We have a few lengthy train trips while we are in Europe. They are Frieburg, Germany to Interlaken, Switzerland; Interlaken to Milan; Milan to La Spezia and Orvieto to Rome (I think the longest ride is 3 hours). Would it be a good idea to book on-line in the U.S. beforehand or just purchase there? Also wondering if super saver fares (good only for specific train on specific day) partial refund works ok or if better to go with refundable tickets that are more expensive. One last question, how different is 2nd class from 1st class?
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
Joni, many travelers purchase advance tickets online to obtain nice discounts on the fares. To do this, you have to be fairly certain of your travel dates and times because you are married to a specific train departing on a specific date at a specific time and the tickets are non-refundable. We do this all the time. You do this with your airplane tickets and it's easy to do with the train tickets.
For your journey from Freiburg to Interlaken, you can buy this ticket online at www.bahn.de This is the German train website and this train journey originates in Germany. You don't indicate when you will be traveling but I see fares 90 days out for 29Euro. Regular fare is 64.50Euro. For Interlaken to Milan, it's the EuroCity train from Spiez to Milan that will have the discount. The train out to Spiez from Interlaken takes 20 minutes. You can check on www.sbb.ch or www.trenitalia.com for the best fare. I can see fares of 22Euro 90 days out on Trenitalia. Regular fare is 62Euro. From Milan to La Spezia, you can get an Intercity train for as low as 9Euro. Regular fare is 26.50Euro. The train from Orvieto to Rome is a Regionale train. No discounts. No seat reservations permitted. Just buy your ticket and get on. These trains cannot be sold out either. If no seats, you can stand. Your choice at this point.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Hi, Joni. Many advance-purchase discount tickets are not refundable or changeable at all, although some have exchange options before the scheduled day of travel. In order to get the best price on each leg of the trip, you could book some on the Swiss web site and some on the Italian site, generally purchasing from the country that the trip departs from; see notes and links at http://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/transportation/trains/buying-tickets.
Without booking ahead, regular prices for the above tickets should not add up to more than $225 in 2nd class or $340 in 1st class, estimated from the maps at http://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/transportation/trains/cost-maps. We think second class is plenty comfortable; see also http://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/transportation/trains/first-vs-second-class.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23548 posts
The ONLY reason, but it is a good one, is to take advantage of the discounts that may be available. But that will lock you into a specific schedule. Just like the American airline structure. In Italy there are three levels of tickets - Super Economy, Economy, and Base. Super E absolutely no refund, exchange. Econ can be exchanged for another ticket paying the difference. Base is the fully exchangeable BUT all tickets are dead if the train has left the station. The discount tickets works well if you are fully committed to your schedule.
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Personally think (and use all the time) that second class is fine. The seat is four across (2x2) and equal, space wise, to business class on American airlines. First class has more business types, much quieter, and much less crowded, seats 2x1, and somewhat more space. Seats are wider but space between seats is more but not substantially more. Luggage storage is about the same. Unless you get a deal, don't feel that the price difference is worth it. But some just like the idea of riding in First Class.
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Careful when using the Steves' rail estimate. It is a starting point but not accurate with regard to discounts available.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
For your Germany to Switzerland trip, go to the Bahn website, using Rick's tutorial (link to Bahn is on that page). For your trains in Italy, use the Trenitalia website, following advice from Ron In Rome. In each case, check the prices for tickets for tomorrow (last minute price) vs for your travel dates (possible discount). If you want the discount and can accept the limitations on refunds and exchanges, book now. If you don't mind the full price or need full flexibility, you can buy when you get there.
As for the difference in classes, Ron's site has some pictures of the differences in Italy. Another site with pictures is the train guru, The Man In Seat 61 (scroll down for lots of pictures). Be aware that the difference between classes isn't as great as the difference between trains. The fast trains (even in second class) will be newer and more comfortable than the regional trains.