First or second class?

Not much difference. Depending on the train, seats might be a little wider in 1st class. Might see more business travelers (with cell phones) in 1st and more families with children in 2nd. If money's a concern, stick to 2nd. If you're more curious than worried about saving money, try both.

You get there at the same time, but you will like the extra elbow and leg room of 1st class. You don't get any real perks or service, but for the extra room, I like to buy the 1st class ticket. Sometimes the 2nd class has some rather shady looking characters seated there, but for the most part they are just average working class people. Wherever you sit, be sure to keep your luggage where you can see it and watch it especially when you pull into a station. Thieves can easily hop on the train, grab your bags, and go. I prefer to keep mine in the luggage rack at the end of the car where I am seated and lash them together with a cable lock.

This is a common question that really should get put into the FAQ, IMHO. My take - 1st class is nicer, but 2nd class is fine. In 1st class you do get reserved seats, whereas in 2nd class, it's usually first come first served.

I'd rather save the money and spend it on dinner in a really good restaurant.

"Sometimes the 2nd class has some rather shady looking characters seated there..."
In my experience on Italian trains, the only shady-looking people I've seen have been those in first class! ;)
You won't find near the difference between first and second class on the train, as you would on your flight. To me, first class isn't worth the 30% premium.

2nd has always been fine; the only time we've taken 1st is when 2nd was sold out.

Unless money is not an issue, opt for 2nd class (I always do). The difference between 1st and 2nd is pretty slight and you get there in the same amount of time and enjoy the same wonderful views from the window en route. There are so many better ways to spend the money you save: more gelato, better meals, a bit bigger room, etc.

Can be answered in a sentence. Nearly all Europeans when traveling by train go second class. Personally have made many European trips by train using Eurailpass which is automatic first class. Have also made many European train trips in second class really other than cost not that much difference. Recommend second class; spend the savings elsewhere.

I've done first and second class, but only in and around Germany (not in Italy). If I'm paying, I haven't see enough difference between the two to pay extra for first class.

I did not see big difference between 1st & 2nd class. The 1 class seats are probably 2 or 3 inches wider. You can travel confortably in 2nd class and you will arrive at the same time. Save the money for something else.

One difference, 2nd can sometimes get very crowded. I'm just one of those folks that if traveling by train a lot I pay the extra. Just me.

Devra

We did 2nd class on Eurostars and 1st class on InterCity trains.

I had heard that sometimes 2nd class sells out and you might need to stand. Not a big deal for a short trip but a BIG bummer for a trip several hours or more. Is this not true? No one mentioned the possibilty of having to stand. Does it depend on the which train or how far you're going?

Even if you find yourself in a 'standing situation' in second class on a train -- you still have options.

Find the conductor and upgrade to 1st class and go have a seat.

...or... do what I often do... find the dining car and have dinner, or a drink... then check to see if there are any seats...

You can heard a lot of things but we have never found standing room only on second class even at some peak travel times. I am sure it can happen but it is rare. And Jim has the solution -- upgrade to first.

Frank -- Good point. We have encountered standing-room only situations on trains, but never in Italy. We had it happen between Amsterdam and Brussels (last train of the night... had dinner), and between Prague and Berlin (can't remember what leg, but things thinned out at the next stop... right after we upgraded to 1st).

Some routes do get heavier travel, but in April, I think that's before most tourism gets going strong.I usually travel shorter legs in second, and first if it is a longer stretch, esp if it is carrying a lot of locals commuting to and from the cities .