Many trains in Europe don’t need a reservation, so you can board with just your Pass. Here’s how to plan a trip with as few reservations as possible.
Choose regional and local trains
Regional and local trains usually don’t need a reservation. They can take longer than high-speed trains, but they stop in smaller towns along the way.
To find them, tick No reservation needed in our timetable before you search.
Plan your route with reservations in mind
In countries like Belgium, the Netherlands and Switzerland, you can usually travel without a reservation. In France, Italy and Spain, you’ll often need one. Choosing destinations that are closer together, or well connected by regional trains, also means fewer long high-speed journeys.
Try a reservation-free route
Our website has ideas for routes you can travel without any reservations:
- Alternatives to busy routes between popular cities
- Reservation-free trip ideas for 7, 10 and 30 days
When you can’t avoid a reservation
Some routes are only possible on trains that need a reservation. For example, the only train between Great Britain and mainland Europe is the Eurostar, which always needs one. Most night trains need one too.
To check a specific train, search for it in our timetable, or see which trains require seat reservations.
When a reservation is optional
You can board without one, but a seat isn’t guaranteed. Travelling early in the morning, late in the evening or on a weekday gives you a better chance of finding a free seat.