Train from Prague to Budapest

I never noticed that first class on train has more legroom. It has somewhat softer seats and fewer people because it cost 50% more. I would not bother to reserve seats for the first class unless it's mandatory. And then it's enough time to buy it when you come to Prague. I certainly would not bother to book it from the US.

Thank you llja for your advice, it does not appear that 1st class offers a big advantage for the trip to Budapest.

I don't know that particular train. But on most trains, first class gets you a wider seat, but not extra legroom. However, there is already MUCH more legroom on trains than on airplanes.

i beg to differ. In most long distance trains, 1st class is 2+1 seating, 2nd class is 2+2. As well as the extra width this gives you, you get proportionally more legroom. But, even in 2nd class, you have more legroom than I have ever had on an aircraft.

If you are in a compartment there are 3+3 seats facing each other in the second class and also in the first class. The difference is softness of the seat. In the old carriages the second class has 4+4 seats. Now used only on some regional lines.