Interrail Routes

On some Interrail routes you need a seat reservation. The same applies to night trains. There is often an option to avoid trains that require reservations. It may look tiring at first, but once you’ve read through the following examples, the fog will lift.

Here’s how I recommend you check a route:

1. Search for a train connection in a timetable tool.
   You can do this in the Interrail app, for example. It will show you whether there is a train that requires a reservation on your desired connection.
   The Deutsche Bahn timetable information in combination with the information on train types on rail.cc is also good. However, a little experience is useful here.
2. If you see trains that require reservations, you can use the Deutsche Bahn tool to try to create a different route. Search for stages – not the entire route. By deselecting train types and adding detours.
3. Buy seat reservations: many reservations can be bought directly in the Interrail app. Or follow the instructions on rail.cc, as the railway companies often sell reservations directly.

Important: don’t despair. There are always options you might not see at first glance, but that’s what I’m here for. Let’s now go through a few examples.