Train travel between italian cities 1st or 2nd class?

I've always found I have tonnes of room in second class in most countries, including Italy, and Í'm a big guy. It never seemed to be worth the extra to travel 1st class. The differences aren't as radical as, say economy and business/first on the airlines.

No, it doesn't really matter.

1st class is slightly (and I do mean only slightly) nicer. You're more likely to have businessmen chatting on their mobiles in first class vs. families and tourists in second.

If you really can't decide and don't care about the cost, do what we did on our first train trip--rode 1st class one way, 2nd class the other.

Save yourself some euros and use second class. It is a little more crowded and w/ fewer business passengers. But very acceptable.

I prefer 1st class, just as a matter of not being crowded in by a lot of other people. You will be more comfortable. If there are more people, then there will also be less space available for your luggage. I have never had a problem stowing luggage in 1st class.

Was just in Italy in July and did lots of reading re. train travel prior to going. Someone had posted that they go 2nd class on the Eurostars and 1st class on the other trains like the InterCity, etc. so that is what we did. 2nd class on the Eurostar was perfectly fine for our journey between Venice and Florence (approx. 35 Euros 2nd class and 53 Euros 1st class). From the C.T.to Milan we did 1st class on the InterCity and the extra space was really nice. (boarded the I.C. train in Levanto, 1st class approx 25 Euros and 2nd class 19 Euros).

Be sure to study the sample train tkt. in R.S. book so you know what things mean on the tkt. as it is all in Italian. Know when your train has reserved seats and make sure you are in the right seats. We boarded one of our trains with reservations and there were people sitting in our seats (Americans) not wanting to budge and not very nice about it. They had no idea that there were reserved seats and had no idea how to interpret their tkt.

Scott,

Here's Rick's advice on the question:

"Differences between first and second class: Normally, first class is configured with three plush seats per row (whether in compartment or open-style seating) and second class has four skinnier, basic seats in the same space. Remember that nearly every train has both first- and second-class cars, each going at precisely the same speed!"

For longer trips, I'd probably choose first class as it would be more comfortable, but for trips of 2-3 hours, second class should be fine. I've found that one meets more "colourful characters" in second class (some that I've encountered have been QUITE memorable).

If you're over 26 and travelling with a Railpass, that will be for first class (but you could certainly travel in second class if you wish.

Happy travels!

Scott, we travel often on the trains in Italy and the advice above is spot on! For longer trips - which we buy tickets in advance for - we go 1st class... but probably 85% of our trips are in 2nd class. There's not that much difference, although 1st class is ALWAYS less crowded. For more info on riding trains, and some pictures on the interior of 1st and 2nd class seating, CLICK HERE

Here's also a newer post on the types of train tickets you can buy in Italy, CLICK HERE

When it is available I opt for 1st class in Italy. Excess passengers on trains have to stand and occupy corridors. Those with 2nd class tix are kicked out of the 1st class cars. Whichever class you choose, I recommend getting a reservation so you are guaranteed a seat. Sometimes it doesn't matter because the train isn't full, but often enough the train is full.

I remember a train ride 2nd class between Rome and La Spezia---probably the longest train ride I ever experienced. The car was jammed with passengers and the corridors were full of people and luggage. My seat was in the sun, and it faced backward. I stood in the corridor most of the way.