Rayne
Traveller
2 comments
Posted 16 years ago
Hi, i have a question regarding 1. and 2. class with my IR pass. I've searched around a bit and from what I can see many trains dont really have 1. class options. So from what I can see, buying a 1. class IR pass is not a viable option when you can just upgrade your 2. class IR on the trains having 1. class by paying the differential. Am i correct or will you save money just buying the 1. class pass, although i think it would be strange considering it's price. And another question, if you want to upgrade from 2. class to 1. class does people having the 2. class youth IR pass have to pay more in differential than the people having 2. class adult?
Peter
Traveller
9339 comments
Hi ...
Most European trains have a 1st class - especially the high-speed-trains have really comfortable ones. :)
So if you buy a 1st class InterRail Pass, you definitely can use it. Maybe one small regional train somewhere in the nowhere has only 2 compartments for 1st class travelers, but you will have them.
And it definitely gets expensive upgrading from 2nd to 1st class - as you do not have a global price for your upgrade - you have to pay for the distance and if you travel for example one day from Berlin to Paris, on the next one from Paris to Barcelona, you already payed much more for the upgrade than directly by a 1st class ticket.
The upgrade price for a 2nd class Adult or Youth Pass is the same.
Peter :)
Rayne
Traveller
2 comments
Ok thank you for the swift answers Peter :)
It seems I misunderstood the information in my Route Planer, I take it all the trains who doesnt mention class got a 1. class section aswell. But would you say it's worth upgrading from second to first class, (money really isnt an issue) when I can get the youth pass for second class? I see the price is twice as high if I wish to take a first class pass but seeing I will be on a train alot I wish to be as comfortable as possible, yet dont want to pay twice the price for something which is just slightly better :P
Peter
Traveller
9339 comments
the 1st class pass is really comfortable - not only the extra service you have, the bigger space - one of the reasons is that you always get a seat - even without a reservation.
1st class compartments are never booked out.
it is only the money: if you have it, then I definitely recommend 1st class. if you have to save money, 2nd class is also comfortable.
ExPatFinn
Traveller
1 comments
Hi,
Not sure if this is answered elsewhere, but my wife and I will be doing a short tour from the UK to Paris-Frankurt-Milan-Frankfurt-Paris-London, with sleepers to and from Milan. I suspect we will be getting the 5days in 10 passes, but I was wondering if the 1st class entitles you to any special reduction in price on the sleepers, or if first class sleeping is actually a higher surcharge. Trying to figure out where it is worth it to save the money. If the surcharge is the same I'd rather get 2nd class tix and pay for a compartment than shell out the extra for 1st class and only afford a couchette.
Thanks
Peter
Traveller
9339 comments
Hi ...
The difference is: with 1st class tickets you can book in night trains better cabins: for example it is normally not possible to buy a 2-bed-cabin with shower and WC with a 2nd class ticket.
But you can also book the 2nd class cabins in a night train to the same price like 2nd class InterRailers book.
In general: 1st class travel is very comfortable and you always get a seat. On the route Paris-Frankfurt the TGV or ICE is often full in 2nd class, so better to travel there 1st class.
But for a short tour like yours, maybe it isn't worth - and better to save the money.
If you book some days in advance, you will have a seat as well in 2nd class:
[ux]https://rail.shop/interrail[/ux] -> continue to the next step -> select city to city tickets -> and reservation only -> it will be something like GBP 8
For the night train Frankfurt to Milan have a look here:
[u]https://rail.cc/en/night-train/germany/de[/u]
You can book these reservations online. Just follow the description.
And to order your official InterRail ticket, use [ux]https://rail.shop/interrail[/ux] - delivery is by secure mail and 24hours express within the UK (rest of Europe 48hours) on business days. At the same time you support this forum and website. Thank you.
All the best, Peter :)