Hi! I am trying to book train tickets from Strasbourg France to Lucerne Switzerland. When I'm on the SBB site they give me corridor or open compartment options. From what I can tell, open is the way to go (correct me if I'm wrong). Then it gives me the option of window/aisle/middle seats. If I choose open compartment & window seats for both of us, will we end up sitting across (facing) each other, both of us with window seats? The system doesn't seem to assign specific seat numbers at the time of booking. If our goal is window seats facing each other, what should we do? Thanks!

What kind of train is it? Will you be able to print the tickets yourself? Several years ago, I had to pick up cross-border tickets and couldn't print them. At that time, it was necessary to buy from your departure country in order to retrieve your tickets.

>>When I'm on the SBB site they give me corridor or open compartment options.<<<

Is this for 2 different trains? You have to change trains somewhere?

Board the train in Basel where I assume you have to change trains ASAP - IME very few seats on domestic Swiss trains will be reserved.

If I choose open compartment & window seats for both of us, will we end up sitting across (facing) each other, both of us with window seats?

If the system don't assign specific seat numbers and you just ask for two window seats they could be facing each or not - could be in different rows.

Since reservations are optional on domestic Swiss trains a seat reservation does not automatically come with the ticket so you may have to pay extra for that.

Open compartments is the way to go IMO- can se out both sides of the train better.

If you want two isolated seats facing each other investigate first class - which is also discounted and may at times not cost much more but then you both can get an aisle and window seat - rows of one seat facing each other with a table in between.

If all else fails in Basel go to the ticket window and ask but chances are if the train originates in Basel and you board early - it may be standing there for some time - great chances of having the pick of seats.

Is that the only train trip you will be doing -I assume you have assessed passes - but the Swiss Transfer Ticket may be a great deal if going to one place from a Swiss border station and then back out to any border station (or airport) and with it you can buy a 1/2 off Half-Fare Card.

Have you tried booking on the German Rail site- www.bahn.de/en as well?

If you have a full-fare ticket it can be used on any train on that route - any Swiss domestic train - so you can also wait for another train if one is too full - should leave frequently.

Basel is a fine city in its old town along the Rhine - maybe put your bags in a Basel locker and explore a bit. Nice thing about full-fare ticket you can then hop any train anytime - seat reservations are extra I believe and of course are train-specific.

For lots on Swiss trains check www.seat61.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.

The seats will most definitely BE assigned and when you pay and print out the ticket you will see both the car number as well as the two seat numbers.

You will be able to p0rint the ticket at home and will be given that option. Even though the system may SAY you have the option of either center aisle or compartments that doesn't mean the train you are booking necessarily has THAT...the system seems to "offer" that choice routinely.

If you pick two window seats depending on the configuration, AND you are in First you could very well get two single window seats, one in front of the other.

IME if you actually are IN one of those "old fashioned" compartment cars and you both pick window seats then yes you will end up both at the window and facing one another.

I like compartments. You're less likely to hear someone on their cellphone and more likely to get in conversation with locals. But I agree; you can't see the scenery on the other side of the train so well.

The seats will most definitely BE assigned and when you pay and print out the ticket you will see both the car number as well as the two seat numbers.>

Are you sure of this on regular Swiss trains where no reservations are required- personal experience?

they will be assigned if you make the optional extra cost seat reservations?

I may be wrong but that's my understanding of Swiss trains.

You're less likely to hear someone on their cellphone>

but if someone in the compartment uses one you will hear it loud and clear- there are usually now 'silent'cars on trains where mobile phones cannot be used not crying babies allow to be.

Be sure to try take the Strasbourg - Lucerne routing that just involves one change in Basel- it's nearly an hour faster than most where you have two changes of train.

I check schedules at www.bahn.de/en and saw most involved two changes of train but a few just one.

You will of course at least take two different trains with two different optional seat reservations.