Hi! What is the difference between first class(E39.25) and second class(E26.60) on eurostar train trip from Florence - Venice? Will be taking the 6.39 p.m train which reaches Venice at 9.28 p.m. Would the train be crowded at that time in mid - April? Does the second class ticket come with reservations? Thanks.

tiara:

The following is pasted from an earlier post last year re: difference between 1st & 2nd class on ES Italia:

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Author: GAC
Date: 05/16/2003, 12:51 pm
Message: Many people have inquired as to the differences between first and second class on Eurostar Italia trains, and whether the additional cost of first class is justifiable. Here are the principal differences:

First class rail cars carry fewer seats, which are three across, are wider and plusher than those in second class, and recline more.

Second class rail cars have higher seat density, are configured four across, with tight leg room for people over 6 feet in height. The seats do recline.

During hot weather, because of lower seat density in first class, the air conditioning gives the impression of working better than in second class.

There are more second class rail cars, and second class is typically more crowded. First class caters to Italian business travelers and upper-income tourists.

The luggage racks at the ends of second class rail cars are apt to fill up more quickly than those in first class. Additional luggage can always be wedged between seat rows. The overhead luggage racks do not accommodate large pieces of luggage.

There is complimentary coffee, juice, cookies/saltines, and Italian newspapers in first class.

Second class almost always represents better value, and is adequate for most travellers except those expecting higher standards of comfort.

Point-to-point tickets on Eurostar Italia trains include the cost of the seat reservation. The ticket is valid only on the date and train selected.

It is not mandatory to punch the ticket in the yellow machines for Eurostar Italia trains, as is the case on all other Italian trains. You may, however, punch the ticket if you wish.
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Thanks yk!

yk, thanks for the very helpful train info on 1st and 2nd class Eurostar! That was very thoughtful of you.

We took a Eurostar train from Venice to Florence, 2nd class. It was perfectly comfortable with plenty of room for our luggage.

Tiara: you should be fine in second class. Just buy your ticket (which automatically comes with reservations) a couple of days in advance. I've done Venice to Florence on Eurostar 2nd class, and the trip was 100% fine.

" Will be taking the 6.39 p.m train which reaches Venice at 9.28 p.m. "

Just curious. I see no such train when I check the Trenitalia and Deuetche Bahn sites. Where did you find it?

I found it on the trenitalia site, Crozier. Train no. 9474

Oops. Interesting mental hiccup. I'm taking a morning train on that route and automatically looked AM rather than PM.