On the train, show your Pass and your seat reservation together when the inspector asks. Your reservation guarantees your seat on that train, and your Pass is your ticket.
Before you board
- Make sure your journey is on your Pass: in the Interrail app, check that the journey is on your Pass before you get on the train.
- Have your reservation ready: you can usually show your e-ticket on your phone. Check the conditions on your ticket in case your train operator says otherwise. If you have a paper reservation, bring the original. A photo or scan isn’t accepted.
- Bring your passport or ID card: inspectors may ask to see it.
Finding your train and seat
Your reservation shows your coach and seat number, but not the platform. That’s normal: platforms are usually confirmed shortly before departure. Check the departure board at the station on the day you travel.
Coach numbers are usually shown on the outside of the train. At larger stations, a sign on the platform often shows where each coach will stop.
Someone’s sitting in your seat? Show them your reservation. If that doesn’t solve it, ask the train staff for help.
Boarding later or getting off earlier
Want to board at a later stop, or get off at an earlier one, on the route of your reservation? This may be allowed, but it depends on the train operator. Check with the train staff before you board.
On some trains, it isn’t possible. For example, on Eurostar you can only board at the station shown on your ticket.
If you miss your train
Your reservation is only valid for the train you booked. If you miss it:
- If the next train needs a reservation, you’ll need to book a new one.
- If the next train doesn’t need a reservation, you can board with just your Pass, but a seat isn’t guaranteed.
Was your train cancelled, delayed or disrupted? Ask at the station. You might be allowed to use your reservation on a replacement train. You might also be able to get an exceptional refund. Find out what to do if your train was cancelled or delayed
If your train ran as planned, your original reservation follows the standard refund conditions.