**Are you travelling to Switzerland and are a bit lost when it comes to seat reservation? Is it mandatory, is it recommended or not even possible? Don’t worry! After having read this article, you’ll know all about it!** **1. General information on seat reservations** Swiss trains typically feature open seating arrangements which is why a normal point-to-point ticket doesn't come with assigned seats. Consequently, if you hold a Swiss Travel Pass or a (Supersaver) Day Pass, seat reservations are typically unnecessary, allowing you the flexibility to select any available seat within your designated travel class. If you want to sit next to someone you don’t know, it’s courteous to ask if the seat is available before sitting down. As for seat reservations, they are generally optional and not widely practiced on Swiss trains, with some exceptions for specific panoramic trains (PE). Swiss people usually make seat reservations when they would like to eat in the dining car, when they travel as a group of 10 or more or during peak travel times like Easter. You can see the expected occupancy rates of a specific connection in the timetable with the three human icons. If you opt to reserve a seat, please note that this is applicable only for IC, ICE, EC, IR 26, IR 46, RJX, and TGV connections. Seat reservations act as an add-on to your ticket not as the ticket itself. When buying the seat reservation, the system does not verify if there’s a valid ticket. Therefore, you can also book seat reservations yourself even if your tickets were purchased by a travel agency. Reserved seats inside the train are easily identifiable, marked by either a yellow strip or a digital display above the seat. You can reserve your seats on Swiss trains at SBB.ch (from April 2024), SBB Mobile, via SBB Contact Center (0848 44 66 88 (CHF 0.08/min.) or +41 51 225 78 56 (for customers abroad, free of charge)) or directly at the ticket counter. It costs CHF 5 per seat to make a reservation (touristic trains can be more expensive). Link: [Seat reservations in trains and dining cars](https://www.sbb.ch/en/tickets-offers/tickets/point-to-point-tickets-switzerland/seat-reservations.html) **2. Seat reservations for touristic trains** For certain touristic trains such as the Gotthard Panorama Express, Bernina Express or Glacier Express seat reservations are mandatory. To make the reservation, please contact a public transport point of sale or book it online with the links below. - [Glacier Express](https://www.glacierexpress.ch/en/travel-planning/prices/) (seat reservation mandatory, CHF 44-49): During the booking process, you will have the option to declare your Swiss Travel Pass as existing tickets. Consequently, the booking engine will only charge you for the seats. - [Bernina Express](https://shop.rhb.ch/en/bernina-express) (seat reservation mandatory, CHF 20-36): Please note that discounts such as "Reservation only", "Swiss Travel Pass" or "Children" can only be specified when the travelers are entered. Up to this booking step, the full price without discount is displayed. - [Gotthard Panorama Express](https://www.gotthard-panorama-express.ch/en/) (seat reservation mandatory, CHF 16): Between Arth-Goldau/Flüelen and Lugano a seat reservation is mandatory and includes the "Gotthard Panorama Express" surcharge (CHF 16). Passengers without a seat reservation can travel if there are still seats available. In this case, the surcharge must be paid to the train crew. - [Golden Pass Express](https://journey.mob.ch/en/pages/ticket-purchase-and-seat-reservation) (seat reservation not mandatory, CHF 20): While seat reservations are not mandatory, it's advisable, particularly during peak seasons when the train experiences high demand. - [Lucerne – Interlaken Express](https://shop.luzern.com/en/stories/luzern-interlaken-express) (seat reservation not mandatory, CHF 12-16): Typically, there is no need for a seat reservation as there are plenty of free seats available. The best views are from the right hand side facing the direction of travel… After the stop at Meiringen the train reverses out of the station. But sit tight! Best views between there and Interlaken Ost are from the left which is where you will be sitting. **3. Seat reservations for groups of 10 or more** For groups of ten or more, it's advisable to make a group reservation. This ensures that your group can travel together with ease and convenience. Link: [Group tickets | SBB.](https://www.sbb.ch/en/tickets-offers/tickets/group-tickets-switzerland.html) Do you still have questions concerning seat reservations in Switzerland? Don’t hesitate to ask us in the comments down below!

How do I **change** the seat allocated to me at the time of booking? I didn't make any selection and I don't seem to be able to identify what's available.

Hi @"Piechaixaiwh91"#p81978 Thanks for your question! Actually, you can't really _change_ the seat allocated to you at the time of the booking, you can only choose first class or second class. However, from this summer on you'll presumably be able to choose the type of wagon your seat will be located in (e.g. dining car, quiet area compartment, business compartment etc.). Stay tuned! Best regards, Sarah

Hi Can you please explain as to how to make a seat reservation for a EC train when you hold the Swiss Travel pass. In the SBB site it shows the ticket price with the seat reservation and does not show only the seat reservation cost. When you hold the Swiss Travel pass I understand that you need to only purchase the seat reservation cost. Thank you in advance Chinthika

@"Chinthika"#p86363 Thank you for your enquiry. You can reserve your seats on Swiss trains at SBB.ch, SBB Mobile, via SBB Contact Center 0848 44 66 88 (CHF 0.08/min.) or direct at the ticket counter. It costs CHF 5 per seat to make a reservation. You can find help with seat reservations [here](https://www.sbb.ch/en/tickets-offers/tickets/point-to-point-tickets-switzerland/seat-reservations.html). Have a great day, StéphanieB

@"Sarah_W"#p77014 Hello, I am new to using SBB trains. do we need to buy tickets in advance for Zurich airport to Zurich Hauptbahnhof and for Zurich Hauptbahnhoff to Luzern? or can we just purchase tickets the day of travel? Will there be enough seats if we don't have advance tickets? Is there a price advantage to purchasing tickets in advance?

