runlong

What's the difference between first and second class? I don't mind spending extra if I'm getting something extra. Is there a meal? Bigger seats? Bigger bag storage?

Thanks!

almesq

We took FC on the Eurostar. The seats are a bit more comfortable. They came around with breakfast (a pastry, some coffee, newspaper). I looked at Second Class just to see the difference, and there was some but not much. The cost difference was not that much so we decided to go for the bit of extra comfort, but if you're looking to save a few $$, there's nothing wrong with Second Class.

suzq_trvlr

Since it's such a short trip, I would go with second class. Frist class is a little roomier, but I thought the "snack and beverage" wasn't worth much. I would only do first class on a long trip, since the difference between the two is slight at best.

JoanneH

NONE!!! be aware that this train often runs late late late. So do book a seat because they then jam everyone from other trains on it.

Margaretlb

With first class you get an assigned seat. In second class you may not get a seat at all depending on how quickly you get on board and can grab one!

grsing

Margaret: not true, the Eurostar Italia trains are all reservation-only; everybody has a reserved seat.

Dejais

For this short of a trip, save your money and go second class. There is virtually no difference. We save and go first class on longer trips.

We have done the Eurostar from Rome to Florence sveral times and have always been happy with second class.

AceKing

Another difference is that there will usually be fewer people. Since the seats on a ES face each alternate the direction they face, chances are greater that you won't have someone sitting in front of you facing you. Not a big deal but affords a little extra comfort for say those on honeymoon looking to snuggle up on the ride. This of course also depends on time of travel.

ira

Hi R,

It's a 1:36 hr ride. You decide if you want to pay 13E pp extra.

Dejais

As always, Ira, your answers are straight and to the point. I couldn't have said it better myself.

Neopolitan

I'm neither for nor against taking first class over second on such a short journey, but anyone who says there is NO difference between the two, has clearly never seen both, yet alone experienced both.

It's one thing to say it isn't worth the first class for you, or that the difference isn't great, but anybody who can't tell that the seats are more comfortable, more roomy, and the cars are nicer in first class is just plain blind.

mbt127

I remember having a hard time with my luggage when I traveled in Italy 4 years ago; no porters and I had a hard time lifting my 26 inch suitcase up those steep steps ... then finding room for it in first class was difficult.

any suggestions from the peanut gallery as i will be taking two train trips within Italy on the Eurostar in May

ira

Hi mbt,

Nothing has changed since your last visit.

Get a 22" suitcase.

italy4u2006

when making train reservations via the internet on Trenitalia...how does one know how to fill out the seat selection? They ask for which coach you want and which seat numbers?

rkkwan

You only fill the coach and seat number if you want sit close to somebody who's already have a reservations. Then you type in THAT PERSON'S seat. Otherwise, leave blank, and they'll assign you one.

ira

ttt