Am taking the train from Venice to Florence. Do I need to buy tickets a day ahead, a few hours ahead, or just right before I get on? Also, is there a real big difference between first class and second class? I understand this is only a 3 hour ride.
Thanks!

There are several trains a day, and depending on the time you plan to travel, and the importance of being on that particular train, you could make a reservation. We didn't, and had no problem leaving early in the morning. There isn't enough difference between the classes to warrant spending more for first class, especially for 3 hours. If this is the first or only train ride you'll be taking, you might consider going to the station to check it out before you leave. It might save stress that day. We loved both cities; wish I were going back! Enjoy.

I just got back from a 2-week vacation through Italy. I kinda have to disagree about there not being a difference between 1st & 2nd class. There IS a difference. For one...in first-class you get better seats (they're much bigger, plusher...and even recline back...power-seats; at the push of a button. Plus, it's a lot less crowded than 2nd-class. I took a stroll during the trip and was amazed at how crowded 2nd-class was...everyone was yapping away...smaller seats..people even camped-out in the doorway/aisle. It kinda looked like that scene from "Gone With the Wind"...you know, that civil-war triage scene with everyone crowded about, strewn everywhere.
One thing to remember: You MUST check-in and reserve your seats prior to getting aboard. I suggest you do it a day or two earlier. First-class seats are on a reserved basis...if you don't reserve, you don't get a seat and you CAN get bumped down to 2nd.
The trains themselves were BEAUTIFUL! Very clean...sleek-lines...very quiet.
Have fun!

you can gEt the EUROPEAN train schedules and make
reservations by Contacting RAIL Europe at 800-438-7245 or Italian STATE Railroad agency at 800-248 7245.

both raileurope and FSS have web sites as follows:
www.itwg.com/ FSS Italy
www.raileurope.com RAIL EUROPE HOME PAGE
RICHARD OF HICKORY HILLS

I can't say what the first class train cars are like, but I can say that there is nothing wrong with 2nd class. The cars are divided into "cabins" with six seats in each. We enjoyed riding with the Italian families. They often enjoyed conversing and sharing their country with us. Their English was often not good and neither is my Italian, but I felt the expirence enriched the trip and put me in closer touch with the culture I came to enjoy. As far as reservations are concerned I've never made them in four trips to Italy. The reserved cabins are marked with name cards by the door so just look for a cabin with no cards. It is wise to arrive a little early( 20 or 30 min.) Also, we didn't have to check in, just validate your ticket and hop aboard. Save your money, ride second class and enjoy your trip!!

When are you going? I have a graduating student who wants to travel to Europe this summer in the middle of July for about 2 weeks. To do the 'TOUR" or not, that is the question!

Someone above mentioned rail europe. This gives you the security of having your ticket in advance but you will pay a considerable amount more (i.e. commission) and buying the ticket in Italy shouldn't be a problem especially if you leave yourself plenty of time (if you buy it the day before you'll reduce the stress).
For three hours I wouldn't bother reserving (just get there early to find a seat) or travelling first class. If you're happy travelling economy in planes you'll have no problems as you get more room than this in second class.

Marry, depending on where you are and where you are going it might be better to book first class. For example we booked first class a day before in Florence to Venice. Reason is that these two are "big" cities and it does get crowded and you might be left without a seat. It's just a much nicer atmosphere and you get treats such as drinks and headphones. Book at least one day in advance while there. We took second class from Florence to Sienna. It was no crowded at all and it was only an hour ride. We looked up the trains schedules on the net and were amazing that they were to the minute. I believe I type in "Italy trains" as my key words.

Marry, depending on where you are and where you are going it might be better to book first class. For example we booked first class a day before in Florence to Venice. Reason is that these two are "big" cities and it does get crowded and you might be left without a seat. It's just a much nicer atmosphere and you get treats such as drinks and headphones. Book at least one day in advance while there. We took second class from Florence to Sienna. It was no crowded at all and it was only an hour ride. We looked up the trains schedules on the net and were amazing that they were to the minute. I believe I type in "Italy trains" as my key words.