It depends on the train. You can board most trains with just your Pass, but night trains and most high-speed trains need a seat reservation. Reservations are also often required in France, Italy and Spain. In countries like Belgium, the Netherlands and Switzerland, you can usually travel without one.
How to check your train
Search for your train in our timetable or in the Interrail app. Each train shows whether you need a seat reservation, and the timetable also shows what it costs.
If a train doesn’t need a reservation, the timetable shows that too.
Prefer to skip reservations altogether? Tick No reservation needed in the timetable to only see trains you can board with just your Pass. You can also find out how to travel without seat reservations.
If your train needs a reservation
Book it as early as you can. Some trains only have a limited number of seats for travellers with a Pass, and these can sell out, especially in summer. Book your seat reservations
If a reservation is optional
You can still book one if you’d like a guaranteed seat on a busy train. Find out how to book an optional seat reservation
If you need anything else, contact us.