Hi everyone,
I just joined the travel forum! Does anyone have information or an opinion about the difference between 1st and 2nd class on Spanish trains? In some countries, there is hardly any difference in comfort. Is that true in Spain? Also, what about Portugal?
Thank you!
BES
I don't know about Portugal but I rode in tourist class in long-range and short haul Spanish trains and all were comfortable certainly better than riding Amtrak and I'd wager better than most British trains. So I wouldn't spend the money to upgrade.
I can't speak for Portugal but in most trains in Spain there's no class in the carriages nor seat reservation. The only exception being the high-speed trains (and maybe the Talgo trains). In any case, I think first class it's a waste of money as the modern high-speed trains are as comfy as they get. This is a "tourist" carriage in an AVE train... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UVzMl_JIpM
Don't bother with the 'upgrade'. Regular class is completely suitable.
The main difference is that second class is 2-2 seating, while first class is 1-2 seating, so the seats are wider in first class and there are fewer people in each car. Many people in first class are business travelers who value the extra space to work, and often are not paying for their own tickets. On the other hand, if you're buying advance discount tickets, sometimes first class is only a bit more money than second class.
The Man In Seat 61 is a great resource for all train questions.
Here's his Portugal page. If you scroll down, you'll see some pictures of various Portuguese train interiors in both classes. http://seat61.com/Portugal.htm
Here's part of the Spain page; again, scroll down and look at the pictures of the various train interiors on the various routes, so you can see for yourself if first class is worth it to you. http://seat61.com/Spain.htm#London-to-Malaga-and-Seville
And congrats on joining the forum!
Thanks to everyone for the helpful information. This is a great resource!
Harold is correct. I feel that second class is very similar to business class in the air lines. Certainly not anything like coach on the airlines. While first class seats are wider, I have not noticed a significant difference in space between seats in second or first class. There many be a difference but it is small. Sometimes there are first class lounges in the train station and often a priority for changing tickets in larger stations but for the most part there is not a lot of advantage to first class. I will do it if there is a good promotion that narrows the price to a couple of Euro but second class is fine is no deal.
