Trains - First class vs. Second class

I was unaware the Steves' recommends first class --- are you sure about that? The principle difference is 3 across seating instead of 4. After that very little difference. We have only ridden first class once many years ago and decided it was not worth the difference. And don't compare the difference as similar to our airlines. Second class on most trains is like business class on most airlines. Lots of room and good seats.

Nancy is correct. I know I also saw Rick state that Italy is one of the few countries that he recommends first class over second class for train travel.

Nancy....On the 2 trips that we have taken to Italy, we have purchased first class vice second class. Many on here will tell you that second class is just fine. No arguments from me. We have just always used first class as there is a little more room. I have back problems and the hubby has knee problems and that extra space is nice so that we are not so cramped up when we arrive at our destination. For us, the price difference is worth it.

Hi Nancy,

For this route, you will be travelling (almost certainly) on the Eurostar Italia (ES) train, which is by far the nicest train in Italy. On this train, I would suggest that first class is not necessary, but on smaller routes I would recommend it just due to how congested the second class compartments can be - primarily if you are travelling during the busy summer months.

On the Eurostar Italia trains, the difference between first and second class is that there are four seats to each row in second class (two on each side of the aisle) whereas there are only three in first class (two on one side of the aisle, one on the other). That allows for more width in the seats, and there is more legroom too. On top of that, you get a free non-alcoholic beverage in first class.

If you want the extra space, then go for first class. If space is not a problem (and it really is not bad on the ES trains), then the price difference is not worth the glass of soft drink.

By the way, just to confirm what Nancy had mentioned about Rick Steves' recommendation:

"During the summer, it's worthwhile to spring for first class for its smaller crowds and better air conditioning and to reserve key trains upon arrival." - source: http://www.ricksteves.com/rail/italy.htm

So, as I said, the summer is the time you might want to consider first class... but I maintain that on the ES routes second class is just fine as the a/c works and the lines are not nearly as crowded as the smaller trains.

Nancy,

I noticed on the train schedules that reservations for the Florence to Rome route is "compulsory"--required. This is indicated on the train schedule by an R with a circle around it. You have to obtain and pay for these reservations even if you are travelling with a train pass. You can make reservations for this day time train at the Florence train station a few days ahead of time. If it's a night train, and a sleeper car, you need to reserve weeks in advance. You might already be aware of this--just thought I'd mention it.

Hi Nancy. I agree with other posters. The ES train is very nice. I took the morning train and the evening train the same day between Naples & Rome a couple of years ago and was very pleased. They were both comfortable and quiet, although it was off-season.

I must admit that I suprised that this is suggested. Certainly to each their own and choose what is best for you.

I can see the point about overcrowded local trains, but typically the journeys are so short on the local trains is it worth the extra money? Furthermore the benefit of being a tourist is that we are not compacted into those rush hour trains and have a lot more choice.

It would be the longer trains where I would be concerned with an uncomfortable 3 or 4 hours. However those are mainly the Eurostars etc with reserved seats anyways.

Am I wrong in my logic?

Some of our best travel interaction with the local folks happens on 2nd class.

We always get the 2nd class tickets on the ES to Florence. The seats were quite comfortable. Our seats were two across. In first class you get a free beverage and newspaper which you can buy for yourself with the 26 dollars you'll save on each ticket.There was a beverage/snack cart that came through with things to buy and there is a cafe car with drinks and snacka (though standing at the table drinking a cappicino on a moving train was an "interesting" experience LOL.

Just to clarify, my RS book from 1997 and my 2008 Italy book on page 839 states "While second-class cars go as fast as their first-class neighbors, Italy is one country where I would consider the splurge of first class."

Nancy - I certainly believe that is what the book says no question :). At least for myself I was just suprised that was basically the blanket suggestion that was made.

Again this is just me - the one place I would suggest splurging on 1st class would be on the Swiss Trains as you may spend long days on them as an "activity".

Good luck with your trip.