Originally Posted by
elitetraveler
1st class on the Rome - Florence - Milan Intercity trains is 1x2 vs 2x2 in 2nd - not sure about the room between rows - but it cant be too much worse than 1st as 1st is pretty bad.
Don't just European trains by Trentitalia - Trentitalia trains are dirty, there dont seem to be English announcements and they are usually too hot or too cold. I travel from time to time by train in Switzerland and France where the trains are quite good - Trentitalia is like the NY subway in comparison
I have found ES and IC trains to be comfortable, have adequate room, and be very clean.
You can buy tickets from the window or the machine. the machine allows all the choices. for ES first class, you must reserve a seat also. IC first class is frequently pretty empty. for IC, you must time stamp your ticket. We got a 10 euro fine for no time stamp. IC first class is just fine. if you have time, pick up a lunch and a bottle of wine to consume on the train.
We have only been in the Rome train station twice, but the place had very many pick pockets who would grab anything.