Trains - 1st class or 2nd class

Deanna, I have ALWAYS travelled second class by train in Italy and it is absolutely fine. I have used both the Eurostar and the regional trains and have always been comfortable. The seats are spacious, the people are respectful, and on the Eurostar trains there are even power points for electronic devices and also an occasional trolley service for eats. Sometimes the toilets can get a bit icky on longer trips but not badly so and there are always other bathrooms to be found in other carriages if it comes to that (it has never come to that, with me). Just remember that for the Eurostar services you need a seat reservation so you should book in advance. Buon Viaggio!

Thank you. Could you tell me the difference between the Eurostar and regional trains? Is it just speed? Or are they different "companies" that run them. I guess I'm wondering if there are 2 websites I should be looking at to see schedules. Thank you for your help!

trenitalia runs almost all the trains in Italy, regional or eurostar. There are a few small private companies, such as the one running the line between Naples and Sorrento, but most people are just riding on the trenitalia system.

I have never done 1st class in Italy but from everything I can tell there is little to no difference. When I did 1st class in Switzerland the only real difference was a little more room.

Certainly not like the difference found on an airplane.

I love to know who said NEVER ride 2nd class. Like to know why 'cause it makes no sense. AND there is absolutely no comparison between US coach and business or first class if that is what you are thinking. First class is slight more spacious -- 3 seats across compared to four across in second. Some first class will have a little hostess service with some beverage and maybe magazines and newspapers --- all in local language. And mostly filled with local business types and American tourists who are afraid in ride in second class. On the longer rides these is always Club car.

The high speed are primarily faster with fewer stops -- for obvious reasons. The cars are a little nicer, more modern looking simply because these are newer designed cars. I am a big fan of the local train in second class -- because it cheaper and other more convenient. You are on vacation. How important is it to get to a place in 4 hours instead of three? If going long distances -- 8, 10 hours -- then the high speed has advantages but for most runs it is marginal.

Hi Denna,

I'd vote with everyone else on not worrying about 1st class. We have done it once in Northern Italy (Milan to Venice), and it was very nice and roomy. With fewer seats across, and the air conditioning was a blessing.

In other countries though, I've seen 2nd class have the same number of seats as 1st, and to be honest, the differences were very minor, if noticeable at all. (more cabin separators, a little quieter, etc). But, just personal opinion - not worth the extra price.

Hope that helps!

I think that the main point to make whenever there is a question of 1st vs 2nd class is: Do you need 1st class? The answer is no. But if you want 1st class and are willing to pay for it, my all means go for it. I want 1st b/c they have neat little wine bottle holders, but I don't need it.

We ended up on a regional train from Naples to Termini. Yes, it had lots of stops, but the overall time difference between that train and the normal fast train was 34 minutes, but the price was almost half that of the regional train. Of course the Eurostar was over an hour faster, but at over 3 times the cost.

It all depends on how fast you want to get to your destination. At that particular time, we had more time than money. ( 10.50 Naples to Termini, vs 20.50 & 35.00 )

No need to go 1st class, 2nd class get you there the same time.

There are different train classes in Italy. The Eurostar class (including the Alta Velocita) is the fastest and also the most expensive. The regional class is the local. It goes on the same tracks as the Eurostars but stops at every stop whereas the Eurostar will blast through most train stations on the middle tracks. Also, the regional doesn't run the distance that the Eurostar does. It's regional. The regional train usually costs 50% less than the Eurostar to ride. There are also some other classes in the middle such as the ICPlus train. About 25% less on these trains.

Note that there are no seat reservations permitted on the Regionale trains. First come, first served for the seats. For the ICPlus, EC, CIS and Eurostar trains, seat reservations are required.

Larry's answer defines the train system very well. I rode on a Alta Velocita two weeks ago and 2nd class was far more enticing than many First class trains I've been on in other parts of Europe (including Italy!)... so I'd also recommend 2nd class. You get a few extra perks but it's not worth the extra price... Even many of the promos that Trenitalia is running now are 2nd class only!

For more info... check out this blog "post." This is the LONG version of Larry's answer - <CLICK HERE

You'll see a couple of pictures of 1st and 2nd class and there are some great links that will take you to sites with MORE pictures!

After all that, We'll probably see you in 2nd class - with the rest of us!

The website www.trenitalia.it gives the information for all trains, both Eurostar and regional (and any others if they exist), so no need to be checking different websites. The trenitalia website is fussy when it comes to international credit cards though - I think there are a lot of separate posts on that topic.

The differences between Eurostar and regional (when a choice exists) are price and time - regional trains are cheaper and take longer. I always go for the Eurostar when I can (for longer journeys in particular) - I like the ability to have a seat reservation (not possible on regional, I think), and usually the time saved can be more significant than the price difference.

And as to the original question, everyone seems to agree - second class is absolutely fine and comfortable.

Hi there! I also have a question that I used google advanced to look for, but did not find any info specific to ES trains. Does anyone know what kind of power supply is available for charging laptops/mobile phones on the ES trains? 12V like in a car, or standard 3-pronged 220?

Thanks!

Just back from 2 weeks in Italy. The outlets on the trains are 2 prong 220 volt. All the regional trains I've been on were open cars not with compartments.

I don't know the difference but what I can tell you is that last week we rode 2nd class on a Eurostar roundtrip from Rome to Florence. The coach is clean (sometimes though there are crumbs) and the seats are comfy. You are seated by fours (2 across). There are bathrooms and one can walk to a snack car. There is a table between the row of seats so you can eat comfortably, too. Certainly much bigger than the one in economy-class airline seats.

I don't know what kind of trains or where James is finding his trains but I have never been on train that was designed like an airplane or made me feel trapped. There are all roomy and easy to move about in. The Italian trains were the last to give up the six passenger compartment arrangement. I never cared for them. It was OK if you could get a compartment by yourself but six people made it crowded with little foot room. Some of these cars are still around and probably used mostly on the very local runs. And never saw a bar at the end of the car. A couple of years ago caught one of them out of Rome down to the coast. All of the regional trains I have been on had open seating.