Do You Actually Need a Seat Reservation on German Trains? (DB Guide)

GermanInsightsByInsights Team Published Updated
Do You Actually Need a Seat Reservation on German Trains?

You don’t need a seat reservation for most daytime German trains (ICE, IC, EC), but it’s highly recommended for longer journeys, busy times, or if you want to guarantee sitting with family/group; reservations are mandatory on some international routes or night trains, marked with an ‘R’ in the schedule. You can always find an unreserved seat on long-distance trains, but you might have to stand initially, though seats often free up.

The Golden Rule: A Ticket is Not a Seat

This is the most common confusion for travelers in Germany.

  • A Ticket (Fahrkarte) gives you the right to be on the train.
  • A Reservation (Sitzplatzreservierung) guarantees you a specific seat.

If you buy a standard ticket, you do not automatically have a seat. You are guaranteed transport, but if the train is full, you might have to stand in the aisle or sit on the floor near the doors.

When is a Reservation Mandatory?

Domestic Trains (ICE, IC, EC)

Optional. You generally do not need a reservation to travel within Germany. If you are traveling alone, off-peak, or don’t mind moving seats, you can save the €5.20 (2nd class) fee.

  • Recommended if: You are traveling with family/groups, carrying luggage, or traveling during rush hour (Fri/Sun afternoons) or holidays.

Cross-Border & Night Trains

Often Mandatory.

  • France (ICE/TGV to Paris/Marseille): Mandatory. You cannot board without one.
  • Poland (Berlin-Warsaw Express): Mandatory.
  • Night Trains (Nightjet): Mandatory.
  • Summer Season: Some international routes (e.g., to Denmark or Amsterdam) may become temporarily mandatory during peak summer months.
    • Check your ticket: If it says “Reservierungspflicht” (Reservation Compulsory), you must have one.

How to Identify Reserved Seats (The Digital Displays)

Above every seat (on the luggage rack) or on the wall, there is a small digital display. Here is how to decode it:

Display TextMeaningCan I Sit Here?
(Blank / Dark)The seat is unreserved.YES. This is your best option.
Berlin – MünchenReserved between these specific cities.MAYBE. You can sit here before or after that segment. If you are only going from Berlin to Leipzig, and the reservation is “Erfurt – München”, the seat is yours until Erfurt.
ggf. reserviert“Possibly reserved.” (System update lag or last-minute express seat).YES, BUT RISKY. You are allowed to sit here, but someone might show up with a valid reservation claim. You will have to move if they do.
ggf. freigeben“Release if needed.” Similar to above.YES, BUT RISKY. Same as “ggf. reserviert”.
BahnBonus StatusReserved for frequent travelers.YES, BUT… Technically you can sit here, but if someone with “BahnBonus Status” (gold/platinum card) arrives, you must move.
SchwerbehindertReserved for persons with disabilities.NO. Unless you have a disability yourself.

How to Add a Reservation to an Existing Ticket

Did you buy a ticket but forgot to reserve a seat? You do not need to buy a new ticket. You just need a “Seat Only” booking.

In the DB Navigator App:

  • Go to the “Journey Planner” (booking screen).
  • Enter your exact train connection (same date, time, and train number).
  • Look for the toggle or option that says “Seat reservation only” (Nur Sitzplatz) below the passenger/class settings.
    • Note: If you don’t see the toggle, search for the train first. On the results page, usually near the bottom or in the pricing options, select “Reservation only”.
  • Pay the fee (approx. €5.20 for 2nd class).
  • You will get a separate QR code for the seat. You now have two QR codes: one for the ride, one for the seat.

On the Website (bahn.com):

  • On the search homepage, look for a checkbox or link that says “Book seat only” (usually near the “Search” button).
  • Proceed as normal.

Pro Tips for Smart Travelers

  • First Class Nuance:
    • If you buy a Flexpreis (Flexible Fare) 1st Class ticket, a seat reservation is usually included for free.
    • If you buy a Sparpreis (Saver Fare) 1st Class ticket, the reservation is NOT included automatically; you must add it.
  • “Komfort Check-in”:
    • Once you are in your reserved seat, open the DB App. You might see a button for “Komfort Check-in”.
    • If you click this, it digitally “validates” your ticket. The conductor will see on their tablet that you are checked in and will likely walk right past you without asking to see your ticket.
  • The “Bistro” Hack:
    • If the train is completely full and you have no reservation, head to the Bordbistro (Dining Car). You usually don’t need a reservation to sit there, but you are expected to order food or drinks.

DB Navigator App: How to Easily Buy Train Tickets in Germany

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