We are saving a seat for everyone
To make sure your adventure is all you want it to be, it is important that you understand the different seating options on European trains, and which ones are appropriate for each leg of your trip. Here are the seating choices, and other services you can look forward to on your train trips:
First-Class or Second-Class? 
The class of travel you choose depends on your budget and personal preferences.
First-class is generally quieter and roomier, and unlike the difference between
service levels on airplanes, first-class rail tickets are only moderately more
expensive than second class. There are usually fewer seats per car/compartment
in first class, and more space for luggage than second-class. On some Premier
Trains, a meal will be included in the price of a first-class ticket.
It's important to know that, just as the personality of each country is different, so it is with the type of service on the trains in Europe. Therefore, second-class may be more comfortable in some countries than in others. On the other hand, you can feel safe that a first-class seat in any country will provide a very comfortable, efficient -- and even elegant -- experience.
On Day Trains
European day trains will have one or both of the following seating arrangements:
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Coach car seating: This means the car is open with a center aisle and seats on either side. In first-class, seats are wider and there are usually two seats on one side of the aisle, and a single seat on the other, providing optimum comfort. In second-class, there are usually two seats on either side of the aisle. |
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Compartment seating: The car is separated into enclosed cabins, which open to a corridor along one side of the car. In first-class, cabins can accommodate up to six passengers, second-class cabins have a capacity of up to eight. |
On Night Trains
Night trains are for overnight travel; besides guaranteed comfort, there is
another reason you will be partial to night trains: they can save on the cost
of overnight accommodations and you arrive at a destination with a full day
to spare! Remember: Reservations are required for sleepers and couchettes on
all night trains and can be made up to 60 days in advance.
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Sleepers: This type of accommodation is the most comfortable way to travel on night trains. They contain berths and a private washstand, fresh linens and towels. First-class accommodates one or two people. Second-class accommodates two to four people. Couples, families and travelers of the same sex can share a sleeper. Sleeper charges are per person and depend on the level of accommodations and the route traveled. Note: Deluxe accommodations -- including restrooms in each sleeper compartment -- are available on the Talgo overnight trains that link Spain with France, Switzerland and Italy. |
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Couchettes: These are the simplest of the overnight accommodations. They are open bunks in a compartment, each with a pillow and blanket. Usually located in second-class, they accommodate up to six people. There is no distinction by sex, so you should expect to sleep in your daytime clothes. Washrooms are provided at the end of each car. |
Dining and Bar Cars
You will be able to purchase food on almost every train. Dining cars can be
found on most long-distance trains, but only at "normal" meal times.
If a dining car is not available, the trains will most likely have a bar car
with snacks available. On trains equipped with bar cars, you will find a social
atmosphere, with light meals served at all times. On shorter trips, passengers
can purchase snacks, sandwiches and cold drinks -- without ever leaving the
comfort of their seats -- from a food trolley that passes through the aisles.
