How much does a seat reservation cost on DB?

5,50 euros for a second-class seat and 6,90 euros for a first-class seat, per person and direction.

How far ahead can I reserve a seat?

Up to 12 months in advance, depending on availability, in ICE and IC/EC trains.

What happens if I am late for my reserved seat?

Your claim to the reserved seat ends if you have not taken it 15 minutes after the train leaves the station where the reservation starts.

Is a reservation free with a first-class ticket?

With a first-class Flexpreis ticket for a single journey you get a free reservation for trains without compulsory reservation, subject to availability.

Seat reservations

Do I need a seat reservation?

Answer five questions and see whether a seat reservation is required, recommended or optional on ICE and IC trains, and what it costs, under the DB rules. Checked 2026-10-09.

The rules behind it

Where you can reserve: ICE and IC/EC trains, up to 12 months ahead. Trains marked R in the timetable require a reservation. bahn.de/agb, Nr. 5.1
Fee: 5,50 euros (2nd class) or 6,90 euros (1st class) per person and direction. Nr. 5.2
Free with first-class Flexpreis: for single journeys, on trains without compulsory reservation, subject to availability. Nr. 5.3
Occupancy display: one grey figure means plenty of free seats, two means at least half of the seats are expected to be taken, three orange figures mean high occupancy and a reservation is recommended. bahn.de, 9 tips
Bikes: long-distance trains need a bike ticket plus a bike-space reservation. bahn.de, 9 tips, no. 7

Only for Deutsche Bahn long-distance trains. Regional trains and other operators have their own rules.

FAQ

How much does a seat reservation cost on DB?: 5,50 euros for a second-class seat and 6,90 euros for a first-class seat, per person and direction.
How far ahead can I reserve a seat?: Up to 12 months in advance, depending on availability, in ICE and IC/EC trains.
What happens if I am late for my reserved seat?: Your claim to the reserved seat ends if you have not taken it 15 minutes after the train leaves the station where the reservation starts.
Is a reservation free with a first-class ticket?: With a first-class Flexpreis ticket for a single journey you get a free reservation for trains without compulsory reservation, subject to availability.