German Rail Pass - seat reservation on ICE trains?
Mar 30th, 2016, 03:51 AM
#1
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German Rail Pass - seat reservation on ICE trains?
Hello everyone,
Although I have ridden trains in Austria, France, Italy and Switzerland, I have not ridden trains in Germany.
On some of the long distance trains in Germany, for example, the 3-hr ICE train from Frankfurt to Munich, is making seats reservation recommended in order to make sure I'll have seats on a particular train? If yes, then are there seats reservation fees charged to German Rail Pass holder?
Thanks in advance.
Although I have ridden trains in Austria, France, Italy and Switzerland, I have not ridden trains in Germany.
On some of the long distance trains in Germany, for example, the 3-hr ICE train from Frankfurt to Munich, is making seats reservation recommended in order to make sure I'll have seats on a particular train? If yes, then are there seats reservation fees charged to German Rail Pass holder?
Thanks in advance.
Mar 30th, 2016, 04:41 AM
#3
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If it were a (national) German Rail Pass, not a regional discount pass, then my understanding is that one can hop on any train one wants.
Please correct me if any one is aware of any limitations.
Please correct me if any one is aware of any limitations.
Mar 30th, 2016, 04:55 AM
#4
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Looks like ICE are allowed: https://www.bahn.com/i/view/USA/en/p..._at0-grp_LZ001
I suspect that if you want reserved seats that you will have to pay for them: https://www.bahn.com/i/view/USA/en/p...rvations.shtml
I suspect that if you want reserved seats that you will have to pay for them: https://www.bahn.com/i/view/USA/en/p...rvations.shtml
Mar 30th, 2016, 04:59 AM
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Ah, I just googled, and found answers to my question.
1) Yes, a German Rail Psss holder may ride any train operated by DB Bahn:
https://www.bahn.com/i/view/overseas...railpass.shtml
2)Seats reservation on ICE trains costs 5E or 4E
http://www.germanrailpasses.com/plan...e-reservations
1) Yes, a German Rail Psss holder may ride any train operated by DB Bahn:
https://www.bahn.com/i/view/overseas...railpass.shtml
2)Seats reservation on ICE trains costs 5E or 4E
http://www.germanrailpasses.com/plan...e-reservations
Mar 30th, 2016, 05:46 AM
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I have used many German Railpasses on trains for years - no trains require reservations except ICe Sprinter trains and Thalys trains, neither of which you are likely to use.
I have a first-class pass and never make a reservations and have never not found empty seats - often quite a few - 2nd class can be chock full so in 2nd class make a seat reservation - easily done at any train station in Germany - for lots on German trains and railpasses check www.budgeteuropetravel.com; www.seat61.com and www.ricksteves.com.
I have a first-class pass and never make a reservations and have never not found empty seats - often quite a few - 2nd class can be chock full so in 2nd class make a seat reservation - easily done at any train station in Germany - for lots on German trains and railpasses check www.budgeteuropetravel.com; www.seat61.com and www.ricksteves.com.
Mar 30th, 2016, 06:30 AM
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Hi Reading54,
As PalQ notes, first class usually has a few empty seats. I've found that, normally, second class does, too.
However (BIG however), I took that train between Munich & Frankfurt last year, and every single solitary seat in second class was occupied by suited men. So for the route you mention, yes, I would say that reservations are necessary. It must be some kind of commuter line between big businesses in Munich & Frankfurt -- ??
Have fun as you plan!
s
As PalQ notes, first class usually has a few empty seats. I've found that, normally, second class does, too.
However (BIG however), I took that train between Munich & Frankfurt last year, and every single solitary seat in second class was occupied by suited men. So for the route you mention, yes, I would say that reservations are necessary. It must be some kind of commuter line between big businesses in Munich & Frankfurt -- ??
