What if I use an Interrail pass on a German ICE train without optional reservation, and all seats are sold out?
I'm going to take the Zürich-Hamburg ICE train using my Interrail pass, and know that seat reservation is optional on this Train.
As I've never Interrailed before, I wonder: what would happen in case all places are sold out on a train where reservation is not compulsory?
Would I get kicked off the train, or simply have to stand? The second scenario is perfectly fine with me; the first one is not because I have a set itinerary
Best Answer
You would have to stand, unless there are too many people standing, so that escape ways would be blocked. In that case at first they would ask for volunteers to vacate the train (they might get some vouchers etc.). If that doesn't work out, then the police will come and remove some passengers (without getting vouchers). The last case happened some times in the last years, but it's not very regular. The first case happened to me once, and I got a 25 Euro voucher, and just took the next train, which left 30 minutes later.
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Can I use ice with Interrail?
ICE routes If you plan to explore neighbouring countries you can take an international ICE train to Austria (Vienna, Innsbruck), Belgium (Brussels, Li\xe8ge), Denmark (Copenhagen, Aarhus), France (Paris), the Netherlands (Arnhem, Utrecht, Amsterdam) and Switzerland (Z\xfcrich, Interlaken). The ICE connects 32 major cities.Do you need to reserve trains Interrail?
We're all about flexibility \u2013 most trains covered by your Interrail Pass don't require seat reservations, so if you're willing to take a slower route you can often avoid the extra cost. National trains will take you to all corners of Europe, and you can just hop on and off as you please.How do you tell if a seat is reserved on an ICE train?
If you do have a reservation, the seats will be marked by a small electronic displays somewhere above each pair of seats.Should you reserve a seat on Deutsche Bahn?
In Germany you can travel on a train even if all the seats are already taken. This may be the case at peak times (Friday afternoon or Sunday evening). Therefore, we recommend that you reserve a seat with your ticket. Make your journey comfortable and relaxing with a seat reservation.Train Reservations and Types of InterRail Passes | Road Delta
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Answer 2
If you are travelling terminus to terminus on a ICE train it is unlikely that you will not be able to find a seat, especially if you are not travelling at peak business times. I have used ICE trains before without reserving and never struggled to find a seat. Just check the small display above the seat and be prepared to move if a seat is free now but not later; for example the seat my be free from Hamburg to Basel but booked there after.
I did take a look on one of the popular English language forums for Germany just to check though, and it looks like you are able to stand, should you find there are no seats available.
Answer 3
Just book a seat reservation only, without a ticket, if you are worried. Pick a train, select book without registering to pay with paypal or credit card, and print your reservation
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