Regional trains make frequent stops in small towns and suburbs around larger cities. The trains are most often for commuters and students to reach jobs and schools in larger towns from their suburban homes. Many regional trains no longer have first and second class cars because the trains are often overcrowded.
When the train does have separate cars, they are sometimes not used as intended. There will often be a piece of paper with a number two for second class taped over the first class sign and passengers with a second class ticket are allowed to sit in the first class cars. When they use the different class cars as intended the first class seats are much wider and more cushioned than the second class seats.
Intercity trains are for travel between medium and large sized cities. The trains can either have individual cabins with doors that seat up to six passengers or can be an open floor plan with rows of seats and a central corridor.
Both the first and second class cabins accommodate six passengers and both open floor plans seat three passengers facing each other. The only difference between the first class and second class is larger, more cushioned seats. The newer trains have electrical outlets in both classes.
The Eurostar trains connect the country at faster speeds and shorter travel times. The second class cars have three seating configurations, accommodating four, two or single passengers. The four passenger configuration is made up of four passengers surrounding a table with individual pullout trays, the two person configuration is like that of an airplane and there are two single seats in the first and last row of every car. The second class cars have automatic window shades, electrical outlets, pull-out tray tables and coathangers.
First class cars have all of the same amenities with much more leg room and more cushioned seats. There is also a service with hosts offering drinks, newspapers and snacks.
The aptly named "highspeed trains" (alta velocita) are the newest addition to the Italian train system, at time of publication. The project to connect the country through high speed trains began in 1991 and by 2011 over 600 miles of track had been laid and travel times cut in half.
Second class travelers on the Silver Arrow, the Red Arrow and the White Arrow trains can enjoy features like electrical outlets, reclining seats and foot rests and wireless Internet. In addition to the features in second class, first class travelers have more leg room, more comfortable seats and complimentary drink and newspaper.
