German Trains 1st class vs. 2nd class - difference?

Question

We're planning a vacation in Germany at the end of September and will visit a few cities. We plan to purchase a rail pass to get from one place to another.

Is there a difference between 1st and 2nd class tickets for trains in Germany? If so, what are the major differences? If not, is there a reason why 1st class tickets are more expensive than 2nd class?

Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

Just like on planes, train's first class have a lot more room, more comfortable seats, better service, etc... But unless you are traveling a very long distance, (more than 6 Hours) I wouldn't waste my money. Second class seats are comfortable enough...

Answer 2

The reason is that you are pretty much separated from the rest of the passengers. When you purchase a 1st class ticket you are even guaranteed a seat. 2nd class you are guaranteed to look forever for one and possibly have to stand up. Depending on the type of train, whether it is an ICE or a regular one, could decide the different things that are provided for you. An ICE train which is an express train makes the fewest stops. If you are going 1st class then you might as well go with an ICE train anyway.

1st class is also separated from second by glass doors and sometimes have leather seating and a personal TV on the chair-back in front of you.  If you have any other questions just email me.

Answer 3

it depends on what type of train you want to take in Germany. There are many types of trains: S-Bahn,RE Bahn, ICE Train, City Strassen/U-bahns.

S/RE Bahns are for shorter distance travel because they stop more frequently. If you're taking S-Bahn or RE Bahn, don't be fooled...First class makes no difference whatsoever, and often on the S-Bahns, the trains are so full that people go into first class anyways.

ICE Trains are the fastest form of transportation in Germany (you can travel from Frankfurt am Main to Düsseldorf in 1.45 hrs). I recently took advantage of a special offer in Germany, you pay $20 more for a first class seat within Germany on ICE Trains; however, the differences between first and economy are minimal...Seats are the same, but you get a television in first class and there are less people. I would just take economy personally

Now if you're interested in the "Ubernacht" (overnight) trains in Germany, I'd recommend you pay more for private accomodations. I paid only 40 euros to go from Denmark to Köln and was in a compartment with 5 other people and it was really cramped with all of their luggage. First class gives you a room that you may/may not share with one other person, breakfast, and more room.

Answer 4

First class generally gives you more space than second class, and also better seats. Also, the people travelling in first class are usually business men and such. First class will also have snacks and drinks delivered to your seat rather than you going to the restaurant coach.

First class isn't as crammed as second class, so if you like travelling spacy, first class is for you.

In IC and regional trains, the difference in seat quality is obvious. In ICE, there's not that much difference in seat quality.

On a side note, if you want buy first class tickets, some Bahn Service stations have extra counters for buying them, so you get faster service.

Here's a page in German that gives information about the first class with images (those are from the ICE).

http://www.bahn.de/p/view/mobilitaet/zug...

Here are more pictures of ICE seats at the bottom:

http://www.bahn.de/p/view/mobilitaet/zug...

The Bahn has a very good information about its service here:

http://www.bahn.de/p/view/international/...

Answer 5

better seats. However unless you are scared of crowds or overly large. Travel second class. This is where you get to meet the people. It might be very crowded but you will have more of an adventure.