Differences between first and second class

Hi, most of the time first class has better seating with seats in a 2+1 configuration instead of 2+2 of 2nd class. In most of the trains no meals are included, but a better service at your seat. Some train companies have small snacks like a chocolate for 1st class or a small drink. 

Best is to check the website of the train company that runs the train. 

Normally reservations cost the same in 2nd and 1st class, but on international trains like Eurostar, TGV Lyria, RENFE-SNCF AVE/TGV you pay more for a 1st class reservation. With your 1st class pass you can use also 2nd class, but not the other way round. Sometimes like for trains in France you can pay a reservation + class changing fee to get 1st class with an 2nd class pass. Often it cost not much more. In countries with optional reservation in such a case you have to pay the price difference between second and first class of a normal fare ticket.

P.S. TGV Lyria have the highest 1st class reservation cost with about 70 Euro instead of 35€ of 2nd. 

My wife and I always travel first class for all the reasons mentioned above. and we do a lot of travel!  Remember that not all trains have first class especially if travelling beyond Budapest into Eastern Europe. There is no first class in Norway but they have a premium class equivalent. There is access to some first class lounges but not in Germany or France. If on a budget 2nd is fine but if you can afford it buy first.

This is mostly for long-distance

In many areas for short distance/locals there is NO 1st-or if there is, it means nothing as there are no checks. Many people are not even aware of it.

Extra freebees are mostly limited to GB (on board) and DK-NO-as above. Lounges give free access also in GB and AT, but explicitly NOT IN DE=germany. An added nuisance might be that ion some areas you must RES for 1st (more limited places and these hi-so people cannot be left standed) and not for 2nd

It varies depending on the train. You can check seat61.com for detailed photos of the routes you want to take.

The difference is fairly marginal but you might want to pay for that marginal increase in comfort. The number one thing you get is increased space (2 + 1 seats instead of 2 + 2). Extra legroom as well. If you want to use a laptop that can be handy. Though European trains don’t seem to be as miserable with the space as UK trains so I’ve found it to be generally ok in standard!

You probably get a few less people in there as well. Whether that’s a perk or not depends on how busy your train is. If it’s full it’s a relief, but if the train is moderately full you’ll likely get 2 seats to yourself anyway.

In the UK you typically get free tea/coffee/biscuits, but not generally in Europe. I don’t think the food is a perk anyway as on many trains there is a restaurant car which is more fun and you get as much space as in 1st for free. The food I’ve been served on the eurostar in standard premium has been the most disgusting stuff I’ve ever eaten. I was horrified. Couldn’t finish it.

I’d say the other benefit is, as with many luxury goods, getting to feel fancier than the proles in standard.

So in summary, standard is perfectly good for anyone. But if you don’t mind spending the money and you want those perks that make it maybe 10-20% better then go for it. I am travelling atm on the first class pass and I don’t regret it! Just don’t imagine it’s a lifechanging experience, just sometimes a little bit better!