One mistake some travelers make is not getting your Eurail Pass before you head to Europe. The whole idea is that you buy your pass online, or from your local travel agent. Your Eurail Pass also doesn’t guarantee you a see on the train either. Did you know you can book train seat reservations up to 90 days before your travel time? I highly recommend getting an advanced reservation during the busy seasons, holidays and of course rush hour.

Most regional trains allow you to just walk on to the train with your Eurail Pass and sit in any unreserved seat. I recommend looking into your local rail office on the same day, perhaps even a day before your journey so you don’t need a specific reservation. The high speed trains require you to make a seat reservation before your trip at the departing rail station.

Most of the trains, including high speed trains run quite a bit. If you cant get onto one train, there is always another one coming right after it.  First class passes will also help you out in a situation like this, as you will find an open seat much more easily because of their cost.

Once the peak travel season hits, or you`re are traveling with a big group, I do recommend making reservationsso you will be on your train . First class passes will also increase your ability to secure a seat during peak/rush time periods as usually 2nd class cars fill first, and in most cases there is always space available in first class.