Are seat reservations compulsory for SBB tickets?

Reservations are generally unusual in Switzerland, as there are usually enough seats available. A small contingent of reservable seats is available on most long-distance trains. These can also be booked via DB. If no reservation is available, this does not necessarily mean that you will not get a seat.

An exception to this are journeys in special panoramic carriages, such as those on the Glacier Express or the Bernina Express. Reservations are compulsory on these trains.

Reservations are also compulsory for cross-border journeys on EC trains between Switzerland and Italy. You can book journeys on these trains as a Trenitalia ticket.