What is the difference between 1st and 2nd class on trains in Europe?
One significant difference between First and Second Class is the at-seat meal service. Not all First Class reservations offer a meal service though – you can expect it on premier operators such as Eurostar, AVE, and TGV Lyria.
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1st class seats are often marginally roomier, and tend to offer more luxurious upholstery. However, most 2nd class seats are perfectly comfortable and well-maintained.
Sometimes First Class can turn out to be even cheaper than standard. However, the extra benefits vary from just an antimacassar, to extra seating area, reclining seats, more convenient luggage space, and inclusive food and drink.
Exclusive to First-Class PassengersOnce onboard, you'll enjoy complimentary at-seat meal and beverage service provided by our onboard staff of First Class attendants. Selections include freshly prepared chef inspired entrees as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
First Class passengers enjoy priority boarding, premium amenities, complimentary onboard food and beverage services and privileged access to station lounges in Boston - South Station, New York - Moynihan Train Hall, Philadelphia - William H Gray III 30th Street Station and Washington, DC - Union Station.
Trenitalia First Class foodOn top of this, you can also get one of the gourmet menu options offered on board, which usually include a main course, a snack, a dessert and a bottle of water.
How much does a Eurail Pass cost? In 2023, the cost of a Eurail Global Pass purchased directly through Eurail starts at $276 for second-class fares and $351 for first-class seats for the four-days-in-one-month pass for adults. A 15-day unlimited pass for adults currently ranges from $498 to $631.
Rail Europe is an official reseller of the tickets and passes that Eurail creates. Interrail is the same pass but for Europeans only; Eurail/Rail Europe is for non-Europeans. While Eurail also sells the same pass as Rail Europe, Rail Europe often sells these passes at a discounted price.
While it's not possible to pay the price difference to upgrade your 2nd class Pass to 1st class, you may be able to exchange your 2nd class Pass for a 1st class one.
Trains either have overhead storage racks throughout the car, storage room behind the back of your seat or luggage areas at the end of the car. According to the GTC-CIV (General Terms and Conditions for the International Carriage of Passengers by Rail), passengers can take a maximum of three items of luggage.
Because some trains are more expensive than others, or historically have received less income from Eurail/Interrail to cover the large amount of passholders making use of those trains (Spain and France mainly). Reservations are usually a fraction of the cost of regular 1st class tickets, with some exceptions.
You can hop on and off most trains as you please with your Eurail Pass, but some trains ask you to buy an additional seat reservation before you can jump aboard.
To find routes without seat reservations, you can use our Rail Planner app on any mobile device. Make sure to tick the 'No reservation needed' box when searching for trains.
You will still get thrown out of first class, and may even be fined, but at least you can bask in the moral superiority that comes with getting a photo taken of you holding your ticket and looking a bit disappointed.
At-Seat MealsOnce onboard, you'll enjoy complimentary at-seat meal and beverage service provided by our onboard staff of First Class attendants. Selections include freshly prepared chef inspired entrees as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Menus rotate approximately every three weeks.