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• Reserved tickets include a guaranteed seat assigned at the time of booking.

You’ll know your seat number and can board with the confidence that your seat is waiting for you — ideal for peak travel times, long journeys, or groups.

• Non-reserved tickets let you board certain trains without a seat assignment.

You can sit in any available seat in the non-reserved cars. If all seats are taken, you may have to stand for part of the journey.

Both types are official and valid. The choice depends on your preference and the route.

Each fare listed on Rail Monsters clearly shows whether it’s:

• Reserved (seat assigned)

• Non-reserved (free seating on designated cars)

You’ll see this during the search, selection, and checkout process. If you’re booking a non-reserved fare, we’ll always show that before payment so there are no surprises.

Usually, yes.

Non-reserved tickets are generally more affordable because they don’t guarantee a seat. They're perfect for short journeys or off-peak hours.

Reserved seats are more expensive but give you peace of mind — especially during busy periods, weekends, or in countries where trains fill up fast.

In most cases, upgrading from non-reserved to reserved after booking is not possible. Seat upgrades require a new booking with a reserved fare.

If you want a guaranteed seat, we recommend selecting a reserved option when you first book. If the non-reserved ticket hasn’t been issued yet, contact our support to check if a change is still possible.

If all seats are taken in the non-reserved cars, you may need to stand — especially during peak hours or holiday periods.

Non-reserved ticket holders cannot sit in reserved seat sections. We recommend booking a reserved ticket if you’re traveling:

• Long distance

• With children or luggage

• During a busy season

We’ll always indicate which trains tend to sell out quickly, so you can make the best choice before booking.