We actually have "quiet zones" in second class here (Netherlands), but it's a bit of a hit-and-miss type of thing. Usually when I've (politely) asked people to stfu I've gotten a reasonable reply ("oh, sorry, didn't realize"), but sometimes not so much, or just say "okay" and continue. Sometimes I don't bother because I'm not in the mood, or the people seem unlikely to be receptive.

1st class tends to be rather expensive. Depending on where you live, even 2nd class can be quite expensive.