Shelly

What's the major difference between first class and second class seating on the Eurostar?

Patrick

The first class seats are more comfortable and there is more room between them.

Scott

Unless money is no object, don't bother with the first class on Eurostar. You'd have to look pretty hard to tell the two classes apart. Except for the modest differences in the seat size and spacing already referred to by Patrick, there is virtually no measurable difference.... except in price. My advice is to save the $$$. I've ridden in second class several times and it was very comfortable.<BR><BR>Enjoy!<BR><BR>Scott

John

Shelly:<BR>Done both. Go 2nd class.<BR>John

demi

The food is better in 1st class, it is served in your seat with wine etc...but on a 3 hour trip how hungry do you get! We are over 60 so 1st is cheaper than 2nd

Tina

You'll find more tourists in 1st class; more 'natives' in 2nd class. Italians generally don't see reason for paying extra. The differences between 1st & 2nd class are much less significant. HOWEVER, if you're price conscious & start comparing the Eurostar trains to Intercity trains, then it's better to opt for 2nd class on an ES rather than 1st class on an IC.<BR>

BTilke

Tina, I'd have to disagree, you see more business people (British, French and Belgian, usually) than tourists in first class. All things considered, I'd go for first class if you can get one of the less expensive advanced purchase tourist rates. I take the Eurostar frequently (and will be on it again this week-end) and whenever possible, go first class. I like the bigger seats, the calmer atmosphere, all the free magazines, the service. Second class is not bad except they do something that is very annoying: bunching up the passengers in one section of the car instead of spreading them out. When I went to London last month, I went second class, and although our car was only half full, we were all crammed together and the rest of the car was empty. Yes, you can change seats after the train leaves the station, but you don't know if someone will be boarding later and have that seat. They spread people around in first class, they should be able to do it in second.

BTilke

Tina, seeing your response, I have to wonder--does Shelly mean the London-Paris or Brussels Eurostar or the one in Italy? My reply only concerns the London-Brussels or London-Paris Eurostar. If Shelly meant the Italy one, sorry, you're probably right.

Tina

BTilke,<BR>I had my head in Italy when posting my response. I've not traveled on Eurostar between London-Paris or London-Brussels, so defer to your expertise.<BR>

tina

I was told that you should go first class because it's air-conditioned. Is that true?

BTilke

I think the whole thing is climate controlled equally, but second class may seem hotter because it's usually much more crowded (example: a few months ago I took the Eurostar to London on a Sunday morning--second class was packed, and I had my entire first class compartment to myself!).

Lisa

Was on London-to-Paris Eurostar exactly two weeks ago today. Second-class is way more comfortable than any coach airline seat you've ever been in. Plenty comfy enough for my lanky 6-foot-4 husband. Save the cash to spend at your destination!<BR><BR>Lisa

BTilke

It depends on what fare you can get. With advance planning, I can get a Brussels-London trip (and back) for $160 in first class. But my upcoming trip was a last minute business thing and I'm paying close to $350 for second class.