How do SBB seat reservations work?

You buy a normal ticket, then add a CHF 5 reservation on participating long-distance trains to secure a specific seat. It is optional and tied to a single train. If you change trains, you need a new reservation. Availability varies by service and time of day.

Is the CHF 5 seat fee mandatory on Swiss Federal Railways?

No. The CHF 5 seat fee is optional. You can travel without a reservation, but you are not guaranteed a seat. On busy routes or during holidays, adding a reservation improves comfort and reduces stress, especially for families, seniors, and travelers with luggage.

When will Italy and Germany routes support the new reservations?

SBB plans a staged expansion, with Italy to follow this spring and Germany in summer. This aligns with rising seasonal demand and should improve the cross-border experience. Check SBB channels before travel, since specific trains and dates can vary by route and partner.

Does a seat reservation include a ticket or travel pass?

No. A reservation only secures a seat. You still need a valid ticket or pass for the route and class of travel. If your plans change, review SBB’s rules on changes or refunds, since reservation flexibility may differ from ticket flexibility.

Global Market Insights

March 22: SBB Expands CHF 5 Seat Reservations Across Most Long-Haul Trains

ByDanny Kontos March 23, 2026March 23, 2026

SBB seat reservations expand across most long-distance trains from March 22 for a CHF 5 seat fee. Swiss Federal Railways is moving to seat-specific booking to cut uncertainty for peak travel and to improve cross-border trips. Italy will follow this spring, with Germany in summer. For Switzerland, this supports better capacity use and a new ancillary revenue stream. We explain what changed, how long-distance train booking works now, and what investors and travelers should watch next.