In one of the RS guidebooks, he says that Italy is one country where he would travel 1st class via train despite the extra money. We'll be doing several day trips from Rome via train, probably the fast trains -- what's the difference (other than $) between 1st and 2nd class and is it worthwhile to spend more?
thanks!
To which RS guidebook are you referring?
My wife and I travled 2nd class and often wondered if they mistakenly seated us in 1st class. The trains were always clean and well appointed. I guess if want to be able to say you travled 1st class would be the only reason to do so.
I traveled by train from Florence to Tuscany to Rome all 2nd class and it was fine. One time we mistakenly sat in a first-class car, and eventually had to move when the conductor noticed this (she was friendly), but hardly noticed any difference between the cars.
I've seen that too and I think RS needs to revise that, if he's still saying it. 2nd class is fine and it saves a chunk of money. (We've done both.) Plus you're more likely to be traveling with Italians in 2nd class rather than with tourists.
First class seats had a bit more room and a table to work on in between you and the people you're facing. Also, and attendant comes by with free beverages and magazines/newspapers (in Italian). First class passengers seemed to either Italian businessmen and women, or English-speaking tourists; second-class had more Italians traveling.
Second class is perfectly comfortable and safe (much more pleasant than flying) and the people watching is more interesting. I travel second class to save a few euros and buy more gelato. Regardless of where your seat is it is same wonderful countryside rolling by your window.
There isn't much of a difference and the trains are all nice, but there is very little leg room, especially when someone is sitting across from you. In first class you won't have as many people and there is slightly more room. However, the leg room can get a little crampy, especially if it is a long trip or you have been walking alot and I am not tall only 5'8.
thanks so much for all of your input! We'll certainly go second class and save a few euros for something else.
By the way -- I read the original comment in the Rick Steves Italy 2007 book, pg. 3 Maybe it's been changed in later editions.
Do yourself a favor and just buy second class. save some money and the differences are very minimal...Unless you are taking an over night train would i consider upgrading and i have travelled italy enough times via both classes. i still prefer second.
I always thought that his statement meant that if you have a need or desire to travel first class, then Italy is a good place to do it because the cost margin is lower than most other countries. First class in many countries is very expensive especially England. All say, we second class to be more than adequate where ever we travel.
We booked all Amica fares this June when we arrived and saved 20%. You'll see them on Trenitalia's site. We traveled 2nd class on Intercity trains and it was fine. Ironically only on our short ride did we get the nice seats in compartments.
