I'm not usually a first class type traveler but I find a $15/person difference between 1st and 2d class on a 4 hour trip. Seems like it might be worth trying even though I won't be departing anywhere with a 1st class lounge which is one real benefit I see. Can't pick up much more on differences except somewhat roomier seats and a quieter environment. Weekday probably midmorning start.
Just soliciting thoughts while I finalize the itinerary.
late
Added benefit will be that your seats will come with reservations included. If you take 2nd class, you will have to pay extra (4 EUR?) to get a seat reservation. When the difference is that low, I often opt for 1st class.
Definitely go for it.
The biggest difference is that the seats are more widely spaced.
This is more to allow for adequate work space than for added comfort, however. The actual seats are the same as in 2nd class.
1st class is generally quieter, but 2nd usually isn't loud either.
1st class also gives you waiter service, if you're concerned about leaving your bags while you visit the Onboard Bistro. Bag theft, though, is almost a non-issue on ICE trains.
Second class is fine, but I do spring for first class at times and enjoy a typically quieter and more calm experience. No clutches of school outings. For a trip of four hours, I'd buy first class tickets.
The Man in Seat 61 is a great resource for seeing the interiors and exteriors of most European trains. I would have sent the appropriate page for your particular journey, but you didn't mention where you'll be traveling. It's easy enough to figure the site out though. Please send me a PM if you need to, though!
Greg, I always go 1st class in your situation! 'Only' 4 hours can be a v e r y l o n g t i m e in the wrong circumstances...
Hi,
In 2nd class the reservation cost is 4.50 Euro. I had that for both a day train reservation and a night train reservation a few weeks ago. True, the 1st class quieter, generally few people unless you're there during rush hour.
Where are you looking for your fares and what site will you use to book? Also, what is the route?
"Only' 4 hours can be a v e r y l o n g t i m e in the wrong circumstances..."
But it can also be a fun time in the right circumstances, as the second class crowd can sometimes be more fun and more entertaining. One example that comes to mind is a 2010 trip in Germany during World Cup time. I boarded the train at about 10:00 and found it packed with high school kids who were already in "party" mode, with copious quantities of "liquid refreshment". Of course, I had to offer a toast to the German team, and the keeper of the Keg graciously poured me a "cool one". I left the train in Koblenz, and by that time the cars were rockin'! I never did see a Conductor on that trip.
Ken, true dat ;-)
I would still get the 1st class ticket, but if in the mood for some excitement go a-wanderin' through the train...Otherwise, I'd just stay in my roomy, quiet seat and get some sleep, read, stare out of the window...in peace. I look at my train time as Quiet Time.
Next time my husband and I are feeling well-rested and friendly, we'll have to bring one of those 5 L mini-kegs aboard...along with several (small) disposable cups ;-)
Thanks, 1st class is looking good, the price differential was after figuring in a second class reservation fee. Its Mainz - Munich route. I've checked Man in Seat 61 site and its very informative.
Eileen,
I've also had some interesting experiences in second class which weren't quite as pleasant (although not dangerous or anything). If you're interested, I'll post a short description from my travel notes of one of those experiences.
True, when you happen to sit near a bunch of guys , ie grown men into the particular sports event equipped with an abundance liquid refreshments. Last June my seat was just behind a group of several raucous guys whose team , Borussia Dortmund, had lost to Wolfsburg. That is certainly a bad lost. It was fun for over 4 plus hours , 2nd class, going from Berlin to Düsseldorf with their jokes, quips, constrained noise, and being well mannered ...all good immersion in the language.
I purchased an online 1st class ticket to go from Venice to Munich in August. Can anyone tell me where the reserved seat # would be on the ticket? I don't speak/read German and am having difficulty finding the seat #. Thank you.
I purchased an online 1st class ticket to go from Venice to Munich in August. Can anyone tell me where the reserved seat # would be on the ticket? I don't speak/read German and am having difficulty finding the seat #.
Did you buy it from the DB website? Then looking for the keywords "Sitzplatzreservierung" (reservation of place), "Wagen" (car) and "Platz" (place) should help, e.g. "Wagen Nr. 29, Platz Nr. 72" - your would find your place at car #29 place #72.
An abbreviated format looks like this:
"EC 18, 1 Sitzplatz, Wg. 29, Pl. 72" (Wg. = Wagen, Pl. = Platz), so:
Train number (EC 18), 1 place, car #21, place #72.
Pay the upgrade, its much more civilized and cleaner.
1st class is definitely worth $15, especially if traveling with luggage. There is more room and it is more secure.
I had the same question when I booked so thanks for posting. I did go for first class as we are traveling with luggage and some routes have three changes. Extra thanks to Russ and Lee who helped with so many aspects of planning this trip to Germany directly and by following their posts on many Germany questions!
sla019, Thank you so much for showing me how to interpret my DB ticket. I have found the seat #'s!
