We are two 55 year old women. third time in Europe, usually we do cruises, this time we are traveling by train...do we have to buy first class? We would like to save $$, second class might be better, is there a dining area for second class? Our total train time will be 4 days, split over 14 days..what is the best pass for us?
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
5493 posts
Please don't be scammed into buying a pass. As it seems you are interested already in saving money, this is not the way to go. Please share you itinerary and people here can advise you how to buy point to point ticket.
Do you have to buy first class - no. First class is another scam, in my opinion as there is very little difference and it is full of gullible tourists.
Dining car in second? - There is usually only one dining car on longer distance trains and it is available for everyone. Personally, I just bring food with me on the train as the dining car selection is usually pretty horrible (except drinks).
Posted by
Green Bay
21107 posts
In first class, the seating is one seat on one side of the aisle and two seats on the other and the spacing is a little wider. Second class, the seats are two across on both sides of the aisle and are spaced a little closer, still perfectly comfortable. First class may have a few more amenities, but as RS points out, both classes depart and arrive at exactly the same time. The dining/snack car is located between the first and second class sections so it can be accessed by everyone on the train.
When buying your point to point tickets on-line well in advance (90 to 120 days when most tickets go on sale), you may come across a special price that will allow you get first class tickets at the same or nearly the same price as second class. That is the time to spring for the upgrade and see how the other half lives.
These advance purchase tickets are like airline tickets in that they are nonchangeable, nonrefundable. There are options for more money that are changeable for a change fee. Usually, in your planning, you will already have hotel reservations that are fixed, so sticking to a certain train time is not a problem.
Posted by
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
4087 posts
Basic research tool for rail travel anywhere: www.seat61.com
I agree: Forget passes; reserve well ahead to save money (on some but not all inter-city trains); bag your own refreshments; relax and enjoy.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
If you would be kind enough to further identify your itinerary (where you will be each night is best) and we will be pleased to help you learn how to buy tickets online. For most tickets, you can even print them out at home moments after you buy them. We can easily save you 50% or better over the cost of a pass if you are willing to plan ahead and lock in 90-120 days out from the time of travel. I can also assist with advising on two women traveling together as my wife and daughter occasionally do this.