What is "Seat only"?
With "Seat only" you book a Deutsche Bahn seat reservation without a ticket. This is useful if you already have a valid ticket, for example a Flexpreis ticket or a BahnCard 100, and only need a seat on a specific train.
You book the reservation yourself in the software. There is no need to ask Support for it.
A seat reservation is not a ticket. You still need a valid ticket to travel.
Requirements
- The option is only available on the "Train" tab of the search and only for Deutsche Bahn connections.
- It can be combined with "One-way" and "Round trip", but not with "Multi-stop".
"Seat only" is currently not available in the mobile app.
Booking a seat without a ticket, step by step
- Open the search and switch to the "Train" tab.
- Choose "One-way" or "Round trip" and also select "Seat only".
- Enter origin, destination and date, then click "Find train connections".
- The results show seat reservations only. Every connection carries the note "Seat reservation only, a valid ticket is still needed to travel".
- On the connection you want, click "Show details" and then "Select".
- At checkout, click "Select a seat" and pick your seat in the seat map.
- Click "Continue to payment", accept the conditions and complete the booking with "Book now and pay".
The price shown is made up of the seat and Deutsche Bahn's reservation fee.
Where is "Seat only" shown?
The reservation is clearly marked everywhere, so nobody boards the train without a ticket.
| Location | What is shown |
|---|---|
| Bookings & Tickets (booking list) | Badge "Seat only", tooltip "Seat reservation only, valid ticket needed" |
| Booking detail | Badge "Seat only" in the trip header and the notice "No train ticket included" below the connection |
| Linked Bookings | Its own train-and-seat icon, tooltip "Train · Seat only (no train ticket included)" |
| Confirmation email | Note "Seat reservation only: you need a valid ticket to travel." |
If you booked the ticket separately, link both bookings via "Link Bookings". You then see the ticket and the seat reservation side by side under "Linked Bookings".
If the seat is no longer available
If the selected seat is no longer free at the time of booking, the booking is not completed.
"The selected seat or connection is no longer available. Please try a different train or seat." Someone else has booked the seat in the meantime. Start a new search and pick a different seat or train. You are not charged.
Cancelling a seat reservation
- Open the booking under "Bookings & Tickets".
- Under "Rebook or cancel?", click "Request".
- Confirm the cancellation.
The refund depends on Deutsche Bahn's cancellation conditions for the reservation.
Frequently asked questions
Does "Seat only" include a ticket? No. You only book a seat reservation. You need your own valid ticket to travel.
Who is "Seat only" for? For travellers who already have a ticket, such as a Flexpreis ticket or a BahnCard 100, and only want a seat on a specific train.
Why can't I see the "Seat only" option? The option only appears on the "Train" tab and not with "Multi-stop". It is currently not available in the mobile app.
What happens if my chosen seat has been taken in the meantime? The booking is not completed and you see a message. Simply pick another seat or train (see "If the seat is no longer available").
Can I connect the reservation to my ticket? Yes, via "Link Bookings". Both bookings are then shown side by side under "Linked Bookings".
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