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Are seat reservations on trains necessary?

Are seat reservations on trains necessary?

Old Apr 13th, 2011, 09:54 PM
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Are seat reservations on trains necessary?

We will be traveling to Bavaria and Salzburg next month. We are still deciding how we plan on handling our train travel (rail passes vs. just buying tickets/Bayern Passes, etc.). We will have three long train trips for sure: ZRH - Salzburg (via Innsbruck), Salzburg - Garmisch (likely also via Innsbruck), and Mittenwald - ZRH.

Are seat reservations a necessity for these three trips in particular? We may buy a 3 day Austria rail pass, but are still doing the calculations. If we don't have seat reservations in advance, is it a possibility that we could not find seats for these three long trips? I keep reading differing opinions in others' postings and just want to see if there is a consensus.

FYI, we have an idea which train we plan to take from ZRH-Salzburg, but if our flight is delayed that could cause us to miss this train. I am 99% certain about the specific trains for the other two trips.
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Old Apr 13th, 2011, 11:56 PM
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The Bayern Ticket would save a lot of money if you take the route via Munich for the Salzburg - Garmisch trip. Why going through Innsbruck?

I personally don't make seat reservations. If you don't travel on absolutely peak traffic days like before/after holidays or during rush hour you'll always find a seat. So, without knowing the exact days of your train trips iit is hard to give proper advice.
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Old Apr 14th, 2011, 01:48 AM
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Normally no need to reserve- most here so not bother. Exception as mentioned could be just prior to a major holidsy.
But even then not mandatory.

Regional trains have no reservations anyway. Example travel using the Bayern Ticket or similar Einfach Raus ticket in Austria.

Most lines have frequent service

with limite journies by train most will say point - to -point tickets are cheaper .
burt this quite easy to compare.
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Old Apr 14th, 2011, 02:31 AM
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How many are you? If you're a party of 6 and all want to sit together then you might want to get reservations. If you are just 2 then you'll certainly be able to find seats together.
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Old Apr 14th, 2011, 10:18 AM
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Hi, is reservation fee per ticket/person or per order?
Thanks.
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Old Apr 14th, 2011, 11:31 AM
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Per person
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Old Apr 14th, 2011, 04:53 PM
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Are reservations required / needed on the RailJet trains?
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