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Living in Italy, I’ve taken countless train rides across the country, and I firmly believe it’s the best way to travel comfortably from region to region.
While looking for a train ticket from Rome to Florence in January, I noticed I could pay an extra 10 euros ($11 USD) to book an upgraded seat with Italo, a high-speed Italian train company.
So, rather than booking a standard, smart-class ticket, I booked a prima-business-class seat for a total of 40 euros ($45 USD). I was excited to enjoy perks like ample legroom and complimentary snacks.
Here’s what my experience was like.
The boarding process felt fast and easy
The train arrived on time, and my digital ticket provided clear instructions for finding my assigned coach and seat.
One of the perks of the prima-business-class ticket was that I was able to board before the smart-class ticket passengers. It was nice having extra time to get myself and my belongings situated.
My seat felt extremely comfortable
I enjoyed having extra legroom and a wide seat. The chair was comfortable, and I liked that it reclined and had spacious armrests.
I also had a large tray for drinks and personal items, and access to a small coat hook.
During the ride, I got snacks and a boxed lunch
About 30 minutes into the trip, Italo staff members came by my seat with a trolley of snack options, which were included in the price of my prima-business-class ticket.
The menu (which was available via a link with my digital ticket) included a wide variety of options, including pastries, small gourmet sandwiches, and taralli (wheat-based crackers). Drinks, like water, wine, and Coca-Cola, were also available.
I enjoyed a focaccia with olives, a croissant filled with pistachio cream, some taralli, and a glass of white wine.
Then, halfway through the trip, I was handed a lunch box complete with a cheese and mortadella sandwich, two packs of chocolate cookies, and a bottle of water.
I wasn’t expecting to have so many options, and felt very satisfied and full.
Overall, the $11 upgrade made my 2-hour ride a dream
In less than two hours, the train arrived at the station in Florence.
Spending the additional 10 euros ($11 USD) definitely made this trip worth it, thanks to the wider seats, extra legroom, and food service I wouldn’t have had access to otherwise.
I’d definitely pay the extra money to gain access to these upgrades again.
