Should I take first class train from Rome to Assisi on a Friday afternoon?

Regional trains don't have first class sections. They are commuter trains with no reserved seats.

Donna

That Regionale train has both First Class and Second Class seating. For the two hour journey Second Class is €9.90 per person, First Class is €15.20, no reserved seating sold or available.

All depends if you want to pay an extra €31.80 for the group to travel kushti. Going to see St Francis?

Thank you for the reply, Donna. I have read that elsewhere as well, yet I have also read that some regional trainings do have one or two first-class sections from time to time. This particular train does have a first-class ticket offering according to the italiarail.com website. I suppose it could be a mistake, but assuming that it's not. Would it be beneficial for me to purchase the first class tickets given my circumstances?

Yes, Nigel, to see St. Francis and St. Clare, and then on to see Saint Catherine of Siena. It sounds like the only difference is a matter of seat comfort. Do you think there's any benefit for hauling luggage or will the second class area have plenty of comfort and luggage storage on a Friday afternoon in June?

Some regionale trains do have first class carriages, but if you want to upgrade from second class, find the conductor and pay the difference. No way to predict how full a train will be, one big group of students or tourists could make a difference, but you'll probably be fine in second class.

Yes, I just realized that I entered the incorrect train number and this train does have first and second class. The issue is that most of the conductors don't check to see if everyone in first class should actually be there so you could end up paying the extra for first class and not get a seat.

I wouldn't worry too much about the train selling out unless you're going on a holiday weekend. Is there any particular reason you want that train at that time? If not, just buy tickets at the station and if one is too full just wait for the next one.

Donna

Yes, travel First Class, especially in your case, six of you, Friday afternoon, a three hour trip, with luggage. Some Regionale trains offer First Class cars, but car number may not show on your tickets, and seat numbers also may not show. Watch the digital signs running alongside the track of departure at Termini for information on where to board, or ask train staff to locate the First Class cars. Once you board the First Class car, then you choose the seats you want.

Don't be surprised if train staff put you on the wrong car marked 1. This happened to a group of us First Classers on a Regionale from Ancona to Roma Termini. Right before the train departed, a Conductress entered our car and announced that we were all in the wrong car and to follow her to the First Class car, which in our case was directly behind the Engine.

In the alternative, if you have the option of choosing seats when you buy tickets, then you can select seats together, and in that case, car and seat numbers may show on your tickets, making boarding and seating a lot easier.

By the way, be happy and travel with only one lightweight carry-on luggage each. Climbing up and down train steps is No cakewalk. Trains could have one step, three, or several more, they can be steep and wide enough to support only half of your foot. You may have to help others in your group get up and down those steps, and manage their luggage for them as well.