your ticket purchase on Raildude, we rather show you how to travel through Europe cheaply.
Do it your way. Either book a lot of trains requiring reservations in advance and lose the flexibility and freedom of a rail pass, or be spontaneous and risk not to get a place on a night train. After the first few days of your rail tour you will find your way.
Reservations are only important if you want to use a specific train on a certain date which requires acreservation or if you travel during peak times (Easter, Christmas, start or end of school holidays).
How long in advance it is adviseable to make a reservation is hard to tell. It always depends on the season and the route.
Reservations and supplements are available:
- on the Raildude Online Shop
- at major European train stations
- directly on the trains (which is however more expensive)
IMPORTANT: for all the listed train connections you will find information on how to best make a reservation for every train that requires a reservation .
Note: the given prices may vary due to service or handling fees. Depending on whether you purchase the reservations/tickets online, at a ticket machine or at a railway station.
Reservation and supplement
Number of train WITH and WITHOUT required extra fee (reservation or supplement).
Raildude is an independent rail travel information project. We are real travellers and do not belong to any European rail company. All information is provided with great care.