What is the consensus for the best value in rail class? Economy $119, comfort $146 or premier $164? I'm traveling with my girl friend who is a real trooper however, I don't want to make her suffer. :) I spent two weeks myself last year traveling by rail through France and Switzerland. I can travel cheap however I don't want to be a heal with my first trip abroad with my lady friend. The train is going from Naples to Monterroso. 5 hours total with a couple of transfers along the way. So what's a boyfriend to do?
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
9021 posts
This is a question that only you can answer. I don't think that this question is as much about value in rail class as it is about value in relationship building. I see a value in being genuinely yourself. If you usually travel one class, why not travel it now? On the other hand, I think your dilemma comes from not wanting your friend to interpret the class of travel as equivalent to her value to you. Why not have a discussion about this with her and see what she thinks?
Posted by
OP
37 posts
Thanks Carol!
Posted by
Tucson
4183 posts
As far as I can tell, as you said, the fastest route has 2 train changes. Prices will depend on the day you go and what time you leave. Trenitalia is showing 65 EUR per person, all 2nd class for at least one of those faster journeys. It also shows a segment where only 2nd class is possible. Not knowing your date or time of day, my tests might not match yours, so be sure to scroll down the page for other options when you get your results.
This is the link to the Trenitalia page in English: http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en. The different types of classes are not labeled the same as what you listed in your question. Did you use Trenitalia for your research?
I can say that we took the Frecciarossa from Roma Termini to Milano in the fall. We went 2nd class and it was just fine. The trains are very nice and modern. I can't imagine needing to pay the extra money for a higher class. Your girlfriend will not suffer. These are some pictures of the seating on a Frecciarossa: http://www.seat61.com/frecciarossa.htm#.VW-2Bc9Viko. This shows 4 classes and the only difference between the first two is that the seats are cloth in the 2nd class standard, and leather in the 2nd class premium. Be sure to click on the video, just for fun.
Trenitalia shows a Frecciarossa from Napoli Centrale to Firenze S.M. Novella. That's the longest part of the journey at 2 hours and 51 minutes. I love those super fast trains!
If you were my boyfriend, I'd want to go 2nd class and use the savings to help pay for a nice dinner or some earrings, well really, both...
P.S. Tip: Start thinking and planning in EUR, not USD.
Posted by
Tampa, FL, USA
1054 posts
Here is a good site to check out. I do second class economy tickets with my girlfriend each year we go and we never had an issue.
http://www.seat61.com/Italy-trains.htm#What are Italian trains like