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As we stated under "Train Information", comparisons between train travel and the airline industry are difficult to make. As far as reservations for flying are concerned, you always need confirmed space (and a boarding card). Trains are sometimes more flexible; in Germany, for example, you can sit in any unreserved seat on most (but not all) trains.

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If you don't believe in taking risks, a seat reservation and a railpass ensure that you will move from one place to another on a specific train (or set of trains) and not have to stand. In some cases, it is mandatory for you to reserve a seat on the train (we note several examples for Central Europe on the page labeled "Fees & Tips"). Provided you show your railpass when making the reservation, the cost in Europe for seats on day trains is relatively low (a few $ in most, but not all, cases).

Fees & Tips with Reservations

Note: Obtaining seat reservations for European trains from outside Europe is relatively expensive, due to the costs of communication. We discuss ways to lower these charges for advance reservations on a separate home page, noted below.

Obtaining Reservations through EurAide Before Arriving in Europe

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