I noticed someone on the forum recommended Captaintrain.com to purchase tickets, as it was easier to use than specific websites. Do you all agree? Is it the pricing the same? Do they mail you tickets, do you print them out, or pick up in Europe (specifically Italy)? Their website looked user friendly, but I don't do anything without researching it to death ;) Thanks for any input.
Posted by
Denver, CO
783 posts
Hi Kathi,
I used Captaintrain.com last week to buy my tickets for France, and it was great! It was the same price as sncf.com and was very user friendly. For my TGV tickets, they sent me an email with the pdf file of the tickets attached and I printed them at home. I could have picked them up in France too if I had wanted to, but I like having them in my hand before I go. For regional tickets, in France anyway, you can't print them out at home. These tickets have to be collected in France. It sounds like you are buying tickets for Italy though, so things may be a bit different. If you look at the FAQ section on their website, it talks about country specifics. I think you'll be happy with the site!
Posted by
Pacific Northwest
2671 posts
I bought tickets through them a few weeks ago. After the sale, I had an question about exchanging the tickets. I emailed their customer service and got a prompt and helpful reply. I printed my tickets at home for a France to Spain trip.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32318 posts
Kathi,
I've bought a number of tickets from Captain Train for both Trenitalia and Italo, and purchasing from them was very easy. I could have just made a note of the PNR codes, but I always like to have a "hard copy" so just printed the the tickets at home. The prices are the same as if buying from the various rail networks.
At the moment, they only sell tickets for Italy, Germany, France and I believe the Benelux countries. Hopefully they'll be adding some of the other rail networks this year.
Posted by
Green Bay
20945 posts
Yes, I've used them since SNCF went to Verified-by-Visa requirements. Actually received email of ticket pdf's from TGV-Europe.
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
4684 posts
Capitaine Train was particularly popular when they first started because the SNCF official site used to aggressively try to force US customers to raileurope.com, which was notorious for offering a limited selection of departures and failing to offer discount advance-purchase fares. SNCF have now toned this down, but Capitaine Train are perfectly reputable.
Posted by
Seattle, Washington
682 posts
Kathi,
I've used Captaintrain three times in the past few weeks for French train tickets and found it very user friendly. They took my credit card very quickly two of the times and I had to "try again" once, but it was successful. This has not always been the case with SNCF. Two of my tickets will have to be retrieved in France (easily done at the airport or in Paris in my case), one I was able to print at home. I put the Captaintrain app on my phone, and my purchases are all there for a backup. I'm still watching for prems tickets on one trip, but the site retains my information and makes it very easy to keep checking.
Posted by
OP
Portland,Oregon
250 posts
Thank you everyone! I guess now the question is, " why wouldn't I use Captain Train"! Happy travels!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32318 posts
Kathi,
I just got a bulletin from Captain Train this morning, and they were emphasizing their "one click purchase" system. Once your credit card details are entered on the site and verified, the process is VERY easy! Here's the article....
Posted by
troy, ny
658 posts
I used them last year to buy tickets from Paris to Basel. I found them to be very user friendly and printed my tickets at home. I would use them again.
Posted by
Redding, California
244 posts
I just got an email this morning from Captain Train. Looks like their tickets for summer months go on sale Feb. 2. CaptainTrain.