First versus Second Class Train Travel
 

Hi everyone,

My brother and I (and our spouses) are taking my parents to Italy for their 50th anniversary. We'll be doing asome train travel (Rome to Venice and Rome to Naples); what is the difference between First and Second Class on the train?

Thanks,
Mike,

Slightly more room and more padding.
If they are getting up there and money isn't an issue I would go for it -- otherwise nothing wrong with second -- I take it all the time.

2nd class cars are typically much more crowded than 1st.

In hot weather I've noticed many second class cars where the air conditioning didn't work at all; it was miserably hot. Generally, the air will work better in first.

I always take second class. Frequently if I'm not paying atteniton I get on a first class car and don't even realize it till someone points it out to me. That's how much difference there is. Once I move over to a second class car I'm always glad I didn't spring for first class. The AC was indistinguisable between first and second class in all the trains I've been on.

Hi Michael, I too use 2nd class while travelling on trains in Italy. But if money is not a problem and since probably your parents are in their 70's you might want to take 1st class. Depending on your parents and their usual mode of travel.

What a wonderful 50th wedding anniversary gift you are all giving your parents. Sounds like you have a beautiful and close family. Best wishes to all of you. Enjoy every precious moment.