Why I can't make train seat reservation from Dresden to Berlin
 

I have just bought DB Bahn online tickets from Berlin to Dresden ( 2nd class EC train) without any problem with seat reservation. When I try to buy the tickets from Dresden to Berlin, it is also a EC train, it said it is not possible to make seat reservation. Should I try to book the tickets from other site? This is for the 2nd class. Should I buy the 1st class? I really don't want to get on the train without seat reservation. Please help!!!

What date and time? Is it more than 92 days out?

Please provide exact travel date and train connection or nobody can check for you.

We've already checked...read Dfourh's comment

That is a long trip, I'm sure you can have a reserved seat. In fact, I just checked for some random date (9/30), the same train, and it allowed me to reserve a seat for 2nd class. And it was a real cheap advance fare ticket, also.

You do need to give more info as to dates and trains. I don't know what the problem is or if DB sometimes sells SRO seats or not.

Thank you for all the quick responses. Sorry I didn't put down more information.
December 5, 2014 from Dresden hbf to Berlin hbf. 9:04 EC178. 2nd class for 2 persons is 29 euro plus reservation fee.

I try again and it still say "Reservation request not accomplishable" even I choose any "saloon" and any "seat". Your advice and greatly appreciated!

Wait a month and try again. The same thing happened to me when I booked a ticket. I tried at a later date (closer to my travel date) and got the seat reservation.

Can I buy the tickets now and make the seats reservation later since I don't want to miss the discount price. What I mean is do I need to purchase the tickets and make seats reservation at the same time or can I do that separately?

Yes. You can buy the tickets now and the seat reservation later.

BTW - I was on the same train.

You may already know this but you need to show the credit card you used to pay for the ticket when you give the ticket to the conductor.

adrienne, thank you for the information. I'll buy the tickets now and then do the seats reservation later. Also thanks for the reminder about the credit card.

Hi jw518,

Just a short correction.

When you buy your tickets at the DB site, you can designate ANY credit card for your identification; it doesn't have to be the same cc that you used to pay for the ticket.

I always put my travel expenses on one cc, and that cc is always concealed in a hidden pocket on travel day. So, I always designate another cc to use for identification. No problem.

Have fun as you plan!

s

I guess I missed that part of the ticketing process. But it wouldn't matter for me since I use the credit card that charges only 1% foreign transaction fee which is different than the card I normally use at home.

You can also specify other forms of identification than a credit card - - you just have to specify which when you buy the ticket.

Lately I have been using my main travel credit card to pay for the ticket, and then keep that in the moneybelt, and instead hand over an expired card with the same 16 digit number but different expiry date, and it has worked ok!

In any case IME of years of riding German trains you can always make optional seat reservations at any station once in Germany - for a few euros and never a problem IME and also sans reservations you will usually find empty seats - you could in the worst case scenario have to stand for a stop or two - so if you can't book online don't worry.

For great info on German trains and possible answer to your questions check www.seat61.com; and for lots of general info on German trains also: www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com

And first class has real benefits IME of having a first-class railpass when riding German trains - always or nearly always lots of empty seats - I never have made a reservation in decades of German train trips in first class and have always found a seat - usually an empty one nearby for my baggage too - 2nd class can always be SRO for a few stops.

First class seats are bigger and the conductor acts as a personnel waiter, bringing things to your seat from the restaurant/snack wagon car.

On the trip of a lifetime perhaps splurge a little and go in IME much much more comfort.

Thank you so much for all your advises. I bought the first-class tickets for two persons 49 euros total. It is only 20 euros more than 2nd class. I will try later to see if I can make seats reservation. Even if I can't, I will not be that worry since it's first-class.

This reminds me that we are leaving in 2 weeks... I have the 1st class train tickets but no seat reservations yet. Might not be worth reserving after all.......

If you go on the bahn.de German Railways schedule site it often says when reservations are advised - denoting trains of expect high patronage - even then in first class again in zillions of train rides I have never or can't recall - never say never - but cannot recall not finding empty seats but IME you can also always make seat reservtions for a few euros with a first-class ticket - first-class seems never to sell out, at least seat wide (you can always board trains even if seats are all full - with a few exceptions - Thalys trains and ICESprinters being the exceptions and most will never have to ride those.