Trenitalia First Class vs Second Class
If you’re looking to travel around Italy with Trenitalia but you're not sure which ticket to pick, you’re in luck! Our rundown of Trenitalia Second Class and First Class will help you to decide which ticket to buy when you explore Italy by train.
What's in this guide?
- What’s the difference between First Class and Second Class on Trenitalia trains?
- Classes on Frecciarossa trains
- Classes on Frecciargento and Frecciabianca trains
- Food and drink in Trenitalia First Class vs Second Class
- Seating on board Trenitalia First Class vs Second Class
- Top Trenitalia train routes
- How do I buy a First Class train ticket?
- Top tips for buying Trenitalia First Class tickets
- FAQs
What’s the difference between First Class and Second Class on Trenitalia?
To simplify the different classes Trenitalia offers, we’ve broken down the amenities that each one provides.
Frecciarossa First Class vs Second Class
Frecciargento and Frecciabianca First Class vs Second Class
Classes on Frecciarossa trains
You’ll see a number of different options when you search for Frecciarossa train tickets. Generally, Standard and Premium Class are Frecciarossa’s version of Second Class, whilst Business and Executive Class are the First Class options.
- Standard Class: Frecciarossa’s basic option, this class includes an air-conditioned car with free WiFi, comfy seats and access to the onboard FrecciaBistrò.
- Premium Class: A step up from Standard Class, this class has air-conditioning, leather seats, free WiFi, a free welcome drink and snack, plus the option to buy a meal that is served at your seat.
- Business Class: This class has spacious leather seats, a welcome service and snack box plus Second Class amenities such as air-conditioning and free WiFi. There’s also a quiet car if you prefer to travel in tranquility, as well as glass dividers between seats and a private 4-seat compartment (Salottino) if you want more privacy.
- Executive Class: With extra-wide reclining leather armchairs, a meeting room with power outlets and a TV screen, and access to FrecciaLounge and FrecciaClub at Italy’s main train stations, Executive Class is perfect for business and leisure travelers alike.
Classes on Frecciargento and Frecciabianca trains
First vs Second Class on Frecciargento trains
Frecciargento trains have two travel classes: First Class and Second Class. Both classes include free WiFi, power outlets, toilets, access to the FRECCE entertainment portal, air conditioning and reserved wheelchair spaces. We’ve summarized the differences below:
- Frecciargento Second Class has large faux leather armchairs with plenty of baggage storage space.
- Frecciargento First Class has real leather armchairs, reading lights and more legroom. In addition, you’ll enjoy a welcome service which includes a free newspaper and a welcome drink.
Find out more about Frecciargento trains on our dedicated Frecciargento page.
First vs Second Class on Frecciabianca trains
Frecciabianca trains have two travel classes: First Class and Second Class. Both classes include air conditioning, power outlets, toilets, and reserved wheelchair spaces. We’ve summarized the differences below:
- Frecciabianca Second Class has large faux leather armchairs, plus plenty of baggage storage space.
- Frecciabianca First Class has space for larger baggage items, plus spacious leather armchairs. In addition, you’ll enjoy a welcome service which includes a free newspaper and a welcome drink.
Find out more about Frecciabianca trains on our dedicated Frecciabianca page.
Food and drink in Trenitalia First Class vs Second Class
Food and drink in Frecciarossa First Class
In First Class (Business or Executive tickets) you’ll be welcomed with complimentary snacks and drinks, which will be brought directly to your seat shortly after departure. You can choose between different types of snacks – sweet, savory or gluten free.
If you're traveling with children, they'll get the Snack Bimbi, which includes a savory or sweet snack and a coloring book. As for drinks, you can choose from a range of hot and cold drinks, including water, coffee, hot and cold tea and juice.
On top of this, you'll be able to choose between 3 different menu options, consisting of a main course, a snack, a dessert and a bottle of water. Make sure to try out the Carlo Cracco menu, as it was created by renowned TV chef Carlo Cracco.
