I am traveling on a regional train from Varenna to Milan and continuing on to Rome. I have purchased my tickets online. How do I tell 1st class from 2nd class on a Regional train. I realize there are no seat reservations, but I have purchased 1st class for the entire trip and want to know where we go on the train - the front?
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33850 posts
I've never seen a blue stripe, but maybe there is one somewhere. London Midland in the UK replaced the yellow stripe with green (the company colour) dots above the first class area. The principle is the same - a distinct area easy to see from outside. And, as you say, in most of Europe the big "1" on the door.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
Unfortunately I think that first class is a wasted on a regional train. IF the trains has first class and second class cars it will be clear marked with a "1" or "2" at the entrance to the car. Generally towards the front of the train but not always. Look around. If there is bunch of people trying to get on a car, it is mostly likely second class so look for cars with fewer people boarding. Once inside the car there should be signs indicating "1" but they may not be that obvious. If it is a small or short regional train, the first class section maybe a slightly walled off section at one end of the car. Again look around for a "1" sign. Not always obvious. And just for others, there is no reason or advantage to purchasing regional tickets on line. They never sell out and there is no discounts available. HOWEVER, since these are open (can be used anything within 60 days) IT IS ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL THAT THESE TICKETS BE VALIDATED IN THE LITTLE YELLOW BOXES.
Posted by
OP
ft lauderdale, fl, us
14 posts
Thank you for the info!!. The trip is 3 legs , 1 regional and 2 with fast trains with seat reservations.
So I booked everything in 1st class.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
With seat reservations there will be car number on your ticket so look for that car no on the little sign by the entrance. Sometimes you will enter a the end of one car and go left or right into the next car. You cannot always enter each car directly. First couple of times you will find it hard to find the signs but once you get use to it, it will be easy.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33850 posts
The answers you have been given are good. Throughout Europe first class areas can often (but not always in Italy) be spotted on the outside of the train by a yellow stripe above the door or along the first class area.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
Forgot about the colored strip. Also, isn't it sometimes blue?