If I am purchasing my train ticket (for an IC train) from a ticket machine, is the seat reservation made at the time of purchase (via the ticket machine) or do I need to make it at a ticket booth through an agent? I understand on Eurostar the reservation comes with the purchase of the ticket, but I am not clear on the other. Thank you.

Topping for Karenmc

Keith

I assume you are speaking of InterCity services when you use the term "IC" and NOT InterCityExpress (ICE) services in (mainly) Germany.

My experience with IC or EC trains is that a seat reservation is a separate entity from the ticket itself and yes, you would have to get that reservation at one of the reservation windows (unless this service has become automated which is probably long overdue).

In Germany, you can elect to purchase an IC reservation from the ticket machine when you buy your ticket. Of course, the reservation adds an extra fee and is not required on (German) IC trains. (It works the same way for most ICE trains as well.)

Paul

You should specify which country you are visiting but, as you mention Eurostar, I assume you mean Italy. Most European countries have Intercity trains, but each has different rules about tickets and reservations. In Italy, reservations on Intercity trains are optional, but you have to pay a supplementary fare which used to be called a "supplemento rapido". If you get on an intercity train without paying the supplement, you can pay the ticket inspector, but will pay more. If your Intercity train arrives more than half an hour late, you can claim the supplement back, but I've never gone through this procedure. A seat reservation costs extra - whether you need one depends on the day and time of your journey. If you use a michine, it should tell you what options are available.

Thank you all for your replies. I meant to post this on the Italy page. Sorry.

I wouldn't recommend getting a reservation unless you are traveling on a popular travel day, or you are very risk averse. I bought reservations on several trips once only to find out I was almost alone in a car.