First class train travel
 

I've never been on a European train. Can someone explain the difference between first and second class accomodations. I've seen movies, pretty old ones though, where riders sit in a berth facing each other. Is this what first class seating is like? Also, if I have a reservation on a first class car, will I be assigned specific seats. Thank you.

It seems to me that most of the major trains in Europe have done away with the compartments you describe (sob!) and now have airline type seating. So the difference is space and comfort. (I'm not even sure about the space.) 2nd class--plastic seats, crowded; 1st class--upholstered seats, less crowded. I really prefer 1st class. And, yes, you will be assigned specific seats in either 1st or 2nd.

In the UK you will not be assigned a specific seat unless you make a seat reservation as well as buying the ticket (small extra charge - worthwhile for long journeys). And, generally, 2nd class has upholstered seats! Sue is right about the extra crowding in 2nd class.

The Italian Intercity trains are comprised of individual compartments with seats facing each other. It is similar to what you've seen in old movies. Well, not quite --- in movies, the seating looks plusher. Second class reality is vinyl (naugahyde?) seats. And if you're seated opposite someone with very long legs, you'll find yourself negotiating for space. Sort of similar game on airplanes with who gets control of the armrest.

In response to your question about first and second class seating on European trains, there is no one answer. Each of the national rail systems handles first class and second class a little differently.<BR><BR>In brief, I prefer first class for the extra leg room and seat width. In Switzerland, I have found that second class is fully acceptable. Whether or not reserved seats are mandatory depends on the train. If you want a window seat, I suggest a reservation.<BR><BR>In France, on the TGV trips I have taken, I went first class. A reserved seat was manadatory. The seats were two abreast on either side of the center aisle, with most of the seats facing the same way -- forward. There was one section where there were two seats facing two seats with a table in the middle so passengers could spread out papers or other items and be facing each other. (Many busineses people ride the TGV.)<BR><BR>The second class trains I took in France were more crowded and there was less leg room. But your knees are not rammed up against the back of the seat in front of you like cattle class on an American airliner.<BR><BR>In England, the last time I rode, from Waterloo to Salisbury and back, I recall we had a 2nd class compartment that was shabby. And the seats were definitely in need of replacement. <BR><BR>From Zurich to Vienna, and Vienna to Munich we rode Austrian trains. The first class cars had separate compartments with an aisle down the side. Each compartment had a sliding door and 6 seats, with 3 facing 3. Reservations were not mandatory, but you were not assured of a window seat without one. The one first class train I rode in Germany was configured like the Austrian one.<BR><BR>In Switzerland, I have not felt first class was necessary because second class is quite comfortable. I have ridden quite a few kilometers in Switzerland and have not yet found a reason to go first class. I never had a problem with crowding, although I understand that under holiday conditions the trains can get full. Early morning commuter runs, particularly on the Zurich - Bern line can get full also. I never made a seat reservation in Switzerland, and never particularly needed one. The seating arrangements are/were similar to what you find in an airliner, with some seats clustered around a table with two facing two on either side of the aisle.<BR><BR>In Italy, my general experience has been that second class is fine if you don't mind the risk of sitting on your suitcase. I can remember riding all the way from Milan to Lausanne on an Italian train that was full to the limit. Once in Verona I had to escape via the window because the people trying to get on were exchanging terms of endearment with those trying to get off. (I learned that to show affection, Italian men roll up newspapers and beat others over the head.) <BR><BR>I have not ridden a train in one of the former Communist nations, but I understand that 2nd class can be amusing. A friend of mine swears that he once took a seat besides a large pig.<BR>(What a farm boy would call a shote or a guilt, depending on gender.) I doubt the story, but there is undoubtedly an underlying element of truth involved. I do know that some of the eastern bloc trains are slow as Christmas, e.g. Budapest to Timisoara, Romania is something like 7 hours, but first class goes at the same speed as second class!!<BR><BR>