German Rail....1st class or 2nd class???

The seats are a little bit wider in 1st class, but you get the same amount of leg room as in 2nd class. Both are comfortable. If the journey is more than 3 hours I will usually splurge for 1st class. 2nd class is fine for shorter trips.

First class has 3 seats across, Second has 4. I traveled with my son at 1 and would go with the 1st class so that you have space to set him between you or on the floor next to your feet.

1st class is pretty much only used by domestic business travelers who don't really like crying babies as they use the train to get some work done. Of course if you buy a 1st class ticket you've got the right to being there and if your baby starts crying it's just like they start talking loudly. What I'm trying to say is that you may feel a little uncomfortable with a crying baby on 1st class. Also on ICE trains nowadays all the seats in both classes are exactly the same size and width. In 1st they come with a leather surface and 3 in a row, in 2nd they're cloth and 4 in a row (2x2).

Cynthia,

First class seats are somewhat like airline seating, and definitely more comfortable. Some trains seem to have small TV screens, again like airlines, as well as power points for Laptops. As others have said, these seem to be mostly configured for business people that want to get some work done.

Second class seats are a bit smaller and of course the "decor" isn't as nice. The crowd in second class is often a bit more laid-back.

As far as which one to choose, I often think of Ricks statement that all trains have both first class and second class cars, both travelling at exactly the same speed and reaching the destination at exactly the same time (or something to that effect).

I suppose it basically comes down to your budget and how much you want to spend? Also, if you're travelling with a Rail Pass, adults over 26 only have the option of first class.

Cheers!

Keep in mind that some trains seat reservations are highly recommended. Specially on ICE. First class is less crowded and extremely clean, a nice option, however for meeting locals...usually second class. You have both options with your pass.

if you're travelling with a Rail Pass, adults over 26 only have the option of first class.

Not necessarily true! Adult Eurail multi-country passes are limited to 1st class, but if your travel is all in Germany, you can buy a German Rail pass. The twin pass (2 people at 50% off for the second) comes in 1st or 2nd class. A German Rail 1st class pass is about 1/3 more the equivalent in 2nd class. For point to point tickets, 1st class is 50% more than 2nd.

My first few train trips in Germany were booked by my company, in 1st. After I tried 2nd class, I couldn't see any significant difference, so I have been riding 2nd class ever since, even when it is at the company's expense.

I prefer 1st class. Less crowded and often have compartments in Europe. Often times we had a compatment (that usually seats 6) all to ourselves.

i found that first class was usually empty and had a compartment to my self.. second class was crowded no way.

With a baby, I would go for second class, First class is often filled with businessmen, and they like it quiet! You wil feel better with a baby in second class.