Ever sprinted to your platform only to find your train jam-packed, your reserved seat taken, or no reservation at all? You’re not alone. Train travel is full of surprises, but knowing how seat reservations actually work can save you a lot of stress.
When you're booking cheap train tickets, whether it’s for a weekend getaway or your daily commute, knowing whether you’ve got a seat can make all the difference. And when you’re using clever tools like split ticketing, it’s even more important to know how seat reservations work (and why they sometimes don’t).
Here’s everything you need to know, straight from the Raileasy support team, about seat reservations, how they work with split ticket journeys, and what to expect along the way.
Image Credit: Jeremy Stewardson | Unsplash
Do Split Tickets Come with Seat Reservations?
Yes! When you book with Raileasy, split tickets work just like a normal ticket, and if the train service supports seat reservations, we’ll include them where possible.
Even though you’re getting cheaper train tickets by splitting the journey, it’s still one seamless trip, you won’t have to move seats or get off and back on again. We’ll even try to give you the same seat across all ticket segments, so you can sit back and relax.
Please note: Because split tickets involve booking east leg separately, we can't always guarantee the same seat across the full journey, but we'll do our best. Rather than playing musical chairs, you’re welcome to sit in any vacant unreserved seat on board. You do not need to sit in the seat you’ve been issued if it’s unoccupied elsewhere.
Example: Say you’re travelling from London to Manchester and your tickets are split at Milton Keynes. Though you technically have two tickets, you’re still staying on the same train. If seat reservations are available, we’ll aim to keep you in the same seat the whole way.
Why Didn't I Get a Seat Reservation?
Not every journey includes a reservation, and it’s not always something we can control (though we wish we could). Here’s why you might not see one:
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Some train services, especially local or commuter routes often don’t offer reservations
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Train operators may limit seat bookings close to departure
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You’re travelling on a busy train, and all reservable seats have already been snapped up
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Reservations may be temporarily unavailable due to system issues on the rail operator's side
Real Talk: Booking 2 hours before a Friday evening train from a major city? There’s a high chance all reserved seats are already gone. In those cases, you’ll still be able to travel and can sit in any available unreserved seat.
Image Credit: Ash Amplifies | Pexels
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting a Seat
While we can’t guarantee a seat reservation, there are some things you can do to improve your odds:
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Book early: The earlier you book, the more likely you are to snag a reserved seat.
- Avoid peak times: Trains during weekday rush hours or holiday weekends fill up fast.
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Travel off-peak: Mid-mornings or mid-afternoons on weekdays tend to be quieter.
Choosing Your Spot: How the Seat Selector Works
Booking with Raileasy? You will see the seat selector before payment, it’s your chance to pick your ideal seat (and yes, we’re fans of the window too).
With the seat selector, you can:
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Choose a window or aisle seat
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Sit facing forwards or backwards (if the layout allows)
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Pick seats together when travelling with others
Don’t worry, If we are not able to reserve seats for your service, you will be able to sit in any seat for your class of travel, either standard or first class.
Remember: The seat selector is only available during the booking process. Once you’ve paid, your seat can’t be changed through the site – so be sure to make your selections before checkout.
Reserved a Seat but Someone’s in It?
It happens. If someone’s already in your spot:
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Politely let them know it’s reserved
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Ask on-board staff for help if needed
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No staff around? Just grab another unreserved seat
Some train companies have seat guarantee schemes - for example, LNER offers compensation if you’ve reserved a seat but were unable to sit in it. It’s always worth checking the train operator’s policy.
If your seat was double-booked or there was a reservation error, you can also follow up directly with the train company afterwards. They may offer compensation or an explanation.
Trains can be unpredictable, but we’re always here to back you up if you run into issues.
What If You Have to Stand?
Sometimes all the seats are taken, and a reservation just isn’t in the cards. Here’s how to make standing more bearable:
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Find space near the doors or carriage ends; these spots often have leaning rails or extra space
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Use luggage racks to rest against
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Avoid standing near toilets or vestibules during long journeys
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Keep your ticket handy in case staff need to check it quickly
Travelling as a Group?
Booking for friends, family, or a mix of Railcard holders? Here’s what helps:
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Use the seat selector if it’s available so you can sit together
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Book early for the best chance of seats in the same carriage
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Different Railcards? Add each journey separately, then check out in one go
Yes, it’s a bit fiddly and yes, our team knows it's a pain point. We're working on it long-term, and in the meantime, we're always happy to help you sort it.
Final Stop: Cheaper Train Tickets, Smarter Travel — and Hopefully a Seat!
Whether you’re using split ticketing to save money or just want a smoother journey, knowing how seat reservations work is key. While we can’t promise a seat every time, we’ll always do our best to get you one and explain what’s going on if something’s unclear.
Questions? Confused by your reservation? Stuck in the vestibule with a suitcase and a soggy sandwich?
Got a question about your journey? Send it our way. We’re here to help — seat or no seat.