Travel Advice/Travel Tips -  Train travel -What class is that car?

Train seating in Europe consist of first and second-class cars for travelers with tickets for first and second-class seating. First-class seating is more expensive but you should look into it if you prefer more room and less crowded cars.

The first-class cars usually feature reclining seats, fewer seats per car and more room for luggage. The smoking section (if there is one) on first-class cars  will be separated from the rest of the car either by a glass partition or the smokers will be relegated to private compartments that seat approximately six.  First-class cars are usually denoted by a “1” painted on the side of the car.

The second-class car has more seats, less legroom and non-reclining seats. Second-class cars are indicated by a “2” painted on the side of the car. Second-class cars are usually designated as smoking or non-smoking by icons painted on the outside of the car.

The location of the first and second-class cars in European trains seems to vary, almost randomly.

• Scan the train as it enters the station and identify cars that provide your class of service
  • Try to estimate where these cars will stop and begin walking for that point as soon as possible.
• Second-class cars are numerous.
• If you have a first-class ticket, you may have to search to find the  first class cars on some trains.
  • Often, but not always, there are some first-class cars  near the engine.
• You should be prepared for the fact that trains will not stop long in smaller stations.

Example

On a recent trip to Italy, I was taking an InterCity train from Novara to Milan and decided to spring for the first-class ticket (less than six dollars) since my luggage was a little bulky (business trip clothes) and first class has more space. I was standing on the platform in the shade when the train pulled in and in and there seemed to be no end to it in sight.

I had realized that it was likely that the first class cars were at the front of the train but I did not expect the train to have so many cars. Although I was in the middle of the platform,  I wound up a great distance from the first-class cars and was the last person to board the train. The conductor was pointing for me to get on and I just did get into the first-class car as the train left the station.

Yes, I realize that I could have boarded second class and walked to first-class but many trains in Europe have split level cars which require you to take stairs up or down at each end of the compartment. I preferred to wheel my luggage on the platform to avoid  unnecessary lifting. So, be prepared: early identification of a target car will speed your entry.

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