Hello Fellow Treckers. We will be traveling to Palermo from Rome and back by train, last week in Sept. first week in Oct.What would be best for us (6),1st or 2nd class?The only difference we can see from here is $126/couple.
Confused in Cleveland.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
IMO, that is about the only difference. 2nd class is very similar to business class on US airlines and 1st is a little better. Biggest difference is 3 across in First and four across in 2nd. 2nd class will be a little more crowded because more folks will be there and first will be mostly Italian businessmen and some Am tourists that are afraid to ride 2nd class.
Posted by
OP
Cleveland, Ohio, USA
3 posts
Thanks Frank. You have cleared up a lot of bickering. Whats IMO?
Posted by
Ardmore, PA, US
225 posts
IMO = In my opinion
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
But the bigger questions, Michael, is who won? This question generally generates a couple of " First class is the only way to go" responses. My suggestion is that you try first class sometime just to be sure.
Posted by
Sandy Hook, CT, USA
12 posts
Micheal
What time are you planning of taking the train from Rome to Palermo. When I did the same thing to Taormina, it was the overnight train. My wife and I took 1st class...the sleeping compartment was for only 2 people. I think 2nd class might be for 3 people and they may still have compartments for 6. If you are travelling during the day, then this does not apply.
Posted by
OP
Cleveland, Ohio, USA
3 posts
Hey, Thanks to all who replied to my question! We will be traveling overnight, so I guess we will (maybe) be going in 1st class accommodations. The difference in cost is not that great, and I believe it's going to be a one time deal anyway.
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12313 posts
I've traveled first class and second. I go first when on business (with reservations) and second on vacation (usually sans reservations). Normally, second is plenty good enough for me.
Sleeping on a train is a lot like sleeping on a plane. You will be sleeping sitting up. If I were trying to sleep, I'd pick first class. It is quieter, less crowded and possibly more secure.
You will need to consider security risks of sleeping on a train. I think Rick has written about it but the gist is people will steel your stuff while you sleep. A common approach is to grab your bag when the train stops, jump off and be long gone before you can alert the conductor (and the train is on its way again). There have been some other stories too that I won't go into.
Having a small cable lock to secure your stuff on the train foils most of the snatch and run attempts.
Your visit is at the edge of tourist season. The number of tourists should be down and with them the people who prey on tourists.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
According to www.trenitalia.com, there are two direct Rome-Palermo night trains. The ICN leaves at 20:30 and arrives at 08:50. It has 4-bunk couchettes and 1-, 2-, and 3-bed sleepers. The Espresso leaves at 23:20 and arrives at 11:40. It has 4- and 6-bunk couchettes and 1-, 2-, and 3-bed sleepers. You will not have to sleep sitting up and the compartment doors lock from the inside. Unless you share a couchette with strangers, securing your luggage will not be an issue.
Popular night trains can sell out weeks in advance. I suggest that you book through www.euraide.com by phoning their US number. For one $50 fee they will book as many tickets as you wish for as many trains as you wish at in-Europe prices.