What is the difference between 1st and 2nd class?

PKP

The difference between classes depends on the type of train.

On Intercity, 1st class is usually compartment cars with adjustable seats and individual lighting. In 2nd class, there are compartmentless and compartmentalised carriages, with air conditioning and telephone signal amplification devices.

On Pendolino, First Class is the highest standard with generous seat spacing, adjustable seats and passengers receive a hot and cold drink and snack. Second class passengers receive water, have areas with tables and can purchase seats in the Quiet Zone.

In TLK, 1st class is compartment carriages with 6 comfortable seats, while 2nd class is compartmentless carriages with double seats or compartment carriages with 6 or 8 seats.

Deutsche Bahn

Differences focus on comfort, space and additional services, especially on ICE trains.

Class 1 offers wider and more adjustable seats, more legroom and a 2+1 rather than 2+2 layout. Included in the price is service at the seat (Am Platz service), free magazines and free seat reservation.

Class 2 is a standard 2+2 seating arrangement, with access to air conditioning and Wi-Fi (optional), and no seatside service.

Eurostar

Eurostar offers three classes, of which Business Premier is the highest. It has larger, wider seats, quieter carriages and a 2+1 layout and includes fast, complimentary meals and drinks served at the seat, express check-in and access to the Business Premier L ounges (Lounge).

Standard Premier Class offers wider, more adjustable seats, more legroom and a 2+1 layout, with a light meal included in the price.

Standard Class features standard seats in a 2+2 layout and the option to purchase food from the buffet.

TGV/SNCF

The differences on the TGV INOUI are in terms of space and service.

Class 1 are more spacious carriages with wider, ergonomic seats in a 2+1 arrangement, with more legroom and sockets. Free Wi-Fi and access to additional services are included in some fares.

Class 2 is a standard 2+2 seating arrangement, with access to sockets and Wi-Fi, and meals and drinks are purchased in the bar carriage.

Renfe

On AVE/Larga Distancia trains, Renfe offers comfort-related fares.

ThePrémium Class (equivalent to Class 1) provides Confort seats (2+1 arrangement), an included food and beverage service at the seat, access to the Club Lounges (Salas Club) and full ticket flexibility.

Estándar Class (equivalent to Class 2) provides standard comfortable seats in a 2+2 arrangement, with Wi-Fi and multimedia access, but without additional Prémium services.

Trenitalia

Differences are categorised as 'Service Levels'.

The highest Business and Executive (Class 1) levels offer wide seats, with very generous working space in Executive. Included in the price is a welcome service with drinks and snacks (Business), and in Executive a full premium hot meal served at the seat and access to the Freccia lounges.

The Premium level (Class 2) offers leather seats and an included welcome drink and snack.

The Standard level is the most economical.

České dráhy

The differences on long-distance trains are in terms of comfort and service.

Class 1 provides more comfortable and wider seats, more legroom and fewer seats in a compartment (6 instead of 8) or a more spacious compartmentless carriage (2+1 arrangement). Often a welcome drink and a small snack are included, as well as better conductor service.

Class 2 is the standard 2+2 seating arrangement.

Ukrainian Railways

The differences are mainly in the type of sleeping car.

Lux/SW (Soft/Class 1) carriages are double (or single) compartments of the highest comfort, with bedding, bottled water and hygiene kit included in the price.

The Kupe (Pre-Compartment/Class 2)carriage is a four-person compartment with lockable doors and included bed linen and towel.

The cheapest option is the Platskart Wagon, which is an open carriage with no compartments.