Second Class Vs First Class Traintickets

I have never taken the first class train in Italy, but I will share my friend's experience.

Last summer he took the fast train from Rome to Florence. He thought it was severely lacking in leg room. On his return to Rome he took the first class and could not say enough about the space available to him.

So, on my friend's recommendation, I would certainly consider it for long haul train travel if you have the need of extra space.

Others will probably have more information to share with you. Me, I am pretty short so the leg room isn't much of a consideration.

My husband is 6ft, 2 in and he does ok with second class, we usually pick seats that are side be side like an airplane rather than four seats facing each other and he can stretch his legs out. Didn't know RS says first class is better.

First class seating is usually two together and then one by itself, this is true with the fastest trains, the Frecciarosso.

You can get really good prices for both second and first class if you buy in advance and are 100% sure of dates and times.

I'm 6'2 and had no issues in the 2nd class on the high speed trains. I would rather use the difference in ticket cost between the classes and put towards sights, food or expierences and not pay extra for a train ticket that will get there from city to city in the same amount of time.

On those routes check the prices for Italo first and second class tickets, as well as Trenitalia. We had better deals with them in both first and second class. It all depends on when you buy. Italo was quite good.

It's about hip and shoulder room as well as leg room. If your son is a big man he'll be more comfortable in 1st.

I'm pretty sure RS says he would NOT consider 1st class in Italy since it's not that much better than 2nd. But in your case it sure sounds as if it would make sense, (although Rick is pretty darn tall himself).

For the high speed trains purchase your tickets 120 days in advance and quite often 1st class tickets cost the same as 2nd class tickets.

http://www.seat61.com/frecciarossa.htm#.U5EA7kko7IU

Here is a link with pictures of the different classes to help you make your decision. Another thing to consider-The fast train from Rome to Florence is only 1.5 hours. And unlike a plane, it is easy to get up and stretch your legs.

Does your son fly Economy or First Class on the airplane to Italy?

If he flies Economy, then I can assure you that second class on a Frecciargento (or Standard Class on a Frecciarossa) is way more comfortable than Economy class on any airline.

Actually I might venture to say that second class on the train is more comfortable than even some Business Class seats on airplanes (and you don't have to put your seat belts on either).

If your son flies to Europe exclusively in first class, then he might prefer a premium class above 2nd (or Standard) on the train as well.

I was surprised when I made our Frecciarossa purchase (online at TrenItalia) for Naples-Rome (May, 2014-a short trip) that for the advance purchase I was making there was little or no difference between Standard or Business-Class tickets. The purchase dialog showed a very complete grid of options and prices that I wish other online sites would do!

I did find out when we got to the station early that a)We could not get on the earlier train without a big charge b)We did not qualify for the fat-cat Lounge above the ticket office. The way air tickets are today, I am not complaining, just reporting.

The Naples-Rome fast-train was lavish and comfortable, with free snacks and great air conditioning. I was very happy with the price and the result. That contrasts with a Milan-Venice First-Class ride we took in 2009 where not even one of the three First-Class carriages (never mind the reserved seats ... ) had any trace of air-conditioning, and had sealed windows!

Five years, upgrading, and competition from another carrier on these routes has made a difference.