Reservation Type Definitions

RESERVATION INFORMATION

Reservations on most European trains are not required. An open-dated ticket or rail pass allows you to hop on and off trains at any time during the validity period of your ticket.

However, for certain types of trains, reservations are required or recommended, including:

Sleeping accommodations on all overnight trains.
High Speed Trains (e.g. Eurostar,TGV, Eurostar Italia, Thalys)
Long Distance and Express Trains inSpain, Portugal, Scandinavia and Eastern Europe
Long Distance and International Express Trains during high season (Jul-Aug)

Reservations can be booked up to 2 months before travel at any train station in Europe or requested through this site. Generally, reservations are less expensive if purchased in Europe. Please see the price guidelines below for reservations purchased here.

Terms and conditions, along with definitions of the reservation types are listed below.

PRICE GUIDLINES:

Seat Reservations European Trains Thalys /
AVE (Spain) Eurostar Italia British Trains

per person $11.00 $15-$33 $20-$35 $10.00

Sleepers Singles Doubles Triples Couchettes

per person $150-$225 $60-$130 $50-$80 $27-$37

Prices in US$ and subject to change.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

It is understood that this is a reservation request only. There are no guarantees that the train you have requested is available or can be booked.
If your request cannot be confirmed, the next best alternative will be found and you will be notified by e-mail or phone for approval.
All reservation holders must be in possession of a valid rail pass or point-to-point ticket that covers the routing of the train they have reserved.
For stand-alone reservation requests that do not include a pass or ticket order, a $20.00 reservation processing fee will be added to all confirmed reservation orders.
Some routings may require a train change. If changing trains on a journey, each train must be reserved separately.
The actual reservation will be charged once it has been confirmed.
Reservations are non-refundable and non-changeable.

DEFINITIONS:

Seat- A seat reservation is used for day-time travel and guarantees you a specific seat in a specific train for a nominal fee.

Reclining Seat Sleeper- Certain night trains have seats in open coach cars that recline to allow you to sleep more comfortably. Seats may have small head pillows attached but no blankets are provided. There is normally no additional cost for sleeperettes beyond the standard seat reservation fee . Not available on all night trains.

Couchette - Couchettes are community compartments with sleeping berths for 4-6 people. Each berth has a pillow, sheets and blankets. Berths can be booked individually or in groups. Compartments are non-gender specific and travellers are expected to sleep in their day clothes.

Single Sleeper- All Sleeper Compartments have washbasins, soap, towels, razor plug, mineral water, and a lockable door. The private berths come with pillow, sheets, and a duvet or blanket. Stewards are present in the sleeper cars to assist you and take care of all border crossings procedures for you. Compartments are gender specific unless booked by couples or families. 1st class/rail pass travellers can book a single, double, or triple sleeper.

Double Sleeper- A private sleeper compartment for two people travelling together.

2, 3, or 4 Beth Sleepers- Single passengers can reserve a sleeper with more berths, but they may have to share with other passengers based on availability.

The Excelsior Sleeper Class- Premium service for the Artesia Night Train which runs in either direction between Paris and points in Italy such as Rome, Venice, Florence and Milan . Available in single or double sleepers in a private compartment which includes a washbasin, shower and toilet along with a welcome drink, coffee, full breakfast, French and Italian newspapers and use of a reception area with CCTV.