high speed train from roma to firenze

FYI, 1st class is a waste of money. I would check out Ron in Rome's break down on train travel in Italy, it is very helpful. http://www.roninrome.com/%20transportation/riding-the-trains-in-italy

If you want first class, fine, but as mentioned, not much difference than second class on the premium trains, not worth paying 62 euro vs 44 euro for 2nd class. As for luggage, if you only have a carryon size bag or two, there is a rack above your seat to stash your bag, or on a lightly loaded train, the seat next to you. Otherwise, at the end of each car is a luggage storage area. For the premium trains with a reserved seat and a specific departure, you do not need to validate the ticket...but I usually do out of habit at the little yellow boxes near the track.

For a 1hr40min ride, 1st class buys you a bit more leg and arm room. 2nd class on the Italy's best trains are quite superior to anything you see in the U.S. It's not worth the extra Euro. But, it's your choice.

trish, I'd also suggest using a second class ticket. As Rick says, "every train has both first and second class cars travelling at precisely the same speed". As the others have mentioned, the main difference is comfort. Have a look at * www.seat61.com/Italy-trains.htm#What are Italian trains like * for some photos of Italian trains (cut & paste the link inside the asterisks). You'll need to get to Stazione Termini to connect with the high speed trains, so will have to use the Leonardo Express. You can buy your rail tickets at Roma / FCO or wait until you get to Termini. When I was there a few months ago, the ticket machines would accept magnetic stripe credit cards (hopefully that's still the case?). There are frequent high speed trains on the Roma / Firenze route, but you may have a short wait until your train departs. I often get a Coffee and sit in the top floor seating area of McDonald's if I'm waiting for something. Happy travels!

Trish, I concur with the others on 1st vs 2nd class...Sure, 1st class is nicer, but it's sort of like comparing First Class with Business Class on an airplane - they're both pretty nice. But there's nothing wrong with 1st class if you REALLY want to...it's just not like comparing First Class and Economy! I've included a link to Rick's YouTube videos - this particular 4m30sec video is on Train Travel Skills. At approximately 3:06, there's an (very brief) example of open seating; it shows the luggage racks above the seats. They're plenty big enough for a carry-on sized bag. I've carried luggage on many trains just like this one. If you're luggage is larger than carry-on, then you'll have to do as the other posters have said. http://www.youtube.com/ricksteves#p/c/DA1849C66C2A6D62/5/moLGxdId9uU.........Also, at the top of THIS page there's a tab called "Rick on TV"; click on that and you'll see "Watch Rick Steves' Europe - free" and "Rick Steves on YouTube". I especially recommend his 'Three-Part Travel Skills' videos - his real strength is teaching HOW to Travel in Europe.

And to add to Sara's post, I've read a few posts on the Helpline about security personnel not allowing bike chains/cables onto planes - they 'could' be used to 'secure' someone...I'd make sure my lock was on my bag, because I'd rather take the chance of losing a cable vs a more-expensive lock!

You can put your luggage in the overhead bin if it's not too large. There is also room behind your seat for smaller bags. If you have very large luggage there are luggage bins at the ends of each carriage. I would make sure to keep an eye on your luggage during each stop if you leave it at the end of the carriage. Donna

Just a tip for riding the train if you have large luggage. There are areas at the front of the train to put your luggage. We brought a bike chain/lock with us to lock up our luggage to make sure no one else walked off with it. It was a real simple fix and made us feel more at ease especially since our seats were at the exact opposite end of the train car. Another note: when on the flying, don't store the bike lock on your carry on's as it will be taken away from you by security. We learned this on our way home from Florence via plane-thankfully after we had already used it and we were only out $6. Not bad for peace of mind!

You can go to pacsafe.com and get a cable lock that you can use on the train and is fine to take on the plane. Just make sure to go get your luggage a few minutes before the train gets to your stop as they only stop for a minute or two and if you're not ready you might miss your stop. donna

If your bag is too large for the overhead rack but not overly large, it might slide into the space between back to back seats. Those unofficial spots are almost always used by someone sitting nearby.

Trish, I agree with the others, 2nd class between Rome and Florence is just as nice as 1st on a high speed train. However, sometimes, the train, depending on the time you arrive in Rome and depart for Florence will be really crowded, and it would be easier to travel 1st class, and be more comfortable. The luggage, if like a carry on on an airplane will fit in the overhead bin. If not, can be stored in the luggage rack, but keep you eye on it. Have a great trip. Jerry C

In Italy, most AV routes (Frecciarossa, high-speed ones) have an overlooked option called "salotinno business". It costs 15% more than standard first class tickets and provides a wider seat in an isolated compartment with individual power socks and a tray suit for notebook handling and so.

Use the luggage rack at the end of the car or there is sometimes a designated spot at the end of the seating area. Sit where you can keep an eye on your bags, especially when you are stopped in a train station. The luggage rack fills up fast, so try to be the first on the train. I use a cable lock (PacSafe) to lock my bags to the rack as a precaution. Whether you travel 1st or 2nd class that's your call. I prefer 1st class because the seats are wider and give you more leg room just like on an airplane. Other than that, no other perks.

You can "seat where you can see" as, now, most EC, AV, IC and AVFast trains have compulsory seat reservation. On AV and AVFast routes, 1st class entitles you to a packed snack (peanuts, cereal bar) and a small glass of wine or juice/soda.

We were on the high speed train about a month ago from Venice to Rome. This was a second class ticket and quite nice. There is a shelf overhead and room under the table in front of your seat (there were four in a cluster) and also room for bigger items near the exit. This was a Eurostar train.