classes on train

When I first traveled in Europe, my company was paying the bill and always put me in 1st class. Next I went on my own dime and, to save money, went in 2nd class. Quite frankly, I couldn't tell the difference. Next trip, on the company, I went in 2nd class. Yeah, the company was paying for it, but I just can't stand to waste anyone's money.

We have generally found 2nd class to be fine. It is NOT like riding coach on an airplane. 2nd class seating is four across - 2 by 2, while first class is 1 and 2 so you do have a little more with but leg room is not that much greater. First class will sometimes serve tea or coffee, Some argue that for long trips first class is better but of little value on shorter runs. First class will always be less crowded. We were in 1st out of Amsterdam and we were the only ones in the car. You should probably book both at sometime so that you can see and feel the difference.

Sometimes you can get first class for about the same price as second class if you get a "meno 30" fare. For 3 hours or longer first class is nice. You do get more room to store luggage due to less crowding, too.

Charlotte, Especially as your trips will be no longer than three hours, second class would be quite adequate (unless you don't mind paying for the higher cost tickets). The facilities may not be that different between first and second class, depending on which train you choose. The EuroStar Italia / Alta Velocita trains tend to be a bit more "upscale", so the seating is better quality. Happy travels!

I don't know Italian trains, but here's the differnce in classes on Deutsche Bahn: If you're in a compartment, there's a small table between the seats (in a second class compartment, there would be an extra seat there), and if there's an on-board bistro, you can get waiter service. Those are the only differences I know of.

In first class, there may not be that many people, so it can serve as a moment of piece and quiet. The last time I did first class was 2009 in Germany and Eastern Europe. It was end of November and there were like 5 people total in our car. We did second class in Italy and its a little more hectic, people are louder. The Italian next to me screamed into her cell phone for hours it seems from our trip from Rome to Venice. First class in the summer may be just as hectic but I have never been to Europe in the summer to find out.

You don't specify if you are traveling outside Italy? The specialty trains such as Thalys and Eurostar all serve complete meal service (with wine then coffee after) at your chair in the first class cars. It's always first class all the way for me!

2nd class is fine. some trains are a little crowded so you may sit with folks next to each other without much leg room but 3hrs is not too long. 1st class has a lot more rooms, and they also serve drinks, so you may want to just ride once to experience it.

We like first class in Italy for a more peaceful ride as it's less crowded.....including no class outings. Go for second class otherwise.

We like first class in Italy for a more peaceful ride as it's less crowded.....including no class outings. Go for second class otherwise.