Have fun as you plan!
s
Mar 30th, 2016, 07:48 AM
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I have used German rail passes to ride ICE. During business travel hours, unreserved seats do get scarce. Sometimes I found no unreserved seats on a given train on morning trains coming into Munich, Frankfurt, Nuremberg, etc. I usually found a seat eventually by hunting for seats in other cars. When I know I would be competing for seats with business travelers in the morning between large cities, I do make seat reservations even with a pass.
Mar 30th, 2016, 08:36 AM
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Greg - was that in first and second class or just 2nd class - I understand Germany ICEs are getting more full in 1st class so even then if you likely will find an empty seat you may for peace of mind make the optional reservations.
Mar 31st, 2016, 11:28 AM
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1st class tickets are also discounted so if not much lower than the lowest 2nd class one available go first class IME - more room for bags and usually empty seats you can relocate to if you do not like your reserved (optional) seat. In 2nd class be sure to get a seat reservation for long-distance trains so you do not end up standing near folks like Whathellogoodbye! Can make reservations online at www.bahn.de or adt any German train station. Unlike some countries discounted tickets do not come I believe with a seat reservation as they are optional in Germany so for a few euros extra book a seat too - especially if one of the many it seems who just do not like riding backwards to the passing scenery.
Mar 31st, 2016, 09:25 PM
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For sla019 & PalQ,
"in first class, they do."
No, that is not true. I travel often by first class when I travel out of my region using the fast trains, and I occasionally skip getting seat reservations. The process to buy reservations for first class is identical to that in second class -- you have to tick the box that you want reservations, and you don't have to tick the box.
I was in second class on the trip between Munich & Frankfurt last year because it was a last-minute trip, and all the discounted train fares were sold out -- seat reservations were far cheaper than a first-class ticket, lol. It was a quick overnight trip to pick up a visa at a consulate in Frankfurt, and I had to go. But normally, as I said, I travel in first, and I occasionally don't have reservations.
I'm talking about using the DB to buy tickets in Germany, Germany - Switzerland, Germany - France, and Germany - Austria.
s
"in first class, they do."
No, that is not true. I travel often by first class when I travel out of my region using the fast trains, and I occasionally skip getting seat reservations. The process to buy reservations for first class is identical to that in second class -- you have to tick the box that you want reservations, and you don't have to tick the box.
I was in second class on the trip between Munich & Frankfurt last year because it was a last-minute trip, and all the discounted train fares were sold out -- seat reservations were far cheaper than a first-class ticket, lol. It was a quick overnight trip to pick up a visa at a consulate in Frankfurt, and I had to go. But normally, as I said, I travel in first, and I occasionally don't have reservations.
I'm talking about using the DB to buy tickets in Germany, Germany - Switzerland, Germany - France, and Germany - Austria.
s
Apr 1st, 2016, 03:08 AM
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"No, that is not true."
Ok, let's be more precise: seat reservation is included for discounted tickets in the first class fare, it is not so in the 2nd class fare. You are, of course, not forced to make use of that free reservation opportunity and are free to stand up first class.
As for the price difference between first and second class: as a frequent traveller it's my experience that for discounted tickets the difference can can be minimal, provided your schedule is flexible. A couple of days ago I had a 1th class ticket Augsburg - Cologne and v.v. for 180 E., seat reservation included. The price for 2nd class was 162 E., plus 4.50 reservation fee for each leg. So, the difference was just 11 Euro for a lot more of comfort.
Ok, let's be more precise: seat reservation is included for discounted tickets in the first class fare, it is not so in the 2nd class fare. You are, of course, not forced to make use of that free reservation opportunity and are free to stand up first class.
As for the price difference between first and second class: as a frequent traveller it's my experience that for discounted tickets the difference can can be minimal, provided your schedule is flexible. A couple of days ago I had a 1th class ticket Augsburg - Cologne and v.v. for 180 E., seat reservation included. The price for 2nd class was 162 E., plus 4.50 reservation fee for each leg. So, the difference was just 11 Euro for a lot more of comfort.
