Seat reservations for Deutsche Bahn trains?

Question

Are reservations required for ICE trains and overnight trains? How much for a reservation if I have a German Rail Pass?

Answer 1

Required, no, recommended, YES, otherwise you wind up changing seats (if you can find one) or standing.  The Bahn card is well worth the money, if you use the bahn regularly.

The on board restaurants aren't that great, and are overpriced.  

You can reserve your seat when you purchase your ticket.  I also recommend using the internet, www.db.de.  You can either pick your ticket up at the station, or print it off the website.

Answer 2

They are not required but on some trains I would

recommend it. Unless you travel 1st class. Then

you surely don't need a seat reservation. But

you probably wouldn't ask about pricing either ;)

They're rather cheap anyway.

The restaurants are (in my opinion) average and

rather high priced.

Answer 3

Night Trains Require reservations if you are going to get a sleeping compartment (20-100 Euros depending on are you reserving in a 6,4,2 compartment ).

Reservations are not require on Germany Ice Trains, but recommended on some routes on certain times.  If you go to Deutsche Bahn's website and look at your itinerary they will let you know if it is recommended.

They are required for Italian EuroStar Trains and most other countries fast trains.  Check on Rail Pass website to see which countries require reservations om fast trains.

Answer 4

for some yes,

I would recommend them for all ICE trains.

€1.50 via internet or cellphone

€3.50 travel agency and Deutsche Bahn counter

there are on board bistros and restaurants.

not really cheap though, see link for April offers

Answer 5

All DB train restaurants are ripoffs. Take your own food and drink. You can consume it on board and it will save you a lot of money. Reservation system could be a LOT better, espcially during business travel hours.