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-   -   Eurail reservations in the UK (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/eurail-reservations-in-the-uk-587371/)

grsing Feb 1st, 2006 03:25 PM

Eurail reservations in the UK
 
Just wondering if you're able to make reservations for trains on the continent from British train stations, or if you have to actually be at a station on the Eurail program to do so. Thanks!

PalQ Feb 1st, 2006 04:11 PM

There seems to be no place to do so in the UK - stations won't do it except thru RailEurope, on Piccadilly just west of Piccadilly Circus (south side of street; open Mon-Sat to about 5 or 6pm) -UK travel agents also do it thru RailEurope. RailEurope sells Continental tickets, railpasses, etc.
Once in Europe you can make reservations with your eurailpass at any station in that country and often at stations in other countries for a small fee. Raileurope in London charges several bucks i believe for reservations and perhaps a handling fee - similar to RailEurope in USA and Canada. If in the US you can reserve thru RailEurope at www.raileurope.com but at $11 a seat and more on 'premier trains' plus handling/mailing fees so cheaper to do it once on the Continent. Many trains don't require reservations and many trains have empty seats, especially in first class - I've never had a problem getting on trains without reservations and finding seats in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Holland and France (except for a few TGV trains at peak times on peak runs).
Italy and Spain and Scandinavia most long-distance/fast trains often require reservations before boarding.

grsing Feb 1st, 2006 04:13 PM

Thanks, I'm just going to Rome first, so I figured that if I could do it here, in an English-speaking country, it'd be easier, but I'm sure I'll manage. No reason to pay that much extra.

alanRow Feb 2nd, 2006 03:41 AM

Have a look at www.seat61.com

If the answer isn't there I'll be very surprised

ira Feb 2nd, 2006 05:56 AM

Hi g,

You might wish to enter your itinereary at www.railsaver.com to see if you need a railpass.

Click "only if it saves money".

((I))

grsing Feb 4th, 2006 01:35 AM

The railpass is already bought (Christmas present), but it turns out to work out anyway (I probably could have just gotten a 4-country pass, but I'm going to have a few days left over on the flexi, and plan to do a bit more travelling later on). Thanks, though.

PalQ Feb 6th, 2006 07:33 AM

You can make reservations on RailEurope USA'a site for trains even if you already have a railpass - www.raileurope.com


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