Hi,
We'll be going from Venice to Naples by train and also from Naples to Rome by train.
Is there much of a difference between 1st class and 2nd class as far as the size of the seats go?
Thanks

The 1st class seating area does provide a bit more room, but I find the most meaningful differences are the number of people traveling (less in 1st class) and the noise level (1st class is typically quieter).
Have a great trip!

Thank you!

If you are taking a fast train with reservations required (like the ES trains that typically run the Venice-Florence-Rome corridor) then the advantage of 1st class is minimal, since they are perfectly comfortable and extra travelers aren't allowed to crowd onboard. If you travel on regional or EC trains then 1st class can be a real advantage (i.e., the difference between crowded & sweaty vs. comfort & space). Tellingly, 1st class on regional trains costs less than 2nd class on the faster trains.

here's some general information on the difference between first and second class:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B72OD...eature=related

http://www.interrailnet.com/support/...-and-2nd-class

Not all trains are made alike. I've been on some not-so-great trains in Italy

On the Frecciarossa, Frecciargento and Frecciabianca trains, second class seats are 55.5 cms. in width (4-across). First class is 64 cms. in width (3-across).

On the unreserved regionale trains (those few which have two classes of service), the first class seats will also be wider than the second class seats.

On the traditional Intercity trains, there is no difference in the width of the first and second class seats, but first class compartments have more leg room. There is one daily direct Intercity train between Venice and Naples (which is slower and less expensive than taking the Frecciargento train, with or without a connection at Roma Termini).

Naples/Rome is such a short trip on the Frecciarossa train (70 minutes), that it seems quite unnecessary to travel in first class.

wow, thank you all for your prompt replies.
I appreciate the help!

This ia a very good link for general info on train travel in Italy. Also includes links to Trentitalia site for viewing schedules.

http://www.seat61.com/Italy-trains.htm

Is it easy to find a place for luggage that is close enough to keep an eye on it from the seats?

I used the overhead rack for my luggage on all Italian trains except the commuter line from the Rome airport to Rome where it occupied a seat.

On regional trains, you should go first class if it is offered. Second class is often very crowded, and people are standing in the aisles and between the cars. Sometimes they come into first class, but the ticket takers send them out.

Some local trains are one class only, and they may or may not be crowded. Kids take them to school, people go to the market, etc. Very interesting.

QUOTE: "On regional trains, you should go first class if it is offered."

This is often good advice. On some lines (such as Milan-Verona-Venice), the SECOND class railcars on the regionale trains can get VERY crowded, particularly during commute hours. Sometimes, you have to stand for much of the trip.

Of course, not many REGIONALE trains offer FIRST class any longer. They're found on certain tourist routes such as Milan/Verona/Venice; Florence/Rome; Pisa/Rome; Florence/Perugia/Assisi/Foligno; Rome/Foligno/Assisi/Perugia, etc. (NOT NOT Rome/Naples)

There is ANOTHER reason to prefer first to second class on the REGIONALE trains: only first class seats pivot forward to affort a modest seatback recline. Second class seats are fixed in place and neither pivot nor recline. That can make for a noticeably less comfortable ride, on a long trip > 2 hours. The upholstery of first class seats is also better, and first class seats are 3-across instead of 4-across.

Don't confuse the REGIONALE trains with the FAST trains (Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, Frecciabiance, Intercity), where seats in both classes of service either recline or pivot forward.