One thing is not clear however. According to the information given here you can reserve seats on the SBB website. However I cannot find on www.sbb.ch where you can do that. Can you point me to the correct URL?

@"Sarah_W"#p77014 We want to book seat reservations from Zurich to Lauterbrunnen 2nd class. Can I assume that if we book for two the seats will be together? the system randomly chose seats 182 and 192. Thank you.

@"Sarah_W"#p77014 Much appreciated your response. Do I understand that I should just go the train station and board the train without booking a ticket since I have valid Swiss Travel Pass? And since it is a first class pass, I should be able to sit on any open seats? Do I need to go to the Ticket office and get a physical ticket for the particular route before boarding the train? Thanks again

Hi @"Krist"#p93171 The correct link is [sbb.ch/en](https://www.sbb.ch/en) You can find all the information [here](https://www.sbb.ch/en/help-and-contact/products-services/reservations/seat-reservations/switzerland-and-europe.html#anchor1). [upl-image-preview url=https://static.community.sbb.ch/2024-07-02/1719905721-910006-image.png] **You can also buy tickets or reserve seats with our SBB Mobile application.** [upl-image-preview url=https://static.community.sbb.ch/2024-07-02/1719905898-817214-image.png] There's nothing easier than trying 😉 I wish you a nice day. Kind regards NicolasK

Hi @"Lloirruezid93"#p94125 The answer from @"Sarah_W"#41082 Is correct. You can take the seat of your choice. However, I recommend that you reserve a seat. You can now reserve your place online. Reservations cost CHF 5.00 but you are sure to have a seat free for you. There is no need to go to the ticket office in advance. You can find all the information [here](https://www.sbb.ch/en/help-and-contact/products-services/reservations/seat-reservations/switzerland-and-europe.html#anchor1). I wish you a nice day. Kind regards NicolasK

Demystifying seat reservations on Swiss trains: A comprehensive guide

LandonM

Hi - I am traveling with 4 adults and 2 children and have booked my tickets between Zurich and Interlaken Ost (has an “R”) as well as between Interlaken Ost and Lucerne (has an “R”). With this said, I have not been able to reserve seats following the protocols online. Can you please advise? These reservations are for early June.

Chiara_S

Hello LandonM

Can you tell us exactly which day and depature time you chose? It is possible that the reservation is not open yet. I would suggest you try again three or two months before your travel.

Kind regards,
Chiara_S

Chiara_S

Hello Voalewhoo96

You can book the seats from SBB.ch, from Zentralbahn (the operating company) and also from eurail.com: the prices are the same and depend on the operator (in this case, Zentralbahn).

I wish you an amazing trip,
Chiara_S

LandonM

Chiara_S I chose the May 31 07:45 from Zurich Flughafen to Interlaken Ost and also the June 5th 16:04 from Interlaken Ost to Lucerne. I will circle back for seat reservations in a few months. Thanks!

Yeguenguqu92

Sarah_W Hello, I recently purchased a ticket from Strasbourg to Interlaken Ost via the SBB website. I understand that I require a seat reservation for the TGV leg, but I can’t locate any seat assignments on my tickets. Any advice? thanks!

Xicuengueng656

Hello team, I am booking these Zurich to Interlarken west tickets but I am unable to select the pay seats option separate or as part of the booking

TatianaR

Hello Xicuengueng656

Thank you for your message and apologies for the late reply.

Seat reservations for Swiss routes are only possible 60 days before departure. Your connections can be reserved, but it is still a little too early.

Have a nice day.
Best regards, Tatiana

Tiqueengouch70

Sarah_W I bought two ticket from Siders til Geneva airport in july (Sparpreis) and efter really tried to buy seat reservations with no luck. Now I read this SBB tip and is it correctly understood that I don’t need seat reservations? Kind regards Marie-Louise fra Denmark

TatianaR

Hello Tiqueengouch70

Thank you for your request.

I apologise for the late answer. Yes, in Switzerland reservations are only obligatory on certain trains. (e.g. panorama trains) Seat reservations are not available on most IR trains. You do not need a reservation on the IR 90 or IR 95 trains for your journey from Sierre to Geneva.

Have a good day.
Best regards, TatianaR

Berna123

Hi. I bought a ticket from Luzern to Munich. how can i reserve a seat for the journey from Zurich to Munich? thanks

Xoadoaphouwh37

Sarah_W
Hi Sarah: I understand seat reservations are not common on most Swiss rail trips. However, a leg of our trip is on the IR 26 from Göscgenen to Bellinzona on Sunday 19 July. I have read this is very scenic route so it would be nice to reserve window seats for that leg of our trip.

Is it possible to buy a seat reservation the IR 26 if we are traveling on a Saver Day Pass that day? Thanks in advance!

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