I'll be taking an ES* train from Rome to Florence and was wondering if it's worth the extra $15 or so to upgrade from 2nd to 1st class. I'll have a suitcase and med size carryon. What's the difference between the two classes?

Also, where in Termini Rome does one pick tkts up if you book online w/ Trenitalia??
Thanks.

-Alan

We took the Eurostar from Rome to Naples and passed through a first class car on the way to our second class car. The first class car seemed to be used mostly by business people and was much less crowded. Fewer seats with more room. Our second class car was fine though, and I wouldn't have paid extra, especially for a relatively short trip such as from Rome to Florence.

The important thing seemed to be to have seats reserved, since people without specific seat reservations were wandering around looking for vacant seats.

In first class the seats are bigger and comfier. For a short trip - it makes little difference - for a longer trip First Class is invaluable - esp if you want to nap.

Hi ayoldguy, I agree with the other posters here. 2nd class with a seat reservation should please you just fine for your trip from Rome to Florence. This is what we do when training back and forth between Venice and Florence.

I noticed that no one answered your question about where to pick up tickets if you book online. Someone?
Anyone? Have an enjoyable time in Italy.

I've heard conflicting reports on this: is there more knee room in first class than in second?

I've taken the 2nd-class ES several times, and (assuming that the air conditioner worked) felt that it was generally comfortable, except with regards to knee room. I'm 6'-3", so my knees were pressed into the table during the whole journey. I had to unfold the table and rest my knees in the table well, which had its own problem of causing my knees to rest on the metal tracks that anchor the table.

If there is a way that I will be able to avoid further knee trauma -- I will be taking a train from Foligno to Salerno in late June, presumably the ES -- by upgrading to first class, I'd like to do it. But I've heard conflicting reports of whether or not there is more knee room in first class. I know that there's one less seat per row in first class compared to second, so there's more butt room, but that isn't going help me...

All ES tickets include seat reservation and aren't sold without. If people were wandering around they must have been looking for their reserved seats.
There isn't much difference between 1st and 2nd and it is only a 90 minute ride.

I haven't booked online but I think Trenitalia gives you a reservation number and you just bring the print out with you - no actual ticket - more like an eticket. Do a search for Gac as he is always updating Trenitalia info.

I have just returned from Italy and while there I used the train many times before picking up my car. The major routes I booked in advance on Trenitalia ES* 1st class (all at the special rates advertised). One that wasn't booked was Rome-Florence I just wasn't sure if the plane would be on time or how difficult it would be to find the station. I ended up purchasing a 2nd class ticket and it was just fine even after a long flight from the US.
Using the ticketless option on Trenitalia I took my printout with the reservation # onto each of the trains I booked in advance and the conductor(every one that I encountered was extremely nice)printed out the ticket in front of me. The car(carrozza) and seat numbers are also on the printout.
I travelled the ES*, IC and Regional trains on this trip. The ES* 1st cl seats aren't always the same. Most were a group of 4 on one side and 2 on the other side of the isle. You can put your luggage on the floor behind your seat if you are lucky and no one else has used that space otherwise there are the racks. On my 6hr leg from Venice down the Adriatic I was in cabin of 6 with a glass door(1st cl) that was kept closed. This cabin was full the whole time so it was a little tight with people and luggage.
This trip was my first experience with train travel and I loved it. I had a 22" and a tote.

Hit the key too quickly. I really didn't see that much difference between 1st and 2nd but if you can get the promo rates Trenitalia offers I'd go for 1st.

Hi ay,

When you buy ES* tickets online the confirmation is your ticket.

Print it out and show it to the conductor.

If you don't have a printer, bring the confirmation number onto the train along with your passport and the credit card you used to buy the ticket.

Traveled first class ES train last December and while it was less crowded than the 2nd class cars, I sat across from family members with our knees touching. It may be a little roomier but is nothing luxurious.