One of the most confusing aspects of German train travel for tourists: Do you need to reserve a seat? The short answer: Usually no, but sometimes yes, and often it's a good idea. Let's clarify.
✅ Quick Answer
Seat reservations are optional on most German trains. You can travel without one, but you might have to stand if the train is full. Reservations cost approximately €4.50 and guarantee you a seat.
When Are Seat Reservations Required?
Seat reservations are mandatory in these cases:
- ✅ Night trains (Nightjet): Always required for sleeping compartments
- ✅ Some international routes: Check when booking
- ✅ Special trains: Some seasonal or special event trains
For regular ICE, IC, and regional trains, reservations are optional.
When Should You Book a Reservation?
📅 Book a Reservation If:
- • Traveling during peak times: Weekends, holidays, rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM)
- • Long journey: More than 3 hours (you want to be comfortable)
- • Traveling with family: You want to sit together
- • Specific preferences: Window seat, aisle seat, quiet zone, table seat
- • Peace of mind: You don't want to worry about finding a seat
💡 You Can Skip It If:
- • Short journey: Less than 1 hour (usually plenty of seats)
- • Off-peak travel: Weekdays, mid-day, late evening
- • Flexible: You don't mind standing or finding any available seat
- • Budget-conscious: approximately €4.50 saved is approximately €4.50 saved
How Much Does a Seat Reservation Cost?
- ICE/IC long-distance: €4.50
- Regional trains (RE, RB): Usually not available
- 1st Class tickets: Included (free)
- Night trains: Included in ticket price
How to Book a Seat Reservation
When Booking Your Ticket
When you book your train ticket online (via Omio, DB website, or at the station), you'll be asked if you want to add a seat reservation. Simply select "Yes" and choose your preferences.
After Booking (Add Later)
If you already have a ticket, you can add a reservation later through the DB website, at a ticket machine, or at the station counter. You'll need your ticket number.
At the Station
You can buy a reservation at ticket machines or at the counter. However, availability may be limited if you wait until the last minute, especially during peak times.
Seat Preferences
When booking a reservation, you can choose:
- 🌅 Window seat: Better views, more privacy
- 🚶 Aisle seat: Easier to get up, more legroom
- 🤫 Quiet zone: No phone calls, quieter atmosphere
- 👨👩👧👦 Family area: Seats together for families
- 💻 Table seat: For working or eating
- ♿ Accessible seat: For passengers with mobility needs
Note: Preferences are requests, not guarantees. The system will try to match your preferences, but availability depends on what's left.
What Happens If You Don't Reserve?
If you don't have a reservation, you can still travel. Here's what to expect:
- ✅ You can sit in any unreserved seat (seats without a red light above them)
- ✅ If someone with a reservation comes, you'll need to move (be polite!)
- ⚠️ During peak times, you might have to stand if all seats are taken
- ⚠️ You might not be able to sit with your travel companions
💡 Pro Tip
Look for the red/green lights above seats. Red = reserved, Green = available. If you're sitting in a reserved seat and the light turns red, check your ticket – you might need to move!
1st Class: Reservations Included
If you book a 1st class ticket, the seat reservation is automatically included in the price. You don't pay extra, and you're guaranteed a seat. This is one of the benefits of upgrading to 1st class.
Can You Cancel a Reservation?
Yes, but with conditions:
- ✅ Cancel before the train departs: Usually possible, but check the terms
- ⚠️ Refund: May be partial or not available, depending on ticket type
- ❌ After departure: Usually not possible
Best practice: Only book a reservation if you're sure you'll use it, especially during peak times when others might need it.
Real-World Scenarios
Scenario 1: Friday Evening, Berlin → Munich
Situation: Peak travel time, 6-hour journey, weekend ahead
Recommendation: Definitely book a reservation. The train will be crowded, and you'll want a guaranteed seat for such a long journey.
Scenario 2: Tuesday Afternoon, Frankfurt → Cologne
Situation: Off-peak time, 1.5-hour journey, weekday
Recommendation: Reservation optional. You'll likely find a seat, but approximately €4.50 for peace of mind isn't a bad investment.
Scenario 3: Family of 4, Summer Holiday
Situation: Traveling with kids, want to sit together
Recommendation: Book reservations. Guarantee seats together, especially important when traveling with children.
Pro Tips
Book for Peak Times
Always reserve during weekends, holidays, and rush hours to guarantee a seat.
Long Journeys
For trips over 3 hours, a reservation is worth the €4.50 for comfort.
Check Seat Lights
Red = reserved, Green = available. Always check before sitting.
Be Ready to Move
If someone with a reservation arrives, politely move to another seat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are seat reservations mandatory on German trains?
No, seat reservations are not mandatory on most German trains. However, they are highly recommended during peak times (weekends, holidays, rush hours) and for long journeys (3+ hours). Without a reservation, you can sit in any unreserved seat, but you may have to stand if the train is full.
How much does a seat reservation cost?
A seat reservation costs approximately €4.50 for 2nd class. For 1st class tickets, the reservation is automatically included in the ticket price at no extra cost.
Can I sit in a reserved seat if no one shows up?
Yes, you can sit in a reserved seat if it's empty, but be prepared to move if the person with the reservation arrives. Look for the red/green lights above seats - red means reserved, green means available.
When should I book a seat reservation?
Book a reservation if you're traveling during peak times (weekends, holidays, rush hours), on a long journey (3+ hours), traveling with a group and want to sit together, or simply want peace of mind. For short journeys during off-peak times, it's optional.
Can I cancel or change my seat reservation?
You can usually cancel a reservation before the train departs, but refunds may be partial or not available depending on the ticket type. After departure, cancellations are usually not possible. Check the terms when booking.
What happens if I don't have a reservation and the train is full?
If the train is full and you don't have a reservation, you may have to stand. During peak times, this is common. You can try to find an unreserved seat (green light), but if all seats are taken, you'll need to stand until a seat becomes available.
Price Disclaimer: All prices mentioned on this page are non-binding and subject to change. Prices are examples only and may vary depending on booking time, route, and availability. Current and binding prices are available exclusively on the official websites of the respective providers (e.g., bahn.com or omio.com).
Bottom Line
Seat reservations are not mandatory on most German trains, but they're highly recommended during peak times and for long journeys. At approximately €4.50, it's a small price to pay for peace of mind and guaranteed comfort.
When in doubt, book it. Especially if you're a tourist who might not be familiar with the system. Better to have a reserved seat than to stand for hours or worry about finding a place to sit.