Italy Train Travel-1st or 2nd class?

Denise, I find that 2nd class is adequate and quite comfortable, especially on the Freccia trains which you'll be using from Florence to Rome. The trains from Rome to Terni will be Intercity or Regionale Veloce, but I'd still use 2nd class. Happy travels!

Here is one of the best summaries I've found on the web on the difference between these two, from the legendary Ron in Rome: 1st class versus 2nd class

We always use 2nd class and rarely find the price of first class worth the difference. 2nd class is about like business class on the airplane.

An anecdote: my brother and his wife went to Italy a few years ago. All of their train travel was second class, except for the Florence to Rome leg. I had read various online opinions, including one frequent poster on another forum who insists that first class in Italy is always worth it. So, I was very interested in my brother's opinion. Before I could even ask him, I got an expletive-laden rant about what a rip-off first class was. But, one interesting thing was that he was expecting more legroom (a la flying), which he didn't get, and cared more about this than about wider seats, which he did get. So, as with almost everything else in life, it's all about expectations. Do look at the Ron In Rome link to decide.

I have been in 2nd class cars numerous times in Italy. These can be very crowded with people standing throughout the trip. Certain times and train routes are more likely to be crowded. First class is usually (in my experience) less crowded and limited to reserved seating. Trains traveling within Italy seem to have different rules regarding crowding than trains traveling to other countries. Within Italy trains are more likely to be crowded. Conductors come around and check tickets. If you are in a 1st class seat with a 2nd class ticket you will be asked to move to the 2nd class car.

Thanks to all for your suggestions. A follow up - has anyone taken the Italo train, rather than than Trentalia from Florence to Rome? Any suggestions?

The only time you will encountering standing passengers in second class on trains in Italy are the Regional trains (slowest). All other trains in Italy require a seat reservation. If you don't have a seat reservation you are on the train illegally and you will be hit with a substantial fine by the conductor. For your routes, you will be mostly on the high speed trains. The Italo is a private line running on the same tracks but not always the same station. It is an attempt to put some competition into the rail system. I have not taken an Italo train but would not have any reservations if the price or the schedule was better. But sure to check the stations Italo is using.

Thanks for the heads up about different possible train stations for the Italo train service.

Italo operates at the same stations as the Freccia trains in Bologna, Firenze, Napoli, Venezia, Torino. It operates out of Milano P. Garibaldi or Milano Rogoredo in Milano (both with easy subway access, actually Pta. Garibaldi is better suited for direct travel to hotels on the area or the Brera). It operates out of Roma Tiburtina (easy subway access) and Roma Ostiense. Italo trains are much newer and more modern. Go for it.

If you are in a 1st class seat with a 2nd class ticket you will be asked to move to the 2nd class car. You might be moved on, but you are equally likely to have your wallet lightened by a severe on the spot fine. It is illegal to travel other than in accordance with the class of travel noted on the ticket.

The .Italo trains are very good. My impression is that the coffee (from a machine as opposed to from a bar machine) is half a notch down from the Trenitalia Freccia coffee, but still drinkable espresso; but the rest of the .Italo journey is superior in just about every way. I'd choose based on timing and price.

You are too late to get the super economy tickets that went on sale 90 or 120 days prior to travel. Even so, trains are really inexpensive in Italy. WE always book well in advance and use 1st class. One long train excursion surrounded by a family reeking of cigarette smoke, body odor, and multiple dirty diapers on nonstop screaming babies was enough for us. Bought at 120 days on the high speed trains, Florence to Rome, 1st class is not that much more than a 2nd class bought the day of travel. If you are on a tight budget, buy 2nd class tickets also NOW to hopefully get a reduced price. Advance tickets are nonrefundable so plan accordingly.

On any long excursions i would opt for first class. It is very nice. Always watch your bag, where you place it, no matter first or second class, so that nobody takes off with it. I haven't had that experience but I am cautious. Mary

Just came back from 3 wks in Italy and used ITALO trains for all our major train travel--venice to Florence, Florence to Naples and Naples to Rome. bought 2nd class tkts online a month or so beforehand and their website is very easy to use and there is free WiFi onboard. I would travel with ITALO again. On previous trips travelled first class on intercity trains and second class on the fast trains.