Food and drink in Frecciarossa Second Class
In Second Class (Standard and Premium tickets), you’ll be able to buy food and drink on board from the onboard bar car, FrecciaBistrò. Coffee, tea, croissants, sandwiches, salads, fruit salads, desserts and other snacks are available. You can also order a selection of meals to your seat.
You won’t receive a welcome drink or any welcome service while traveling in Standard Class, though this is available to Premium Class ticket holders.
Food and drink in Frecciabianca and Frecciargento trains
On Frecciabianca and Frecciargento trains, First Class ticket holders will receive a welcome service which includes a welcome drink. It’s also possible for all ticket holders to buy snacks and drinks from the onboard dining car.
Seating on board Trenitalia First Class vs Second Class
First Class seating on Frecciarossa trains
On Frecciarossa trains, the seats are more spaced out in First Class (Business and Executive) than in Second Class (Standard and Premium), although they follow the same arrangement on either sitting at a table of four or two seats next to each other.
The extra options in Business Class are to sit at a single seat with its own table , perfect for solo travelers who want their own space, or to sit at single seats facing each other, great for two people traveling together.
In Executive Class, there are only two seats per row (separated far apart), reclining backrests and adjustable footrests, so you'll feel like you're traveling in your own little world of comfort!
If you wish to work undisturbed while you travel, why not pick the quiet car (Area del Silenzio) in Frecciarossa Business Class – you'll get to enjoy complimentary earphones, a double welcome drink service, an onboard library and a sleeping mask.
Second Class seating on Frecciarossa trains
Both Standard Class and Premium Class have the same seating layout (2x2), plus wide reclining armchairs, folding tables and power outlets. In Premium Class, you’ll enjoy super comfy leather seats, while in Standard Class, the seats will be upholstered in cloth rather than leather.
Seating on Frecciabianca and Frecciargento trains
On Frecciargento and Frecciabianca trains, Second Class ticket holders can enjoy large faux leather armchairs arranged in rows of four.
First Class ticket holders will benefit from larger leather armchairs and more legroom than in Second Class.
Top Trenitalia train routes
If you’re planning to explore Italy by train but you’re not sure where to start, don’t panic! Here are some of the most popular Italian train routes.
How do I buy a First Class train ticket?
Buying a Frecciarossa First Class train ticket
To buy a Frecciarossa First Class ticket on our website, choose your departure station, arrival station and travel date in our Journey Planner above. Then, follow the steps below.
To buy a Business Class ticket:
- Select your Frecciarossa train and choose ‘1st Class’. Then pick 'Business’ under Comfort Options – you'll see all the onboard services that are included in the price, as well as the ticket conditions.
To buy an Executive Class ticket:
- Select your Frecciarossa train and choose ‘1st Class’. Then pick 'Executive’ under Comfort Options – you'll see all the onboard services that are included in the price, as well as the ticket conditions.
Buying a Frecciargento or Frecciabianca First Class train ticket
To buy a Frecciargento or Frecciabianca First Class ticket with Trainline, choose your departure station, arrival station and travel date in our Journey Planner above.
Select the train you wish to travel on, then pick the ‘1st Class’ column next to the train logos. You’ll be able to see the conditions of the ticket and the comfort options. When you’ve found the right ticket for you, click ‘Continue’ to move forward in the booking flow.
Top tips for buying Trenitalia First Class tickets
There are different ways you can get Trenitalia First Class tickets without having to pay over the odds. Our top tips for saving money on First Class train tickets are:
Buy in advance
Trenitalia tickets (and train tickets in Europe in general) are usually at their cheapest price when they first go on sale, normally around three to six months before the date of travel.
Travel Off-Peak
Train tickets tend to be more expensive during rush hour (mornings and early evenings Monday to Friday). If you can, be sure to look for tickets outside of these times to see if you can snap up a lower price.
Look out for train deals
There’s a wide range of train deals and discounts in Europe that can help you save money on your journey. Deals can vary based on the country and train company, but if you’re travelling with children, in a group, or fall into a certain age category, you can benefit from discounted ticket prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? We've got the answers!