traveling with 6 persons this summer. Any benefit to traveling 1st class (5 hours 11:30am-4:30pm)? Only 40 Euros difference, if I get special fare. I assume no meals are free for 1st class on this train---EC 85?
Relative to 2nd class, 1st class has wider seats and nicer upholstery - no "free" meals. It's not worth it to me.
EC85 does have a "Bordrestaurant", but I believe people in either class can use it.
There really is only a tiny difference between 1st and 2nd class. When I'm buying, I always buy 2nd class. 1st class with reservations seems to be the norm for business travel.
The only real difference worth noting is 1st class is quieter. There are lots of styles of cars but 1st class will have fewer people, most of whom seem to be traveling on business and really aren't eager to engage in conversation.