We are looking at a months interailing next summer departing United Kingdom and travelling around Central Europe ( France, Switzerland, Austria, Northern Italy ) and were wondering if it would be more beneficial to purchase a 1st class ticket as opposed to a second class ticket. Not sure how reservation costs differ between 1st and 2nd class and whether that added bit of luxury coming with 1st Class will outweigh the difference in cost between the two passes. Having already completed 2 2nd Class month Interail passes in the past we were thinking it might be a bit of fun to try a 1st Class one this time. Would be good to know what the benefits of travelling 1st Class on European trains are. Any thoughts would be much appreciated. Thank you.
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2nd Class v 1st Class
Best answer by ralderton
The cost difference to First Class is relatively small, and in the countries you mention, it’s very decent - not least Eurostar. I think it’s well worth it.
Reservation costs don’t vary much, if at all. An extra €5 on Eurostar, an extra 10-15 on the international TGVs (though I would recommend you take Trenitalia from France to Italy, which is much cheaper and doesn’t vary). There are only a few places (eg Norway) where a First Class pass will save you money. You also have more availability of course, assuming you’re willing to trade down to Standard where necessary.
There’s a good overview on Seat61 here, and if you look at individual journeys on that site there are plenty of photos and descriptions.
https://www.seat61.com/european-train-travel.htm#first-or-second-class
+10The cost difference to First Class is relatively small, and in the countries you mention, it’s very decent - not least Eurostar. I think it’s well worth it.
Reservation costs don’t vary much, if at all. An extra €5 on Eurostar, an extra 10-15 on the international TGVs (though I would recommend you take Trenitalia from France to Italy, which is much cheaper and doesn’t vary). There are only a few places (eg Norway) where a First Class pass will save you money. You also have more availability of course, assuming you’re willing to trade down to Standard where necessary.
There’s a good overview on Seat61 here, and if you look at individual journeys on that site there are plenty of photos and descriptions.
https://www.seat61.com/european-train-travel.htm#first-or-second-class
+8I agree, on the long distances in the UK 1st Class is absolutely worth it, and you have acces to the lounges. France has very comfortable 1st class seats on TGV, same counts for Austria (lounges included) and Switzerland.
With the current nice discount, I wouldn’t doubt and try out the 1st class.
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