Seat & Sleeper Reservations
A ticket or rail pass will get you on most trains, but it won't ensure a seat. Reservation fees are not included in the price of your pass. You can make reservations at the train station on the day of travel, or up to 2 months in advance through various rail travel websites. Most high-speed trains, night trains, hotel trains, and other special trains require reservations. Reservations can be made in Europe. See below link for details of reservation fees, supplements and sleeping accommodations while traveling with a Trenitalia rail pass.
Reservations for Daytime Trains
When and How to Make a Reservation
All reservation holders must be in possession of a valid rail pass or city-to-city ticket that covers the routing of the train they have reserved. Some Reservations can be made online through various rail travel websites. Reservations may be made within 60 days of the actual travel date, and it will be helpful to research the train schedules before making a request.
Reservations are required on:
- Sleeping accommodations on all overnight trains not on day trains
- High-Speed Trains (e.g. Eurostar, TGV, TAV, Thalys)
- Long Distance and Express Trains in Spain, Portugal, Scandinavia and Eastern Europe
- Long Distance and Express Trains during high season (Jul-Aug)
Changing Reservations
Most reservations are non-refundable and non-changeable. The only exception are sleeper train reservations, and only if requests are submitted to the issuing office 3 days prior to the travel date on the ticket.
Seat vs. Sleeper Reservations
- Private cabins include 1-2 berths in 1st class and 2-3 berths in 2nd class.
- Sleeper prices are generally lower in Italy, Scandinavia and Eastern Europe. Prices are higher on certain quality trains such as Hotel trains between France and Spain.
- Couchettes are community cabins and include 6 berths in 2nd class and 4 berths in 1st class if available (mostly in France).
- Most British sleepers and ferry crossing reservations must be made in Britain.