Italy Trains - 1st Class or 2nd Class and Safety Concerns?

Kevin, there are plenty of postings regarding security on the trains in Italy. Rick, and other experienced travelers, DO recommend using a "bike or chain" lock to secure your valuables... I travel often on the trains and have had no issues, but that does not mean it could not happen.

There is room to put small bags overhead on many trains in Europe, but larger bags are stored at the end of the car, in racks, near the doors. Certainly this presents opportunity - Better safe than sorry!

As far as 1st class, many, many years ago on our first trip to Europe we road 1st class - because that's "what we Americans do!" But since then, we have never taken a 1st class train unless 2nd class was sold out (ONCE!) And frankly, there is not the difference that you would see on a 1st class airplane. yes, the seats are a little wider, there's a tad more leg room, etc. but really not enough difference to warrant the price!

I'm sure you'll get lots of feedback!

Ciao from Rome,
Ron

I didn't think there was much difference in comfort between first and second class seats, although I did splurge and got first class tickets on one trip. Seats are a bit wider and there was a fold down table to use in first class. However, the difference is pretty slight, second class is perfectly comfortable (much more comfortable than a plane ride) and is a painless way to save some money. You get the same scenery regardless.
As far as security, large bags are stored at the rear of the car. The danger is that a thief may grab your grab and hop off the train just as it leaves, with a bike lock you secure you bag down. I haven't seen it happen but I guess it does. Not sure why it would be more likely in second class rather than first, could happen in either car. You can keep smaller bags with you or in overhead storage above you which is what I've done - take Rick's advice and travel light. But if you have a large suitcase a lock would be a good investment in first or second class.

Hi Kevin. We just got back from Italy and used the train a great deal on short and long hauls. We took one short run 1st class on a last minute booking, all the rest were 2nd class and it was great. The only real difference was a slightly larger seat and bar service by trolley cart (not really needed since you can bring your own food and beverages on board. We didn't see a single person locking their bag. Certainly no need if you pack small and put the bags above you, or even between the seats (available on all of the larger trains but not the little regional trains). Bags left at the end of the car are obviously at some risk as it would be a simple thing to step onto the train, grab a bag and leave just before the train departs. If anything the risk would be higher in 1st class, on the assumption that the bags may hold more goodies. But I would simply exercise common sense care and keep an eye on things during station stops. Otherwsie I think you'll be pleased with Italian trains.

When you speak of small bag vs. large bag, what do you mean? Would RS convertable bag be small or large?

Hi Susan. A RS Steve's convertable bag should easily fit on the rack above your seat. Ours was slightly smaller, but we saw many larger bags. You will be amazed at the number of people with 2-3 huge suitcases.

Kevin,

My husband and I traveled around Italy by train this past September on regional, Eurostar and everything in between. Although we never locked our bags and always kept them near us in overhead or behind the seat compartments, I agree with previous posters regarding your concerns. Our bags were standard carry-on size rolling suitcases and a small carry-on bag. If I had to do it again I would go even smaller or lighter. The problem we faced wasn't where to stow or secure the luggage, but carrying it up and down the often steep stairways between train platforms for connecting trains. A few stations have walks between platforms or elevators (tiny and slow and often out of order), but not many. Some of our journeys involved 3 or 4 train changes in a day and lugging those suitcases up and down the stairs got really old. Also, almost everywhere we stayed had stairs or were accessed by blocks of uneven cobblestones. No problem once we checked in but not much fun with luggage.

Just got back from Italy and took second class train tickets all over Italy with absolutely no problems. I had forgotten to get luggage locks before leaving. Even when we had our luggage in the rack at the end of the car, we could always see it. The overhead racks hold pretty large bags anyway. Go on, have fun and don't worry about it.

We took 1st class from Venice to Rome and were really happy we splurged. In addition to the increased room (I've got long legs) the seats were those intelligently designed recliners that slide forward as the back reclines. Very comfy! Also, it seemed like there was more room for luggage.

It wasn't much of a splurge anyway.

We took a second class from Rome to Florence and it was a little wild. When I went to use the bathroom there were three teens in it smoking. They were coming in and out singly. I finally had to bang really loud and yell for them to leave. The funniest moment of our trip occurred on that train. A suitcase went flying by on its wheels followed a few seconds later by an American chasing it.

People seemed to have an easier time finding places for their luggage in first class.

The rest of the time we trained first class (to Venice from Florence and from Florence to Milan)and it was a world of difference. We had seats to ourselves (facing each other) it was roomier, and just a more pleasant experience.

Nevertheless our Rick Steves bags fit over our seats in both first and second class.

ciao!

I have traveled to Italy many times. I have never even thought of locking my luggage while on a train. Just take the same precautions you would take traveling anywhere else in the world (USA included). I always travel 2nd class.

Just back from Italy. We took the ES rapido to Florence second class and had no problem stowing two upperlimit sized carryon bags in the rack above our seats. Coming back we took a regional train to Orvieto and still had plenty of room to stow our bags overhead.

We did have a lightweight covered chain lock but never used it. I did see someone who'd chained their bags to a table at the Autogrill at Termini while they got their lunch. For a solo traveller with no one to watch the bags I think it would be a good option to have one "just in case" or if taking the train on heavy travel days or seasons when you might be forced to use bag storage farther from your seat.

I was SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO glad that people here recommend going "one bag" to Italy. Hopping on and off trains, the Leonardo and the Metro with one bag while watching others struggling with several bags has made me a one bagger for life LOL.

We traveled all over Italy on 2nd class. Yes there was one occasion where some young teens were smoking in a washroom. As for being a more pleasant experience, that's very much a personal opinion. We really enjoyed the atmosphere in 2nd class...locals moving around Italy and many interesting tourists. For example from Venice to Rome (via Florence) we had seats opposite from each other, both on the window, and we were seated beside a lovely mother and son visiting Italy from Brazil. Its all a matter of personal choice. Logically in 1st class there should be a bit more room for luggage since there are fewer passengers. For us it wasn't a money thing, we took one trip 1st class but truly enjoyed the 2nd class travel just as much, maybe more. It was certainly safe and relaxing.

Kevin, I just returned from travelling in Italy, Austria and Germany and used second class tickets exclusively. I didn't see any valid reason to pay for first class, as the seating I had was quite comfortable (in many cases I was in a compartment).

Regarding the "theft" situation, I placed my large Backpack on the rack over the seat, but didn't bother locking it as I stayed in the compartment for the whole journey. It's doubtful that someone would try and "lift" it while I'm sitting there! However, as I was travelling "solo", this also meant that I couldn't wander down to the restaurant car or whatever. I wouldn't feel comfortable leaving my Pack even if it was locked to the rack, as Backpacks are inherently an easy item to steal. Staying in the same compartment for the whole journey isn't too much of a problem if one "pre-plans" a bit and buys a Panino and beverage for the journey.

Happy travels!