Hi, I'm traveling with my eleven year old son and wanted to find out from those who have traveled on Eurostar if paying for a 1st class ticket is really worth it? I am traveling on a tight budget but if it's worth the upgrade then I'd pay. Any thoughts are appreciated!

If you've got your retirement funds fully invested, then go for it.

If you live from paycheck to paycheck, don't.

If only the airlines were anywhere near as good as 2d class on Eurostar.

My daughter and I had second class tickets from Rome to Florence and it was fine. I have only done this trip twice on Eurostar, both in second class and both times it was fine.

I think it depends on the length of the trip, also. It was not crowded when we traveled and that would make a difference.

..don't waste your money on first class. A second class seat is roomy and you will have a reserved seat so the only difference is a meal..just bring a snack.

If you are on a tight budget there is no point doing first class. Save your money for something more important.

Are we talking about Eurostar as in "train under La Manche" or as in "fast Italian train".

Actually it doesn't matter - 2nd class is good enough, the train gets there at the same time and the scenery is the same

Sure first class in nicer, roomier, and often less crowded than second. But if you are concerned with the extra expense, then it probably isn't worth it to you, unless you think it's worth paying more for greater comfort and more room.

Not that it matters for this question since for either, 2nd class id fine.

But just so you know for any possible add'l threads - Eurostar is the train under the Channel between London and Paris/Brussels, and is also the name of inter-city trains in Italy.

Until our most recent trip, we always bought railpasses, so always travelled 1st class. From what I saw in October, there seems to be very little difference between 1st and 2nd (maybe it's more crowded in summer, though.) However, for night trains, I prefer 1st class, though it's probably all psychological!

All the seats travel at the same speed...save your money and spend it on something your son will appreciate more.

I was in first class on the Eurostar from London to Paris several years ago. It came as part of a trip package. I was not expecting first class and was surprised actually. It was very nice, but I wouldn't pay for it if I was booking my own trip. I haven't shopped for Eurostar prices of late but I understand first class can be very expensive and for that short of a trip, I wouldn't do it.

I agree that second class is perfectly fine, but now wonder how much price differential there is -- anyone know off hand? Thanks/

"The only difference is a meal."

For you and your 11-year-old I would counsel second class. For some other travelers, maybe not. The meal is surprisingly good, the wine is generously provided, and dining makes the trip seem to go faster yet.

Thank you all for your advice. I think I will heed your wisdom and travel second. I just love my fellow Fodorites!

We went on the Eurostar last week with our two children from Paris to London return in 2nd class. It is very roomy and comfortable and the buffet car has a few nibbles. Personally, I would buy a few munchies and drinks for your son before boarding. As advised previously, save your money and go 2nd class. Enjoy your trip.

Thanks etonbeach!

ditto all of the above - 2nd class Eurostar is a very comfortable seat with a table between (if you sit opposite one another).

The Italian folks we met on the train were wonderful, always interested in what we were doing. You had to drag their travel plans out of them, and it was almost like they didn't want to offend by speaking over our feeble Italian or not being able to express themselves in English. The other Americans we encountered were a bit boorish, loud and very interested in what THEY were doing. ;-) No, really? The guy with the kooky shorts & polo shirt is from Lafayette, Calif (my wife's old digs)? It made me wince a little, but it's all part of the trip!